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Repercussions of the EB Buyout
The merger between GamesStop and Electronics Boutique adds another feather into the cap of one of the largest game distributors in the United States. 1up.com asks what does this mean for gamers? From the article: "If you're GameStop, it means you're much bigger and potentially more efficient. For instance, while GameStop's execs were reluctant to comment in detail about plans for integration during their conference call, the two chains will eventually merge their distribution systems and databases for retailing used games."
I hope it doesn't ruin the chances of me finding excellent deals on old and obscure games.
At an EB somewhere in Kansas City, MO, I managed to get Homeworld, O.R.B. (http://tinyurl.com/a2u6w), Starlancer, and Mindrover for $20 total. None of them were used copies.
For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
Best Buy, Fry's, Wal-Mart, Circuit City... people tend to buy PC games where PC's are sold, not where games are sold. I know of one Gamestop around here that has a good PC selection, but their business is middling at best.
'Standards' in computing only impress those who are impressed by things like 'standards'.
One likely repercussion of this merger is that Gamestop will now likely be able to charge more for shelf space in their stores. Where previously, game publishers would have to pay both chains seperate fees, now Gamestop can claim that the fees they are receiving are worth double. While this is not likely to have a big effect on the consumer, it will make it more expensive for small and indie publishers to have their game represented on a store shelf.
As mergers like this happen in the retail world, and the larger publishers such as EA, Microsoft and Sony gobble up more and more development and publishing houses, it is likely to become less and less likely to find anything but the blockbusters on the shelves of stores. If the indie gaming community is to survive, there needs to be a push towards innovative distribution methods that do not require such a huge upfront cost. (I'm looking at you Valve... make steam friendly and you could revolutionize the industry)
Of course, this won't be anything like the GameStop/EB competition, and there are still rumors that GC and GR could merge if Blockbuster buys out Hollywood Video. Still, I think I'm just not going to worry about it for now. I don't want to drive myself crazy...
Goo goo g'joob.