Sometimes, GameStop does things we don’t exactly understand. Like recently, the store decided to sell used retro games again. It’s an interesting move, but also out of nowhere. There was the GameStop credit card too, which was a super bad idea due to the interest rates. Now, the company has decided to stop selling console bundles that have digital games in them. This one is another mistake, and it could be the biggest one the company has made.
It’s an understandable choice. Not an intelligent one, mind you, but someone could see why GameStop decided to not sell console bundles that have digital games. After all, the company is in this thing to make money. Part of that is selling physical copies. Why? Because then people might decide to come back, sell GameStop their old games, which could then be resold at a profit. Bundles with digital games removes that final step.
But this move will lose GameStop money in the long run. After all, console bundles are big money. A handheld bundle is going to be about $149.99, and a console bundle will come in at least $299.99. That’s big money, with the profit going into GameStop’s pockets. By suddenly saying, “No, we don’t want the money that would come from a $300 sale,” the company is making a huge mistake.
Especially since such bundles are going to bring in customers who want to buy more games. Someone buying a bundle is getting that system for the first time. While the games included with it are a draw, they might want another one or two. Especially at a place like GameStop, with lower-priced used games. By not carrying certain bundles just because they have digital games, GameStop could be missing out on complementary purchases.
Besides, the move is hypocritical. GameStop itself sells codes for some digital games and DLC. It also offers various eShop, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam, Google Play, and iTunes gift cards. If they’re willing to make money off of downloads that way, then objecting to a code in a console makes no sense.
GameStop is a weird company. Some of the practices are super odd. But hey, maybe the people in the corporate offices will realize not selling bundles with digital games is a bad idea before the holiday shopping season begins.