GameStop Opening Boxed Copies of Deus Ex, Removing Free Game Coupons
by Craig Getting on August 24, 2011 11:18 PM ESTPC gamers hoping to snag a free OnLive copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution with their boxed copy should steer clear of GameStop. The retailing giant recently instructed its employees to remove coupons for a free OnLive version of Deus Ex from all of their stock, according to a leaked internal memo (seen above via OnLive Spot).
In an effort to explain, GameStop issued a statement on its Facebook page: “GameStop’s policy is that we do not promote competitive services without a formal partnership. Square Enix packed a competitor’s coupon within the PC version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution without our prior knowledge and we did pull these coupons.” Sometime after issuing this statement, Gamestop decided to sidestep the issue entirely and stop selling Deus Ex.
“Formal partnership” or no, GameStop simply may not be comfortable promoting an online competitor, especially after GameStop’s move into digital distribution with its purchase of Impulse and Spawn Labs this past March.
We'll have to see whether the Deus Ex incident is repeated in the future - Gamestop had no problem selling the PS3 version of Portal 2, even though that game also included a code to download the PC version at no cost from Steam. OnLive told Joystiq that this pack-in offer won’t be the last of its kind. “You can think of this as cloud game meets physical media 1.0," said CEO Steve Perlman.
Unfortunately for OnLive, there may not be another version if they can’t convince large chains like GameStop to climb aboard their cloud gaming bandwagon.
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arcanemagus - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
This article makes sense... until you get to the last sentence. The problem is that GameStop now has a competing service to OnLive, whereas they didn't when Portal 2 was released. Now that they have a business interest in it they are being silly and denying customers what they want.OnLive doesn't have an issue getting "large chains" to accept it, they have the problem of trying to get competitors to sell their product, something else entirely.
Andrew.a.cunningham - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
From what I can see, GS bought Impulse in late March/early April, a few weeks before Portal 2 came out.NewBro - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
In an effort to explain, GameSpot....... Gamestop??SmCaudata - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
This is already a Steam game. My Impulse copy uses Steam to play and updates through Steam. Even without Onlive they are "supporting" a 's digital distribution service.This reaction by Gamestop would be like Amazon refusing to sell Blurays that have a code for a download version because they also have a digital distribution.
The fact is that Onlive service is unique and new. It is not a competitor. Gamestop is being ridiculous.
The fact is, most people who buy PC software in store likely wouldn't use Onlive anyway. Again, stupid...
piiman - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
Its more like stealing. They have no right to open boxes and remove content, How would they like it if I went to the store and took stuff out of the boxes?ypsylon - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
To stay away from GameStop. Since Impulse was taken over by GS, I stopped completely using that service. I hate Steam even more with it ridiculous system. Only GamersGate left. At least those guys understand what most of players want, and support is second to none!GS is perfect example of what I call IT-Stalinism. Motto is: you will receive only what we think is necessary for you, you will use it as we see fit, you will buy stuff only which we see as a worthwhile of buying. Competitor products will never be supported.
Of course it is not only GS, also Apple is perfect example!
piiman - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
whats ridiculous about Steams system?Spivonious - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
I don't understand the Steam hate. It lets me buy games and not worry about keeping the CDs around or having to look for Cd keys when I install. What's wrong with that?albundy2 - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
so will they be selling these games as used? since they opened the package, removed and discarded some of the contents.LordanSS - Thursday, August 25, 2011 - link
I am not aware of the US' customer protection laws... if the OnLive coupon is specified on the box, isn't the customer entitled to that (since he's paying for... the boxed game, with it's advertised contents)?