The pre-owned debate continues to rumble on, most recently with David Braben listing six possible solutions to the ‘problem’. I wonder what publishers would think if they knew one of Britain’s biggest game retailers is actively promoting second hand game sales over brand new titles as from the evidence I have gathered that seems to be exactly what GAME are doing.
Over on the ‘Games Inbox’ gaming letters page at Metro, the free daily newspaper, an email has been published by a chap called Rob Holland regarding his recent visit to a GAME store:
“I’m becoming a little concerned about GAME’s new focus on pre-owned titles. They used to have a pre-owned section for those who wanted to buy second-hand but now nearly all of the shelves contain pre-owned stock, even the chart. Not only that but when you ask for a brand new title the staff are quite insistent on selling the pre-owned items, sometimes to the extent that it almost verges on bullying. A customer should only have to ask for something once and not feel like they have to fight for it.”
That’s a big accusation. We know that GAME will make a larger profit on a second hand game than on a brand new title but are they really pushing pre-owned titles rather than brand new games? A response to Mr. Holland’s email followed the next day and seems to back this up. In a further twist, it claims to be from a staff member at GAME.
“RE: Rob Holland. This is not a new focus on pre-owned, as a GAME employee this is something we have always done in my last four year of working at GAME.”
The following day there is yet another response,
“RE: Rob. I too have experienced GAME staff trying to force pre-owned games on me while trying to buy a new copy. After asking a second time for a new copy to still have the sales assistant try and flog a second-hand copy to me I just turned around and walked out.”
And another..
“I’ve also been pressured by staff into buying pre owned from GAME. I popped in about a few months ago to buy God of War 3, it was 40 quid new and 35 pre owned (which is also unusual as it’s usually the other way around) I had the cash so I took the new copy to the counter, the guy at the counter asked me on two occasions if I wanted the pre owned copy because it was cheaper and in great condition (which it was to be fair), anyway I eventually caved in and bought the pre owned copy as I was in a hurry and didn’t feel like arguing over who I would rather screw out of my money, GAME or the developers.”
And yet another..
“I took Halo:Reach to the counter at my local GAME and they offered me a pre-owned copy for 2 quid cheaper. Seems fair enough to me, 2 quid is 2 quid and it even had the 48 hour trial still in it! “
A recent post in the comments section on MCV claimed that retailers could make 100% profit by reselling games rather than the few pence they make from new titles. Are GAME driving their own profits at the expense of publishers?
Have you experienced GAME staff trying pressure you into buying a a pre-owned copy of title when you take a new game to the till? Let us know in the comments section.
If there is anyone from GAME HQ reading who would like to comment then please get in touch.
ijustwantagood1
I personally won’t buy pre-owned. The industry would never improve if the developers saw no money for their work. What’s the point in slaving over a project for x amount of years for the ‘fans’ to hand over all their money to GAME, who do nothing for the industry apart from leech off of it and it’s customers.
gordonflash
You guys are right – preowned should be cheaper than new but i cant believe they get away with just selling it for a couple of quid less than the new price and usually more than the price of it new online!
I usually dont trade in my games at gamestation or game – if i complete it quickly and i want rid – ill sell it on ebay, usually ending costing mea couple of quid for the privilege of playing, and then use that money to buy another game.. new or used..
muse88_James
Not really related, apart from the ‘pushing’ bit, but has anyone been in HMV buying a game and was offered an ‘insurance’ to protect the disc? I mean, unless you’re an idiot with a fetish for scratching things, who’s going to break a Blu-Ray disc?