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GameStop will fund unique DLC, won't hinder creative process
GameStop CEO Paul Raines does not deny the company's plans to pay developers to create GameStop-exclusive content for their games, but he does point out that the retailer will not interfere with the artists, writers and designers building the core game content. "When you think about the business of gaming and the cost of developing games, we think there's an opportunity to put capital at risk with publishers and developers in exchange for exclusive content that would be distributed through our online platforms, in stores, our download business, et cetera," Raines explained to Time, before being asked about the immediate backlash against the idea of GameStop dictating a game's development once it's partially funding development. "I think we'd be foolish to tell developers how to develop games or publishers how to bring product to market. That's what they do extremely well. What we'll do well is put capital at risk and help distribute and connect with PowerUp Rewards customers." "I think the day you see us in the creative side is when you can tell me we've officially lost our minds," Raines added. [Image: Ubisoft]
Ellen Ripley leads Nostromo crew's return in Alien: Isolation's pre-order DLC
Sega revealed Sigourney Weaver and several members of the original Alien cast reunite in two missions from the upcoming Alien: Isolation. Temper your excitement, because Sega is making both missions pre-order bonuses, with one exclusive in the US to GameStop. Sega says all pre-orders come with the "Crew Expendable" mission, in which you can play as either Ellen Ripley, Dallas or Parker in the moments following Brett's protracted death in the film. Meanwhile, the GameStop pre-order mission is "Last Survivor," in which players as Ripley try to escape the Nostromo by boarding the Narcissus shuttle.
GameStop may seek exclusive content during a game's development
GameStop is contemplating taking a greater interest in games during their development in order to secure exclusive content. Colin Sebastian of investment firm R.W. Baird recently discussed GameStop's future with the retailer, then told investors in a note that GameStop "indicated that software publishers are more enthusiastic about partnering with it." For example, publishers may offer "exclusive content on each major game release," and in longer terms, "future models may include GameStop offering exclusive gameplay" for games. While GameStop already secures exclusive content for some major releases, this means the retailer may involve itself earlier in the development process than usual. As Sebastian clarified to GamesBeat, the retailer would be "getting involved at the time of game development where there could be some content exclusive to [the retailer] included in the game." GameStop spokesperson Jackie Smith also added that the company is working with development partners "to get both physical and digital exclusives for our customers." [Image: GameStop]
GameStop wants to offer exclusive content with its preorder titles
We're guessing a few of you don't mind preordering the latest triple-A game to ensure you get your hands on it on release day, but (ignoring the whole digital distribution thing) it's increasingly rare for game stores to sell out of predictable hit titles. Now GameStop's looking to convolute add value to its preorder offering, according to a recent meeting with investment company RW Baird. "Software publishers [indicated that they] are more enthusiastic about partnering with [GameStop]... For example, by offering exclusive content on each major game release, and longer term, future models may include GameStop offering exclusive gameplay." In GamesBeat's report, analyst Colin Sebastian said that the retailer was musing on "getting involved at the time of game development" with the intention of adding exclusive content inside big releases. Worse case scenario: the exclusive GameStop shotgun and a load of Stan Lee skins. Best case? We're taking suggestions.
NHL 15 checks first screenshot, pre-order bonuses
EA Sports offered a first still image of the next entry in its hockey series today, NHL 15, spotlighting San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton in striking detail. The game was announced near the beginning of May as the first in the series for next-gen systems, and will include character models with three layers that behave independently: the athlete's body, their equipment and their jerseys. Thornton's jersey certainly seems to be wrapping well to his pads in the screenshot. EA also recently announced the game's retailer-specific pre-order bonuses. Those heavily invested in the game's Ultimate Team mode will want to pre-order their copy through either EB Games or GameStop, as they will receive $24 in Hockey Ultimate Team gold-level card packs, amounting to one pack per week for 24 weeks. All other retailers will include a similar offer, though limited to $15 in Ultimate Team card packs instead. NHL 15 will launch this fall for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3. [Image: EA Sports]
GameStop sees increased Xbox One interest following price drop reveal
GameStop President Tony Bartel noted an increased interest for Microsoft's Xbox One following the hardware manufacturer's recent decision to change course and package the console without the Kinect camera peripheral. "I definitely think we're already seeing in our stores with our reservation program as well as the dialog to Power-Up Rewards that there's a stronger demand as a result of the price drop," Bartel said during the company's earnings call this week. Microsoft announced that it will begin selling the Xbox One without the Kinect last week. The dis-Kinected console will hit retail on June 9 for $399 in North America and £349 in the UK. Following the news, GameStop began offering special trade-in prices for Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles in exchange for in-store credit towards the cheaper Xbox One. Microsoft also revealed that it will no longer keep media streaming app like Netflix and Hulu Plus behind its Xbox Live paywall, though it confirmed to Joystiq that free-to-play and subscription-based games such as The Elder Scrolls Online would still require the paid Xbox Live subscription to play. "The good news for us is it sells more units. We'll sell a lot more units, because like we shared earlier, we're driving a lot of the growth, and that means there will be more [Xbox One] units out there to put software on," Bartel added. GameStop reported total global sales of $2 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (ending May 3, 2014), which amounted to a seven percent increase year-over-year. [Image: GameStop]
GameStop nabs exclusive pre-order content for Evolve
Customers who pre-order Turtle Rock Studios' competitive shooter Evolve at GameStop will receive an array of exclusive in-game content at launch, the retailer announced today. GameStop's pre-order bundle includes exclusive skins for Markov's Lightning Gun, Maggie's Machine Pistol, Hank's Laser Cutter, and Val's Anti-Material Rifle, along with a Monster Expansion Pack that adds the Savage Goliath skin and a post-launch monster character. The offer applies to the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC versions of the game. Evolve will hit retail on October 21. You can check out our video preview here. [Image: 2K / GameStop]
GameStop offers trade-in specials for pre-orders of $400, Kinect-less Xbox One
Did the news of an Xbox One sans Kinect convince you that now is the time to jump on Microsoft's wagon? If so, GameStop is ready to accept you with open arms - arms that are attached to hands, which in turn will offer you a pre-order of a Kinect-free Xbox One in exchange for your money and games. Online, you can reserve your copy of an Xbox One without Kinect for $399.99. If you need a little extra helping hand financially, you can trade in an original or 4GB Xbox 360 or 12GB PS3 and receive $75 in store credit. Trade in a 360 with 250GB or more of storage or a PS3 with 20GB or larger hard drive and you'll receive $125. PowerUp Pro members receive an additional $10. Those so inclined to travel outside (though why would you do that - the sun is out there) can also head to their local store to pre-order. We called several GameStops across the country and were told the minimum deposit for the console-only Xbox One package is $100. [Image: Microsoft]
Mario Kart 8 test drive days at GameStop this weekend
Want to test drive Mario Kart 8? Better yet, wanna test drive a Wii U? GameStop will have playable demos of the game at 2,700 retail locations in the States between 12-4PM on May 17 and 18 (this weekend). Those who show up at the dealership for the test drive and decide to pre-order the game will receive a double-sided poster. Specific locations for the event can be found on the GameStop site. The game will race into retail and the Nintendo eShop on May 30.
GameStop to run Make-A-Wish donation program in May
GameStop will host a Make-A-Wish donation program in its stores from May 1 to May 31, prompting customers to donate $1 or more in addition to their purchases. All proceeds in GameStop's donation program go directly to Make-A-Wish. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses in the United States, with an average of one wish granted every 38 minutes. "Wish experiences can be game-changers for both the children and their families, helping wish kids feel better mentally, and in some cases, even get better physically," Make-A-Wish American CEO David Williams said. "We are thankful for the generous support of GameStop." GameStop hopes to raise $100,000 for Make-A-Wish in May. [Image: GameStop]
GameStop to close 120 stores, increase focus on mobile
GameStop intends to close 120 video game retail stores in the current fiscal year as part of its "GameStop 3.0" initiative, the company announced at its 2014 Investor Day event this week. Its plan to scale back gaming operations involves a bigger push into the mobile space, as it will open between 200 and 250 Spring Mobile stores, 20 to 25 Simply Mac locations and 100 to 150 Cricket stores, more than doubling all three retail efforts. The plan to shut down 120 gaming retail locations was first revealed last month in GameStop's guidance for the 2014 year during its fiscal 2013 financial results announcement. The number of stores it expected to close wasn't clear at the time; GameStop noted plans to shutter approximately two percent of its 6,600 stores, amounting to a reduction of roughly 132 stores. We've reached out to GameStop to find out which locations will close in the coming year and will update as we learn more. [Image: GameStop]
GameStop Easter Weekend sale offers 'Buy 2, Get 1 Free' on used games under $20
GameStop is celebrating spring with an Easter Weekend event, offering a "buy 2 get 1" on a select stock of used games. The promotion begins today at all GameStop retail locations across the United States and online. The deal comes with certain stipulations, however: only games priced under $20 are eligible, with the free title coming at equal or lesser value. Though the promotion undoubtedly means PS4 and Xbox One titles are off the table, previous generation software is up for grabs. According to GameStop, the company "has recently reduced a large percentage of games from the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 libraries to $20 or less." The promotion ends on Sunday, April 20. [Image: GameStop]
Watch Dogs season pass features campaign missions, new playable character
Ubisoft's Watch Dogs has a season pass listed on GameStop's site for $20. According to the description, the season pass will save hacktivists 30 percent from buying each of the items a la carte. The season pass includes a "unique Single Player campaign" with a new playable character, along with more missions and weapons. PC players can check out the recently announced specs here. The game will download and corrupt the status quo retail on May 27.
GameStop announces MLB 14: The Show trade-up program
Baseball fans eager to get their hands on Sony's MLB 14: The Show prior to its PlayStation 4 debut can start their seasons early thanks to a GameStop trade-up program that allows early adopters to exchange a used PlayStation 3 version of the game for a PS4 edition at launch. Starting next month, PowerUp Rewards members can bring a used PlayStation 3 copy of MLB 14: The Show to any GameStop retail location and trade it for the game's PlayStation 4 edition for just $19.99. GameStop further sweetens the deal with a pre-order incentive, giving PS4 players $20 worth of in-game "stubs" currency. MLB 14: The Show is out now for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. The PlayStation 4 edition launches May 6. [Image: Sony]
Joystiq Weekly: Facebook buys Oculus VR, Bioshock Infinite DLC review, GDC videos and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. If GDC and this past week has taught us anything, it's that almost no one's happy with the present state of reality. Virtual reality headset Oculus Rift now has a pretty cushion-y parent company, the comparable Project Morpheus potentially has Sony's developers behind it, and Microsoft might be toying with their own ideas for augmented reality. The common consensus seems to be "let's reach the future, even if it means strapping displays to our faces." We're starting to wonder what Nintendo's non-wearable health technology is going to look like. If it's not something to block out our primary reality, and if it's planned to launch through Nintendo's fiscal year of 2016, will it be something to supplement devices we already own? Maybe we'll face a line of AdventureTrek treadmills, where we run and jump our way through iconic Nintendo universes. Maybe it will involve a Pokemon MMO played with pedometer devices like the Pokemon Pikachu, with dungeon raids consisting of a dozen people throwing their devices into dryers for the best possible attack speed. Or maybe neither of those ideas! Because they're garbage. What isn't garbage is the slew of news, reviews and original content we've lined up for you in this week's Joystiq Weekly. Even if you don't care about VR, there's news of a legal tussle between 3D Realms and Gearbox over Duke Nukem, a hint of The Last Of Us reaching the PS4 and a review of Bioshock Infinite's Burial at Sea Episode Two. There's also video features from GDC for Fantasia: Music Evolved, Goat Simulator and Videoball, in case you like moving pictures with your words. We've summarized all that and more for you to delve into after the break!
GameStop's 'peach pink' 2DS comes with a Disney case that's bibbidy bobbidy boo
Unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings - don't you dare close your eyes! GameStop has an exclusive "peach pink" 2DS that comes with a Disney Magical World carry case, and it's launching alongside the 3DS game in North America on April 11. The carrying case is free with the $130 handheld, but you'll have to stump up the cash to buy the game on top because it's sold separately - the thought of getting that carrying case without the game is almost more tear-inducing than the ending to Toy Story 3. [Image: GameStop]
Next-gen consoles to thank for GameStop's record-breaking sales year
GameStop has the new consoles to thank for the retail juggernaut's record-breaking sales year. Total global sales reached $9.04 billion, a 1.7 increase from the previous bar-setter in 2011. The company saw a profit of $354.2 million, slamming the teeter-totter back from last year's $269.7 million loss. Sales were driven by the 29.7 percent increase in new video game hardware sales from "the launches of Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4." "The launch of new consoles in 2013 marked the return of innovation to the video game category and GameStop's market share increased to an all-time high. Our emerging digital and mobile businesses, which did not exist three years ago, surpassed $1 billion of revenue," said GameStop CEO Paul Raines. In its guidance for the 2014 year, GameStop plans to increase profits, but will close approximately two percent of its stores. The company currently states it operates over 6,600 locations, which would be a reduction of around 132 stores. Update: GameStop's financial also mentions the closure of Spawn Labs, the company's streaming service that never really got flowing. [Image: Shutterstock]
GameStop celebrates Disney Infinity Day with price drops, Phineas and Ferb debut
Saturday, March 15, is Disney Infinity Day at GameStop, and the retailer plans to celebrate with a round of price drops accompanying the debut of the game's final two playable character figurines. Disney Infinity's Phineas and Ferb Toy Box Set will be available exclusively at GameStop this Saturday, introducing Phineas and Agent P as playable characters and adding series-themed items, buildings, and backgrounds to the game's sandbox-style Toy Box component. A wider retail release for the set and individual figurines will follow on April 1. Customers who purchase the Phineas and Ferb Toy Box Set at GameStop this weekend will receive a code for a downloadable Phineas and Ferb mini-comic, along with a free Disney Infinity poster, while supplies last. Disney Infinity fans will also get the chance to complete their collections for cheap, as GameStop is offering a buy two get one free sale on individual character packs, along with a 50 percent discount on all play sets and accessories. [Image: Disney / GameStop]
GameStop raises price of PS4 Camera as supplies dwindle
GameStop has raised the price of the PlayStation 4's Camera peripheral, seemingly in response to supply shortages across multiple retailers. Available at the PlayStation 4's launch last year for $59.99, GameStop now lists the accessory at $69.99. Retailers Best Buy, NewEgg, and Target report that the item is currently out of stock. Amazon has also exhausted its supply, leading to third-party resellers listing the peripheral at $99 or more. The PlayStation 4 Camera enables voice-controlled navigation, and allows players to stream live video footage via Twitch during gameplay. Sony's free PS4 application The Playroom requires the peripheral to function. Speaking to Polygon, a Sony representative declined to comment on a speculated shortage, but confirmed that the PS4 Camera is in high demand. "While we do not comment on the sales figures, shipment or monthly production quantity, PlayStation Camera remains in high demand, and we've been pleased with the camera's popularity among PlayStation 4 owners," the spokesperson said. "We continue to control our production according to market demand and increase the production as necessary to meet the needs." We've reached out to GameStop for comment regarding the price increase, and await a response. [Image: Sony]
GameStop UK pitches Titanfall Xbox One bundle at £370
GameStop's UK branch is selling the newly announced Titanfall Xbox One bundle at £370 (around $617), some £30 less than the suggested £400 tag ($667). In effect, GameStop is doubling the difference of Microsoft's suggested price drop - the company launched the console at £430 in the UK. GameStop has precedence here; it's also been selling the PS4 at £330, which is £20 less than the system's recommended price in the UK. Other major retailers like Amazon, GAME, Zavvi, and ShopTo are selling the Titanfall bundle at the suggested £400. The Titanfall bundle hits the UK alongside Respawn's shooter on March 14. North America boards the meteor-like mechs a few days earlier on March 11, but the Xbox One price drop remains limited to the sovereign isle, where it'll go into effect on Friday, February 28. [Image: Microsoft]
