For the Ranters that prefer to save a few bucks and purchase their video games used, it looks like another major retailing chain is going to be joining the ranks of brick and mortar stores that seriously offer pre-owned product. According to Colin Sebastian, an analyst at the Lazard Capital Market group, Walmart is going to get serious about making used games available in stores as an option for their customers.
GameStop undoubtedly comes to mind first when thinking about where to get used games, but other well known retail chains have been dipping their feet in the used market for a while now. Toys ‘R Us, Target, and Best Buy are all experimenting, and Walmart is eager to get a piece of the pie. Mr. Sebastian spoke with Industry Gamers about the iconic department store’s interest in the used market:
Back in February, the method of offering used games in kiosks was put to a halt in big box retailers. Colin continues, explaining that while Walmart will be focusing on used games, they don’t want to directly compete with GameStop, at least for now.
There’s been quite a fabled argument amongst those in the industry and gamers alike about the importance of used games and the effect the sales have. Some believe it hurts the publisher as they aren’t seeing profit from used game sales, and others simply believe sales of used games have no effect on the publishers whatsoever. Only time will tell who’s wrong and who’s right, but one thing is for certain: if the barrier of entry to play games is lowered, then more people are playing more games - and that’s a good thing. This hobby is too fun to not share with friends and family.
Do you agree, Ranters? Do you buy a lot of used games, or do you buy new? Will Walmart find success in their latest effort? Sound off in comments section, you know you want to.
Source: Industry Gamers
