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[Petrae]

There's enough gamers out there for Gamestop to stay relevant

When GME dies, "gamers" will still be able to buy games via multiple avenues. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and eBay will be around long after GME goes belly up, and Best Buy will be another option as long as the chain stays in video games.

Heck, GME doesn't even really give a shit about "gamers" since its last few pivots. It's about selling more ThinkGeek junk than video games now, because that's where the profit margins are best. This is why brick-and-mortar stores are overloaded with that crap.

"Gamers" aren't the lifeblood or GameStop. Those buying gifts for "gamers" are— and even this group is starting to go elsewhere.

I hate it. I wish GameStop hadn't bought out every boutique game retailer in the USA then shit the bed, but here we are.

I can't disagree with this. When GME was in its juggernaut phase where it either assimilated its competition or muscled it out of business, the wreckage of decent stores it left behind was sad. FuncoLand had a great business model that was far more customer-focused. Electronics Boutique, Babbage's, and Software Etc. were cool, too.

I think back on Game Crazy, too, but it wasn't GameStop that killed it off. It was the failure of its parent, Hollywood Video, that led to its demise. Game Crazy, especially early on, was very similar to FuncoLand before execs pivoted it to more of a GameStop model.

 

[theclaw135]

I think the industry has a place for a store who rewards gamer loyalty.
You might just want something now that big box stores simply don't have, and parts/accessories can't be bought digitally anyway.

As for the "toy store" problem, I'm open to buying curated GOOD merchandise that adds to my enjoyment of a gaming franchise.

The damage done by GameStop exterminating their competitors doesn't get the attention it deserves. The current generation sees them as the model for video game retailers. A predatory, deeply flawed model, making people feel even less hopeful for the future of the business.

 

[Three]

if people want to stay stuck in the past then they can pay extra for a disc drive. next next gen needs to ditch it completely.

You mean pay more to not have it.

 

[Iorv3th]

Management didn't know how to evolve the business. Even the new CEO doesn't have a background in transforming brick and mortar into something competitive against digital and online shopping.

Management didn't know how to do shit correctly at all and almost all of the upper management and regional managers etc didn't even play games or give a shit about games. They were just pushers. The biggest problem this company had was a lack of customer service to keep loyal customers. They have too many stupid policies that might make them 5$ here and there but ends up pushing a lot of customers away from ever coming back to the store.

They could have done a lot better job of competing with store like wal-mart/best buy and even amazon with online loyalty rewards etc. But they have nobody that really knows anything about their customer base working at corporate in grapevine. I worked at Gamestop for over 7 years near their HQ and we would get visited by different people from corporate and many of them where so clueless about what type of store Gamestop was or how a store actually ran.

They aren't dying just from the changing market, it's mostly from a lack of self awareness and willingness to change to a more customer oriented business.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

LOL.

I guess all those high margin Funko toys, board games and keychain trinkets aren't countering low margin game sales and hardware sales.

 

[angelic]

This gens installed base is huge, yet Gamestop/game cant make any money. Games are still selling, it says a lot about them that buyer go out of their way to avoid them.

Business 101 is keep people happy, they come back. Not antagonise them, lowball them on trades, upsell them with crap, berate them for not preordering. So, so basic.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I think the industry has a place for a store who rewards gamer loyalty.
You might just want something now that big box stores simply don't have, and parts/accessories can't be bought digitally anyway.

As for the "toy store" problem, I'm open to buying curated GOOD merchandise that adds to my enjoyment of a gaming franchise.

The damage done by GameStop exterminating their competitors doesn't get the attention it deserves. The current generation sees them as the model for video game retailers. A predatory, deeply flawed model, making people feel even less hopeful for the future of the business.

Mom n Pop shops seem to be moving in to fill the gap, as well as regional videogame chains. Retro is on the rise which is what gave them their initial fuel (buying and selling the retro games that Gamestop would no longer touch).

 

[Animagic]

When GME dies, "gamers" will still be able to buy games via multiple avenues. Amazon, Walmart, Target, and eBay will be around long after GME goes belly up, and Best Buy will be another option as long as the chain stays in video games.

Heck, GME doesn't even really give a shit about "gamers" since its last few pivots. It's about selling more ThinkGeek junk than video games now, because that's where the profit margins are best. This is why brick-and-mortar stores are overloaded with that crap.

"Gamers" aren't the lifeblood or GameStop. Those buying gifts for "gamers" are— and even this group is starting to go elsewhere.



I can't disagree with this. When GME was in its juggernaut phase where it either assimilated its competition or muscled it out of business, the wreckage of decent stores it left behind was sad. FuncoLand had a great business model that was far more customer-focused. Electronics Boutique, Babbage's, and Software Etc. were cool, too.

I think back on Game Crazy, too, but it wasn't GameStop that killed it off. It was the failure of its parent, Hollywood Video, that led to its demise. Game Crazy, especially early on, was very similar to FuncoLand before execs pivoted it to more of a GameStop model.

I really liked FuncoLand years ago.

I never got to visit a game crazy store

 

[infinitys_7th]

This gens installed base is huge, yet Gamestop/game cant make any money. Games are still selling, it says a lot about them that buyer go out of their way to avoid them.

Business 101 is keep people happy, they come back. Not antagonise them, lowball them on trades, upsell them with crap, berate them for not preordering. So, so basic.

They could have survived, but they ruined the main appeal of a brick and mortar store - service.

Why would I go to GameStop and get followed by a clerk about subscribing to GameStop+, or to pick up a preordered weeb game only to find they only have a gutted version with a sticker slapped on it, or to look at their used games when they never seem to get anything new?

I'd rather go to the local game store. They have games and systems going back to NES, they have comics, they have board games, and the appearance is nostalgic of the old GameStop I loved in the mall back when I was a kid. And the clerks are knowledgeable.

 

[theclaw135]

Mom n Pop shops seem to be moving in to fill the gap, as well as regional videogame chains. Retro is on the rise which is what gave them their initial fuel (buying and selling the retro games that Gamestop would no longer touch).

When GameStop did resume taking some older games, they're online only. Not displayed nicely in stores.

They could have survived, but they ruined the main appeal of a brick and mortar store - service.

Why would I go to GameStop and get followed by a clerk about subscribing to GameStop+, or to pick up a preordered weeb game only to find they only have a gutted version with a sticker slapped on it, or to look at their used games when they never seem to get anything new?

I'd rather go to the local game store. They have games and systems going back to NES, they have comics, they have board games, and the appearance is nostalgic of the old GameStop I loved in the mall back when I was a kid. And the clerks are knowledgeable.

Location is another issue. In many smaller markets, GameStop is the one and only video game oriented (supposedly) retail chain.
The little guys don't have the reach to compete on that front.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

When GameStop did resume taking some older games, they're online only. Not displayed nicely in stores.

True, and it was likely something they were hoping to push into stores eventually, but I think the company overall was too behind the times (ironic).

Plus, their online selection of used games was/is infamously riddled with bootleg copies of cartridge-based games. There would be no way to know until you received the cartridge because Gamestop isn't going to employ knowledgable people who can spot fakes.

 

[theclaw135]

Meh, I'm not fond of the shoddy workmanship of fakes.

 

[Valonquar]

I thought it was bad back in the day when cashiers were pressured into add-on sales of strategy guides. The place looks like a toy store now with games as an afterthought.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Gamers still into trading in games and gear better hope Gamestop survives. If they don't, who's left that takes in gear fast and easy? Best Buy?

If you don't go the BB route, then you're on your own doing eBay or Craigslist.

I'm not a fan of GME, but I do use them for console trade ins because it's easy. I've done selling stuff personally too, but its a hassle.

 

[Deleted member 738976]

I never got to visit a game crazy store

It still had retro games back when Gamestop was purging all things retro or at least the ones I went to. I picked up Burning Rangers dirt cheap and look at it now.

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

www.amazon.com

 

[Iorv3th]

It still had retro games back when Gamestop was purging all things retro or at least the ones I went to. I picked up Burning Rangers dirt cheap and look at it now.

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

www.amazon.com

Burning Rangers has been worth that much or more for a long time. I would say over 10 years at least.

 

[Deleted member 738976]

I would say over 10 years at least.

To think it's been almost that long since I've seen a Game Crazy. They went away in 2010 and while they weren't much better I would gladly take them over Gamestop.

 

[Petrae]

Gamers still into trading in games and gear better hope Gamestop survives. If they don't, who's left that takes in gear fast and easy? Best Buy?

If you don't go the BB route, then you're on your own doing eBay or Craigslist.

I'm not a fan of GME, but I do use them for console trade ins because it's easy. I've done selling stuff personally too, but its a hassle.

Given that Walmart and Target recently eliminated their trade-in programs, BBY could be the last hope for brick-and-mortar trade-ins... though I suspect that, when GME does fold, consideration may be given by one or both to bringing it back.

Amazon still actively does trade-ins. One possibility is that Amazon could extend its partnership with Kohl's to accept/expedite trade-ins (Amazon trade credit only) alongside the acceptance of order returns that is in place now. Independent game stores are also options, and GME's demise will give these smaller shops a chance to gain business.

It still had retro games back when Gamestop was purging all things retro or at least the ones I went to. I picked up Burning Rangers dirt cheap and look at it now.

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

Amazon.com: Burning Rangers - Sega Saturn : Video Games

www.amazon.com

Game Crazy sold almost everything, taking the mantle from FuncoLand after it was assimilated by GME. The inventory was never quite what FuncoLand had, though, given that Funco had accumulated inventory for years through mail order before expanding to become a brick-and-mortar chain.

It adopted FuncoLand's store model, in terms of having playable demo stations for multiple platforms and encouraging trying games in-store before purchasing.

It wasn't better than FuncoLand— and unfortunately adopted GME-style sales strategies late in the chain's lifespan— but kinda filled the hole that FuncoLand left when GME ate the chain.

 

[Blancka]

So you don't get the hate? Lol.... GameStop would sell people OPENED games as NEW! How pathetic can you be ? Lol...this company deserves every single thing that is happening to them. The only issue that I have is that it took this long for it to happen...should have happened in 2005. But better late than never.

And everyone is aware of that and has the choice to shop anywhere they please. Even if not aware, anyone can refuse to continue the sale upon finding that out, and buy their game elsewhere. Not to mention that it affects nothing whatsoever with the game beyond not having a shrink wrap, and if you're unhappy with disc quality or anything like that they'll happily replace the disk.

You don't think it's a bit much to hope a business burns to the ground because "there's no plastic wrap around my game". That's a small reason to shop elsewhere, but it seems insane to actively hate them over something so insignificant and publicly known. It's not like they're doing actual predatory business like offering less trade credit to kids because they don't know what things are worth etc

 

[Deleted member 738976]

It's not like they're doing actual predatory business like offering less trade credit to kids because they don't know what things are worth etc

They offered me a dime for a Mario game many years ago, so yes they did and still most likely do love doing that.

 

[Blancka]

They offered me a dime for a Mario game many years ago, so yes they did and still most likely do love doing that.

What's funny is literally every "gamestop gives shitty trade values" complaint I've ever seen only gives either no info, or vague as heck info about what they were trading in. Could have been mario party for the gamecube 4 years into the Wii's release with no manual and a scratched disk for all we know here.

Not to mention the magic words that prevent gamestop from stealing your games for pennies if you don't want to part with them for the value they offer. "No thanks". I saw this life-changing phrase in a life hack compilation on a super illegal part of the dark web, so be sure not to tell anyone about it because it's super extra highly top secret information that can't be released to the general public, lest they attain what we intellectual superiors refer to as "Basic common sense".

For realsies though, their prices are supply and demand based. Many factors come into play. What game it is, how old it is, what condition it's in, how likely it is to sell and what price it can be sold for, how many other copies of the same game do they already have in stock in the district from other trade-ins to other stores in that district etc. They'll take any game for systems they sell games for, and 10 cent has always been their base value for if something is essentially worthless to them. If they potentially have 30-40 copies of the same game pre-owned between 3 or 4 stores in close proximity they have no reason to just give away money unless that game is of extremely high demand. That's basic sense.

 

[Deleted member 738976]

What's funny is literally every "gamestop gives shitty trade values" complaint I've ever seen only gives either no info, or vague as heck info about what they were trading in. Could have been mario party for the gamecube 4 years into the Wii's release with no manual and a scratched disk for all we know here.

Not to mention the magic words that prevent gamestop from stealing your games for pennies if you don't want to part with them for the value they offer. "No thanks". I saw this life-changing phrase in a life hack compilation on a super illegal part of the dark web, so be sure not to tell anyone about it because it's super extra highly top secret information that can't be released to the general public, lest they attain what we intellectual superiors refer to as "Basic common sense".

For realsies though, their prices are supply and demand based. Many factors come into play. What game it is, how old it is, what condition it's in, how likely it is to sell and what price it can be sold for, how many other copies of the same game do they already have in stock in the district from other trade-ins to other stores in that district etc. They'll take any game for systems they sell games for, and 10 cent has always been their base value for if something is essentially worthless to them. If they potentially have 30-40 copies of the same game pre-owned between 3 or 4 stores in close proximity they have no reason to just give away money unless that game is of extremely high demand. That's basic sense.

Gamestop is sure to give you a promotion after all that.

 

[Blancka]

Gamestop is sure to give you a promotion after all that.

I don't work there and rarely even shop there. My preferred retailer is Cex, the only other specialist retailer I've seen in ireland. Other than that it's just toy stores and department stores that sell games brick and mortar.

I'm just pointing out that it's silly to lose the plot over little things like this and strange to be actively hoping for the downfall of GS for no reason other than "they wouldn't give me enough money for my game". You don't have to sell to them and can ask them for values over the phone at any point too to save a trip in. Most of the hate they get is nothing but repeating youtuber drivel or people too immature to realise their grimy copy of madden 06 isn't worth the same 50 quid they spent on it over a decade ago anymore.

 

[drexplora]

they should become a streamcade, but who am i....

 

[Fushitsusha]

Cex, the only other specialist retailer I've seen in ireland.

Are you sure they specialize in games?

 

[Blancka]

Are you sure they specialize in games?

Well, they're about 70% games to 30% general electronics, so about 20% more of the store than gamestop is dedicated to games