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GameStop stock price takes large hit after Xbox Digital Game Pass Announcement

Good. Fuck GameStop. I've been looking at a handful of games to buy and when I saw GameStop's prices I was taken back a little.

The fact that I can buy a game like Mafia III for Xbox One new on Amazon with free Prime shipping for $31 and GameStop's price for a USED copy is $37.99.

Same for every other game I looked at. Titanfall 2, Infinite Warfare, you name it. FUCK, Forza Horizon 3 is $55 used and even Target has new copies for $40.

I get that they're struggling, but their used game prices have become ridiculous in the last few years. Plus the bullshit they pull when 360 games become backwards compatible and they jack up the price makes me loathe them.

All this is without even talking about their other shitty business practices. Fuck GameStop. I hope I don't see them around by 2020.
 
And how much did their fans miss out. You're making a mistake if you think Sony isn't being affected or keeping track by Scorpio being more powerful than Pro, newer and continuing Backwards Compatibility for Xbox One, Play Anywhere meaning digital Xbox One games having a free W10 copy, and now this.

Sony already has Playstation Now, people said PSN would not go the XBL route and that is exactly what they did. Same with Nintendo. Don't be surprised if they start looking at this 'with great interest' especially if it is another revenue stream.

Frequent flash sales and better PS+ offerings are the best way to compete.

Sony doesn't have a huge library of last gen games to pad out a subscription service with to make it sound impressive.
 

Velcro Fly

Member
Games as a service continues to evolve.

I think I like it though.

Pay $10 per month to have access to a ton of games? I think they can expand upon that and have different themes of games to sell different subscription plans to. And it gives a nice incentive to get backwards compatibility done.
 
Good. Fuck GameStop. I've been looking at a handful of games to buy and when I saw GameStop's prices I was taken back a little.

The fact that I can buy a game like Mafia III for Xbox One new on Amazon with free Prime shipping for $31 and GameStop's price for a USED copy is $37.99.

Same for every other game I looked at. Titanfall 2, Infinite Warfare, you name it. FUCK, Forza Horizon 3 is $55 used and even Target has new copies for $40.

I get that they're struggling, but their used game prices have become ridiculous in the last few years. Plus the bullshit they pull when 360 games become backwards compatible and they jack up the price makes me loathe them.

All this is without even talking about their other shitty business practices. Fuck GameStop. I hope I don't see them around by 2020.

Part of that is just sale timing, mafia 3 for example was $30 at GameStop a few times the last few months.

The problem is they have to set their used prices based on what they paid for it, also consider people using b2g1 coupons to reduce the price.

Games that don't sell or get overstocked do drop in price there. Deus ex mankind divided was down to $22 used already there lately.
 
As more people go digital and use Best Buy or Amazon for the 20% off new games there are fewer and fewer reasons to go to gamestop. I only go to my local one because a member of the staff is really passionate about JRPG's so it is fun to go talk to him from time to time.
 
Part of that is just sale timing, mafia 3 for example was $30 at GameStop a few times the last few months.

The problem is they have to set their used prices based on what they paid for it, also consider people using b2g1 coupons to reduce the price.

Games that don't sell or get overstocked do drop in price there. Deus ex mankind divided was down to $22 used already there lately.

That's part of the problem. Their "sale" price brought the price down to what it should be. It was overpriced to begin with. I'm not going to sit and wait for some shitty GameStop sale for the price to come down to match other retailers.
 

Head.spawn

Junior Member
Hell, as an aside, it is simply giving digital consumers options to rent at a reasonable rate; as opposed to the zero options we enjoyed before this an EA Access.

Which is great.

I'm not a fan of Gamestop, they can sit and spin somewhere. There are much better physical retail places that your business can go to.
 

Fisty

Member
And how much did their fans miss out. You're making a mistake if you think Sony isn't being affected or keeping track by Scorpio being more powerful than Pro, newer and continuing Backwards Compatibility for Xbox One, Play Anywhere meaning digital Xbox One games having a free W10 copy, and now this.

Sony already has Playstation Now, people said PSN would not go the XBL route and that is exactly what they did. Same with Nintendo. Don't be surprised if they start looking at this 'with great interest' especially if it is another revenue stream.

EA Access launched over 2 years ago on XB1. In that time, I don't think I've seen a single thread or call to bring the service to PS4. It certainly hasn't stopped people from buying PS4s at a much higher rate than XB1's. PS4 already has a service that you can get "free" games with, there's no need for every company to have their own $5-10 a month service

Console power has practically zero bearing on the success of a console. I think the 8th gen is an anomaly in that the most powerful console just happens to be the most successful. The PS2 was the least powerful console of the 6th gen and it was by far the highest selling console of all time. A more powerful Xbox isn't going to magically bring you more software variety and exclusives, which is where MS is getting smacked

Backwards compatibility is great, no argument there. Hopefully Sony works to bring PS3 games to future PS hardware, but as of now it's not feasible. I hope we get a more robust offering of PS1 and PS2 classics, and I like the approach so far with PS2 on PS4 (luckily I didn't buy very many PS2 classics on PS3)

Play Anywhere is just a rebranded crossbuy, which Sony has been doing for a very long time. MS does it on PC because they have a marketplace. Again, this hasn't moved the needle by any appreciable measurement, in fact it makes it more likely people on the fence won't even bother picking up the hardware and just cherrypick the one or two first party games a year on the W10 store if they even care in the first place

As for the PSN going the XBL route comment, I don't follow. You mean charging for online? I guess they did, but MS copied PS+ first with GwG, and PSNow was a year before XB1 backwards comp. And Nintendo will never do this, they are giving one month rentals of VC titles as part of their sub, you will NEVER see Breath of the Wild or whatever is equivalent to Halo 5 for Nintendo.
 

Petrae

Member
GameStop isn't going under anytime soon, much as some folks here really (really really) want it to happen. The chain has a fuckton of tchotchkes that it sells at huge profit margins. It's got a retro game sales program that does decently well (though not huge). It can lower operating costs by closing redundant stores (multiple stores within 5 miles of each other) that still remain open for whatever reason.

Xbox Game Pass may yet play a role in furthering GameStop's decline as a company, but it won't be the nail in the coffin.
 

Shpeshal Nick

aka Collingwood
Between this, PS+, PS Now, Games with Gold, EA Access, and 'wait for the Steam sale' it's a wonder any games are sold at all.

I think it's going to head that way with the more hardcore gamer. Most of us are now savvy and mature enough to simply wait.

I've been a day one buyer my whole life. Stopped as of Uncharted 4 last May. Haven't Day Oned a game since (outside deals/pricing errors).
 

Vinnk

Member
I am sad about the amount of celebration for the loss of retail and the customer rights that go with that. (Resale, being able to loan, still being playable in 20 years time) We have all had a bad experience or two at GameStop over the years but do we really want to hand total control over how our games are delivered to us to the console manufacturers?
 
Computer appliances differ from general-purpose computers such as a desktop computer in that they are not designed to be modified by the end user. functionality is 'sealed in' at the factory in some way.

That has not changed because of flash sales and Netflix.

I mean obviously. I'm not litterally saying a conosle and a PC are the same thing. When it comes to gaming from a consumer perspective they are inching closer and closer. This isn't deniable. Compare a PS2 to a gaming PC and compare a PS4 to one. The PS4 from a consumer perspective is VASTLY closer.

Stock also fell when Ea Access was announced but it recovered and later Gamestop started to sell EA Access subscriptions... yeah.

Another 3? People were alredy saying this in 2014 when the program launched and again when EA announced that the program was a success in 2015.

For some publishers it would make sense to take this route, I guess, but for others? I dont really think so tbh

And look what has happened. You now have your 2nd subscription service. That's 2 in 3 years. Ubisoft will be next.

I doubt you will see Take-Two or Activision jump in though, as they don't really have the breadth of titles (in Activisions case), or enough multiplayer centric titles with lots of microtransactions (in Take Two's Case) for it to happen.

What's gonna happen if Gamestop just says "fuck it, we won't stock your software or hardware any more" now though ?

Physical is still the majority and MS needs Gamestop to sell Xbox's. Don't you think trying to force all digital is a bit risky right now? MS has a lot to lose here if Gamestop fights back.

Gamestop stopped stocking hardware with digital games bundled, who's to say they don't just stop stocking Xbox period?

I'm not sure GameStop could take the revenue hit they would take from discontinuing Xbox One sales completely. Not to mention we didn't see them not stock the console when MS was going to flat out eliminate all pre-owned entirely. They didn't really have a choice but to carry it.
 
I'm sure it's fine for most people. The rest can continue to buy games from the internet. But getting rid of such a huge retail presence because you don't like their service is a bit... much. GS makes its money with used games. Everything is centered around them and that makes sense. If you don't like that, shop somewhere else. Not saying they are great but without them, video games would be worse off.

I'm willing to risk that.

Sidestepping their shitty service is incredibly disingenuous.
 

samar11

Member
People saying Sony should be worried is laughable...xbox brand is pretty much dead outside of US and Sony knows that. They are outselling xbox more then 2:1 and this new service isn't going to change anything.
 

Chris1

Member
I'm not sure GameStop could take the revenue hit they would take from discontinuing Xbox One sales completely. Not to mention we didn't see them not stock the console when MS was going to flat out eliminate all pre-owned entirely. They didn't really have a choice but to carry it.

There was supposed to be a trade in program though back then. So it wasn't eliminating it entirely, I'm sure there was probably some ifs and buts, but yeah.

Just seems like Gamestop is in a really tough position atm. They either take a bigger hit than they already will by stopping all xbox products completely, or allow it and risk taking an even bigger hit that could cripple the company when/if sony and Nintendo follows suite.

I was thinking if Gamestop stopped stocking Xbox stuff, it might send a message to Sony and Nintendo to back off and keep their business. But if they allow it, it sets precedent which could fuck Gamestop up even more in the future. Not sure if Sony will actually follow considering their stance on EA Access but Im sure Gamestop is taking it into consideration
 
I am sure Gamestop will be trying to convince Sony and Nintendo to not do this by maybe offering them more promotions for less money. Which is really a shame as they are trying to delay the inevitable for as long as possible.

However this maybe not be the case as they have opened up other revenue streams to prepare for the digital future. It just seems like MS accelerated the process a bit quicker.
 

SmokedMeat

Gamer™
I think a lot of the flack GameStop gets is unwarranted. There's some really great people working in these stores, and they're often a lot more helpful then the random retail chain clerk that's covering electronics, housewares, and sporting goods.
 

statham

Member
EA Access launched over 2 years ago on XB1. In that time, I don't think I've seen a single thread or call to bring the service to PS4. I
maybe I'm misreading this quote, totally possible, but everytime a game is added to EA Access and a thread is made, I see tons of posts asking for it on PS4.

I think a lot of the flack GameStop gets is unwarranted. There's some really great people working in these stores, and they're often a lot more helpful then the random retail chain clerk that's covering electronics, housewares, and sporting goods.
I agree. I have nothing against them, they are trying to make money. I chose ebay to sell my games, but I understand why peeps go to them. They are needed. more places selling games the better.
 

mdubs

Banned
For all those celebrating, GameStop is the one company that was fighting like hell against the original Xbox One announcement. GameStop is the only reason that initiative died as quickly as it did.

Let's not pretend the Gamestop fought that for any other reason than it being an existential threat to them. They certainly didn't do it for the people who were opposed to the system for other reasons or for consumers
 
There was supposed to be a trade in program though back then. So it wasn't eliminating it entirely, I'm sure there was probably some ifs and buts, but yeah.

Just seems like Gamestop is in a really tough position atm. They either take a bigger hit than they already will by stopping all xbox products completely, or allow it and risk taking an even bigger hit that could cripple the company when/if sony and Nintendo follows suite.

I was thinking if Gamestop stopped stocking Xbox stuff, it might send a message to Sony and Nintendo to back off and keep their business. But if they allow it, it sets precedent which could fuck Gamestop up even more in the future. Not sure if Sony will actually follow considering their stance on EA Access but Im sure Gamestop is taking it into consideration

If GameStop quit carrying Xbox products their stock would completely collapse. Xbox One isn't doing well in a global scale but is very strong still in the US. They couldn't just cut off 30+ percent of their customers and survive it.

They basically just have to ride this out and diversify as much as possible. The good news is physical games won't be truly gone for a long time still if ever. While I am expecting 50% digital adoption by the end of this generation I think it levels off there for a long time. That's a large chunk of their business gone but as long as they keep diversifying to recoup the losses to their market share they can survive it.
 
People saying Sony should be worried is laughable...xbox brand is pretty much dead outside of US and Sony knows that. They are outselling xbox more then 2:1 and this new service isn't going to change anything.

That is like saying Netflix was pretty much dead, because they got outsold by blockbuster 2:1
 

Vinnk

Member
I think a lot of the flack GameStop gets is unwarranted. There's some really great people working in these stores, and they're often a lot more helpful then the random retail chain clerk that's covering electronics, housewares, and sporting goods.

This. Maybe some GameStops are bad, but I had a really good one in my hometown and the people working there knew their games. I was convinced by one guy to give the Dreamcast a chance. Changed my life.
 

Syrus

Banned
Gamestop is hardcore trash

That said i sold my controller with a sticky analog stick for 22$ so I can buy a new ocean shadow.

Was my Lunar white.
 

samar11

Member
That is like saying Netflix was pretty much dead, because they got outsold by blockbuster 2:1

Yeh because this service MS is introducing is really going to turn the tides WW.
Playstation should really be worried they might go out of business lol
 

Shanlei91

Sonic handles my blue balls
I miss GameCrazy, ya'll remember GameCrazy?

The Gamecrazy by me was a zoo. Either the employees were pocketing preorder bonuses or the company was horrible managed - basically I would preorder a game then when I picked it up would get told they ran out of the preorder bonus. I also once bought Legacy of Kain Defiance there and they gave me a disc covered in whiteout. It wasn't just a bit of whiteout, it was completely bathed in it.

Although buying a console from them would net you free rentals for a year at Hollywood Video so that was a great deal.
 

fin

Member
Has anyone been in a GameStop or Ebgames lately? I legitimately was shocked how little actual games there are. I haven't been since probably 2013 or so. Serious over half the store was junky collectables and t-shirts and shit.

It was a lot like that in Best Buy when I went too. The game and movie selection outside new releases is pretty much nothing.

RIP brick and mortar.

PS fuck you for selling me that broken used guitar hero 2 controller that one time and calling mall security when I started raising my voice.
 

Northeastmonk

Gold Member
I own the vast majority of my games digitally and through Amazon. For years I went to Babbages/Software Etc. and then EB Games. I worked there for a year when EB changed their name. They all merged. I heard that Babbages was already doing bad financially and then they got bought by EB's parent company or whatever. I'm not 100% sure on the story, so correct me if I'm wrong.
I went to midnight launch after midnight launch. Before too long I had sold each game for a new one. I wanted to keep my games. Which is why I like the digital format. I don't like to rent just in case I don't get to finish the game within a month.

But what I'm talking about is that I didn't feel the need to go to the store anymore. I pay $50 now for new games. About the same price I got back in 2007 as an employee discount from Amazon. I don't even want to sell what I own.

I don't find a need to go in there and reserve. I use to reserve the games when they gave small slips of paper at babbages.

I guess I don't get it. I won't use this program because I own or don't really want the large list of great games. I want the new games because I play them back to back.

It's great for people who don't care and want a huge list of games regardless. I don't think it's all about new releases. I just know what it's like after finishing a game and 2-4 years come by and it's at a store sitting in a bin for $15-$20.

What this will probably do is be a good selling point for people who haven't poured $50-$60 every month for a new game. I could be wrong. People are still going to want to sell their video games or they won't know any better except that GameStop is a video game store. I typically plan my purchases on games far in advanced. The digital outlet and Amazon is really the only thing I need. Even PSN plus is enough for me. I don't know about paying for a service for a list of games either.

I guess i can see it in many different views. All I know is that I don't have to go to the store like GameStop to get games.
 
I'm very happy with this new service. I am sorry for GameStop not finding new avenues for revenue but I'm not going to blame or not support a service I think is great. Tell GameStop to up their game and offer something to counter this instead of feeling bad for them. Besides, not like new games will be on the service immediately anyway. They will still have a place, but their hold on the market needed to be loosened years ago.
 
Yeh because this service MS is introducing is really going to turn the tides WW.
Playstation should really be worried they might go out of business lol
Where the hell do you get from, that Sony is blockbuster in this analogy and going bankrupt?

There is a fucking major shift in the industry going on. And to call one company dad, because they're not first in the dying business model is very far fetched.


That is what you should take from my comment ;)
 

LogN

Member
Yup, keep poking at GameStop, it's not like people work their and rely on that paycheck to live :)

I'm also aware people are about to flame this and say get another job.
 

SmokedMeat

Gamer™
I fear it's just going to be really old games and 360 titles with few blockbuster titles included.

Seems most likely. They're not going to give you the latest releases.

I'm not interested in subscribing, but I'm hoping this opens the door for 360 games on the Windows Store. I'd like to have my 360 collection on my PC as opposed to my dying 360.
 

Outrun

Member
Seems most likely. They're not going to give you the latest releases.

I'm not interested in subscribing, but I'm hoping this opens the door for 360 games on the Windows Store. I'd like to have my 360 collection on my PC as opposed to my dying 360.

It is more likely that we will get those blockbusters 6-12 months after they release.
 

Petrae

Member
Has anyone been in a GameStop or Ebgames lately? I legitimately was shocked how little actual games there are. I haven't been since probably 2013 or so. Serious over half the store was junky collectables and t-shirts and shit.

GameStop stores now are junkyards of tchotchkes and unwanted crap. Video game hardware and software are far less prominent now, pushed aside by shirts, hats, Funko Pops, glow necklaces, journals, plastic toys, key chains, and almost anything else.

It's sad to see what the chain has become, desperately flailing about with any other merchandise aside from video games to try and stay relevant in an increasingly digital form of entertainment. Super-aggressive preorder/loyalty card/disc protection sales aside, at least I had some enjoyment walking a GS store a few years ago and looking at the games. Now, walking into a GS store is like walking into a Hot Topic store that has a few video games for sale as part of some kind of trial.
 

Vimes

Member
i-np5Df3G.jpg

For all their fuckery I'll miss them when they're gone. Easy access to last-gen games matters to me.
 

DigSCCP

Member
Interesting service.
I dont think I would subscribe if I had a Xbox One, or if Sony adopt something similar still tho its a interesting option for Xbox One users.
And options are always nice.
At the same time I cant see it like a deal that would made a large group choose one plataform over other, just like EA Access isn't one.
We are talking about a US120/year subscription on a plataform that has one mandatory subscription to play online.
Should be cool for retro gamers and thats that.
I just wonder how is gonna be the backslash of GwG users if this new subscription starts to receive nice 360 games and GwG becomes relegate to 360 games that nobody cares.
 

Vexii

Member
Interesting service.
I dont think I would subscribe if I had a Xbox One, or if Sony adopt something similar still tho its a interesting option for Xbox One users.
And options are always nice.
At the same time I cant see it like a deal that would made a large group choose one plataform over other, just like EA Access isn't one.
We are talking about a US120/year subscription on a plataform that has one mandatory subscription to play online.
Should be cool for retro gamers and thats that.
I just wonder how is gonna be the backslash of GwG users if this new subscription starts to receive nice 360 games and GwG becomes relegate to 360 games that nobody cares.
I have the fastest Internet available to end users in my country.

I haven't even bothered trying the trial for PSNow, let alone been attracted to the idea of playing some last gen games for a flat fee, knowing that my Internet speed isn't a barrier to entry for me.

This is a huge load of ado about nothing. Stocks only change because stockholders will react to ANYTHING, regardless of how smart that move actually is.
 

samar11

Member
Where the hell do you get from, that Sony is blockbuster in this analogy and going bankrupt?

There is a fucking major shift in the industry going on. And to call one company dad, because they're not first in the dying business model is very far fetched.


That is what you should take from my comment ;)

lol what?
 

noomi

Member
I feel like Gamestop shutting down is eventually going to happen.

Gamestop to me is the equivalent of blockbuster getting destroyed by netflix.

Might not be immediate but it's going to happen.
 

Floody

Member
I wonder who'll be the first to start undercutting them on day 1 game prices, that'll be the day GameSpot really start panicing. This should do damage to their used game buisness, but I don't think it'll kill it as plenty are still buying and trading in there.
 

khaaan

Member
As has been mentioned by other posters, Gamestop has significantly expanded their collectibles and apparel which I imagine do quite well for them. If/when they do drop their physical game sales I could see them doubling down on collectors editions, retro games, figures, merchandise, and clothing. I don't know if the used phone/tablet business has been successful for them, anecdotally I haven't seen much activity happening there.
 
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