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GameStop Opening Deus Ex Boxes, Removing Free Game Coupon

Posted by samzenpus on from the you-won't-need-that dept.

DisKurzion writes "A leaked GameStop memo indicates that employees are to open the regular PC release of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and discard the included OnLive coupon. From the article: 'GameStop spokesperson Beth Sharum confirmed the practice, telling Ars that "Square Enix packed the competitor's coupon with our DXHR product without our prior knowledge and we did pull these coupons.'"

6 of 343 comments (clear)

  1. Tampering by CSFFlame · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Isn't this tampering with a new product?

    1. Re:Tampering by erroneus · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Oh you can bet this will be quite actionable unless there is a contract agreement to the contrary.

    2. Re:Tampering by interkin3tic · · Score: 4, Insightful

      By reasonable standards, yes, but Gamestop used to sell used games as new. This is basically a monopoly that abuses their customers. And their customers are largely under 18 year olds with more disposable income than experience or common sense, so they keep shopping there.

  2. Cereal box by Palshife · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This would be like my grocery store opening my cereal box to get the toy out so that I'm more likely to buy toys from the store.

    Fucked. Up.

    --
    Attention deficit disorder is a complicated issue, spanning several major... HEY LET'S GO RIDE BIKES!
  3. Re:You've got to be kidding... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They are selling used games as if they were new. If they consider a game to be used after the customer has opened it, then the customer should do the same.

  4. Re:You've got to be kidding... by mysidia · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The coupon is not a necessary part of the game though. It's an extraneous addition. As I said, one would have a claim, but it's up to a jury/judge to decide if the coupon constitutes a substantial part of purchase interest.

    Who gets to decide if the coupon is a "necessary" part of the game? If I was on the fence, and the manufacturer including coupons was what tipped the scales to me buying a new copy of the game, I would call that fairly necessary.

    I suppose based on this "not a necessary part" logic; a bookseller could sell you a "new" book and "cut out" the last page.... it's not a "necessary part" of the book, just an extraneous addition; you can still read the book, you just don't get to read the epilogue, or maybe the ending, is all.