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Repercussions of the EB Buyout

Posted by Zonk on from the big-wheel-keep-on-turning dept.

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."

11 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. I hope... by X0563511 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    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.

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    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...
    1. Re:I hope... by Sparr0 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Babbages (aka GameStop) here used to have a great $10 games section. New games, discounted. I picked up at least a hundred games from there. Then EB opened on the other end of the mall with their own cheap section and a much larger used section. GameStop's PC inventory nearly disappeared, down to 1/8th what they had before, almost entirely console games here now. I hope they dont do the same thing to EB.

  2. Computer games by Sinryc · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I really do hope that I can get more computer games from Gamestop now. We have an EB and Gamestop here, but the gamestop does not carry many computer games. Hopefully this will change that.

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    1. Re:Computer games by dougmc · · Score: 4, Interesting
      Hopefully this will change that
      I'll bet it doesn't. This sort of place seems to have been ditching the PC games lately, replacing them with more console games. Probably because there's more money to be made in console games.

      I get most of my PC games at Frys now it seems. (And the only consoles I own are an Atari 2600, Intelivision and a Dreamcast. They don't seem to have many games for those :)

    2. Re:Computer games by ChrisReid · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Unfortunately this is more a case of GameStop buying EB and not the other way around. It's entirely likely that the trend could be EBs carrying less computer games.

    3. Re:Computer games by black+mariah · · Score: 2, Insightful

      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.

      --
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    4. Re:Computer games by Crashmaster007 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Although EB did carry PC games, they were always shoved in the back corner like some unwanted bastard step child. The console market is more mainstream and thats what sells. It's the jocks with the Xboxes driving the market now, not the geeks with the PCs

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  3. The only thing this will mean... by SetupWeasel · · Score: 3, Interesting

    is the buyback prices will become more ridiculous.

  4. Shelf Space Costs by Nebulochaotic · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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)

  5. Re:New Management of EB stores a possibility? by superpulpsicle · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Bestbuy is a great place to buy games. Not the ridiculous hardcore selection like Gamestop. But all their new games get an occasional $10-$15 discount. In Gamestop, a new game literally stays $49.99 forever. I already know I'll be checking Bestbuy flyers alot more often.

  6. Don't panic...yet. by Gothic_Walrus · · Score: 2, Insightful
    If nothing else, we've still got GameCrazy (Hollywood Video store) and GameRush (Blockbuster) for the time being. I know that those two chains aren't widespread yet, and they may never be, but GameStop will have at least some competition.

    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...

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