250°

GameStop’s Shift To A Publisher Is A Good Thing

GameStop stepping in to publish Song of the Deep could be the start of something good for the industry.

Read Full Story >>
heypoorplayer.com
derkasan2997d ago

It's good that it's being published by them, but Gamestop is going to promote the heck out of this game in its stores.

dead_pixels2997d ago

Honestly, working in that capacity you can't really blame them.

Versability2997d ago

I don't know that GameStop promoting it will help sales any. I've never discovered a new game at GameStop.

dead_pixels2997d ago

That's fair, too. Unless I'm looking for used games (a real rarity), I simply wander straight to the clerk and pick up my pre-orders anyway. Everything else is just background noise.

itBourne2997d ago

It will still help in sales. There are a lot of unknowing parents and children they will push the game onto.

Not really sure why people still go to the place..

rainslacker2996d ago

Being the publisher though, they don't have to sell as many to gain more off of each sale....so it could be a wash, or they could make more off of it. I'd imagine it will get more exposure through their website and GI, in store ads, and clerks pestering people to pre-order that...which could be a nice change from being asked if we want to pre-order COD while I'm buying my Vita niche JRPG's.

Summons752997d ago

Until they screw over preorders, hide copies, then magically get in hundreds of "used" copies that are double the price of the game.

2pacalypsenow2997d ago

Every time I go to Gamestop it seems like its an Xbox store, this would be a nice change.

rainslacker2996d ago

One closest to my house used to be like that. Now it's more PS stuff, and Nintendo has a nice section about 1/3 smaller than MS...although it covers 3 consoles.

C-H-E-F2996d ago

Gamestop will get 3 payoffs for 1 game.
-Publishing profit
-trade in profit
-game bought as trade in profit

man... i'm almost jealous.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2996d ago
ScorpiusX2997d ago

Another pitch to reject at the counter

BuffaloDill2997d ago

I always have to remind myself that most people aren't like us when I walk into a GameStop. There are a ton of people who aren't connected to internet gaming culture. For them, GameStop is a great place to connect with like minded individuals and talk about info they otherwise would keep to themselves. I personally like that there is a video game store I can go to, and for the most part get what I need. And of course a publisher is going to promote their product. Nobody gets upset with Bethesda for pushing Wolfenstein,

Khaotic2997d ago

Well spoken comment, i now have to re-think my position of gamestop being the plague of gaming stores

rainslacker2996d ago

Could be only the beginning too. Could be a nice boost to GS if they can make money at it, and it will help fund more games. They're starting small, but so did many publishers.

stuna12997d ago (Edited 2997d ago )

I don't know if gamestops in other areas of the country have the same practices as in my area!? But here gamestop is well known for its money grubbing tactics, if there's anyway to make a buck they'll find it! Where in most cases it's off the backs of its customers. Their mantra is...."Sell high! Buy as low as possible"!

Them being in the position as a publisher will put them at a higher tier in power, that for one I don't see being beneficial for the gamer and even less for the industry.

Also the very same gamestop that was down with Microsoft doing away with used game sales, because they were the beneficiaries of those chosen to able to sell game keys through Microsoft! That is of course before the ceiling caved in on Microsofts plan.

rainslacker2996d ago (Edited 2996d ago )

GS was against the proposed restrictions MS offered.

The CEO stated he didn't believe MS would do it, because there was no proven model of restriction, however, this was before they would benefit from it.

http://kotaku.com/5895658/g...

However, GS stock went down after it became confirmed, then jumped 5% after MS announced they were removing the restriction.

http://www.trefis.com/stock...

While not a corporate thing, some stores were handing out flyers informing customers of the restriction. Whether they did this to prevent future problems with customers, or to curb the idea is up for speculation, but if GS were down with MS, they wouldn't have allowed such a thing, as I'd imagine regional managers would have to approve such flyers.

http://gimmegimmegames.com/...

After the reversal, gamestop publicly applauded the reversal.

http://www.gamespot.com/art...

Then of course, GS sent out surveys to gauge peoples reactions They said

“We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability, or not play new physical games,” Hodges said."

http://arstechnica.com/gami...

Of course, this doesn't say that they were against it, but the survey does sound rather targeted, and I can't imagine they would do that if they were "down with MS"

It's cool to criticize where it's warranted, but you are misinformed. During that time, GS was one of the strongest entities outside the console makers and publishers themselves actually fighting for the gamers. Sure they benefited from MS ideas, but they, like many of us, knew that it would only be the start of complete removal of used games from the market. They were protecting their interests, but it was the same interests as many gamers, and for the most part, companies should fight on behalf of their customers. The loss to GS far outweighed the gains IMO..and they likely realized it too.

As far as tiers of power, they are pretty much at the top. Probably only Amazon has more influence, and even then, I'd say that GS may be more influential since they have more direct interaction with the consumers.

wonderfulmonkeyman2997d ago

The only reason I have any high hopes for this, is because they were a big help in getting the original Xenoblade to release over here in the states.

If they could do the same for other obscure titles that I'd love to see release over here, then I'd be supportive of that, even if I hate some of Gamestop's mistakes over the years...

SUCKxITxEZ2997d ago

Didn't they also hold onto a bunch of unused copies so they could sell them as preowned later on for $99.99 instead of the $60 they costed new? The reason being rarity that they created by buying all the copies and holding them for inflation?

dead_pixels2997d ago (Edited 2997d ago )

I remember them selling for that price used a few years later, but I don't recall any proof that Gamestop was sitting on new stock. The game got such a small release to begin with that it's not likely the company really would have gained much from such a practice to make it worthwhile.

rainslacker2996d ago (Edited 2996d ago )

They had another publishing run. The cheaper versions were not from the original pressing. They bumped them up and probably had to open them all because they likely have contracts to not sell sealed copies at more than full MSRP, and they knew they could make more off of opened copies. The 2nd pressing had a different serial code on the disc itself, typical for extra pressings, and the cases they came in were newer case designs from when the game originally released.

Show all comments (40)
320°

GameStop Boss Says Disc Drives Should Be Required On Game Consoles

"It would be great if people had to buy more of the thing," says guy who makes money selling the thing.

XiNatsuDragnel225d ago

Absolutely consoles needs disc drives.

wesnytsfs225d ago

Nah should be optional. Not a PS fan but I like their strategy of selling an optional external optical drive. Its all about Options and this will let everyone get their way. Cheaper for digital only and then you can chose to pay more for the optical drive if that is important to you.

Profchaos225d ago

That's not official yet it's only a rumour

Eonjay225d ago

@Profchaos

But what he describes already exists in the 2 base models. If it is a rumor you can blame Microsoft for really backing it in court but if we are honest we all know it's true.

Profchaos225d ago

@Eonjay I'm not denying the appeal of it I can see it being a useful mechanism for allowing gamers to upgrade as needed however until there's concrete proof and not speculation and remember ms still bases that court submitted document off of the same leaks we see on Reddit, 4chan etc I just can't believe it.

The system would be further opened to exploitation and they would need to release an overpriced drive for consumers to buy for it and sure as they do we will hear complaints over the cost of it

ChasterMies224d ago

Absolutely consoles don’t need disc drives. My house has 2 PS5 digital editions, one since launch. Zero issues with the lack of disc drives. In fact, the digital purchasing lets us all share each other’s games, usually mine, and play the same game at the same time on-line.

shadowT225d ago

Optional drives would be best strategy.

-Foxtrot225d ago

If they did then collectors wouldn’t be getting f***** over with discless collectors editions

jeromeface224d ago

yea they would, discs cost extra... even when you're already paying a premium

-Foxtrot224d ago (Edited 224d ago )

Lmao

We are paying roughly the same now without the discs. There’s literally collectors editions which are roughly in the same price range that have a disc.

I’d rather pay a little more for something physical anyway

RupeeHoarder225d ago

No shock, GameStop is alive because of trading. If they don't have used games on their shelves they are absolutely donezo.

darthv72225d ago

Well of course the GS boss thinks this... that's their bread and butter business. That and funco pops and clothing, though those two were added as a means to supplement the decline in people buying used games or even new games. GS just sucks overall when it comes to gaming. I buy my physical stuff on Amazon or Best Buy.

As for "requiring" disc drives... nah. Not anymore, but i like having them as an option. They had a means back when games actually ran off the discs and were more/less complete. Now they are incomplete and the disc is really an installer with a license to play. If you want to change games you have to take out the disc and put in another. Its more convenient to just use digital. I have been into digital for years now and when the PSPortal comes along i wont even have to go into my game room. I will just play my PS5 from my couch downstairs. I have a bunch of digital installed games to my 5... I'm all set.

Show all comments (46)
520°

Xbox Series X owners can effectively grab a 'free' PlayStation 5 right now

Gamingbible writes: "Luckily, if you’re living in the US you can trade your Xbox into Gamestop, where you’ll receive a hefty amount of cash as well as a $50 bonus for certain customers, just short of enough to buy the PS5."

Read Full Story >>
gamingbible.com
Jin_Sakai254d ago

A good deal for those who want a console with games.

S2Killinit253d ago (Edited 253d ago )

Lol well, we tried. But you cant save a person from drowning if they wanna hold on to their fur coat.

Im kidding off course.

Hypertension140253d ago

@Julion0715 @ichdich

So you guys won't change consoles?, give me reasons.

Your answers will probably explain why I'm so f**cking pissed off at Microsoft for buying two large mulitplatform publishers.
It isn't easy right? but you guys don't care because is not happening to you.

Lightning77253d ago

No thank you? N4G won't stand for this blasphemy!

SF releases next month hopefully that should give ppl incentive to keep their console. I know there's PC you can play there to but not everyone wants to play on PC.

Rockstar253d ago (Edited 253d ago )

@Hyper,

My guess is they love either their piece of plastic, their corporate overlords or gaming on the cheap.

Likely a combination...

itsmebryan253d ago

@hyper
Gamepass and I have a gaming PC so, I can play all the Sony "exclusives " at a higher frame rate and graphical fidelity. Why would I trade my Xbox for PS5.

After adding ABK they will have even more games at a great value.

Lexreborn2253d ago

@bryan

By that same logic what would be the point of having an Xbox? If you have a pc that handles both ps5 and Xbox games you don’t need either.

Rockstar253d ago

@ Lex,

Bringing logic into it?
That's low!

itsmebryan253d ago

@lex
I got my gaming PC last year to replace my old PC and I already had a XSX. It's pretty simple.
So, Zero horizon was disappointing and Spiderman/ miles ( got both for $50)are just ok. I might get R&C when it goes on sale.

Zhipp253d ago

@Hypertension
If I had time for a PS5 I would have bought a PS5 by now. I intend to someday, but at the moment my backlog is too big. Not only would I have to trade in all my games (for pennies on the dollar) and rebuy them for PS5, but Xbox actually finally has some exclusives coming out in the near future that interest me. I'll get a PS5 whenever Naughty Dog's next game comes out, at the latest.

fr0sty253d ago (Edited 253d ago )

@itsme

"I can play SOME the Sony "exclusives " years later. Some of them run better, some run worse." - Fixed

MrNinosan252d ago

@bryan
Your logic is amazing.
Not even close to all the Playstation games is being released on PC, and if they are, it's years past release, and often in a state when PC masterrace people cries anyways.
By logic, you should have a PS5, a PC and maybe a Switch if you're into that crap.

Especially as 100% of the Xbox games is also release on the PC, day and day.

Toncsipapa252d ago

Obsivously you get dislikes on this ps fanbooooy page :D

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 252d ago
Rockstar253d ago

@Jin

Judging by the replies here some of these people don't prefer games :).

On topic, I wish I could trade in my xbsx for a steam deck!

Julion0715253d ago

Then sell the x and get a steam deck 🤦🏾‍♂️

Rockstar253d ago

Why didn't I think of that?
Thanks for the tip! /s

goldwyncq253d ago (Edited 253d ago )

What games? FFXVI is the only true exclusive PS5 has right now and that's going to PC eventually too.

itsmebryan253d ago

@jin-Sakai
What games are you looking forward to this year?

Jin_Sakai253d ago

Spider-Man 2 and there’s plenty of great games to play that released over the years. Can’t say the same for Xbox.

DarXyde253d ago (Edited 253d ago )

There's a pretty decent slate of games coming out this year for all platforms. Armored Core looks great, Mortal Kombat 1 looks great, the info we're getting on Tekken 8 has me thinking it's coming this year. Sea of Stars can't be slept in either. If we're just talking about PlayStation games, Spider-Man 2 and Stellar Blade are expected to release this year and both look great.

I believe jin-sakai has an Xbox Series X (I could be wrong), but I reckon they're interested in those games, along with Starfield. That aside, Mario Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Star Ocean, and Suikoden I and II are all very welcome titles for the rest of the year.

I think no matter what platform you're playing on, there's enough there to generate a backlog.

EDIT: How the hell did I forget Lies of P? 🤡

shinoff2183252d ago

Darxyde

"Starfield. That aside, Mario Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Star Ocean, and Suikoden I and II"

Enough said. That's my game slate for the rest of the year.

DarkkMinion253d ago

That ain't a deal at all. Trading in a beast of a console for that, I don't think so.

Jin_Sakai253d ago

It’s a beast alright. Lol

“Digital Foundry about XSX teraflops advantage : It's kinda all blowing up in the face of Xbox Series X“

Jin_Sakai253d ago

All these “No thank you” comments from duplicate accounts. Lol

Christopher253d ago

I mean, I wouldn't trade in one console for another but instead buy both, prioritizing one over the other based on games I like.

Jin_Sakai252d ago

That would be the obvious choice but some might only be able to afford one or the other. And you have fans who will only support their console of choice regardless.

FinalFantasyFanatic252d ago (Edited 252d ago )

The PS5 is a better deal in the end, I really can't see the appeal of sticking with the Xbox.

DOMination-252d ago

"A good deal for those who want a console with games."

Like what? After all that bravado, the only game you could name was one that isn't out yet (Spider-Man 2)

Don't get me wrong, the XSX lineup in pathetic. But lets not pretend that the PS5 is any better. You can count the number of console exclusives for both on one hand.

If you're looking at games announced with release windows, there's only one console to get as it stands if you want games and it's not the PS5.

Jin_Sakai252d ago

PS5 has one slow year yes but they will start pumping out games soon and everyone knows the quality of their first party games are unmatched.

shinoff2183252d ago

Did the Xbox get any legend of heroes games, alot of jrpg type games skip the Xbox so unless your not into those types of games Xbox isn't a good choice at all. Alot of us from what I see have stuck with sony for the longest because they've had a great jrpg catalogue from 3rd party developers that xbox just can't touch. Those of us that enjoy alot of different games will get both consoles , I bought my series x about two weeks ago for starfield. It will only get used for a game here or there, most likely anything rpg related.

crazyCoconuts252d ago

Hard to tell who are in the Xbox Ambassador program from some of these comments. But for the masses, the console sales numbers are telling us which way the winds are blowing. XBox is in an important/pivotal moment right now imo

The_Blue252d ago

It's cool, I'll stick with my Xbox.

+ Show (10) more repliesLast reply 252d ago
Elda253d ago

At this point in time If I didn't own a PS5 I would have done this in a heartbeat but I had already acquired a PS5 first before I acquired an XBSX.

darthv72253d ago

I'll stick to keeping both. Gamestop though... seems kind of desperate to take in Series X units. What could they be plotting???

Eonjay253d ago

Almost certainly their plan is to charge obscenely high prices for a used Xbox.

myfathersbastard253d ago

They make pure profit on used consoles. They don’t share any of it. And they’re generally only like $50-$100 cheaper than new.
So they “sell”a PS5, make their small cut from that. Then sell the refurbished Xbox and get to keep all of it. It’s win win. They get a small cut on PS5, and a large cut from the Xbox.

Profchaos252d ago

Could be two fold sell as much base ps5 stick before the slim or pro drop and resell the xsx for those after a starfeild machine

jznrpg252d ago

PS gamers buy games number one. And they make money off used consoles. It’s a double benefit for them

Charlieboy333252d ago

Collecting more Series X consoles to sell on to MS for the cloud

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 252d ago
Lexreborn2253d ago

I just want some games for my series X I have both since release and after weighing the offerings in PS Essentials to Gamepass I quickly realized I Owned anything of worth in both catalogs. And, the things I didn't I didn't see as justifiable for maintaining both subs.

Since then my series X is a legacy machine that I play my old games on and that's it. 3 years ago I really thought from that Xbox showcase we were going to have some great games by now. Instead, it's just been a lot of meh

Chevalier253d ago

Yep. That's why I waited this generation to have a reason to buy the Series X. Got horribly burnt buying the Xbox One because I decided they had games I was interested in then they canceled the games I wanted right after.

Was tempted after they had that great showing awhile back and am glad I waited because it would have collected dust for 2 years otherwise. Couple games out and on the horizon that look pretty good. Might be a good purchase in a couple years.

Show all comments (88)
70°

GameStop CFO to Resign in Latest Executive Departure From Retailer

GameStop’s chief financial officer is resigning, in the latest of several executive departures from the video game retailer.