GameStop: Nintendo Wii U Sales ‘Disappointing’

GameStop: Nintendo Wii U Sales DisappointingThe sales of the Nintendo Wii U have been a topic of interest for many gamers as it’s obvious the company is having some trouble getting people to pick up its “next-gen” console. With only 64,000 units sold last month, it’ll only be just a few short weeks until we hear how terribly it did in March, but GameStop’s President Tony Bartel gave us a glimpse into how exactly the console is doing in its stores.

During GameStop’s earnings call yesterday, Bartel said the Wii U had a stronger-than-expected launch as the console initially sold out across its stores. Its after-holiday sales seem to be the problem as Bartel says they’ve been “disappointing” over the last few months, but GameStop still won’t give up on the console as Bartel believes he has the reason why the Wii U has been having issues with its sales: (more…)

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PlayStation 4 Demand To Outpace Supply, Says GameStop

PlayStation 4 Demand To Outpace Supply, Says GameStop

When the PlayStation 4 was announced, we’re sure a good majority of you went out the following day to your local GameStop to try to pre-order the console, even though no retailer has announced they’re officially taking pre-orders for it. But GameStop’s President revealed in an earnings call yesterday “nearly 900,000 members have already signed up for the PlayStation 4 First to Know List” which helps keep its customers informed on the upcoming console and it also serves as a pretty strong indicator of many people are considering pre-ordering it.

If the nearly 900,000 members is any indication, Bartel is already predicting demand for the PlayStation 4 will outpace GameStop’s supply. “Although we have been given no official numbers by Sony, we do believe that demand will far outpace the supply of this product during the launch window.” (more…)

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GameStick gets GameStop-backing, pre-loaded titles

OUYA may have nabbed the spotlight in the Android-based, Kickstarter-supported console wars, but the diminutive GameStick’s got some heat behind it, too. The device’s makers are putting on a bit of a show at this year’s GDC, announcing a slew of news around the forthcoming product. At the top of the list are a number of backers, including, most prominently, the similarly-named GameStop, which clearly sees a viable future in such products, as the world continues to move away from brick-and-mortar outlets. Shadowgun and Smash Cops were also revealed as pre-installed titles for the console, “ensuring GameStick users have free, quality content ready to go out of the box.”

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Banning Used Games Is A Deal-Breaker

Let me say this loud and clear: any game console that tries to block used games will fail. And I, along with other gamers, will be happy to see it.

Over the last year or so, we’ve been hearing rumors that Microsoft’s next console, currently codenamed Durango, could ban used games. Microsoft, of course, hasn’t said anything on the matter, deciding instead to keep its plans close to the vest until it finally has the chance to unveil the device to the world. But the steady drumbeat of claims that the console won’t support used games is concerning.

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The video game industry can’t stand used games. Gamers run out to buy a new title and before long, turn around and sell it back to their local game retailer, like Gamestop, to get back some of their cash. In many cases, those gamers then put the credit towards another game.

For gamers and Gamestop, it’s a great model that works exceedingly well. But the game developers have a real issue with used titles.

See, after a game is sold back to a company like Gamestop, there’s no way for the developers to generate cash off the secondary sale. That means that all of their hard work can’t be profited on, and retailers can double-dip on the games they’re investing in.

“I’ll be the first to admit that I think the system is flawed.”

I’ll be the first to admit that I think the system is flawed. I know of several developers that can’t stand the thought of used-game sales and I totally understand why they have those feelings. Revenue sharing on used-game sales really is unfair. And it’s something that the industry should not – and perhaps, cannot – overlook; it needs to be fixed.

That said, used games have a place in today’s console space. Used games are cheaper, which makes it easier for gamers to enjoy the entertainment they so desire. For many people around the world, spending $60 on a video game is impossible when bills need to be paid and kids need to be fed. But buying a title for, say, half the price, isn’t such a bad deal.

Used games, let’s not forget, have also done wonders for the online services Sony and Microsoft offer. The more used games that customers buy, the more people playing titles online. And thus, revenue across the industry goes up. It’s a win-win.

And yet, the steady drumbeat of claims that Microsoft might do away with used-game playing in the next Xbox grows louder by the day. If it’s true – and let’s be clear, we’re not sure if it is – that would mean Microsoft’s console would be the only next-generation hardware to not allow for used titles. What’s worse, it would be the first console in history to not support such a key part of the game-buying experience.

“if Microsoft does not support used games in its next console, I will not buy the hardware.”

I can say unequivocally that if Microsoft does not support used games in its next console, I will not buy the hardware. And I have a feeling there are thousands, if not millions, of gamers who will stand alongside me.

Look, I’m all for giving developers the proper compensation for what they’ve created. And I, too, think the used-game market is hurting developers. But not allowing used games isn’t the answer; stopping retailers from taking advantage of gamers and developers is.


Banning Used Games Is A Deal-Breaker is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Retailers already launching pre-orders for PlayStation 4

It’s only been a few days since the PlayStation 4 was officially announced, but retailers are already beginning to take pre-orders for the gaming console. In the United Kingdom, Game Retail Limited, and ShopTo are already taking pre-orders for the gaming console. With a small deposit, customers are able to reserve the PS4 just in time for the holidays. Amazon’s UK website also has a dedicated PlayStation 4 section that allows people to sign-up to be notified when the PlayStation 4 is available to be pre-ordered.

Retailers already launching pre-orders for PlayStation 4

In the United States, GameStop is encouraging PowerUp Rewards members to sign up for their “PlayStation 4 First to Know List”, which updates its members on anything PlayStation 4 related. GameStop wants to confirm with those who sign up that there is still no official release date for the PlayStation 4, and those on the list will not have first dibs once the console is released.

KontrolFreek, who operates through Microsoft’s retail stores in the U.S., is holding a sweepstakes that will allow 4 lucky winners to receive a PlayStation 4 for absolutely free. The rules are simple. All you have to do is like their Facebook page, and you’re in. You can get more entries in the contest by getting your friends to sign-up as well. It’s pretty similar to many Facebook sweepstakes. It’s a win-win for KontrolFreek and gamers, because while 4 lucky gamers will receive the PS4 for absolutely free, KontrolFreek gets more exposure for its wide variety of gaming accessories.

Sony says that their PlayStation 4 will be a game-changer in terms of gaming consoles. It hopes to turn its PlayStation Network into the ultimate Social Gaming Network. The games previewed at Sony’s press event show that the games on the PS4 will blur the lines between cinema graphics and actual gameplay. The PlayStation 4 is well-hyped, and we’re excited to see what new innovations it brings to cloud-gaming. The system will be available in time for the holidays. Will you be picking one up?

[via Forbes]


Retailers already launching pre-orders for PlayStation 4 is written by Brian Sin & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Used games will function on PlayStation 4, but there’s a mysterious caveat

Used games will function on PlayStation 4, but there's a mysterious caveat

Sony head of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida is a gregarious, smart, talkative interviewee. And that’s exactly why it was so weird that he fully waffled when we asked him to address whether or not the newly unveiled PlayStation 4 will play used games. “That’s my expectation, that PS4 games will work on [the] hardware. That’s my expectation,” he told us in an interview this morning. When we pushed to clarify what he meant, Yoshida stuttered. “Ummm … yeah. We have to really name our system services to explain more about it,” he added.

That’s a similar answer to what he told Eurogamer last night at Sony’s big PlayStation 4 announcement event, vagueness and all. Yes, used games “can play on PS4,” but does it require a license repurchase? Perhaps you have to belong to an as-yet-unidentified PS4 online network? It’s not entirely clear, but there seems to be a caveat to the statement, “Used games work on PS4.” Sony, however, isn’t saying what that caveat is just yet. Of course, current-gen consoles all support buying any used, physical copies of games and playing them on their corresponding game consoles

Yoshida also confirmed that games will launch at retail as well as digital, but, well, you probably already guessed that from the included Blu-ray disc drive.

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GameStop to close 250 stores, will open 60-70 new stores this year

The rise of Steam and other digital distribution services have certainly been hurting the physical media sales of PC games, and the online retailers are slowly sucking the life out of brick-and-mortar stores, especially video game specialty shops like GameStop. The company announced today that they will close down 250 locations this year, but will open up 60-70 new stores during the same time period.

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GameStop CFO Rob Lloyd spoke at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference today and announced the news that the company would be opening and closing various stores around the world, 200 of which will be shut down in the US alone. Plus, Lloyd also announced that GameStop has acquired 40 shut-down GAME stores in France.

According to Lloyd, GameStop will make more money by closing unprofitable stores and moving customers to other nearby stores that have potential of more foot traffic and sales. Overall, GameStop expects to see a reduction of 2% to its physical store locations after it’s all said and done, which isn’t a huge at all.

While GameStop expects to close down a number of stores, it doesn’t seem too bad considering that they plan to open up new stores in other locations. Granted, they’ll only be opening 60-70 new stores, as opposed to shutting down 250 of them, but it seems that the company is experimenting with ways to keep itself afloat, which could either pay off in the future, or turn out to be bad news at some point.

[via CVG]


GameStop to close 250 stores, will open 60-70 new stores this year is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

60% of Gamers Won’t Buy A Console That Block Used Games [GameStop]

60% of Gamers Wont Buy A Console That Block Used Games [GameStop]

GameStop has conducted research into used game trade and has found that 60% customers are not willing to buy a console that will block used games.  This comes at a time when rumors of the new Xbox not allowing used games are surfacing.  Obviously, GameStop would tend to lose money if the rumors were true, so the study can’t be seen as impartial, but its conclusions are yet interesting to discuss. “Consumers want the ability to play pre-owned games, they want portability in their games; they want to play physical games,” he said. “And to not have those things would be a substantial reason for them not to purchase a new console.” chief financial officer Rob Lloyd of GamesStop said to VG247.

“It’s really only about 4% of our used game sales that are games released in the last 60 days,” he said. “Sony has said publicly that they don’t intend to block used games on its next console. Microsoft has refused to or has not commented on the rumors.” Blocking used games would significantly change the market of the new Xbox, as more people will likely shift to consoles that allow used games. As we said before, such a decision would change the future of GameStop.  With its shares already falling in reaction to the possibility that it may happen.  GameStop needs to find a strategy to keep shoppers coming back to their stores.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Nintendo 64 Remastered, Revolution DLC For Call of Duty: Black Ops II Released,

GameStop Shares Fall After Rumor Of Next-Gen Xbox Curbing Used Games

GameStop Shares Fall After Rumor Of Next Gen Xbox Curbing Used Games

Earlier this morning, we reported on a rumor of the next-generation Xbox to require an Internet connection for it to remain functional. The move would be a direct threat for the used game market, which is currently dominated by GameStop and also gains half of its profits from the sale of used video games.

The news of this rumor has spread across the Internet like wildfire, and as a result, GameStop’s shares have dropped substantially, down as much as 11.4 percent today, which is their biggest drop since May 17. As of this writing, GameStop’s shares seem to be leveling off at at $25.20 per share, which is still a big drop from its $26.81 recorded at yesterday’s closing. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Sony PlayStation 4 Rumored To Cost Around $400, Google Maps With Street View Hits Wii U In Japan,

OUYA will come to stores for $99 in June after Kickstarter, online pre-orders ship

Whether you missed out on the OUYA console’s initial Kickstarter frenzy, (and still open pre-order window) or are just waiting around to see what kind of games are available on the Android box this spring, it should still be easy to find one very soon. The company has announced that it will be available at retailers including Amazon, GameStop, Target and Best Buy for $99.99 this June, with pre-orders opening up later today. CEO Julie Uhrman informed the Wall Street Journal‘s Digits blog that additional controllers would be priced at $49.99 alongside the consoles at its official launch in June, with a “large suite” of gaming titles. She declined to reveal the exact number of systems already ordered, but proudly pointed to the OUYA as a box that will inventive and creative content that has never before been seen on television.

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Source: Wall Street Journal