Should Game Retailers be Worried About Xbox Gamepass?

With Microsoft now launching their 1st party games on Gamepass, on day 1 of their release. Many for celebrating Microsoft's move as pushing the industry forward, into the digital age. But, not all are excited over Microsoft's move into a Netflix like service. Many independent retailers, have been vocally criticizing Microsoft over this service, even to the extent of threatening to pull their Xbox merchandise off the shelves. How can bigger retailers like, Gamestop, fair in this "digital revolution". How do they fight back, or is it too late?

[FallenAngel1984]

How many times will this be asked

[rainslacker]

The answer is no. So I suppose it'll keep being asked since the journalist think the answer is maybe....or just want clicks.

More on topic, I'm sure the retailers aren't keen on what MS seems like it will offer with new releases, but I doubt they have to worry about it right now. Retailers can do more harm to MS right now than MS can do to them if they want. Despite what some may say, MS needs the retailers because they can't make it with digital alone right now.

[darthv72]

Where are the "are retailers worried about redbox and gamefly" articles? I dont seem to recall any because it wasnt a big deal then and it isnt a big deal now. The service is not for those who buy their games, it's for those who rent. Retail will be just fine because there is always going to be a market to sell to.

[TheDriz]

I don’t think the answer is no.

[S2Killinit]

They should be very worried.

[TheCommentator]

Retailers make bank on accessories, not much on games, and practically nothing on consoles. Gamestop won't stop selling because they live off of trades. Big box won't stop because Xbox is also a BluRay player/app streaming device.

At any rate, it's better to have the infrastructure in place to be able to move with the transition to digital than it is to lag behind. Besides, Sony has PS Now streaming PS4 games, and that still circumvents brick and mortar, taking away sales. The only difference, besides delivery method, is MS decided to put all 1st party on their service.

[guywazeldatatt]

I think it’s a good thing

[MasterCornholio]

Even if it does become a problem for them they still have the PS4 and Switch which don't have a service like gamepass. I honestly don't believe it will affect retailers that much.

[optimus]

not yet they don't, but i'm willing to bet that those 2 are waiting to see how well microsoft will do in this venture...keep in mind that it took sony a few years to turn their multiplayer service into a paid subscription once they saw microsoft was making a lot of money from it. nintendo just delayed their online service to the fall of this year so i'm sure they have something to add to it.....just to give you a glimpse of things to come...best buy just announced they will no longer be carrying music cd's...i'm sure games will follow if microsoft gains subscribers with game pass.

[TGG_overlord]

I would have to see some before and after stats before I say anything about the matter.

[ILostMyMind]

This may be the future (one I do not like). Trying it first will bring MS the fury of the retailers. But yes, they will lose sales.

[TheEnigma313]

Ugh here we go again. Retail for games will be around for a while. Gamestop should be more worried about Amazon tbh.

[opinionated]

If your retail is based on games then yes, the people at game stop were pleading with me to buy digital games through them lol. There will always be room for the hobby shops and such but I don’t think businesses like GameStop will be in that business much longer if they want to stay a massive corporation. You can already see their stores getting overtaken with nerd memorabilia and the shift to actually being a game publisher themselves. The selection at Best Buy shrinks by the day. Retail is going through a rough transition right now, especially brick and mortar. And it will be sad to see, I like brick and mortar because the shipping around here is awful. Retards pack the trucks I guess.

[NeoGamer232]

With any hope this is the start of the end for these retailers.

They sell used games that not a single developer or publisher sees a cent on.

By more directly accessing games from developers and publishers thru game pass subscriptions there is a direct benefit to every developer and publisher for every game pass. This is good for gamers and good for the developers and publishers.

Bad for the game only retailers selling and reselling games without giving benefits directly to developers and publishers.

[Zjet]

No. Why? The general consumer does not know about digital distribution let alone things like gamepass.

Seriously, you are looking at this stuff from a gamers perspective.

Coming from someone who has worked in Electronic retail for over 15 years

[Lennoxb63]

Gamestop and other physical game stores are either going to have to evolve or fall to the side like blockbuster and other movie rental stores did. They're going to have to find a way to profit off of digital purchases some way or another. Like getting a subscription service of their own where they give you codes for new games.

[Belinker300]

No because nobody buys Xbox games anyways

[Belinker300]

Mark my word,Xbox brand will disappear in the foreseeable future..

[TheOttomatic91]

No