With the release of Deus Ex this week, many people may have been asking themselves, where would be best location to buy this title? Well, for anyone considering buying the PC version, you may want to consider somewhere other than GameStop. A coupon for the new OnLive service was to be included in the actual box of the new installment to the Deus Ex franchise. Onlive, a new service which allows gamers to stream titles directly to their TV’s, PC’s, or mobile devices, was providing a coupon, to allow gamers to play Deus Ex for free over their new service, if a retail copy of the game was purchased. A nice gesture, and one we’ve seen before, with the release of Portal 2 (Purchasing the title for Ps3, came with a free digital copy for PC).
It seems however, with GameStop’s new invigorated push towards digital content, and distribution, this coupon is seen as direct competition with their franchise. Memos were leaked online from Josh Ivanoff, a Field Operations Manager with GameStop, stating ”Please immediately remove and discard the On Live coupon from all regular PC versions of Deus Ex: Human Revolution,…” This would require all retail copies of the title be opened, the coupon physically removed, and then sealed shut again. It is important to note, that this practice has been confirmed by GameStop spokesperson Beth Sharum.
It is also important to keep in mind that there may be many unknown factors that led to this decision. GameStop may have been unaware, and/or uninformed that this coupon was being placed inside when they made a decision to carry, and order the title for their stores. Had they had prior knowledge, the PC version of the title simply may not have been carried in stores to prevent such action in the first place. This would not be a surprising course of action, as it seems in most GameStop locations, PC titles do not make up a large portion of their sales.
We want to hear your thoughts on the matter, so make sure to leave us some comments, and let us know how you feel about this move.
***Update***
It has just been released that an internal memo was passed throughout GameStop, informing all employees to cease all sales of the PC version of Deus Ex immediately. GameStop was not made aware of the inclusion of this coupon prior to their order, therefore Squre Enix accepted the decision to recall the title, and is graciously taking back all copies ordered by GameStop. Due to a flurry of twitter posts and reports of upset gamers, vowing to never purchase a title from GameStop again, the gaming super giant decided to institute the recall. According to a memo to all employees, customers who had already purchased the game, and received no coupon, will be able to bring back the game with their receipt and attain a full refund. Any customers who had the title reserved for PC, but had not yet picked it up, fear not. Employees are to sell copies set aside in their back room strictly for reservation fulfillment, and should still have the coupons intact.
Whether this will affect the relationship between GameStop and Square Enix for future titles is unknown, but we’re curious to see what will happen. Feel free to leave your opinions, thoughts and concerns, as we would love to hear them!
wow…just wow.