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Pachter predicts 'solid' holiday for GameStop, industry sales 'rebound' in 2010

by David Hinkle { Jan 6th 2010 at 7:00PM }

In a recent sales projection sent to Joystiq centering around GameStop, everyone's favorite games analyst, Michael Pachter, offered some viewpoints on December sales for GameStop, taking care to also paint his own portrait on industry sales as a whole for 2010. He points to Modern Warfare 2 and hardware sales (thanks, price drops!) as top earners for GameStop.

Pachter is hopeful for 2010, expecting a full-on rebound in game sales starting January. He points to the great exodus of fourth quarter 2009 as a factor behind the increased game sales, with first quarter releases of Bioshock 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Army of Two: The 40th Day mentioned as expected top earners. He says this uptick in sales will benefit GameStop, which he surmises will have about 30 percent share of the software market in January -- something that will insulate against what he expects to be a year of gradual decline in Wii hardware sales.

GameStop giving $20 credit for your crummy presents

by Griffin McElroy { Dec 27th 2009 at 4:30PM }

Sorry, that headline is a bit misleading -- GameStop's not going to give you $20 store credit in exchange for that Family Matters-branded Snuggie. Rather, the retailer has an extensive list of good and terrible games you might have received this holiday season, which your local 'Stop will give you a Jackson's worth of credit for. The offer's running until January 10, so you've still got time to decide whether you can muster up the courage to ask Maw Maw for the gift receipt, or whether you should just cut your losses.

GameStop offers pre-order bonus for Divinity 2: Ego Draconis

by JC Fletcher { Dec 16th 2009 at 3:45PM }

Sadly, pre-ordering a copy of Divinity II: Ego Draconis from GameStop won't net you any divinity. Or any dragons, for that matter. What you do get for putting your money down on a copy of the Xbox 360 sequel to Divine Divinity is some exclusive in-game armor and armaments, representing the Blood Echelon, "a select lodge of elite Dragon Slayers who have earned the highest of distinctions on the battlefield."

Both online and in-store pre-orderers will be entitled to look like they're in the Blood Echelon when they freely roam around Divinity II's landscapes, reading minds. But only if they buy the Xbox version: the PC release does not list any bonus items. Divinity II will be available December 29.

GameStop weekly claims UFC Undisputed 2010 'coming May 25'

by Ben Gilbert { Dec 12th 2009 at 4:00PM }

The Spike VGAs this evening may very well reveal the first gameplay of upcoming MMA-er UFC Undisputed 2010, but the most recent GameStop weekly is dropping release date bombs on us well before tonight's festivities kickoff. According to the ad, the game will be grappling onto store shelves on May 25 and, as you might imagine, you're welcome to "pre-order now!"

While we're normally reticent to trust release dates from retailers as absolute truth, the prominence of this information among a weekly advertisement -- and the fact that the game is getting "World Premiere" treatment on tonight's award show -- puts some confidence in our normally skeptical perception of situations like this. Either way, we're likely to confirm this report's veracity when the VGAs roll this evening.

[Thanks Erik!]

GameStop: New game sales up 15 percent in Nov. 2009

by David Hinkle { Dec 11th 2009 at 5:15PM }

November was a good month for GameStop, as the retailer has announced sales for its new games were up 15 percent. We contacted GameStop to get some clarification on the vague 15 percent figure and VP Chris Olivera said this was compared to November 2008.

It's not that tough to gather how the company upped its profits. Aside from a massive used games sale, the company also offered some sweet Black Friday console bundles and a week-long sale on new games -- all of which managed to get folks in the store, spending cash.

GameStop offers chance to vote on Red Dead Redemption pre-order bonus

by JC Fletcher { Dec 8th 2009 at 9:32AM }

If you pre-order Red Dead Redemption from GameStop, you'll be able to start redeeming a bit early -- specifically, a code for an exclusive pre-order bonus. The retailer will offer customers the chance to vote on one of three in-game challenges that, when completed, will award players an in-game costume.

The hard-earned costume changes will have some unspecified effect on gameplay: according to Rockstar's announcement, "the outfit will uniquely affect how the surrounding world responds to the game's protagonist, John Marston." We don't know what any of the three choices are, but people would respond differently to a man in one of those inflatable sumo wrestler costumes. Just putting that out there. More information about the challenges and the outfits will be released in January.

Gallery: Red Dead Redemption (11-13-09)

GameStop lets you be the N64 Xmas kid

by Richard Mitchell { Dec 4th 2009 at 6:00PM }

While the above headline is true, you'll probably have to squint your eyes a bit to see it. You see, someone at GameStop had the particularly brilliant idea of making an application that can plaster your face directly over the famous (infamous?) Nintendo 64 kid. What kid, you ask? You know the one. Yeah, that one. Or, if you're like us, you can always use a picture of a cat. Apart from the video being holiday themed, we're not sure how the application will help GameStop sell games. But, then again, we don't really care. We just put a cat face on N64 Kid's face. What more could you want?

[Via GoNintendo]

GameStop beams down Star Trek Online Collector's Edition info (plus, new trailer!)

by David Hinkle { Dec 3rd 2009 at 4:30PM }

Klingons aren't the only thing in the galaxy you should fear, as your inner desire for paraphernalia and in-game items could push you over the edge to purchase the Star Trek Online Collector's Edition from GameStop. The online retailer details the $80 package as including a small, metal Communicator Badge, an in-game Red Matter Capacitor that gives all of your ships a little extra energy and exclusive Next Generation and Deep Space Nine uniforms for your crew. You'll also score some guest passes for a few friends and a deluxe, hardcover manual and requisite special packaging.

Above, you can check out a new trailer showing off some of the ship-based combat and, should you desire a look at the full Collector's Edition packaging, you can make it so by engaging past the break.

[Via Big Download]

Continued →

Get MGS 4, LittleBigPlanet, DJ Hero cheaper with Cyber Monday deals

by Justin McElroy { Nov 30th 2009 at 11:00AM }

Imagine how embarrassed we were when we found out what Cyber Monday actually referred to! Luckily, we learned our lesson in time to cruise the internet for savings, rather than ill-advised virtua-trysts.

Amazon's probably your first, best stop, with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 for $30, Metal Gear Solid 4 for $15 and more on the way. Amazon's also offering $20 in PSN credit with the purchase of qualifying PS3 games. Gamestop's putting out a good spread too, with $20 off LittleBigPlanet and $25 gift cards on plenty of games including Tony Hawk Ride and DJ Hero. The Guitar Hero Store has slashed prices on a ton of bundles. Quite a few retailers have discounts you can use for video games (or anything else you're buying) through Google Checkout as well.

Spot any good sales? Let us know in the comments.

[Update 1: GamersGate has posted its deals.]

[Via CheapAssGamer]

12-year-old Make-A-Wisher designs GameStop's holiday gift card

by Ben Gilbert { Nov 25th 2009 at 7:00PM }

Rather than choosing something selfish like the opportunity to ride Donald Trump like a pony or a trip around the Moon with the original Apollo 11 astronauts, 12-year-old Make-A-Wish Foundation wish recipient Emily Adkins instead chose to give back to the foundation. In designing the Holiday 2009 GameStop gift card, Adkins secured $1 per card purchased (up to $100k) for the Make-A-Wish coffers.

Though the design will be featured amongst other gift cards this year, GameStop is offering the donation deal across all card designs. Any gift cards purchased from now until December 26 will go towards the donations, though none of the proceeds will bring Emily any closer to riding Donald Trump like a pony. Isn't that just a crime?

Black Friday Video Game Deals Hub

by James Ransom-Wiley { Nov 25th 2009 at 3:00PM }

We wish it didn't have to be like this. But it is. Gorged, bloated and possessed by the lure of unbeatable savings, you will scratch and claw your way through masses of equally frenzied shoppers. There, in the dim light of dawn, you will forsake all that was sacred of the Thanksgiving, and take what's yours -- for an awfully good price. So then, let us be your guide.

We've scoured the Black Friday circulars of nationwide retailers and singled out the video game deals in the guides below. Just click on a retailer to view:

Head past the break for additional tips!

Continued →

GameStop's Black Friday bundles are delectable

by Justin McElroy { Nov 25th 2009 at 12:00PM }

First off, we just want to apologize in advance if this post is the catalyst that forces you to wake up at 3 a.m. on Friday morning. Sincerely, we're sorry. But we just thought you'd want to know that GameStop will be offering some mighty tasty console bundles from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving. For $300, you'll be able to pick up an Elite 360 with Pure, Lego Batman and your choice of Bakugan or Call of Duty 4, which is sort of like Sophie's Choice, if Sophie had to choose between eating delicious pie or a rusty folding chair. Those same three Benjamins will also net you a 120 GB PS3 Slim with LittleBigPlanet and the God of War collection.

Now, keep in mind that our friend Cheapy D says you'll probably be just as well served getting Black Friday deals from an online retailer like Amazon. We know, we normally don't trust bald people either, but you don't have to wake up before the paperboy this way. We think the choice is pretty clear.

Check out Joystiq's Black Friday Game Deals Hub or jump to a retailer guide below:

For more Black Friday coverage, check out Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday Sales,
And other Black Friday 2009 stories today from Walletpop.com

GameStop 'Buy 2, Get 1 Free' used game sale starts tomorrow

by Justin McElroy { Nov 24th 2009 at 8:00PM }

You've probably got a ton of brand new games you want to purchase, but with Christmas just around the corner, the available funds to buy things for yourself are likely dwindling. Tomorrow through Sunday, GameStop's got a helpful solution: A Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale on all used games. The sale is both in-store and online, though you'll need to use code B2G1FREE, along with SAVER to get free shipping on $25-plus orders.

Just so there's no confusion, we're not suggesting that you buy used games for yourself to save money, far from it. We just can't help but think how much extra cash you'd have left for Assassin's Creed 2 if you got everyone on your list a second-hand copy of Wheelman.

[Via CheapCollegeGamers]

Check out Joystiq's Black Friday Game Deals Hub or jump to a retailer guide below:

For more Black Friday coverage, check out Black Friday Deals, Cyber Monday Sales,
And other Black Friday 2009 stories today from Walletpop.com

GameStop earnings up in Q3, Modern Warfare 2 company's biggest launch ever

by Alexander Sliwinski { Nov 19th 2009 at 11:15AM }

GameStop remains an unstoppable retail force, as the juggernaut slammed cash register drawers shut with $1.83 billion in sales and $52.2 million in profit for the quarter ending October 31. The figures represent 8.2 and 11.8 percent increases, respectively, from the same quarter last year.

The top five games during the quarter were Madden NFL 10, Halo 3: ODST, Batman: Arkham Asylum, NBA 2K10 and Wii Sports Resort, with all titles having "exceeded" the company's initial sales expectations. GameStop also revealed thar Modern Warfare 2 -- which released in Q4 on November 10 -- sold 2.5 million copies at the retailer in 72 hours. GameStop CEO Daniel DeMatteo is optimistic and believes MW2 is a bellwether for the rest of the holiday season.

Unlock skins with Aliens vs. Predator pre-order at GameStop

by David Hinkle { Nov 18th 2009 at 9:30PM }

Click image for full-size action pose

Aliens vs. Predator is kind of a misleading title. Aside from the titular extra-terrestrials, mankind's future badasses, the Colonial Marines, will also be able to get some in Rebellion's upcoming FPS romp. And for some of your pre-sale cash at GameStop, you'll be able to use one of the more badasserer (we're still working on that one) humans around: Sgt. Kaneko. This dude "wrote the book on small-scale Xeno containment," which is great because we hear there's a lot of Xeno in the game that needs, uh, containing.

Joining Kaneko are Number Six -- the blue thing on the left that looks like it's from The Darkness -- and Alien Head Predator, the "most successful Xenomorph Hunter of all time." That's how he ~~she~~ it got that neat Cylon mask! Both are very adept at being super scary-looking and can be yours if you pre-order at GameStop. Unless you live in Germany, in which case you get nothing.