Wal-Mart Enters the Used Game Fray 129
eldavojohn writes "It's a simple model — you buy used games for a third of the price of a new one from patrons. Then you turn around and sell the game for two-thirds the normal price to other patrons that have not yet enjoyed the title. Such has been the model for stores like GameStop. The great part about that business is a recession can sometimes help their market, as gamers look to save a few bucks any way possible. Well, today Wal-Mart launched kiosks in 77 of its stores that vend used video games. Looking like a RedBox DVD kiosk, these automated machines are full of bugs, but spell trouble for businesses like GameStop. This should also pique the interest of used-game opponents and provide a bigger target for them to go after if they get the politicians on their side."
Thanks, Wal-Mart! (Score:3, Informative)
If you agree that GameStop is bad for gaming, then this isn't really worse. I don't think Wal-Mart doing it is going to increase the overall trade in used games. If you don't agree that GameStop is bad for gaming, then you don't care about this move anyway.
As such, I'm actually quite happy to hear the news simply because I hope they kick GameStop's ass. I don't buy games from them, but I've read enough of the Penny Arcade to completely [penny-arcade.com] loathe [penny-arcade.com] them [penny-arcade.com] . [penny-arcade.com]
Re:People still buy used games? (Score:1, Informative)
My teenage kids don't pay anything to get to the mall when they come with me and, trust me, getting 1/3 of the buy price back for a game which is no longer the thing would really appeal to them.
I'd guess that the teenage demographic is larger for console games than for PC games.
Don't assume that you're the target demographic
Re:Bigger target? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Old used games are awesome. (Score:2, Informative)
Many older games from the 8-bit and 16-bit era are actually quite difficult. Try the first Mega Man on the NES, for example. Or Shinobi for the Sega Master System.
Re:Bigger target? (Score:3, Informative)
A ~$7-10 billion/yr industry is going to have a tough time competing with a ~$200 billion/yr *COMPANY* in this regards. Then you figure that part of that $7-10 billion is already used game sales... Yeah... Totally worried about those anti-used games folks using this one in their favor...
Re:Thanks, Wal-Mart! (Score:3, Informative)
Game stop is bad for used gaming. I wont buy anything at Gamestop or Eb games. They anally rape everyone on their used game prices.
Every used game I buy is on Amazon.com as I can get it , including shipping for at least 35% less than gamestop is selling it at. Most of the time it's 50% less than gamestop's lowest price.
It's ridiculous, If I bring them a like new game they give me maybe 5 bucks and then they slap a sticker on it and ask $48.90 for it. I sell it for $30.00 on Amazon.com I'll have it sold 15 seconds after I posted it and I get $30.00 out of it.
Gamestop and the likes are there only to allow the rich kids to churn their games mommy and daddy buy them at a fast rate.
Two Thirds? Really? (Score:4, Informative)
Two thirds of the price? In what gamestop? If you're lucky, you'll get a whole $10 off of the game is still retailing at release price.
Otherwise, you're getting $5 off retail until the game is so old its out of print and everyone who wants it has it so they're overloaded, when you can get it for $2.99... Yay Jak and Daxter!
Re:Old used games are awesome. (Score:3, Informative)
Except the older games are incredibly easy and you end up feeling stupid for taking two weeks to wrap it the first time.
Do it without save states, and writhe in the eternal fire that is "Nintendo Hard!"