• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Things you hate about gamestop?

I don't care for the way they try to make you believe that you're not going to get a game, especially a major release, unless you preorder it months ahead of time. I'm always able to find the games that I want, the first day of release, at Best Buy and Walmart.

But, the thing that really pissed me off was when Nintendo released a free Monster Hunter 3: Tri demo disk. The Gamestop would not give it out unless I preordered the game. I never set foot in another Gamestop again. Hope they fail.
 
I go at Gamestop because they tend to have some more rare games (like NISA PS3 games) before the other stores do. But I get haggled over pre-ordering shit or trading in stuff that it's annoying. A few still have PS2 and Gamecube games although I suspect their solution will be to get rid of those and GBA games very soon. And some of the people's memory/knowledge of games is rather limited and is mostly (shoddy) sales techniques. A common response to being asked if they played the game they've been pushing for months is "I don't know, I (haven't got it yet/got it yesterday/still playing something else/don't really play games)." It's like going to a car dealership and no one actually drives any of the cars sold there.

Plus, I stopped going to a few of the local ones because one of the managers is a complete douche. Before he came around, one of the managers there was awesome -- we'd talk about games, what's going on in his life, and I actually spent more. Then after the new manager came, I didn't enjoy it as much. Figures.

I interviewed for a job with them and the dumbass new manager implied that "I wasn't happy at my other jobs" even though the last two jobs I've worked had laid offs. And I didn't get contacted one way or another. I probably should have reported him to somebody. It's just as well, it's not like I want to work there in the first place.
 
Gutting boxes for display has been going on for 20 years in every major corporate game store in the US. Gamestop isn't doing anything differently from how it's always been done at Software Etc/Babbages/EB.
 
They don't have Gamestop over here but they do have EB, but I generally find it alright (though I tend to shop elsewhere as they're the last major retailer that seems to sell 360 and PS3 games around $120 while JB Hi-Fi at most sells at $100).

Do remember being asked 'Aren't you a little old to be buying this game?' at a Target though.

The game was Mario Kart. I was 11 years old. What the fuck?
 
My local Gamestop:

. Frequently-changing staff means they rarely learn I want to be left alone.
. Stickers all over used games.
. Missing manuals or cases.
. Up-selling.
. Selling all used DS games with no case or manual, even if the original owner included them in the trade.
 
Every Gamestop I've been in reeks. Just stinks of sweat and mold. The carpets are musty and the air is stale. Like 10 fat geeks fapped in the store 10 minutes prior. Fucking horrible environment to shop in.
 
MedHead said:
My local Gamestop:
. Selling all used DS games with no case or manual, even if the original owner included them in the trade.
Click to expand...
I could see how they did that with the GBA games, but the DS has great cases already and trying to read the tiny print on the DS cart in dimly lit sliding drawers under the counter makes it worse.

Edit: I think Target is my favorite brick and mortar store while Amazon is my favorite on the net. I still use GameStop sometimes though.
 
I totally love my local EBGames. Every single employee is a good gamer and they know what they are talking about. The only thing I hate is the stickers but found a way to remove them completly so no big deal for me.
 
I get the feeling a number of the problems in these threads come from the near-monopoly the chain has in that niche. There is no longer an EB/Babbages/Software Etc/other at the other end of the mall or in another shopping center.

That said, I have one in eight inside a 30 minute drive I'd still call "good".
 
For anyone complaining about the needlessly ugly stickers plastered all over pre-owned games, this stuff is a godsend:
00K5tA-35166284.jpg
 
PseudoKirby said:
gamestop, has become very overpowering in the game market, hell one could say they have a monopoly...
Click to expand...
No, one couldn't say this at all. Unless one was a witless know nothing. A monopoly? Really?
 
Astrosanity said:
For anyone complaining about the needlessly ugly stickers plastered all over pre-owned games, this stuff is a godsend:
00K5tA-35166284.jpg
Click to expand...

You know what's even better than goo gone for used games? Amazon and Ebay.
 
Like teruterubozu, I never found GameStop to be a nice place to be. Some of them have had an "awkward" smell, and the rest of them are simply a little trashy, one way or another. I also did get the "it's new even though we opened it" line, and that ensured the end of my patronage.
 
Price of used games. $54.99, I mean really? Might as well buy it new. Also, them putting them annoying hard to remove stickers all over the box, on a supposedly new copy! Fuck that, new to me is shrink wrapped. I don't usually buy from them anymore.

Amazon, or Hastings(store in my area.)
 
What's the point of gutting the new copies, and sticking them in a sleeve behind the counter, only just to get scratched all to hell? How hard is to gut one copy to display it. If someone wants said game, just ask for it, and the games should be kept behind the counter.
 
Wario64 said:
Legitimate question: why do you guys still shop at Gamestop?
Click to expand...

Because as a general rule I don't trust having things more expensive than a few dollars delivered to my house. (If I need to have something more expensive delivered, I have it sent to my Parents or In-laws, and drive over to pick it up.)

I enjoy pre-ordering, because I like knowing that the game is paid for well in advance of the release date.

So I really have two options: Gamestop or Best Buy. And as Gamestop is half a block from my home and on my way home from work, Gamestop generally wins.
 
  • Tossing out ALL DS cases and manuals no matter what.
  • Tossing out ALL PS2 cases and manuals for games lower than $4.99.
  • Putting their stickers on the cover art itself and not the case (easier to get off that way).
  • Getting rid of older systems' games because "they don't have the room", even though 2-3 of the bigger stores just have huge open areas in the middle of the store.

Astrosanity said:
For anyone complaining about the needlessly ugly stickers plastered all over pre-owned games, this stuff is a godsend:
00K5tA-35166284.jpg
Click to expand...
Not when they stick them on the cover art itself. You put Goo-Gone on that and it will pull off the ink.
 
NotTheGuyYouKill said:
I actually like the people at my EB Games. Does EB Games count? I guess Gamestop owns them?

They never push any other stuff on me, or annoy me or badger me or try to make me buy anything. Only thing they ask is that three dollar disc warranty thing which I always turn down, and they never question it.

The people at my EB Games are awesome. They know their games and can actually have a decent conversation with the customers.
Click to expand...

Totally second that - same experience with very few attempts on aftersales. Purchased my first DS down there, took it back the next day with a faulty left shoulder button - instant exchange for a new handheld no hassels.
 
The fact that everyone cries about them so much.

Never had a problem with them. I don't even get the opened new games.

Most of the complaints are people trying to fit in.

I'd bet you are the same fucks who complain about Wal-mart all the time.
 
Snuggler said:
also, I found a booger in the manual of one of the used games I bought from them. an actual booger.

never again
Click to expand...

That's better than what I found in the manual for DOA Extreme Beach volleyball.
 
I've walked out of Gamestop multiple times after being told the only "new" copy they have is gutted. I've stopped even looking into Gamestop if I'm looking for a new copy of a niche game, because it's always gutted.

At least I've never gotten a gutted copy any time I pre-ordered a game.
 
Everything.
The only reason I go in is when I get a gift card from doing surveys anymore or when there is some crazy preorder item.

Too many games without cases, too many "new" open games, too many "we ran out of the preorder item".
It did not help that a good friend is a manager and I used to hang out with another friend who worked there quite a bit so I saw the back side where employees check out "new" games and then sell them as new and employees go through the prerelease swag drawer for themselves among other things.

Amazon and GAF are the best for used games, Toys R Us and Kmart are amazing for new games lately with their gift card offers if Amazon does not already beat them.
 
They don't pay me enough.
I hate GS customers who act like dicks when I ask them about the power up card.
I hate that my DM is pretty damn clueless most of the time.
 
I like to go in there and browse a lot, it's good to see what titles came out that flew under my radar, and it's nice to actually pick up the game and look at the back of the box. Of course I go to Best Buy and do this too. Maybe it's just cause I buy really niche games but I've rarely experienced the open "new" game thing. I usually get sealed copies. I do buy from Amazon and Ebay mostly, but I do like to go there for new games that I want immediately and niche used games at decent prices. Plus there are two-three relatively close to me. Enough background, here's some things that annoy me about Gamestop.

A.) They seem to take games back in ANY condition. Thus a lot of their used games are either missing manuals or in HORRIBLE condition. If I go to any indie game store the used games are usually in great condition or at least re-surfaced. Also if you ask to pick out the "best" disk they have if there are multiples or ask to see the one disk they have before you purchase it they look at you like you're crazy or like you are wasting their time. Why can't I just walk in and buy a used game and know it's in great playable condition. (Maybe I'm just spoiled by my experience with indie shops or Japanese used game stores)

B.) Back when the Pro (I think it was) Xbox360s with HDMI, and supposedly better chips came out I went to find one. This was when there was actually still an EB and Gamestop in the same mall (they were still the same company at this point though). At the Gamestop they swore up and down that it wasn't out yet and/or didn't exist. I go to the EB and the manager there was AWESOME. He told me that not only did it exist, but that they have them, and that the people at the other store lie all the time. I walked by the Gamestop on the way out (after purchasing my 360 and two games at EB) while waving my bag at them.

C.) Last game I bought there was Dynasty Warriors 7, which when they were looking for it the two clerks were just talking all this crazy shit about DW as a whole, while I'm standing there waiting for them. i.e. "All the games are the same" etc. I'm just sitting there like "WTF?"

As far as pre-orders/magazines type stuff, I have to do that at my job too so I don't really fault them on that. I just tell them no and they are cool with it.
 
Gamestop should be: no policies, no questions asked, just walk in and grab the brand new discount unstickered game off the shelf, take it to the counter where a silent Veronica Belmont lookalike awaits at the register. There is a faint aroma of cherry blossoms and caramel.
 
The first experience I can remember is when I went in to pick up my pre-order of LEGO: Batman. Obviously I pre-ordered it for the key chain in hopes of getting the Joker key holder. To my dismay when I arrived at the store, at 9:01am, they had 1 Batman key chain, 2 or 3 Robin key chains and 20 Catwoman key chains. Upon asking why there were no Joker key chains, I was told that there was only one per district. REALLLLLY?

The other question I have is, why is there two different prices on two different used copies of the same game? I walked into the store a few weeks back to get TW:Masters with a buddy and they had two used copies of RDR for the ps3, one of which was $34.99 and the other was $39.99. The price of the new copy way $44.99, iirc.
 
Wario64 said:
Legitimate question: why do you guys still shop at Gamestop?
Click to expand...
i usually just buy games at b&m stores when there is some really good special. kmart is the store that usually offers up some really good specials so i buy from them whenever i want some new game that is being released.
 
PseudoKirby said:
gamestop, has become very overpowering in the game market, hell one could say they have a monopoly...
Click to expand...

No, one couldn't say that, actually. There is ample competition. They have a good niche that currently works for them, but they're likely on their way out soon.

That being said, there are plenty of things I don't like about Gamestop, reasons they are a last-resort option for me:

-Obnoxious yet uninformed employees (don't take offense if you're in the minority of Gamestop employees who know their ass from their elbow)
-Unwrapped "new" games (yes, I have a problem with this -- get over it!)
-Ridiculous trade-in policies that are so anti-consumer it makes my sphincter pucker
-Poorly implemented pre-order policies
-Out-and-out lying from retail representatives (not all, but there have been cases)
 
Wolfgunblood Garopa said:
Gamestop should be: no policies, no questions asked, just walk in and grab the brand new discount unstickered game off the shelf, take it to the counter where a silent Veronica Belmont lookalike awaits at the register. There is a faint aroma of cherry blossoms and caramel.
Click to expand...
Would go out of business inside a month.
 
Wolfgunblood Garopa said:
Gamestop should be: no policies, no questions asked, just walk in and grab the brand new discount unstickered game off the shelf, take it to the counter where a silent Veronica Belmont lookalike awaits at the register. There is a faint aroma of cherry blossoms and caramel.
Click to expand...
While naked



Her that is.
 
teruterubozu said:
Every Gamestop I've been in reeks. Just stinks of sweat and mold. The carpets are musty and the air is stale. Like 10 fat geeks fapped in the store 10 minutes prior. Fucking horrible environment to shop in.
Click to expand...
This. Plus stickers, gutted cases, snarky clerks who are wrong most if the time, and exclusive preorder bonuses.
 
You know, if you guys have shitty stores in your area and what not, report them or leave very bad feedback on their survey. In my area (Southwest), that tends to get things fixed right quick.

I can't speak for any other stores, but the one I manage I try to get in the best shape I can, smelling the best I can (Febreze, son) with the absolute minimum amount of gutting and zero tolerance for shitty accessories, shitty used games, shitty covers, shitty systems, or just bad looking games in general.

I also try to hire good people with an interest in games and even if they don't, they are nice to you. Do we ask about Power Up Cards or Reservations? Yes, of course. It's our job. However, we're never pushy (never gotten a complaint about it) and at least try to match up reserves to what you're bringing up.

So, if you have shitty ones in your area, report them. Don't let them drag them stores like mine where I bust my ass trying to keep it classy while working within the confines of a corporation.
 
Kintaro said:
You know, if you guys have shitty stores in your area and what not, report them or leave very bad feedback on their survey. In my area (Southwest), that tends to get things fixed right quick.

I can't speak for any other stores, but the one I manage I try to get in the best shape I can, smelling the best I can (Febreze, son) with the absolute minimum amount of gutting and zero tolerance for shitty accessories, shitty used games, shitty covers, shitty systems, or just bad looking games in general.

I also try to hire good people with an interest in games and even if they don't, they are nice to you. Do we ask about Power Up Cards or Reservations? Yes, of course. It's our job. However, we're never pushy (never gotten a complaint about it) and at least try to match up reserves to what you're bringing up.

So, if you have shitty ones in your area, report them. Don't let them drag them stores like mine where I bust my ass trying to keep it classy while working within the confines of a corporation.
Click to expand...
I have been filling out surveys for years. Wish all stores took your initiative, but here in Winston-Salem, NC, there are 5 Gamestops and they are all terrible.
 
I don't particularly dislike anything other than they are almost guaranteed to have the highest possible prices for games at any given time. That alone has caused me to not purchase anything from Gamestop in at least 3 years.
 
I have no issues with the EB/Gamestop I visit. The manager is a 30 something guy who seems quite normal, and the employees aren't offensive in their up-sell attempts. They're always well stocked, and they often have a decent trade-in promotion.
 
Don't have too much a reason to hate them. I know they want to push used games on me, but that's about it on the hate front. (nothing wrong with used, but if it's $5 cheaper than new, I'm going with new) Their used selection can be decent. The staff usually doesn't bother me except the one time an employee tried his damnedest to convince me that Naughty Bears was worth getting.
 
PseudoKirby said:
gamestop, has become very overpowering in the game market, hell one could say they have a monopoly...

their compact little stores are everywhere now, hell there are 10 of them within 30 minutes of me...

like the mcdonalds of gaming..
Click to expand...

Eh....disagree. There may be lots of Gamestops, but there are still countless independent shops plus other places to buy games. Hardly a monopoly.
 
PseudoKirby said:
gamestop, has become very overpowering in the game market, hell one could say they have a monopoly...

their compact little stores are everywhere now, hell there are 10 of them within 30 minutes of me...

like the mcdonalds of gaming..
Click to expand...
Since the beginning of 2009, I've bought about 147 games, and only 6 of those have been from Gamestop. Digital distribution adds another 103 to the overall total.

One could SAY they have a monopoly, but one would be terribly, horribly wrong.
 
Wolfgunblood Garopa said:
Gamestop should be: no policies, no questions asked, just walk in and grab the brand new discount unstickered game off the shelf, take it to the counter where a silent Veronica Belmont lookalike awaits at the register. There is a faint aroma of cherry blossoms and caramel.
Click to expand...
I approve this message. However I would be just fine with the aroma of Gloria Jeans Coffee creeping in from the shop next door.

Oh, And I'll settle for the nerdy Redheaded BBW that actually knows what the hell she's talking about. OM NOM NOM.
 
I used to work at a gamestop as a supervisor, and I echo most people's dislikes about the place. While I worked there I can say my least favorite thing about the place was my District Manager.

I hate being pestered by sales folk, and I hate awkward chatter. When I get I normal, non-pushy person helping me there I'm totally fine with it. Otherwise, at worst, I just say no 3 or 4 times and it's done. It's either go there, or go to target or Best Buy, and the used games at Gamestop are cheap, so I usually go there first when looking for something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

What Do You Love or Hate About Indie Games?"l
Opinion  2
54
838
Guilty_AI replied
  • Locked
About God of War remakes... Some things will be different.
1
245
Knight of the Round replied
Name a few things you want GTA VI to have
2 3 4
153
758
saintjules replied
Video Game Design Trends that You Love and that You Hate
2
52
957
Susurrus replied
WSJ: Gamestop is preparing an offer to buy eBay
2 3
111
951
BlackTron replied
Top Bottom