People who get their games "Graded", anyone feel this is moronic?

[Apocalypse612]

Title says it all. First off I just wanna say that this could fit into either Classic or Modern Gaming. I just find this whole getting your games graded to verify how "mint" they are is just one of the most moronic things I've ever heard. Of course, that is my opinion. And as you can see from searching on eBay, (some) people actually will pay quite the premium with the little grading system on there.

My main problem with this is that I like to get my games in New Condition, so that usually means buying them sealed, then opening them myself. This is just something that I, myself, like to do if the prices are not outrageous. I think these "graders" make it really difficult to do that sometimes. I also play games from retro to modern, but that is besides the point.

I am also well aware that the whole grading system is present in other hobbies as well, some coming to mind are Trading Cards and Comic Books. It's just unfortunate that it has made it's way into the Video Game Scene.

ANYWAY, how do you guys feel about the grading system and "sending your games off to get graded"? Corey

[Emperor Megas]

I think it's pretty ridiculous as well. With that said, this is usually the part where someone comes in and slams you or your thread citing that the topic has been "done to death".

[Baloo]

Absolutely ridiculous. Defeats the whole purpose of the product. Just like action figures, comic books, and baseball cards, they've simply become a market for money over something to actually be enjoyed. So the rarer they are the more people want to lock them in a 15" thing piece of plastic all-ways around and have them specially "inspected" so that they're somehow worth more to the collector who wants to preserve his precious video games for the afterlife.

You can't do jack with VGA graded games when all is said and done, so why even bother? Oh I'm sorry, this is just too valuable to even be touched by your filthy human hands. You would've thought that copy of Stadium Events or NWC 1990 or whatever came down from the heavens by itself.

Pointless.

[Atamos]

I think it's not that bad if someone just want to preserve a rare game and not reselling it after, the worse is the people that grade a game and sell it overpriced after, that is ridiculous.

[Emperor Megas]

I think it's not that bad if someone just want to preserve a rare game and not reselling it after, the worse is the people that grade a game and sell it overpriced after, that is ridiculous.Why is that worse or ridiculous? I think that it's FAR better to do it if you plan on selling whatever it is.

It makes since in the same way that someone would a comic book or sports card. The grade actually makes a difference because the person PURCHASING it is assured that it's of a particular quality. It gives the buyer the benefit of knowing what it is he or she is acquiring for their money. If you DON'T ever plan on selling it, than what possible difference can it make what the grade is? :|

[Bojay1997]

Title says it all. First off I just wanna say that this could fit into either Classic or Modern Gaming. I just find this whole getting your games graded to verify how "mint" they are is just one of the most moronic things I've ever heard. Of course, that is my opinion. And as you can see from searching on eBay, (some) people actually will pay quite the premium with the little grading system on there.

My main problem with this is that I like to get my games in New Condition, so that usually means buying them sealed, then opening them myself. This is just something that I, myself, like to do if the prices are not outrageous. I think these "graders" make it really difficult to do that sometimes. I also play games from retro to modern, but that is besides the point.

I am also well aware that the whole grading system is present in other hobbies as well, some coming to mind are Trading Cards and Comic Books. It's just unfortunate that it has made it's way into the Video Game Scene.

ANYWAY, how do you guys feel about the grading system and "sending your games off to get graded"? Corey


This topic really has been done to death in many, many different other threads. It inevitably turns into bashing sealed collectors. Personally, I agree that grading is not necessary for my collection, especially since I have been collecting for over 25 years and bought many of my games new anyway and have kept them very minty or sealed. I also know how to spot sealed games on every console without a problem. Having said that, I can understand why someone might want the security of buying graded games if they don't have that knowledge or just want some kind of assurance that what they are buying is at a certain condition. I know some coin collectors, comic collectors and sports cards collectors have embraced grading for this very reason. I frankly don't think video game collecting will ever reach that kind of level or penetration, so grading seems a lot less important to me and the relatively small amount of graded games out there makes it clear that most other collectors don't care either.

Of course, I do have a lot more trouble understanding why people are now grading stuff that is readily available in every Best Buy, TRU, Target, Walmart, etc...in the US, but it's their money, so they are free to use it as they see fit. I do have to say you brought a somewhat new twist to the discussion as I have never heard of someone being against grading because they like to buy new games and open them. It seems like it would be cheaper and faster to just buy complete used games in nice condition. Well, to each their own.

[Atamos]

Why is that worse or ridiculous? I think that it's FAR better to do it if you plan on selling whatever it is.

It makes since in the same way that someone would a comic book or sports card. The grade actually makes a difference because the person PURCHASING it is assured that it's of a particular quality. It gives the buyer the benefit of knowing what it is he or she is acquiring for their money. If you DON'T ever plan on selling it, than what possible difference can it make what the grade is? :|

I said it's ridiculous when it's OVERPRICED, I have no problem in buying a graded game, but some sellers put some crazy price on it just because it's graded like by example a New Super Mario Bross Wii graded at 200$.

[Greg2600]

I have no issue with collectors of sealed games. What is the purpose of grading? Either the box is dented or not. The plastic wrap is torn or not. Grading is simply a racket, that's all it is. It's done a lot on Ebay by sellers trying to inflate the prices of their other non-graded, non-sealed games. It's done by grading services as a racket to get more dummies to pay them to do so. Yes, if you pay to grade your games, you're a dummy.

[Emperor Megas]

I said it's ridiculous when it's OVERPRICED, I have no problem in buying a graded game, but some sellers put some crazy price on it just because it's graded like by example a New Super Mario Bross Wii graded at 200$.Ah, I see. In that case you're right...unless people actually BUY them. Then it makes perfect sense to sell them at an inflated price. In that event, it's the buyer who's being ridiculous.

[NME]

For some reason it just bothers me. Its that same "bother" feeling I have for those people on Craigslist who post "will buy your old video games." Not sure why. They just bother me.

[Enigmus]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

If you want a game, either get it for playing or get the ROM for it and don't fucking buy it so someone else can enjoy it. Games are designed for playing, not psuedo-fishing trophies. The VGA has made many games go for absurd prices (e.g. NWC 1990- just three time-limited game demos, nothing THAT worthy of the price other than limited numbers) and it'll keep them that way until these people gain something that can resemble common sense.

[Bojay1997]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

If you want a game, either get it for playing or get the ROM for it and don't fucking buy it so someone else can enjoy it. Games are designed for playing, not psuedo-fishing trophies. The VGA has made many games go for absurd prices (e.g. NWC 1990- just three time-limited game demos, nothing THAT worthy of the price other than limited numbers) and it'll keep them that way until these people gain something that can resemble common sense.

NWC 1990 was rare and expensive long before VGA and will likely be as long as people collect games. You can buy a repro for $50 or less, so who cares if some wealthy collectors choose not to play their copy? It has no impact on you either way.

[mobiusclimber]

I think it all comes down to why you collect games. It's the same w/ comics, tho I can't say for other stuff. Do you buy a game to play, or to say "I have x game that's super rare!" You devalue comics by touching them, opening them up and reading them. That's why they are kept in those plastic bags, away from your filthy filthy hands.

I really have no problem with collectors that want games just to sit on a shelf (so long as they are not hording ten copies of Panzer Dragoon Saga, for instance). So it would make sense that eventually a collector like that would want sealed games, and then only the best condition sealed games. That's where grading comes in. You get a game inspected to verify that it is authentic official seal, and graded to say how minty fresh it is. For those that like that sort of thing, it makes perfect sense.

[Icarus Moonsight]

I'll quote myself for this thread:


HAN SLABBED FIRST! END OF DISCUSSION! I SAID END!!!

http://pointov.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/han-solo-in-carbonite-2.jpg

That's still what I think about it.

[jonebone]

Ah what a difference a bit of perspective makes. I think that buying new games and opening them is the most moronic thing I've ever heard (in terms of retro). I mean just send money to my paypal address if you want to piss it away. It is simply not practical when you can sell the sealed game, and buy a very nice complete copy and pocket the difference. The money that you save will let you buy another complete copy of a different game, so it's really a win-win situation. Opening a brand new game is a great feeling and all, but so is having money in your bank account.

If you want to complain about something, complain about hoarders and people who intentionally try to corner the markets to drive up prices. That actually does impact everyone in the hobby, unlike VGA which only impacts the wealthy collectors and Minty sealed guys.

I've been collecting for almost 3 years now and pretty much have all of the Completes of all of my favorite games. So I can already play anything that I want. I've also branched out to all of the systems that interest me (NES / SNES / N64 / PS1 / Xbox). So where do I go from here? Probably will go after sealed duplicates of some of my favorites, and will want them as nice as possible.

I don't need a VGA scale to tell me how nice something is, but there's no doubt that it helps the value of an item when you sell it. And the only reason it does this is because of the hundreds of idiot sellers who advertise items as "Mint" or "Like New" that barely pass as acceptable. So complain about those guys, because if they didn't exist, there wouldn't be as much of a demand for a 3rd party grading service.

I will cherish the day that a competing Game Grader (a reputable one) enters the market though. The only thing ridiculous about VGA are the prices they charge, not the concept of their business.

[megasdkirby]

If you want to complain about something, complain about hoarders and people who intentionally try to corner the markets to drive up prices. That actually does impact everyone in the hobby, unlike VGA which only impacts the wealthy collectors and Minty sealed guys.



True on the above statement. Specially those who keep bidding on items just to inflate the price, because they refuse others to get the game at a price cheaper than what they paid.

[Icarus Moonsight]

No, not true at all.

Hoarders never sell and market cornering attempts are always crushed with the price curve. Please stop spreading myths and economic fallacies... Please...

[calthaer]

In before lock. Not that all of these were locked, but I'm just playing the odds here in my little "in-before-lock" game - Bojay1997 has hit the nail on the head. I had a good score the other day and want the good times to keep rolling.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142232
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141459
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131725
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107263

I, for one, believe the practice is fairly absurd for all the reasons others have cited, in this thread and the many others on this topic that devolve into flaming piles of vitriol. I collect games to play, not as an investment.

[jonebone]

No, not true at all.

Hoarders never sell and market cornering attempts are always crushed with the price curve. Please stop spreading myths and economic fallacies... Please...

lol. Open your eyes, it works like a charm. I'm not talking about hoarding in the sense of buying every single copy out there as that is obviously impossible.

But if you buy a duplicate or two of a rare (ish) game that can go several months between appearances on eBay, it's easy money. Wait for a new collector to make a WTB thread and bam, you pocket a nice amount.

I can think of a game on N64 that I bought last February as CIB and CB for $50 shipped from someone, though I did think it was a good deal at the time. I passed the CB along for $30 shipped to a friend of mine.

CIB sold last month for $150, and I know of someone offering $150 for the CB that I sold for $30 last year, and paid about $20 for.

You're right, doesn't work at all :roll:

[OldSkoolBrian]

If your a collector or seller why would you not want to have your games graded? Whats the difference between Video games compared to everything else? Almost everything that is collectabvle can be graded. When there graded and sold there not over priced. The buyer knows that he is buying an authentic game in said condition.
I would not do it myself but think if you are collecting as an investment then having your games graded is not a bad idea.

[Icarus Moonsight]

You're right, doesn't work at all :roll:

But you said hurt others, not work for themselves... Show me on the doll where the eBay seller touched you.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I think it's silly, and personally I'd never do it (mainly because I'm not a sealed game collector)

BUT, as far as collector hobbies with valuable (relatively speaking) items go, it was only a matter of time before sealed game grading happened.

I'm not opposed to it, and for those who pay to have it done, it obviously fills a need whether they're keeping the graded product or using the service as a means to increase the resale value.

Coins, stamps, comic books, toys, etc. all have grading services, so, this is just following a well tread pattern amongst hobbyists.

But, ultimately, a very silly one.

[portnoyd]

Too lazy, just imagine a not this shit again image right here.

[goatdan]

I think that grading games is goofy. I don't even really like new games, as the point to me is opening and playing them. Graded games are for those people who really just want to show off their collection, but have no intention of playing them. I guess if you're an emulator type person, they would work great, but for me -- eh, it's not my bag.

If it's your bag though, that's cool. I don't need to understand why you like something to respect you for liking it :)

[sheath]

Yeah, I only buy games to play them or capture a video from them. I have my own standard for "like new", "good", "fair", "boxed" and "game only" and I wouldn't give a crap about what anybody else thinks of a game's conditions. I have games I bought new that I've played so much the boxes have shelf wear. To me that makes the game better quality. ;)

[PapaStu]

In before lock. Not that all of these were locked, but I'm just playing the odds here in my little "in-before-lock" game - Bojay1997 has hit the nail on the head. I had a good score the other day and want the good times to keep rolling.

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=140446
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142232
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141459
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131725
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107263

I, for one, believe the practice is fairly absurd for all the reasons others have cited, in this thread and the many others on this topic that devolve into flaming piles of vitriol. I collect games to play, not as an investment.


Thanks to Calthaer for doing the legwork. OP and others, if you want to read about our MANY thoughts and opinions please hit up the above threads.

I has sealed games cause I buy too much stuffs. One day i'll grade my piece de resistance ZOMG R@r3 DS game I have, becuase thats the reason I bought it. When I do jaws will drop and the 2k monies offers will come in. Until then i'll just lock these excess threads that are all on that same track that keeps skipping when you toss it on your record player.

**lockerooni**