I like Limited Run Games, I really do. However, I've been noticing that they are now trying to squeeze in as many releases as they can, usually now every two weeks. Before, it wasn't like this.
I believe this is because they know that the games will eventually sell. By releasing a very limited amount of copies, it almost guarantees that all copies will sell. If they were to release them via retail, sales my stagnate a bit, though it would eventually sell as well, due to the limited amount of copies. They know collectors will eat the games up as quickly as they appear, so they continue this business model. It works...for now.
What I see as a huge "fault" is the consistency and continuity of their releases. For instace, I am getting tired of a "new release" every two weeks. It used to not be this way...perhaps every three weeks or even four. Sometimes twice a month. That was great, because it almost guarantees that I could purchase a copy. And I know many of you would appreciate this as well.
But releasing every two weeks has become cumbersome. Just when I thought I had some time for the next release, BAM, a new release. Sigh. And being the OCD that I am, I want to get it. Others as well. But I feel that there will be a time in which people will eventually get tired of this schedule and ultimately not get every release, which in turn takes more time to sell the batch they are selling. I've noticed that lately, games have been lasting more than usual when "up" for sale. Just look at Darius for the Vita...Sunday and it's STILL available. Honestly, that was surprising for me. Granted, the hefty price doesn't help either.
Which come to my next point...and I hope it's not one that will become a trend: the increase in price. Having games at $25-$30 was great, as they were economical. But I've noticed that certain games (not all, just the minority) have been priced higher than others, sometimes (in my opinion) way too high. Example is Darius for Vita (and the last Vita game, the Namco one). Yes, I understand that these games are from companies that probably want a higher cut and thus they need to increase the price. I just hope this doesn't start to be "the norm".
My suggestion to LRG is to space out the releases in a way that benefits everything and not try to "milk" them every two weeks. I know many of us would be happy. Why not every three weeks? Once a month? And maybe every now and then, twice a month? Because I feel that if they continue this trend, they will loose many potential customers, or at the very least not be able to sell their inventory as they did before.
And to try to limit the high price games. And to due away with UPS Innovations...HORRID HORRID service. I've seen complaints on their FB page...and I agree. It now takes a damn MONTH to receive their games when it used to take me less than a week. Ugh.
And wow, Saturday Morning RPG is fetching THAT much? My brother is now considering selling his copy.