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Kongregate CEO to step down
Jim Greer is stepping down as Kongregate's CEO, he announced in a forum post on the indie game portal's website. His sister Emily Greer will become the site's CEO, and Jim will stay with the site "half time" while also launching a non-profit political action group, according to Gamasutra. The change will go into effect on February 28. Kongregate is host to thousands of games, both downloadable and browser-based, and also has its own in-house game development team. The gaming portal was acquired by GameStop in July 2010. GameStop established a $10 million mobile game fund for Kongregate earlier this month. [Image: Kongregate]
GameStop gets PS4s back in stock, get em while they're hot
GameStop wants you to know that PlayStation 4, the cumulative leader in the next-gen console war, is back in stock in US stores. The company sent out a PR blast this morning that it has been working with Sony to receive weekly shipments of the console. "We have been working closely with Sony to replenish our inventory levels of the PS4 as quickly as possible to ensure the many customers still looking to purchase one are able to do so," said Senior Merchant Darron Nielsen of GameStop. As always, it's best to call ahead about availability before heading to your local store. [Image: step-on-off via Shutterstock]
GameStop weekend sale drops Batman: AO, Assassin's Creed 4 prices
Still catching up on last year's releases? GameStop's looking to help you out with a handful of weekend-long price drops on Batman: Arkham Origins, Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag, and other standout games released at the tail end of 2013. Starting today and ending Sunday, shoppers can pick up the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and PC versions of Assassin's Creed 4 for $29.99 each. Batman: Arkham Origins gets a little cheaper at $49.99 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 ports, while the Wii U version drops to $39.99. The 3DS and PS Vita-exclusive spinoff Batman Arkham Origins: Blackgate is up for grabs at $29.99. Other sale highlights include Just Dance 2014 ($29.99), the DLC-bundled Injustice: Gods Among Us - Ultimate Edition ($49.99), and the 3DS and Vita versions of Lego Marvel Superheroes ($29.99).
GameStop holiday sales hit new high of $3.15 billion
GameStop reported $3.15 billion in global sales for the nine-week holiday period ending January 4, 2014. Forgetting about last year's decline, the company compared the latest result to the record-breaking 2012 holiday season of $3.02 billion, which would be an increase of 9.3 percent. "Building off this momentum, we are in an excellent position to drive the global adoption of the next generation of new video game products in 2014," said CEO Paul Raines. "During this transitional console period, strong sales of next generation software were offset by a greater than expected decline in Xbox 360 and PS3 software sales resulting in a 22.5 percent decline in the new software category." "Based on these results, GameStop now expects its fourth quarter and full year 2013 same store sales to be at the high end of the current guidance range," added Chief Financial Officer Rob Lloyd. GameStop had $1 billion in new hardware sales this holiday compared to $524 million in 2012, but as noted by Raines, new software went from $1.39 billion in 2012 to $1.09 this past year. Used games sales remained relatively constant at 18 percent of the holiday business, elevating slightly from $530 to $567.3 million from 2012 to 2014, respectively.
GameStop rings in the new year with savings on GTA 5, more
Did you make it through the holidays with some spare cash? Well, GameStop wants it, and kicked off a new sale to celebrate the new year to get it. The retailer's deals, which stretch from January 3 to January 5, include $50 savings on both the Wii U Skylanders console bundle ($249.99) and the 250 GB Xbox 360 Holiday console bundle, which includes both Halo 4 and Tomb Raider for $249.99. The games on sale for the next few days, some of which carry over from GameStop's last sale, are as follows: Grand Theft Auto 5 and NBA 2K14 for $39.99 each, Gears of War: Judgment ($19.99), the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Lego Marvel Super Heroes for $49.99 and Wii U, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions for $39.99 as well as the 3DS version of Angry Birds: Star Wars for $19.99 and the DS, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions for $29.99.
Correction: GameStop's Black Friday deals
Earlier this month, we reported a rumor regarding GameStop's Black Friday deals, via a leaked Black Friday ad. As with all rumored information, this was not set in stone -- and now we've got the real deal: GameStop will not be selling 60 day game cards for $5 on Black Friday. We've verified this information with a source, and we're confident of the source's information. Those of you hoping to fill your pockets with cheap game time cards can save your money -- or you can cash in on GameStop's real Black Friday deals, which are still pretty good when it comes to WoW. Mists of Pandaria will be on sale for $9.99, and it comes with a free 60-day game card. In addition, StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm and Wings of Liberty will be on sale for $19.99 each, and purchasing either of those will net you a 60 day game card. The World of Warcraft Battle Chest will be on sale for $4.99, but it does not include a game time card with the purchase. For those looking to get started with WoW, this does come out to a pretty good deal -- you can get the Battle Chest and Mists of Pandaria for $15, and get a 60 day game time card free as part of the purchase. Or if you happen to have a friend interested in StarCraft, you can pick up the game for them, and keep the WoW game time for yourself. GameStop's Black Friday ad should be available on their website soon -- those looking for the official ad can visit their official Black Friday page and sign up to be notified once the ad itself goes live.
Console bundles, Battlefield 4 highlight GameStop's Black Friday preview
GameStop isn't quite ready to reveal its full swath of Black Friday deals, but the company has offered a preview including discounted consoles, cheap recent hits, and a sale on all used games. On Black Friday, if you walk into a GameStop (and aren't crushed by an unruly mob), you'll find a 250GB Xbox 360 with Halo 4 and Tomb Raider priced at $200. Sharing that price tag is a PlayStation 3 bundle which includes a 250GB console as well as copies of Batman: Arkham Origins and The Last of Us. If you already have one of these consoles, GameStop is also offering big discounts on two recent games: Just Dance 4 will be available for $15, while Battlefield 4 will feature a $25 price tag. If you'd prefer something a bit more dated, however, GameStop is also planning a "buy two, get one free" deal on all used games in the store. The discounts listed above are only the highlights of GameStop's Black Friday deals. The retailer has yet to publicly release its ad, though the store does offer a site where interested consumers can sign up to receive the ad just as soon as it's ready to debut. While GameStop will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, the store will reopen on 12:01AM, Black Friday. Most likely this means that you'll need to visit your local store as early as possible to ensure savings, but those who'd rather sleep in can instead sign up to be notified when GameStop issues its forthcoming Cyber Monday ad.
GameStop: One third of PS Plus subscriptions sold came from PS4 launch week
One third of all PlayStation Plus subscriptions sold by GameStop in its lifetime came in the week of the PlayStation 4's launch, GameStop President Tony Bartel revealed during the retailer's third quarter earnings call. GameStop reported an 8.6 percent increase in its digital sales for the quarter, contributing to its overall 18.8 percent sales increase. Likewise, the retailer sold through its reservations and some additional allocated PS4 units during the week. Bartel said that "when you look at all of the PlayStation Plus subscriptions that we've sold in our lifetime as a company, we've been selling them for years, a full one-third of all subscriptions we've sold in our lifetime were sold in the last seven days at GameStop." The retailer began selling PSN content in its stores in November 2010, when it started offering PS Plus subscriptions and download codes for games and add-on content. GameStop pointed out during the investor call that the PlayStation Network is a big part of Sony's future, and the company plans to continue being a part of that. "We're working very closely with Sony to make sure that we partner with them and we're giving them the consumer feedback and working closely to make sure we have a great product there," Bartel said. It's unknown how much of an impact Sony's launch day deal had on subscription sales for GameStop for the week, in which players that purchased a year subscription to PlayStation Plus received $10 in PSN store credit. The deal was good through Best Buy and Newegg as well.
GameStop sells through PS4 allocation, 2.3 million people on 'first to know' list [Update]
GameStop has sold through all of its PS4 reservations and some additional allocated consoles it received from Sony, the retailer announced during its third quarter earnings call. GameStop President Tony Bartel added that the company has "over 2.3 million customers on the 'first to know' list, which indicates continued demand for months to come" for Sony's console. "Although we won't reveal the total amount of units for competitive reasons, our share was higher than on any previous console launch, and our sell-through since launch was 80 percent higher than the total amount of PS3s that we sold in our 2006 fiscal year," Bartel said. Bartel corroborated Sony Computer Entertainment of America CEO Jack Tretton's recent projection that the PS4 would sell 3 million units in North America by the end of the year, noting that GameStop expects "to sell a large portion of that." In regards to projections for Xbox One sales, which launched today, Bartel said "the value of our reservations and the additional allocation is 15 percent higher than the amount of Xbox 360s that we sold during our entire 2005 fiscal year. So we are poised for a powerful launch." Update: As a clarification, GameStop has informed Joystiq that the 2.3 million people on its 'first to know' list is for PS4 and Xbox One customers combined, not just the former.
GameStop sales up 18.8 percent, owing primarily to GTA, Nintendo handhelds
The third quarter of the financial year was a profitable one for GameStop, with sales jumping 18.8% to $2.11 billion and net earnings increasing by 45.3% over the prior year. Key to this growth was the release of Grand Theft Auto 5, a game we awarded 4.5/5 stars. According to GameStop's latest financial report, new software sales increased by 43.1% during the quarter. Hardware sales are likewise up, with the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS handhelds cited as the impetus for a 15.3% gain over last year. The one dark spot in GameSpot's financial report is a quick note that pre-owned game sales fell by 2%. This however is handily offset by the gains of GameStop's mobile and digital sales, which are up 14.4% and 8.6%, respectively. Riding these gains into the next-generation of gaming consoles, GameStop is confident in its position. "Our strong third quarter sales results give us great momentum as we enter the new console cycle," stated CEO Paul Raines. "Consumer appetite for the new consoles is very strong judging by last week's successful PS4 launch and the excitement for tonight's Xbox One launch event. Globally, we are executing our unique playbook to maximize our position of strength."
GameStop offering 60-day game cards for $5 on Black Friday
Black Friday (November 29th), the traditional beginning of the holiday shopping season, is always packed with sales to lure us away from our computers and into shopping centers. This year's deals at GameStop are particularly tempting for WoW-players -- or those that want to become WoW players. On offer are the World of Warcraft Battle Chest (which includes expansions up to Cataclysm) for $5, Mists of Pandaria for $10, and a 60-day game time card for $5. The former offers are a great deal for anyone looking to get friends into WoW, but the latter is a great deal for any active player -- even if you don't usually use game time cards, the appeal of getting $30 worth of gameplay for $5 is definitely high. Bear in mind, however, that this information is coming from a leaked Black Friday ad on the site BlackFriday.com and could still change -- so you may want to wait for an official announcement from GameStop before you start camping out in front of your local shop. Editors note: Gamestop will not be selling $5 game time cards on Black Friday. For the correct information, please visit our updated post.
Buy PS4 with a year of PS Plus tomorrow, get $10 to spend on PSN
If you're among those buying Sony's brand new home console tomorrow and know you will buy-in on PlayStation Plus for a lengthy period of time, then Sony wants to give you more PSN credit. Those that pick up a brand new PS4 and a year-long subscription to PlayStation Plus tomorrow will receive a $10 PlayStation Store voucher. The $10 coupon is separate from the one packaged with the system, which accompanies a 30-day trial of PlayStation Plus. The deal is only good at physical GameStop and Best Buy locations as well as online through Newegg and is only valid tomorrow, the day the PlayStation 4 is no longer a hunk of hardware you can only read about, but one you get to hold. If you haven't done enough reading about it though, we have plenty of information to prepare you to be a PS4 owner, including our review of the hardware itself.
GameStick delayed once again, will now compete with PS4 on launch day
If patience is a learned skill, than fans of PlayJams' GameStick are certainly masters of the virtue: the diminutive Android Console has been delayed again. According to a GameStick representative, the Kickstarter backed microconsole's launch (which was supposed to be today, by the way) was pushed back due to production and logistical delays. The new launch day, November 15th, pits the $80 console against the PlayStation 4. GameStick told us that it didn't plan to compete with Sony initially, but didn't want to delay the product any longer than necessary. It's a precarious position, to be sure, but the company seems optimistic. "Hey," the company joked with Engadget, "it's great to have a choice."
GameStop reopens Xbox One pre-orders, while supplies last
Those unable to secure an Xbox One for launch now have another shot, thanks to GameStop's decision to reopen its pre-order rolls on Microsoft's next console. From now until supplies run dry, GameStop will reserve an Xbox One for anyone willing to place a $100 down payment. The company claims that all players who pre-order this new batch of Xbox One consoles will be able to pick up their new machine at its November 22 launch. There is no word on how many consoles are available for pre-order, nor any information on how close the stock is to being depleted. While speed is going to be of the essence in securing a pre-order, where and how you place the order is up to you: GameStop is now accepting pre-orders both in its retail stores and on its website.
PS4 controller escapes into the Canadian wilderness, partly supports the PS3 (video)
The PlayStation 4 may not reach stores until November 15th, but that hasn't prevented the DualShock 4 from showing up early -- some Canadian Twitter users have spotted the controller at retail stores. While it's not clear that stores are allowed to sell the new DualShock, TheRugbyGodGamer claims that GameStop Canada is letting pre-order customers pick up their purchases. Those lucky few who score gamepads can use their prizes right away, at least. YouTube member Udetto has posted a video (after the break) that shows the DualShock 4 handling PS3 games that support USB input; it's only titles that insist on Bluetooth which aren't compatible. The experience won't compare to that of using the PS4 itself, but it may tide over gamers who can't stand waiting for the Sony console.
Report: Gamestop's Black Friday has exclusive bundles, blue PS3
Gamestop's Black Friday circular has supposedly leaked its thick, viscous deal-goo all over the internet, exposing the retail chain's plans for the most excruciating shopping day of the year – just don't expect any deals on that new PlayStation 4/Xbox One hotness. For everyone staying in this console generation, though, there's some cool stuff going on if you think leaving the house on Black Friday is worth it. You can have your choice of 250-gig PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 for $199.99, the former bundled with The Last of Us and Batman: Arkham Origins, and the latter bundled with Halo 4 and a download code for Tomb Raider. Meanwhile, a Gamestop-exclusive Azure Blue 250-gig PS3/Jak and Daxter Collection bundle can be had for $249.99. For 360 owners, there's also a Gamestop-exclusive Batman: Arkham Asylum and Arkham City boxed set, Dishonored and Splinter Cell: Blacklist at $24.99 each. PlayStation 3 owners can snag Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag for $40 and a year of PlayStation Plus for $29.99. The chain is also running a buy-2-get-1 free promotion on all pre-owned items, provided the free thing you pick out is of equal or lesser value. Gamestop is also granting an additional 30-percent in-store credit on all trade-ins, though whether these two offers stack is unknown. There's a lot of other stuff on sale, so while we check on the trade-in value of a human soul, click all up on this to check out the full 12-page circular for yourself.
Zelda edition Nintendo 3DS XL spotted in GameStop ad with $220 price
Americans wanting that flashy Zelda edition 3DS XL may not have to import a European model. If GottaDeal.com's leaked copy of GameStop's Black Friday flyer proves to be accurate, Nintendo's gold-colored handheld should be available in the US for $220. As overseas, stateside buyers would get both a Triforce-adorned 3DS XL and a download code for A Link Between Worlds. Nintendo hasn't confirmed an American launch, so don't plan your shopping trip just yet; we've reached out to the company for details. Should the Zelda bundle come to the US, though, it may satisfy gamers (and gift-givers) looking for a truly stand-out system this holiday.
Mists of Pandaria on sale for $19.99 at Amazon, Gamestop
Could you use a second copy of Mists of Pandaria? Do you know a friend who can? Right now, the latest World of Warcraft expansion is on sale at both Amazon and Gamestop for $19.99 -- not a bad price at all for the newest iteration of the game. And if you pick up the latest version of World of Warcraft on the Blizzard Store, the $20 program now includes the Cataclysm expansion. That nets you all expansions for $40, which is a pretty good deal as far as holiday gifts for gamer friends go. Speaking of which, this is also a really opportune and inexpensive way to get yourself set up for the newly revamped Recruit-A-Friend program that should be starting at some point hopefully in the near future. Remember, the new system will be rewarding tokens that can be traded in for a variety of different rewards, so it might just be worth snapping up the game now while it's still on sale. You can head to either Amazon or Gamestop to pick up your copy.
Report: Gamestop circular shows Zelda 3DS coming stateside
It's that time of year again, when caveman artifacts paper advertisements are once again relevant to our hyper-connected little corner of the world. Gamestop's Black Friday circular has purportedly leaked, containing within its pages confirmation that Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds-themed 3DS XL bundle will be available in the U.S for $219.99. Considering that the bundle (originally announced only for Europe) is headed to Australia exclusively through EB Games, we see no reason why it shouldn't/couldn't make it here in time for the annual post-Thanksgiving carnival of souls. We've reached out to Nintendo for official confirmation and will update with any new information we can scrounge up.
Sony: Try the PS4 at newly installed demo kiosks
Sony's got good news for those of you hoping to test out the PlayStation 4 prior to its launch: By visiting select retailers, players can try the PS4 right this very minute. According to Sony, these demo kiosks will be gradually rolled out over the coming weeks, leading up to the PS4 launch. Sony Stores, GameStop, Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy are most likely to receive kiosks first, though Sony claims that other retailers will also be participating. This means nothing to you if there's not a participating store in your area, but helpfully Sony has also issued a list of which stores now feature PS4 kiosks. If you visit Experience PlayStation and enter your zip code, you'll be presented with a map of all stores carrying PS4 demo stations within your area. The system seems to be a bit glitchy at the moment - according to Experience PlayStation, the PS4 kiosk nearest my apartment is supposedly inside "The Wood Doctor," a hardware store specializing in kitchen remodeling - but Sony has assured us that this is a temporary problem.
