I think it's a bit off for Best Buy to list product without a committment to buy (and I have a feeling we're talking about something like a PO exists and the invoice hasn't been paid), but some really seem to be trying to make this into a bigger deal than it could possibly be. "Manipulate demand"? In order to benefit whom? Ebay sellers and Mom&Pop retailers? There is no mechanism in place for LRG to sell any of these games Best Buy listed themselves directly right now. And they've been selling Best Buy copies for many years. They were aware the first time they put their "Best Buy may be selling" warning on their listing that some customers would be discouraged. If they wanted to cut out Best Buy in order to keep customers direct, all they had to is not sell to Best Buy. So, the conspiracy theory here is that Doug is throwing Best Buy "under the bus" (by saying they haven't committed to an order) in order to drive future traffic to other retailers who likely buy far less product than Best Buy?
Since Best Buy listed them, is it highly unlikely they won't be finalizing that order and Doug knows it? Yeah. Would it have been more professional for Doug to stay off social media and just ask someone at Best Buy why they listed before committing to their order? Yep. But, a strategy to undermine the Best Buy deals they've continued for years in order to promote the value of direct orders? That makes no sense. They have nothing to gain. If the Best Buy orders are for their surplus copies, they have to dump them on someone and won't be making as much as they would had they sold direct no matter what.
Doug's post wasn't necessarily appropriate, IMO, but I think this thread is one step away from insinuating Doug is going to jail for fraudulent posting.
I think you're forgetting the fact that LRG makes more money selling the game directly to you. Sure, it's great that LRG uses distribution partners that pick up select titles for sale, but those deals definitely mean LRG shares the revenues (just like any other publisher).
As such, LRG has a financial incentive to drive sales from their site as opposed to Best Buy (or any other retailer). While it may be true that a sale is a sale, for greedy types (and let's face it, LRG is just as bad as some of the worst companies out there), it's about maximizing/squeezing every penny more than they can. Direct sales off LRG's website does that.
Also keep in mind THIS is why LRG often has different covers as opposed to the retail version. They're trying to entice you to buy it off their site. They've also always had a note on product pages where Best Buy may be selling it, too, but are also happy to mention that Best Buy could opt out and decide not to sell it. And lastly, I'm never much to care if I don't end up with a certain game. I'm just past that point. If I'm ordering something from LRG/want an LRG game, it's really just because I'd like to have a physical copy to play, but hardly anything I'm going to raise a fuss about if I happen to not get it.
Like I mentioned, I'll always choose to buy an LRG title from a retailer if given the choice. Is there a risk I might not get it? Sure. But that's worth knowing that the retailer hasn't taken my money. Also, it just cost less (since shipping costs is more reasonable) and I'm certain it'll be easier to get a refund in the event that something goes awry.
I don't want to sound like I'm hating on LRG - it's a business so I get it. And there is nothing Doug is doing that is illegal here (that's silly). What I was saying is that it's foolish to actually call out a business partner to direct some more sales to your website. There are other ways to generate more demand for your version, but Doug's approach definitely fails Business 101.
That all said,I think people (and particularly those in gaming) get way too wrapped up in being corporate fanboys rather than just treating these companies for what they are. Companies are greedy, profit maximizing entities that will go as far as they can with marketing (you may call it lying, manipulating, whatever) to generate revenues and beat down the competition.
They just want your money. There's no good will or love there, or "personalization" for you.
It's a transaction for a good, plain and simple, and they want the most money they can get.
It doesn't mean you can't call out stupid decisions, of course. That's what we do here. That's how bad businesses die, after all.
LRG!
