Gamestop buying EB

[geelw]

you knew it was gonna happen, but it's semi-official. gamestop has puchased eb for a billion bucks. don't know what this means for things like prices or eb employees' jobs or what have you, but at least you won't have to be seeing those eb shirts anymore...

g.

*edit by dreams - Just cleaning up the title a little bit so we don't get too many duplicate posts. Thanks!*

[Scavenger4]

? any link to where you saw this at?

[dreams]

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D89HR9D81.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down

[Cmosfm]

Awww son of a bitch! I hope they plan to keep all the EB stores open at least, I love my EB!

Gamestop, damn you! One day I will open a chain of game stores to rival your pitiful establishment...then I will rise up...buy out gamestop...and take over the gaming world!

I'd probably do that, take over, than we'd have another crash. HAHA

[Mr.Faxanadu]

Just read about it .....


GameStop to Buy Electronics Boutique

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - GameStop Corp. (GME) on Monday said it would buy rival Electronics Boutique Holdings Corp. (ELBO) for $1.44 billion in cash and stock, likely creating the leading video game retailer in the United States.

Electronics Boutique stock jumped 29 percent, while GameStop shares fell 1.6 percent in early trading.

The combined entity would have more than 3,200 stores in the U.S. and 600 stores internationally, with annual revenues of nearly $4 billion and a dominant position in the growing market for used game sales.

``Nice deal, probably OK with the (Federal Trade Commission),'' said Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities. ``It would make them bigger than Wal-Mart,'' (WMT) in terms of sales

The video game industry is preparing for a rocky transition as it moves from one generation of game console to a newer, more advanced generation of machine. That changeover is expected over the next 18 months, and such changes have historically led to fluctuating sales.

Analysts said the combined GameStop would be the biggest retailer of video games in the U.S, with a market share of about 25 percent. For the 2005 fiscal year, Electronics Boutique had annual sales of $1.98 billion, while GameStop sales totaled $1.84 billion.

Shareholders of Electronics Boutique would receive $38.15 in cash and the equivalent of 0.78795 shares of GameStop Class A common stock for each Electronics Boutique share, the companies said. That is a premium of 34.2 percent, based on Friday's closing prices for the stocks.

GameStop expects the deal to add significantly to its diluted earnings per share in the second half of fiscal year 2005 and in 2006. It expects ``meaningful'' pretax savings, beginning in fiscal year 2006.

GameStop said its Chairman and Chief Executive Richard Fontaine and Chief Operating Officer Daniel DeMatteo would keep those roles at the combined company.

Shareholders representing about 47 percent of Electronics Boutique's voting shares have already pledged support for the deal, GameStop said.

Both Electronics Boutique and GameStop suffered last holiday season because of console hardware shortages. The situation has eased somewhat for Sony Corp.'s (SNE) market-leading PlayStation 2, but is seen continuing for the Xbox video game console. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is widely expected to release an Xbox successor later this year.

Electronics Boutique stock rose $12.03 to $53.15, while GameStop slipped 36 cents to $21.26. (With additional reporting by Sinead Carew in New York and Brad Dorfman in Chicago)

[GrandAmChandler]

Say goodbye to competitve prices/deals!


Seriously, they are now the Walmart of video games. I worked for FuncoLand, which was a very nice comapny to work for. When they got bought out by Babbages, the company changed for the worse. I can only imagine what this will bring for the future of the gaming industry. Some say Gamestop has a tie with EA LOL I wouldn't doubt it. Anyways here are a few problems that I forsee:

No more awesome EB trade in deals
EB Edge / Gamestop card conversion
Liquidation and stoppage of carrying all classic systems
No more used PC games?
Selective carrying of New games

What I mean by the last one is EB got spy vs. spy for xbox in the first week, gamestop never got it new. That's a problem. Because you KNOW Walmart, Target, etc. Are NOT going to carry obscure titles.

Possible posistives

Lower Prices on used items
better used selection
better quality control
maybe extra promotions.

Lets just hope this is for the better and not for worse :roll:

[VACRMH]

Bah, bad news for me :(

I like going from EB to Gamestop, getting different deals at different chains.

But, gamestop doesn't put those stupid stickers on the manuals, and for that I give a WOO HOO.

[Lady Jaye]

Now, I wonder: does that open the door for Gamestop coming to Canada? EBGames is already well-established, however...

[blissfulnoise]

Yeah, this is quite bad in my opinion.

EB games always has excellent trade in deals, even when they're not exploitable (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42650exploitable).

They also are quicker to get stock, at least in my area. And their most of their used game prices are always better than Gamestop (at least on non faux-rare games that are already overpriced like MvC2), especially on PO PSX games.

Additionally, when you buy from them online, you do get a sticker on the manual, but it's easy to remove. From www.gamestop.com you may just get a CD. There is no way to know for sure. Not even if you call them first. And when you get a loose disc, you have to RMA it on your own dime. They don't even send a pre-paid shipping carton.

Dirty pool mister. Dirty pool.

Oh well, there's always Gamerush.

[TheHammerGod]

This will come as quite a shock to a lot of people in positions of management when they start to trim stores. Oh-boy. This will ruin a lot of peoples E3 vacations for sure.
On the other hand, Game Crazy just found out the have gone from the third biggest retailer to the second which may be an ego boost for them, lol. To think that five years ago EB almost bought out Gamestop and just five years later the tables have turned completely around. I guess with the lack of serious competition you can look forward to fewer promo offers, lower trade in values and less pre-order bonuses.

[Daria]

What really sucks is that in my area all we have are Ebs and Gamestops. No Gamecrazies or Gamerushes, no independants.

*sighs*

[geelw]

? any link to where you saw this at?
sorry i didn't provide a link- i heard it on the radio about 7am, and i was half asleep and noted to post here as soon as i dragged my ass out of bed, LOL

you can always trust me, i'm no rabble rouser (just yet) :D

[xaer0knight]

So if this deal does threw. What will happen to GameCrazy :( ? I guess its just a matter of time for GameCrazy

[mattmcgrath25]

I posted this elsewhere...but it amazes me that anyone interested in classic gaming would buy games from these stores when there are so many other better options.

[esquire]

Say goodbye to competitve prices/deals!

Noy so sure about that. There still is Gamerush and Gamecrazy.

With all the deals Gamerush always has going on, I find myself more and more shopping there, despite the fact that I have both EB and Gamestop discount cards. Gamerush almost always has that buy 2 Used Get 1 Free deal, which EB only ran once per quarter at best.

Gamerush also typically has these deals as well:

Trade In 3 Used Non-Sports Games, Get an Extra $5 per game.

Trade in 2 Used Non Sports Games Get a new game for $35 plus apply your trade-in value.
Both these deals are typically better than anything similar that either EB or Gamestop has offered. Moreover, I've found that Gamerush will give you slightly more for your older PS2/XBOX/Gamecube games on trade-in.

[thegreatescape]

Are gamestop the ones that throw away saturn cases and the like because they take up too much shelf room ?

Sounds like a bad deal for everyone... I wonder if it will change how the EB stores down here run (not that im an EB fan either).

[geelw]

I posted this elsewhere...but it amazes me that anyone interested in classic gaming would buy games from these stores when there are so many other better options.

well, we sometimes walk into gs or eb for good deals on used stuff...

[Captain J]

The crazy thing is:

Electronics boutique bought Videgame Exchange/It's About Games/gamequest a few years ago:

Babbages bought Funcoland and Software Etc. a few years before that:

Babbages becomes Gamestop

Electronics Boutique becomes Ebgames

Gamestop Buys Ebgames

in the end gamestop is videogame exchange/its about games/gamequest/funcoland/software etc./babbages/electronics boutique/ebgames!

talk about the mother of all mergers!!

the craziest thing of all is that before i opened my own chain, i worked for every last one of those companies!!

[slip81]

Yeah this sucks. In addition to EB usually having better selection/deals, the people at EB are always nicer and more knowledgeable when it comes to gaming.

I hope places like Target, Gamecrazy and Best Buy start offering deals so Gamestop can't become pricks and overcharge for things.

[norkusa]

Say goodbye to competitve prices/deals!

Noy so sure about that. There still is Gamerush and Gamecrazy.

With all the deals Gamerush always has going on, I find myself more and more shopping there, despite the fact that I have both EB and Gamestop discount cards. Gamerush almost always has that buy 2 Used Get 1 Free deal, which EB only ran once per quarter at best.

Gamerush also typically has these deals as well:

Trade In 3 Used Non-Sports Games, Get an Extra $5 per game.

Trade in 2 Used Non Sports Games Get a new game for $35 plus apply your trade-in value.
Both these deals are typically better than anything similar that either EB or Gamestop has offered. Moreover, I've found that Gamerush will give you slightly more for your older PS2/XBOX/Gamecube games on trade-in.

Amen, brother. I'm lucky enough to have 5 Gamerush stores all within 15 miles from me. With all the killer trade-in deals and prices they have, I never give EB or Gamestop any business. The last time I tried trading in at one of those stores was after the big Circuit City $5 game sale. I brought about 15 *good* games to trade in and they offered me a little under $60 in trade-in credit. Bought the same games to Gamerush, ad they gave me almost $150 *PLUS* I got a 3 new-used games for $10 with the deals they had going on.

With deals like that, it'd be crazy to shop anywhere else.

[pacmanhat]

I can't begin to describe how much I dislike this. GS has some truly horrible business policies that prioritize money over good customers, and completely inflexible scheduling. And I liked EB. And now...they're one. Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but I can only see the worst of both worlds coming out of this. :(

[xaer0knight]

Are gamestop the ones that throw away saturn cases and the like because they take up too much shelf room ?

Sounds like a bad deal for everyone... I wonder if it will change how the EB stores down here run (not that im an EB fan either).

As Far as i know all Game Chains throw away the boxes for NES, SNES, Genny, and anyother system that doesnt have a jewel case or DVD case. But last i looked GameCrazy keeps the Saturn Cases. So if your a completist your best beat maybe EBay

[Oobgarm]

Say goodbye to competitve prices/deals!

Noy so sure about that. There still is Gamerush and Gamecrazy.

With all the deals Gamerush always has going on, I find myself more and more shopping there, despite the fact that I have both EB and Gamestop discount cards. Gamerush almost always has that buy 2 Used Get 1 Free deal, which EB only ran once per quarter at best.

Gamerush also typically has these deals as well:

Trade In 3 Used Non-Sports Games, Get an Extra $5 per game.

Trade in 2 Used Non Sports Games Get a new game for $35 plus apply your trade-in value.
Both these deals are typically better than anything similar that either EB or Gamestop has offered. Moreover, I've found that Gamerush will give you slightly more for your older PS2/XBOX/Gamecube games on trade-in.

Amen, brother. I'm lucky enough to have 5 Gamerush stores all within 15 miles from me. With all the killer trade-in deals and prices they have, I never give EB or Gamestop any business. The last time I tried trading in at one of those stores was after the big Circuit City $5 game sale. I brought about 15 *good* games to trade in and they offered me a little under $60 in trade-in credit. Bought the same games to Gamerush, ad they gave me almost $150 *PLUS* I got a 3 new-used games for $10 with the deals they had going on.

With deals like that, it'd be crazy to shop anywhere else.

I'll jump on this too. I've done 99% of my post-Gamestop shopping there.

Funny thing is, right before the Funco/GS merger, EB was going to buy Funco.

After the horrible treatment I got as a long-time employee there, it's no surprise to me that the company is being an asshole.

[FantasiaWHT]

Working for EB, this scares me...

Considering that Gamestops are more profitable (per store) and that GS employees are paid less... that bodes very ill for me =(

The two chains are run VERY differently... but I fear that they'll all start to be run like GS's =(

And as for Game Crazy/Rush, I live in a major metropolitan area and don't have any for hundreds of miles.

But DAAAAAAAAAAAMN I now wish I had used the employee stock purchase plan! (15% below market value)

dammit dammit dammit

[BigGeorgeJohnson]

I don't think the stores are going to merge, it's more just like a ownership change. I believe we will still be able to go to our local eb's and gamestops. Atleast I hope so.

[MegaDrive20XX]

oh dear god...this is bad...real bad...

Kiss NES, SNES, Genesis, etc. good bye, anything retro is going bye bye.

The only EB Games here, just opened last year. That was FAST! :angry:

Son of a bitch! This sucks!

[MegaDrive20XX]

I don't think the stores are going to merge, it's more just like a ownership change. I believe we will still be able to go to our local eb's and gamestops. Atleast I hope so.

Nope, knowing GameStop, as a former employee of those jerks, they will change the name forever or worse make it a real stupid name like "EB GAMESTOP"

[Jasoco]

I <3 GameStop. EB has a bad vibe. The only time EB ever helped me was when I was looking all over for a copy of Katamari. The one store that had it was very friendly and nicely built and nice looking. All the others are too.. ugh.. And those god damned stickers! Maybe this'll put an end to that.

Frankly, I'm surprised as everywhere I go almost there's an EB and a GS in the same area. I can see them starting to shut down certain locations. Maybe I should go to GS today and see what they think.

[SoulBlazer]

Let's hope the shareowners include some gamers and don't aprove the deal, or the government says the merger can't go through. :/ Bad news. It's about the equal of Best Buy taking over Target, Lowe's taking over Home Depot, or Wal-Mart taking over Target.

[gepeto]

I'm Glad because over the past few years EB have become less consumer friendly and more about the dollar. eb's return policy is the worst and when new system comes out they force bundles on you. Gamestop had the buy 2 used get one free deals that forced eb to start offering good deals. eb puts 2 stickers on the case one on the book and a seal totally rediculious. Eb trade in credit has been the worse out of all the stores I go to. I will never forget Onimusha 3 trade in credit $1.98 but selling on the shelf 44.99 this was a few months after its release . Look at there used games they offer you a card for ten % off yet there used prices are marked higher to offset the card. Ex rachet and clank 3 price 39.99 new used 36.99 when it should be 34.99.
I wont miss them.

[Mythik]

sweet...Gamestop has 1/2 off on all nes/snes/genesis games...that'd be sweet if it carried over when the transaction takes place (EBGames around here has a much better selection -- mainly for that reason)

[GrandAmChandler]

Say goodbye to competitve prices/deals!

Noy so sure about that. There still is Gamerush and Gamecrazy.

With all the deals Gamerush always has going on, I find myself more and more shopping there, despite the fact that I have both EB and Gamestop discount cards. Gamerush almost always has that buy 2 Used Get 1 Free deal, which EB only ran once per quarter at best.

Gamerush also typically has these deals as well:

Trade In 3 Used Non-Sports Games, Get an Extra $5 per game.

Trade in 2 Used Non Sports Games Get a new game for $35 plus apply your trade-in value.
Both these deals are typically better than anything similar that either EB or Gamestop has offered. Moreover, I've found that Gamerush will give you slightly more for your older PS2/XBOX/Gamecube games on trade-in.

Guess what. I have never been to a gamecrazy / gamerush because there are none in Northern Delaware. I only shop in DE, because there is no sales tax (and its where I live :P ) Hopefully now this will bring some! Otherwise Gamestop has cornered the market for now.

[Zadoc]

I don't see how anyone can be upset buy this, both retail chains fuckin' suck.

The only good that can come out of this is that with the acquisition of the new stores Gamestop will continue to self-canibalize its self and force the entire company into bankruptcy. As a result, both evil entities, Gamestop and EB, would be dead. Even better is that, as a result of their bankruptcy (specifically the liquidation of assets), the market will be flooded with cheap games, especially eBay.

[SkiDragon]

Its hard to feel bad about this, because I wasnt particularly fond of either chain, but I suppose any competition is better than no competition.

[Crush Crawfish]

Dammit, this really sucks. I didn't go to the only EB around here much, but they usually had stuff that GS didn't (Castle Shikigami 2 comes to mind) and the employees were all very nice. I have no problem with Gamestop, but regardless of that lack of competition is always a bad thing. Hopefully gamecrazy will start having some sales to compete better.

[James]

I've never liked EB, that's why I shop at Microplay. GameStop doesn't exist here in Canda or at least it didn't until now. The whole opening up of new games and then putting stickers all over the place that destroy the packaging when you try and take them off always annoyed me greatly. Selling used games as new ones is fucking stupid, I hope gamestop doesn't do the same. EB never had any good trade ins for cash only stupid store credit. I don't know this is probably a bad thing but at least those damn EB's won't exist anymore.

[josekortez]

Expect the prices of crappy used PS1 games to rise to all-time highs!

I hate Gamestop because the prices there hardly ever drop on anything, and as much as I like EB except for their "add a game guarantee to jackshit when the customer isn't smart enough to see what he's being charged for" stealth tactics, I will not frequent either store if the merger makes EB more like the current Gamestop stores.

[Porkchop]

What really sucks is that in my area all we have are Ebs and Gamestops. No Gamecrazies or Gamerushes, no independants.

*sighs*

Welcome to my world. :( When Funcoland was bought out we went to having only one store in my area.

On a brighter note, they did not shut down stores. My local mall now has a GS and Funcoland 50 feet apart. That makes it easier to search for used games, although one larger store would be nice.

[Porkchop]

What really sucks is that in my area all we have are Ebs and Gamestops. No Gamecrazies or Gamerushes, no independants.

*sighs*

Welcome to my world. :( When Funcoland was bought out we went to having only one store in my area.

On a brighter note, they did not shut down stores. My local mall now has a GS and Funcoland 50 feet apart. That makes it easier to search for used games, although one larger store would be nice.

[kainemaxwell]

Wow, I definitly didn't see this one coming. i hope this is good for gaming and retail in general.

[-hellvin-]

!@#$!!!!!

I hate gamestop. I actually enjoy stopping in at an EB though. Looks like I'm making a trip out to Frank Lloyd Wright location today and pick up whatever boxed genesis games they have left....they all got transfered there and I'm sure Gamestop will get rid of that once they get the oppurtunity.

[joshnickerson]

I'll probably get assaulted here, but I hate EB. Every one I've gone to it's always been bad, by either horrible employees, horrible games or just all around crappiness. It's a personal thing, I'm sure there ARE some good EBs out there, just like I'm sure there are some bad Gamestops out there. But this doesn't impact me in any way. If anything, perhaps the EB stores will finally stop putting a bazillion stickers on their used games!

[goatdan]

The crazy thing is:

Electronics boutique bought Videgame Exchange/It's About Games/gamequest a few years ago:

Babbages bought Funcoland and Software Etc. a few years before that:

Babbages becomes Gamestop

Electronics Boutique becomes Ebgames

Gamestop Buys Ebgames

in the end gamestop is videogame exchange/its about games/gamequest/funcoland/software etc./babbages/electronics boutique/ebgames!

talk about the mother of all mergers!!

the craziest thing of all is that before i opened my own chain, i worked for every last one of those companies!!

And to make things even crazier, GameStop is fully owned by Barnes and Noble...

I'm just going to copy and past what I wrote at AtariAge in the same sort of thread because it is pretty much exactly how I feel

The thing that will suck for sure is that EB and GameStop used to compete against each other in the way of purchasing and selling used games. They would both be trying to pay more for games and sell them cheaper than the other. Combining both will diminish the need for that competition.

The other thing that will suck is that GameStop is very big into this idea that they will not carry any NES, SNES, Genesis or Dreamcast items, while EB still does. In fact, the EB closest to me has people working there who really liked the Dreamcast, so they tend to have at least 100 games in stock at any given time. If GameStop comes in and purchases all of them, there will be no reason for GameStop to start carrying this stuff again.

Since I really enjoy the EBs that are around town and especially the specials that they run, I for one will really miss the competition they had and the deals that I got because of it.

[Tony Montana]

Wow, its pretty funny to read this thread. I didnt realize that Eb and/or GameStop is responsible for the downfall of not only retro gaming, but current gen gaming and above all - civilization as a whole. Honestly it all depends on the individual store, I personally dont like EB as much just because the ones I've been to are not too friendly, those damn stickers piss me off and what the hell is the deal with not a single EB knowing how to alphabetize their games? Is there another system you guys use? Maybe the Dewey Decimal SYstem or something. But then again I might be a little biased.

But on the truth side, from what I heard on the inside, you wont see any significant changes until 2006. The merger/acquisition cant be finalized until probably the 4th qtr. and by then the holiday season is here so they will want to keep things the same through that time also. And as I understand it they are continuing with plans to open hundreds of new stores now and in the next couple years.

But honestly I think this could be really good, GameStop could get EB's technology advancements (light years ahead of GS as far as checking in stock items at not only your store but others) and GS could teach them about customer service, how to alphabetize and keeping unnecessary stickers off the games.

Ok, my 2 cents is spent.

[GunPanther]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL




:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[aaron_157]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL


:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:


Dude let if go, like your cursing at the two companies will do much good, all your doing is making yourself look like a jackass. What are you 12? Take your crying to Nintendos forums.

[Uzi 9mm]

Meh, both of my Game Stores are really crappy, so it won't matter for me...

-Razor

P.S....I liked Funcoland more than Gamestop or EB....

[TheHammerGod]

Well I just found out there are two independent game stores here in Providence, RI. Guess I will have to check them out.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Okay, so how many actualy main stream game stores are left that are NOT owned by GameStop now?

All I know is the private own businesses (GameFellas in Texas and other locations), GameCrazy, and GameRush.

[klausien]

Oooh, now EB employees can have a 15% discount and much lower wages.

This is not a good thing for any of us considering that GameStop is even worse with classic games than EB was becoming.

[Mythik]

Well I just found out there are two independent game stores here in Providence, RI. Guess I will have to check them out.



Where'd you go to find that out? I wonder if there are any around me...

[mezrabad]

EBGames + GameStop?

sour milk = undrinkable
piss = undrinkable
sour milk + piss = undrinkable

This deal changes things very little. I dislike both by themselves and I'll dislike them just as much when they're mixed together.

I wish I had a better "insight" than that, but that about sums up my reaction to it.

I feel as though our hobby has been "mainstreaming" itself for quite some time. The further we move into the future the harder I look into the past to avoid being disillusioned by it all.

The other day I was having an "okay" conversation with a Game Crazy employee, about gaming in general. (they've stopped taking Saturn trade-ins by the way) We cut our conversation short so he could help a customer. It was a 13 year old kid whose mother was there to help him buy GTA San Andreas. In less than 30 seconds the kid went from buying a new copy of the game to being shuffled into buying a used copy (no case, with manual). The reason given by the employee was "to save you some money". Then the employee proceeded to convince the kid that there was "no way" he could play the game without the strategy guide. The kid then lost his "used game" savings by buying the strategy guide. He really had no idea he was being sucked in and processed by the retail combine.

I've overheard this happening at eb and gamestop a number of times as well. I can't say I think they're "evil" for it, because they're just businesses trying to turn a profit and I don't think that's evil. I can say I don't like it and it certainly makes me want to avoid going into those stores.

This merger changes nothing for me, but I guess I've already said that.

[josekortez]

Stupid parents and kids keep EB and Gamestop in business. They don't make buttloads of money off of savvy gamers like us, or at least the guys in the stores I frequent know they won't make the $50+ sale when I come in to shop.

I'm not an elitist, but parents don't know crap about video games, so it's easy to sell them dozens of extras they don't need because they don't know any better. They just want their kids to shut up already about the "Poke-E-Mans" and the "Mario."

[Bronty-2]

I don't see how anyone can be upset buy this, both retail chains fuckin' suck.

The only good that can come out of this is that with the acquisition of the new stores Gamestop will continue to self-canibalize its self and force the entire company into bankruptcy. As a result, both evil entities, Gamestop and EB, would be dead. Even better is that, as a result of their bankruptcy (specifically the liquidation of assets), the market will be flooded with cheap games, especially eBay.

I'm sorry, but that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. That's not how liquidations work. Most likely the ENTIRE assets would get put up for tender. Someone would buy them lock stock and barrel and try to turn them for a profit. With the volume of stock we're talking about, to suggest that the assets would be sold cartridge by cartridge on ebay is just wrong...

[Tony Montana]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL


Haha, you're funny.


Oooh, now EB employess can have a 15% discount

Thats the one thing I agree with, the 15% isnt the greatest.


The other day I was having an "okay" conversation with a Game Crazy employee, about gaming in general. (they've stopped taking Saturn trade-ins by the way) We cut our conversation short so he could help a customer. It was a 13 year old kid whose mother was there to help him buy GTA San Andreas. In less than 30 seconds the kid went from buying a new copy of the game to being shuffled into buying a used copy (no case, with manual). The reason given by the employee was "to save you some money". Then the employee proceeded to convince the kid that there was "no way" he could play the game without the strategy guide. The kid then lost his "used game" savings by buying the strategy guide. He really had no idea he was being sucked in and processed by the retail combine.

I've overheard this happening at eb and gamestop a number of times as well. I can't say I think they're "evil" for it, because they're just businesses trying to turn a profit and I don't think that's evil. I can say I don't like it and it certainly makes me want to avoid going into those stores.


Oh great, another "the video game business is holy" thought. Sorry, its a little ridiculous. Would you stop buying shoes at a store if they told you you get a discount on socks with those shoes? You do need them and they are real nice socks. I doubt it. Its not really that hard to say "No" and if the parent didnt trust the kid with spending the money they should not have given it to them.

Ok my rant is over now, thanks.

[Daria]

Not to mention that same kid might read the guide on the way home and then slide the disk into his binder with all his other games as soon as he gets there.

As a non collector he'll most likely get more use from that book then he will the plastic dvd case.

[GunPanther]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL


:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:


Dude let if go, like your cursing at the two companies will do much good, all your doing is making yourself look like a jackass. What are you 12? Take your crying to Nintendos forums.

Hey, fuck off man. It's a free forum and I can spout my profanity where I please. Why? Because it's a free country, where free speech rules.

I've also been here longer than you, so why don't you take your insults elsewhere, where someone gives a damn.

I don't have anything to prove to anyone, so your comments harm me in no way.

Besides, it seems that you've already shown your immaturity by directly insulting someone else, without even knowing who they are or what they're about.

Until then, like I said previously. FUCK OFF. :fist:


"Deeds... not words."


:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[GunPanther]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL


Haha, you're funny.



LOL


Thanks for seeing the humor in this. I try my best to be funny, although humor in a message board forum can sometimes be misinterpreted.



:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[NintendoMan]

I am very happy with this. I HATE eb games, but really like Gamestop. So am happy with this.

[AFGiant]

NOOOooooo...

There are 2 EBGames and 1 Gamestop near me. The EBGames are good. Usually pretty nice or knowledgable employees, keep the boxes and manuals with Genesis and SNES games, good deals every once in a while, plus I like 'em. The Gamestop, not so much. Kinda jerky employess and the store is kinda dirty. The carts arn't taken real good care of on used games and their supply of older games is diminished into almost nothing. This makes me sad. For the hell of it, I'm going to the 2 EBGames tomorrow and buying all their boxed stuff. Never know when stuff like this is going to be sent around when a new situation is announced. Also, I have gift certificates from my birthday :-P

[Aussie2B]

Damn, this blows. >_< I know a lot of people here have a "Who cares? Do all your game shopping at flea markets and thrift stores!" attitude, but for those of us not as fortunate enough to have a lot of those kinds of options, GameStop and EB can be pretty important.

I have to admit that I haven't done a whole lot of shopping at either in the last year or two, but it's still sad to me. I feel both offered their own unique selection and experience. Before GameStop purged their classic games, I added a lot to my NES, SNES, and Genesis collection thanks to them, and in the later years of the last generation, I got a lot of good deals on new and used PlayStation and N64 games. EB helped me find some cool stuff too. I was always impressed with their neat layout, and they had TONS of PlayStation games. It was the only place that I could find the Valkyrie Profile strategy guide too before it disappeared from retail stores.

There are no EB stores around me in NYC, but at the local mall in my home town, there is both an EB and a GameStop. I'm guessing the EB will disappear. :( I always liked walking from one to the other and finding which had the best deals. I'll have to check it out one last time this summer when I go to visit.

[aaron_157]

This is just fucking great.

Now, the company that I despise has gfinally bought out the company that I favor?

:angry:

Get ready everyone. All the EBGames stores which are turned into Gamestops will now be filled with ASSHOLE employees and management.

Thanks a lot EBGames, for being such a little bitch and selling out.

and a big fuck you to Gamestop for pulling a move that EA Games would approve of. LOL


Haha, you're funny.



LOL


Thanks for seeing the humor in this. I try my best to be funny, although humor in a message board forum can sometimes be misinterpreted.



:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

lol, yup your mature, you prove it because you can use emoticons and you were here 3 whole days before I.

[FantasiaWHT]

Here's an interesting question I haven't seen asked here yet.

Who thinks you'll see all EB's just "become" Gamestops? (Same name, same policies, same deals, etc.) and who thinks you'll see them run as two separate branches that may work slightly differently? (More of a focus on new release at EB, for example)

I think it would be smarter to run them a little differently- turn EB's into preorder+game+manual+guarantee grind mills for the mom & kid crowd, and Gamestops into pure used wonderlands (sending all classic stuff from EB's to GS's)

I dunno tho.

[aaron_157]

Here's an interesting question I haven't seen asked here yet.

Who thinks you'll see all EB's just "become" Gamestops? (Same name, same policies, same deals, etc.) and who thinks you'll see them run as two separate branches that may work slightly differently? (More of a focus on new release at EB, for example)

I think it would be smarter to run them a little differently- turn EB's into preorder+game+manual+guarantee grind mills for the mom & kid crowd, and Gamestops into pure used wonderlands (sending all classic stuff from EB's to GS's)

I dunno tho.

I dont know, i would hope they dont change to much at eb, I havent been a big fan of either, but in my area they are the only place to buy games other than wally world.

Cant say I want to see the eb in my town close simply because we already have a gamestop.

Maybe we will get lucky and it will be similar to the Sears/K-mart merger, new owners but still keeping the 2 stores.

[rayearthknight]

Actually, a lot of K-mart stores are going to become Sears stores, it's just a matter of time

[aaron_157]

Actually, a lot of K-mart stores are going to become Sears stores, it's just a matter of time

Your wrong on that, none of the store are switching names or anything like that, the only thing they will likely do is swap some products, like offer craftsman tools at k-mart. Oh and by the way k-mart bought sears not the other way around, so why would k-mart change their stores??? Oh and im a long time sears employee.

[rayearthknight]

I know that K-mart bought Sears; I also know that some stores are being converted. I didn't say all of them, a few markets are though. The company I work for handles Sears/Kmart's (now referred to as Sears holding Company) insurance policies.

[aaron_157]

I know that K-mart bought Sears; I also know that some stores are being converted. I didn't say all of them, a few markets are though. The company I work for handles Sears/Kmart's (now referred to as Sears holding Company) insurance policies.

lol, if you say so

[rayearthknight]

To be honest...I care neither way...because Kmart and Sears aren't exactly the best places to buy games at...well, okay, when they have markdowns, it's a great deal (a new copy of Dead or Alive 2 for Dreamcast for 2.99? Sure!) And why is it that at EBgames they never let me buy a "brand new" game? I always get one that's been opened and the disc is in a bag--they say it's new...but I don't get to open it myself.

[rayearthknight]

To be honest...I care neither way...because Kmart and Sears aren't exactly the best places to buy games at...well, okay, when they have markdowns, it's a great deal (a new copy of Dead or Alive 2 for Dreamcast for 2.99? Sure!) And why is it that at EBgames they never let me buy a "brand new" game? I always get one that's been opened and the disc is in a bag--they say it's new...but I don't get to open it myself.

[Dangerboy]

Here's the funny thing:

Working for EB, no less that 5 customers called me to offer their condolences, and several of my regulars basically flipped out when they heard the news.

Who knew the gaming crash would have come from the dumb ass corporate retail side.

A very large piece of me died today.

[Richter Belmount]

like hell im buying from gamestop after this >.> , classic games cold turkey.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Here's the funny thing:

Working for EB, no less that 5 customers called me to offer their condolences, and several of my regulars basically flipped out when they heard the news.

Who knew the gaming crash would have come from the dumb ass corporate retail side.

A very large piece of me died today.

Then I give you my condolences to you good sir. Electronic Boutique was one of the finest back in the day.

[The Brown Eye]

And as for Game Crazy/Rush, I live in a major metropolitan area and don't have any for hundreds of miles.
There's a Game Crazy in Pewaukee. You'd be making a hell of a trip though.

I like EB a bit more as I can always get help without a problem. I find the GS near me to be rude and understaffed at times. EB also has the niche titles, or the older ones that no one else carries anymore. It is a sad day!

But then again, it could all turn out alright. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[kainemaxwell]

Wish we had a Game Crazy in NJ...