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Gamestop Reports Loss, 360 Shortages
Gamasutra reports that gaming retail powerhouse Gamestop has reported a slow third quarter, largely based on few big named titles during that period of time. The article also mentioned their frustrations with the 360's limited production so far. From the article: "There is no question that both the core gamer and gift giver are very enthusiastic about this great product. In fact, our attach ratio of games and accessories to date has never been higher for any release in GameStop's history. Our only concern is that the total hardware released to date in the U.S., and to GameStop, are far less than we had anticipated. While we expect to be supplied throughout the holiday season, the exact quantities to be shipped are not yet clear."
"There is no question that both the core gamer and gift giver are very enthusiastic about this great product. In fact, our attach ratio of games and accessories to date has never been higher for any release in GameStop's history."
Could it perhaps be that the reason the attach rate is so high is because the stores forced people to pre-order the 360 with lots of games they didn't want along with some useless peripherals thrown in with it? Then when they buy the machine they have to buy the games and accessories they want thereby ensuring Gamestop et al get to flog as much crap as possible.
Similar I would think to Sony UK's current tactic of forcing all shops selling PSPs to bundle games that no-one wants with the system, otherwise they don't get supplied with stock.