Gamestop not selling new games sealed?

[hav0k99]

I bought MGS4 for my brother and it was my first game I've ever purschased new. This was a birthday present and the guy behind the counter went over adn grabbed the empty case off the wall and then reached in a drawer to grab the game. So it got me thinking.... what is the difference between a new and used game. I refused the purchase as I didn't want to give my brother a non sealed game.

Is this common practice?

[guinaevere]

*bangs head on desk*

[Rei no Otaku]

Oh boy...

[Ryuukishi]

Yes, it is standard practice for GameStop to sell opened display copies (aka "gutted" games) for the same price as a new/sealed game.

[benjamouth]

Thread of the year, believe it.

[FloodsAreUponUS]

This is the reason that Gamestop does not get my business. Open copies should be sold as used merchandise.

[The Mana Knight]

GameStop/EB has been doing this for a long time. Well, that is why I usually preorder or try making sure GS has several copies (or I use to) of games so I'd hopefully not get gutted. I'd say I've bought 30-40 gutted games at GS before, but most of those times, I get the best deal buying at GS, so I had to buy.

[dmaul1114]

Standard practice for years and one of many reasons I don't shop there anymore.

[guinaevere]

Yes, it is standard practice for GameStop to sell opened display copies (aka "gutted" games) for the same price as a new/sealed game.Worst example I've found was in College Park. I find a gutted copy of Kororinpa for sale as new. Except it isn't just gutted. It's got generic case art, so I figure maybe it's just a place holder and they have the real new copy behind the counter. I bring it to the counter and ask for their new copy of that game. He digs for the disc and begins to ring up the game as new. It has a wii case with generic case art, a disc and no instructions.

That transaction ended very quickly at that point. :bomb:


I'm still waiting for some class action suit to be filed, because the new/gutted thing is inexcusable.

[Ryuukishi]

That transaction ended very quickly at that point. :bomb:And that's the problem in a nutshell. I've had the same experience, tried to buy a game that was advertised as having new copies in stock, only to find that every available copy was gutted. I don't mind that GameStop sells their display copies and I don't mind that other people are willing to pay full price for them; what other people do with their money is their own business. But when you want something sealed and it turns out that you've been misled, it's just a waste of everyone's time.

[Rei no Otaku]

I'm still waiting for some class action suit to be filed, because the new/gutted thing is inexcusable.
It's not like Gamestop is hiding the fact that the copy is gutted. You clearly see them place the disc into the case. If you don't want it, then don't buy it.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, there's not grounds for a class action law suit. No one is being ripped off. You're in the store, see that it's an opened copy and can refuse to buy it.

Maybe if they started selling gutted copies as new on their website they'd have issues, as then you'd have no recourse other than to return the game--and knowing them they'd probably make you pay to ship it back.

Best recourse is to just simpy not shop there. Buy games at other stores or online, use Goozex, the cag trading forum, ebay/half.com etc. for trading/selling your old games. That way you avoid all the hassles of GS and don't give your money to this slimy company.

[TC]

I refuse to buy the "last new copy" games anymore. While back I bought one like this and a couple days changed my mind because I found the game cheaper elsewhere. So I take it back and they tried to refuse my return the because the game was opened. Eventually they saw it my way and accepted the return.

[Hybrid5006]

Worst example I've found was in College Park. I find a gutted copy of Kororinpa for sale as new. Except it isn't just gutted. It's got generic case art, so I figure maybe it's just a place holder and they have the real new copy behind the counter. I bring it to the counter and ask for their new copy of that game. He digs for the disc and begins to ring up the game as new. It has a wii case with generic case art, a disc and no instructions.

That transaction ended very quickly at that point. :bomb:


I'm still waiting for some class action suit to be filed, because the new/gutted thing is inexcusable.


That's just cause some douchebag stole the case, so they had to make a generic case. (I do believe they should've given a discount on it)

[guinaevere]

It's not like Gamestop is hiding the fact that the copy is gutted. You clearly see them place the disc into the case. If you don't want it, then don't buy it.I realize that, but it's still selling a not-new-condition product as new.

[StinkyCheese]

NEVER bought a new game? whoa.

[Xevious]

*bangs head on desk*

Don't be harsh on him. He could be from a different country.

Its also one of the many gripes people have with Gamespot. I one time bought a display/New copy of Jade Empire only to discover deep scratches on the back of the disc.

[ninja dog]

*insert comment about how someone refuses to buy gutted games here*

*insert comment about how outrageous this is here*

*insert comment about illogical it is for a new game to not have a seal here*

*insert comment about how it makes no difference here*

*insert anecdote about gutting games from current/former gamestop employee here*


THERE. IT'S DONE.

[rainking187]

It's not like Gamestop is hiding the fact that the copy is gutted. You clearly see them place the disc into the case. If you don't want it, then don't buy it.

If you track down a new copy of a game using the store locator and when you get there all the "new" copies are gutted it feels a little misleading.

[Halo05]

If you track down a new copy of a game using the store locator and when you get there all the "new" copies are gutted it feels a little misleading.

THIS. My GS has "new" copies of Grim Grimoire that are gutted. Same with that semi-recent Growlanser game. If someone spotted them online and drove pretty far to get them, they'd be justifiably pissed.

[guinaevere]

*insert comment about how someone refuses to buy gutted games here*

*insert comment about how outrageous this is here*

*insert comment about illogical it is for a new game to not have a seal here*

*insert comment about how it makes no difference here*

*insert anecdote about gutting games from current/former gamestop employee here*


THERE. IT'S DONE.Good work, Possum. May I use that next time this comes up? Say, next tuesday?

[Poor2More]

I was at gamestop tonigth and saw a soccer mom buy Soul Calibur IV for her son.....The guy said they got one more copy, but its open, and cheaper he said.......it rung up $59.99, soccer mom dident know the difference

[Monsta Mack]

Hi, Welcome to Gamestop. We sell you "used" games for new price.
Thanks for the cash idiot.

Hi, welcome to Wal-Mart where we tape up products and sell them as new.
Thanks for the cash idiot.

[neocisco]

Don't shop at Gamestop. It's that simple. I refuse to do business there and I have no problem finding the games I want. A company that uses dishonest business practices like this doesn't deserve your money. There are other multiple options.

[Gothic Walrus]

For the record, I'm not a fan of the policy. It hasn't stopped me from buying a game from GameStop if they've got a good deal or are the only ones with the game, but if there's another alternative I'll always choose them first.

I realize that, but it's still selling a not-new-condition product as new.

Don't shop at Gamestop. It's that simple. I refuse to do business there and I have no problem finding the games I want. A company that uses dishonest business practices like this doesn't deserve your money. There are other multiple options.

That's up for debate - at least in theory, the game you get is supposed to be untouched. Whether or not it actually is is up to how the employees treat the games (and on another policy, the employee "rentals"), and they've never defined or advertised their "new" as "shrink-wrapped" so there isn't any dishonesty going on, only a disconnect between their practices and...well, everyone else's. As long as the game isn't damaged and all of the manuals and inserts are there, they'll consider it new.

The one thing that's struck me in these threads is that, so far, I haven't seen a viable alternative offered on how to store the games. Leaving the games on the shelves without any kind of protective measures is just begging for trouble, and most of the stores are too small to set out display cases and store all of the sealed copies behind the counters or in the back room. Unless you're going to do something ridiculous like cage off the entire store and go to the card system Toys R Us used to use (and create one hell of an uninviting shopping experience in the process), I'm not sure if there is a better alternative that would allow for the games to stay sealed without causing the stores to lose a ton of money due to theft or higher rent to cover more storage space.

This isn't a perfect world, and saying "don't gut the games" isn't a viable option for most of the franchise's locations. So tell me: what's a better solution to the problem than gutting the games?

[Ryuukishi]

This isn't a perfect world, and saying "don't gut the games" isn't a viable option for most of the franchise's locations. So tell me: what's a better solution to the problem than gutting the games?Keep on gutting them, then sell the gutted games at the used price or at some in-between "open box" price. Just don't pretend they're new when they're not new.

[Purkeynator]

I like how this is under General Gaming and Industry News. This is not news. This is a thread that I have seen many many times over the years.

[missingno81]

Obviously it seems no one here has ever worked retail in a shady area. Most places that sell video games don't leave thousands of dollars worth of games out in the open for people to steal, but they have to leave something for the consumer to touch and look at. Its still considered new to corporate if the game has not entered a system.

[Gothic Walrus]

Keep on gutting them, then sell the gutted games at the used price or at some in-between "open box" price. Just don't pretend they're new when they're not new.

But that would cut into profits! We can't have THAT! :roll:

The idea of the "open box price" isn't bad, but it wouldn't make a difference in a lot of cases - look at Greatest Hits titles. A lot of those sell for $18 used, so the in-between price would be $19, a whopping dollar off.

It would be a good way to signify a difference, though, but I suspect it'd actually lead to more gutted games - if people knew about the price difference and didn't care, they'd ask for the cheaper copy, which would mean a new one would need to be gutted to replace it on the shelves.

I also think they'd be reluctant to do this because it'd be especially painful with new hit games. If you've got a big GTA IV display set up and you need to gut a bunch of copies to fill it, that's that many more copies you'd need to offer at the discounted price.

I like the idea. We can dream, can't we? :)

[guinaevere]

Don't shop at Gamestop. It's that simple.Wat. Don't shop at Gamestop??? Are you serious? It's my favorite store. I just refuse to buy gutted games there.

That's up for debate - at least in theory, the game you get is supposed to be untouched. Whether or not it actually is is up to how the employees treat the games (and on another policy, the employee "rentals"), and they've never defined or advertised their "new" as "shrink-wrapped" so there isn't any dishonesty going on, only a disconnect between their practices and...well, everyone else's. As long as the game isn't damaged and all of the manuals and inserts are there, they'll consider it new.That's partly it as well. Most of the stores permit the associates to borrow/rent (read: take homea and play) the gutted games.

I would have no problem if that were strictly for used games, but it isn't. Perhaps the policy is so the employee can better know their product and consequently be better equiped to answer customer questions.

But I'm being honest when I say, I don't care. You don't go to the store and buy a box of cereal that's been ripped open. You may go to target or best buy or circuit city and choose to buy an OPEN BOX item for a DISCOUNT, but you don't buy new items where the packaging has been opened and altered for the convenience of the store and still pay the NEW price. (At least, I certainly don't.)


The one thing that's struck me in these threads is that, so far, I haven't seen a viable alternative offered on how to store the games. Leaving the games on the shelves without any kind of protective measures is just begging for trouble, and most of the stores are too small to set out display cases and store all of the sealed copies behind the counters or in the back room. Blockbuster and Hollywood Video have long used generic empty dvd cases and the stacks upon stacks of extra case art for their shelf displays of dvds and games. Not fakey case art, but actual extra case art. Most stores if you were to ask, could show you boxes upon boxes of case art for all kinds of movies and games. I know it would cost GS extra, but it would solve the problem easily.

[Rozz]

Even if people refused to purchase gutted games it wouldn't work because Gamestop would just shrink wrap them and fool those who are less knowledgeable on the subject.

[dmaul1114]

For how to display without opening a game, don't display new games. People can just ask if they have it. Or they can just print promo covers and put out.

But yes, in the end the solution is if this bothers you (or all the other crap), just don't shop there. I haven't for quite a while and haven't missed it at all.

[YoshiFan1]

I'm still waiting for some class action suit to be filed, because the new/gutted thing is inexcusable.

They were sued over that or the resealed games as new, years ago. The settlement was 5% off a $49.99 game.


Maybe if they started selling gutted copies as new on their website they'd have issues, as then you'd have no recourse other than to return the game--and knowing them they'd probably make you pay to ship it back.


I know EB used to do that all the time. I got quite a few new games that were resealed and others did as well. I didn't return them because they were $2.99 - $4.99 but it was still annoying

[GuardianE]

Leaving the games on the shelves without any kind of protective measures is just begging for trouble, and most of the stores are too small to set out display cases and store all of the sealed copies behind the counters or in the back room.

I've heard this claim before and I don't buy it.

Gamestop doesn't have that many new games. Used games take up the majority of their space and those come pre gutted (and yes I know what I'm talking about... I've visited at least 15 different Gamestops in the past 2 months). They have plenty of room. The boxes and boxes of new releases can stay in the back as long as there is a healthy stock at the front.

I'm lucky. Most of the Gamestops around here don't gut all the copies. They gut ONE and leave the rest in the back (they do have a backroom for these types of things) or behind the counter glass. One Gamestop in my area has the decency to ask ahead of time if you want it because it's the "last copy" AKA gutted.

There's only one or two Gamestops I've been to that gut all the copies and that's just ridiculous. There's no reason for it.

[sj41]

I just buy used at GameStop, mainly because of the 35% off the used price which makes the games nearly half their new price. Although, I did pick up Madden when it came out since they had a good preorder deal.

I go to BlockBuster to buy games new, or whatever place has the game for $15 - $20 off.

[bigl523]

Why don't they just put the new games in plastic cases like best buy or circuit city do? Obviously with the used ones you can just leave the cases out with the games in a binder.

[konamifan2002]

Game Crazy's do the same thing im afraid, I wanted to buy a sealed classic nes Metroid and Resident evil code veronica sealed and found out they were gutted.

[DMFunk]

Game Crazy's do the same thing im afraid, I wanted to buy a sealed classic nes Metroid and Resident evil code veronica sealed and found out they were gutted.

This^

Happened to me at GC when I was going to buy Mario & Luigi (Years ago), worst part was it was not only gutted, it was the demo they had in the Gameboy player.

[GuardianE]

This^

Happened to me at GC when I was going to buy Mario & Luigi (Years ago), worst part was it was not only gutted, it was the demo they had in the Gameboy player.


lmao, that's awful.

[distgfx]

Heh, I remember how gameworld took care of this problem. Have a giant ass counter circle the store, put the games up for display behind the counter out of reach. Never seemed to be a problem, just had to ask if they had a complete used copy, they'd check for me and I'd buy it if they did. Simply enough, never had any complaints nor did the employees. Sealed games were on display but kept out of reach and used games were given the same treatment.

[dmaul1114]

Wat. Don't shop at Gamestop??? Are you serious? It's my favorite store. I just refuse to buy gutted games there.


Seriously? Your favorite store? To each their own I guess. Selling opened games as new is pretty low on the list of reasons why I don't shop their. The staff and clientele would be the main reason.

[GuardianE]

Seriously? Your favorite store? To each their own I guess. Selling opened games as new is pretty low on the list of reasons why I don't shop their. The staff and clientele would be the main reason.


It's very regional and I've heard many people having issues with the staff at their Gamestops. I consider myself very lucky, as almost every Gamestop in my area has polite, knowledgable staff that don't try to push pre-orders on you every second. There's only one or two stores that I would actively avoid.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, staff does vary store to store, it's more the clientele. The stores are usually like 35% nerds, 35% little kids who's parents use the store as a babysitter while shopping and 30% normal people. I feel like I lose IQ points everytime I step in their and listen to the pre-order pushing, fanboy bickering, misinformation about when/if games are coming out etc. etc.

Just not worth the hassle, especially with all the shit like selling open games as new, paying shit on trade ins then selling them for a huge mark up, general lack of deals etc. etc.

[guinaevere]

Seriously? Your favorite store? To each their own I guess. Selling opened games as new is pretty low on the list of reasons why I don't shop their. The staff and clientele would be the main reason.I ♥ my store and I ♥ the folks working there even more. All of you need to stop by to visit the worlds best GameStop.

[BlueLobstah]

I ♥ my store and I ♥ the folks working there even more. All of you need to stop by to visit the worlds best GameStop.


I can't tell if she's being sarcastic or serious, but I have to somewhat agree with her.

Not all GameStops are bad, and while I dislike the overtaking of competition, there are some pretty decent stores in my area with good employees, and only one or two that I will actively avoid. I hate beating a dead horse, but if you want a sealed, new game, and they don't have non-gutted copy, go buy your stuff elsewhere. It's not like anyone is forcing it down your throat.

[guinaevere]

She wouldn't lie to you. And while she may be sarcastic at times, she's being entirely serious about this.

[Kandal]

Gamestop For The Winner!

[Logain8955]

Don't we have this thread, like, every 3 weeks on the dot?

Don't we also have the same responses every time too? (Including this one.)

Isn't it about time these threads either get a sticky in the Shopping forum or just get locked once created?

[dmaul1114]

Meh. I'm sure I'd hate your game stop as well. I'm just not a big fan of the "gamer crowd" in general. Just the way it is with casual hobbies I guess. I like fishing, but can't stand most of the people you run into in a bass pro shops either! :D

[lordxixor101]

I'm wondering if this really depends too on the ages. I know, when I was a teen, I'd buy a new game, I almost always got an open one. Heck, even if it was sealed behind the counter, they would physically unwrap it before I could have it.

I don't buy many new games in Gamestop now (usually, if I'm buying new, I go to another establishment where I know I won't have to deal with this), but I recently did by Blast Works new. I was expecting the gutted copy, but asked for the game, handed to me beautifully sealed, no questions asked.

[GuardianE]

I'm wondering if this really depends too on the ages. I know, when I was a teen, I'd buy a new game, I almost always got an open one. Heck, even if it was sealed behind the counter, they would physically unwrap it before I could have it.

What the Fuck? Do you live in a bad neighborhood or something? The only place where I've seen that to be the policy was a K-mart out in the ghetto, saying that they were required to checked and see if a game was in the case (I suppose because of possible theft).

It makes no sense for them to open it before giving it to you.

As I've grown older, I seem to care more and more about the games being gutted. When I was a kid, I didn't give a damn. I was just happy to be getting a game. Now that I'm spending more and actually working instead of an allowance, I care about the condition of the games I receive.

[Xevious]

I always find better deals online and occasionally at big box stores like Best Buy than in Gamestop.

I haven't bought anything from there in years.....

[arctic00]

GameStop can sell a new or used product at any price that it wants but don't many states have consumer protection laws that require stores to tell consumers when a product is open box and/or used? Even if GS says a product is new -> never been purchased or used -> if it opens the product, then it can't claim the product to be new anymore, can it?

And from what I've seen, it seems that GS employees grab discs from the same pile under/behind the counter whether you buy "new" or used products as the discs are all stored in the same CD paper sleeves. Maybe, this explains why some used discs look brand new.

[Scorch]

What !!!

[lordxixor101]

What the Fuck? Do you live in a bad neighborhood or something? The only place where I've seen that to be the policy was a K-mart out in the ghetto, saying that they were required to checked and see if a game was in the case (I suppose because of possible theft).

It makes no sense for them to open it before giving it to you.

As I've grown older, I seem to care more and more about the games being gutted. When I was a kid, I didn't give a damn. I was just happy to be getting a game. Now that I'm spending more and actually working instead of an allowance, I care about the condition of the games I receive.

No, this happened in some pretty nice cities in Michigan, maybe 10 years ago. So, it definitely wasn't the ghetto. They told me it was a company wide policy, but I think it had to do with the manager at the establishment (truth be told, it could have been personal, I went to the store nearly every day since I worked in the mall, so i was told by employees she never thought i bought anything, even though I was buying probably a game every week or 2 at the time).

[Treehouse Gamer]

Jesus, people who complain about open copies of games just sound like pretentious dorks.

I understand if it's a gift, but if you're making a personal purchase and you're pissed about a piece of plastic, get over yourself. Check the disk. If it isn't scratched, get over it.

To condemn a company and treat such an act as abhorrid is just plain stupid. I've made more game purchases from picking up a box and flipping through the manual than staring at cover art from behind glass. I guess I'm the anomaly where I appreciate the game more than a plastic film.

[dmaul1114]

It's just the principle of the thing. It's not a big deal to me, and I'd never boycott the store over it. It's just one of many things I dislike about the store that add up to keep me from going there.

[distgfx]

I like getting what I pay for.

If I wanted it opened for me, I'd just buy a used game. They tend to come in the same condition anyway from my experience.

[johnnypark]

I refuse to buy gutted new games. New = sealed if you're buying it from a retailer, no exceptions. Especially w/ the employee check-out program, which I understand includes gutted new games.

Everyone complains about this topic because we're all familiar with it, but you have to feel bad about the average consumers who get screwed over by it.

I was in a store a few weeks ago when they had the 25% off coupons, and this poor woman was trying to return a game that her son got for his birthday from his grandmother. The unassuming grandmother was sold a gutted copy, the kid didn't want it, and they were trying to get something else. Usually for gutted games they put a seal on the case, so they know if it was 'opened' by the person or not, and this game didn't have one. 1 of 2 things happened:

1) The kid 'opened' the game and decided he didn't want it

2) the guys that sold it forgot or just didn't bother with it

Problem was it came from a different store, so they couldn't take it back at all, other than for same-item exchange or as a trade-in (less than half it's MSRP), AND it has some scratches. So they explain this all to her and she doesn't get it. She insists it was given in that same condition, and they go back and forth for like 10 minutes. After seeing it so much here on CAG I thought my head was going to explode at the sheer inanity of the conversation.

[Wolfkin]

IThe one thing that's struck me in these threads is that, so far, I haven't seen a viable alternative offered on how to store the games.

This isn't a perfect world, and saying "don't gut the games" isn't a viable option for most of the franchise's locations. So tell me: what's a better solution to the problem than gutting the games?Now THIS is an argument I don't buy. You mean to tell me the number one store to get video games can't find a better solution? They have boxes and art for all sorts of games that aren't even out yet. You mean to tell me they can't just take those down and put them in regular shelf space? You mean to tell me that by 'gutting' the games they save THAT much inventory space? Most gamestops I see waste at least 3-4 boxes showcasing games for pre-order. In terms of actual games in stock I've rarely seen more than one box. Why does it have to be an actual case why not use those pre-order art. Heck if they'd take down the 7 boxes of Starcraft Ghost maybe you'd have room to fit actual games you have in stock. It's not like GAMESTOP of all companies can't say to someone "Can you slip in a few extra covers for our displays?" They have a ton of boxes they use for used games. There are many many solutions to how to display video games. Gutting them is something you'd expect at a Mom & Pop Store. Even then it's have to be a Grand Opening where something went wrong. There's no excuse I've seen that mitigates the situation and it's why GameStop is last on my list of places to actually purchase. I go there to visit occasionally to see what demos are out and maybe chat with an employee if it's slow but purchasing is where I draw the line.

I ♥ my store and I ♥ the folks working there even more. All of you need to stop by to visit the worlds best GameStop.dudette where are you again? I wanna go see your GameStop.

[Treehouse Gamer]

INow THIS is an argument I don't buy. You mean to tell me the number one store to get video games can't find a better solution? They have boxes and art for all sorts of games that aren't even out yet. You mean to tell me they can't just take those down and put them in regular shelf space? You mean to tell me that by 'gutting' the games they save THAT much inventory space? Most gamestops I see waste at least 3-4 boxes showcasing games for pre-order. In terms of actual games in stock I've rarely seen more than one box. Why does it have to be an actual case why not use those pre-order art. Heck if they'd take down the 7 boxes of Starcraft Ghost maybe you'd have room to fit actual games you have in stock. It's not like GAMESTOP of all companies can't say to someone "Can you slip in a few extra covers for our displays?" They have a ton of boxes they use for used games. There are many many solutions to how to display video games. Gutting them is something you'd expect at a Mom & Pop Store. Even then it's have to be a Grand Opening where something went wrong. There's no excuse I've seen that mitigates the situation and it's why GameStop is last on my list of places to actually purchase. I go there to visit occasionally to see what demos are out and maybe chat with an employee if it's slow but purchasing is where I draw the line..

1. Pre-order boxes have almost no information on them. They only serve as cover art.

2. You'd be surprised about how much space all of the gutted games saves.

And I have no clue what half of your argument is in the beginning.

All of this probably has to do something with how far away your local GS is from the main office. I've learned that the further away you get from the coorporate location (located just north of Dallas) the shittier they get.

It all comes down to basic selling and marketing techniques. Having the actual "product" (in this case, the boxes with their manuals) be tangible and inside of the consumers hands, they are much more inclined to purchase it on a whim.

Edit: And furthermore, having display art for every title just would not be feasible.

And I don't work for Gamestop.

[neocisco]

Let's play "Guess Who Works For Gamestop".

[GuardianE]

Edit: And furthermore, having display art for every title just would not be feasible.

And I don't work for Gamestop.

Considering the Gamestop.com rep, Retroactive, on CAG saying that they were implementing reprinted coverart by GS for most Used Titles, I'd say it's pretty feasible.

[dwhelan]

Considering the Gamestop.com rep, Retroactive, on CAG saying that they were implementing reprinted coverart by GS for most Used Titles, I'd say it's pretty feasible.

You are right that GS is reprinting a single cover for current generation games to be used with used games that are traded in without a case. This is actually a policy they have been following for a while. The problem is that GS does not usually display a single box for new games. They do not have the option for stores to put out non-gutted copies, because many stores lack basic anti-theft systems. So gutted insure that they maintain the most valuable piece of the merchandise while increase exposure of the game, since not everyone that shops there, spends all day on message boards.

[hostyl1]

Theoretically, I agree that "gutting" is a shitty practice.
Practically, I just dont give a fuck! *shrugs*

I understand the argument that "new" should mean "in factory shipped condition". Further, I see how this is a big deal for those that like to collect games. Moreover, I appreciate those who choose not to purchase these items.

But for me to be buying a game "new" from GS in the first place means that it is a game I am desperate to play *rightnow*, there is no used copy nearby, and I want to use store credit (an automatic 5% discount with tax savings) and not cash. Really, as long as the game works, I'm not to inclined to care whether the package was opened or not. I'd daresay that the vast majority of GS shoppers dont care either. But, particularly for new games, there tend to be dozens of places where you can buy said new games, so I dont see why it would even be a 'practical' issue even for the collectors.

Funny aside, one of the workers in my local "nerdy" GS is actually a "sealed-only" type. The irony was not lost on him either.

And on the subject of GS "<3", I have 5 GSs I consider 'local'. One, in the mall is kinda nerdy (fanboyish). One across the street from the mall is mostly female. The one by the movie theater is run by a wannabe tyrant, but I often see the DM in there. And the one in the next neighborhood over is so small and cramped that you can hardly walk around. But there is a 2nd (converted EB) in the above mentioned mall that is my favorite. They have three people over there that always seem to not only be helpful about games, but able to have rational conversations about other things too. I only heard them push a preorder once. A little girl was pre-ordering Pokemon Diamond and he was pushing the Strat Guide with it. But that's the only time I can think of.

Consequently, when I *do* preorder, that tends to be the store I go to (except for GTA the "tyrant" store was the only one I could get to for the midnite launch).

[Allnatural]

I don't buy opened games for the same reason I don't any open product (like electronics). With others handling it there's an exponentially greater chance that some damage has occured, and "new" should truly mean "new." I purchased quite a few gutted games in the past (before I knew better) and every one of them was scratched and/or smudged. No thanks; not doing that anymore.

[Casiotech]

I realize that, but it's still selling a not-new-condition product as new.

I never buy new games from gamestop for this reason as well. I'll buy it from anywhere else except there. I only shop gamestop for used games.

If you argue with the manager, he can give you an open case discount of like 10%. They offered me this on several occasions and other times not at all. Depends on the popularity of the game.


just do you guys know, employees borrow games overnight if they come in the next day, they bring them back. Some mgrs allow it. This is why new games are scratched sometimes.

Any deal you can find at gamestop you can find a better one on amazon or ebay.

[Rozz]

It's annoying when the employees try talking you into buying a gutted copy, or try to explain how it is "new". Once I brought up Killer 7 to purchase (it was labeled new so I wanted a sealed copy) and I asked the employee if they had one that hasn't been opened. He found one more left that wasn't opened and while ringing me up proceded to explain to me how it is new even if it's opened. I just said "yeah, yeah, yeah" because I just wanted to take my damn game home and get out of there.

It's also annoying when you ask if they have a non-gutted copy left and when they don't, they make a snooty comment towards you because you don't want it opened and handled.

But basically, I haven't bought a new game from Gamestop in months simply because every time I ask if they have one that's not opened the answer is "no". One store even told me that they opened their whole stock of a particular new title. Why the hell would they do that?

[Josef]

Have you ever seen a retailer sell opened CD's or DVD's as new? I haven't (well, except when Gamestop was selling "new" DVD's). Video games are a smililar form of media (not anymore expensive then some DVD sets) and should be sold in a similar manner, or the customer should be given a discount when it's not.

[TC]

Next time ask if its ok to return a new game if you open it.

It's annoying when the employees try talking you into buying a gutted copy, or try to explain how it is "new". Once I brought up Killer 7 to purchase (it was labeled new so I wanted a sealed copy) and I asked the employee if they had one that hasn't been opened. He found one more left that wasn't opened and while ringing me up proceded to explain to me how it is new even if it's opened. I just said "yeah, yeah, yeah" because I just wanted to take my damn game home and get out of there.

[darkslime]

old news is old