Image via Complex Original
The days of brick and mortar video game retail outlets are numbered. We know it, they know it, everyone knows it. With digital distribution on the horizon with next generation consoles, it's almost certain that the old way of selling video games is rocketing into a collision course with extinction.
That doesn't stop us from running into a local GameStop for the latest releases though. As as much as we whine and complain about our experiences there we often fail to realize exactly what the person behind the counter is going through. Imagine being bombarded with questions from know-it-alls and show-offs who come into the store just to test your gaming knowledge. Even worse, constantly being asked about the ending of a game that just came out a week ago.
We felt it was high time to give a nod to the GameStop employees and clear up some of the misconceptions we have about them. These 10 Questions You Should Never Ask A GameStop Employee will give you a crystal clear understanding about what they have to deal with when we crazy gamers walk through the glass door.
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10. Can I Just Pay For The Game And Go?
Ah, the hard sell. Try and pay for a game at the counter and see how many pre-orders, game protection plans, strategy guides, and Power Up reward cards get pitched at you.
For new games, GameStop operates on a razor thin profit margin. When you walk in, drop down your $60 for a new title and leave, they've made practically nothing off of you. Used games are what keep the lights on, but add-ons to new titles are another way to turn a tiny bit more profit from a new release. It's done with all the subtlety and nuance of a timeshare pitch. Everyone involved just wants it to be over.
9. How Can You Sell An Opened Copy As "New?"
GameStop's justification for the gutting practice? A former GameStop employee, Ben, broke it downlike this in an interview with theescapist.com.
"The answer from GameStop's corporate perspective is this: Gutting keeps shrink to a minimum. Definition of shrink: Customer theft. Irrefutable fact: If you put an empty box on the shelf, there is no incentive whatsoever for a thief to steal it."
Shrewd, but understandable. Too bad shrewd doesn't win you any friends.
8. How Much Can I Get For These PS2 Games?
GameStop has recently announced that they will no longer be taking any games, consoles, or peripherals for the PlayStation 2 come June 1, 2013. Which is fine, they've got to make room for the new console roll outs this fall. We had to put it on this list because it filled us with a sort of nostalgic existential sadness about the end of an era. A moment of silence please.
7. This Game Just Came Out, How Much Can I Sell It For?
If you've ever purchased a used game from GameStop you know that you have seven days to return it for any reason. It was boring, broken, whatever. If you purchase a new game and come back two hours later, we've got some bad news.
It's now considered "used" and you will get far less than you would have if it were an unopened copy. Another reason that the company policy of gutting makes no sense. Technically most new games in the store are already used once they've been opened and filed behind the counter.
We tried to return an unopened copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops II the same week it was released and was told that we'd get $21 for a game that was still selling for $60. What part of the game is this?
6. Who's In Charge Here, Can I Speak With A Manager?
This may come as a bit of shock, but some of store managers at GameStop are not the most passionate gamers out there. There's no emotional investment for them and for most, it's just a paycheck. Don't expect and Captain Save-a-gamers to come to the rescue.
Managers are just one step above the hourly game advisers in the corporate pecking order. And If managers don't hit their sales and pre-order quotas, they are no more immune from turnover than their hourly colleagues. That explains why you'll always see someone new working there. GameStop has a lot of turnover.
5. What's It Like To Work Here?
They probably won't say a word out of fear of losing their gig but a 24/7 Wall Street report cited long hours, aggressive sales tactics, and sales goals that directly impact employment as a few of the reasons why former GameStop employees turned bitter.
The company has also drawn scorn from former employees for receiving paychecks in the form of hidden fee-heavy ComData debit cards. Essentially forcing employees to operate from a deficit on payday. Think of it as one of those celebrity backed debit cards that charge you for using it.
4. Can I Have A Copy In Better Condition?
Swapping out busted, used, or barely serviceable copies of games is referred to as "gutting" in the second hand industry. GameStop employees are often encouraged to sell these unsuspecting customers. The object is to move damaged units first, according to "Marissa" an ex-GameStop employee interviewed in a Consumerist article. "Bad copies (no manual, no cover art, replacement box, etc.) are hidden in the drawers to swap out with the display copy, usually when the customer's back is turned."
3. What Do You Mean You Have Too Many Copies Of This Game?
So, you're still sitting on Madden '02 and you're finally ready to part with it. Care to hazard a guess at how many copies GameStop has lying around? If you're planning on hitting paydirt for your old titles, think again. This isn't Antiques Roadshow, you've got to have something relevant that someone else is willing to pay for.
There's a good chance that GameStop has another 50 copies of the same game sitting around in the back not selling. Be happy if you get two or three dimes out of pity and try eBay or a different video game shop that specializes in out of print titles.
2. Do You Have Another One In The Back?
It's feast or famine most times at GameStop. Either they're tripping over used and unwanted copies of Harry Potter's Quidditch Quest or the shelves are trashed as if they've just been scavenged by Katrina victims trying to get out of the ninth ward.
Don't stress though, an employee will be more than happy to call another store to see if they have a copy. Let's just dispense with the formalities; they have no idea if this game is in stock somewhere else. Just go online and save the trouble.
1. What Did You Think Of The Ending?
Chances are most, not all, GameStop employees don't have the time or desire to play every new title to its conclusion. Some GameStop employees aren't die hard gamers that play until their thumbs are sore and even though they're familiar with the AAA titles, it's mostly in a cursory manner. Employees only need to sell the games, not play them.
