Game Stores Selling Opened Games as "New"

[algalon]

Simple. if it's not sealed, it's not new. With the ridiculous methods game companies use to lock content now if it's purchased used, I do not want to get home with my "new" game only to find out it had been previously installed on another machine and the one online registration code, or whatever copy protection, has been used up. This would lead me to having to make the effort to call the game company, likely get customer service that does not speak English fluently, and then be told I'm screwed because I purchased an opened box. Thanks but no thanks.

This is another of those threads that crops up about every month or so. Gamestop is bad business period for their practices. I can buy a new game cheaper from amazon than I can buy used from Gamestop, so why bother?

 

[AstylahAthrys]

One or two display copies will be opened, but the game will not have been played. In order to protect product, game sellers do keep empty cases on shelves with the new game untouched, save for putting it in a protective sleeve. Most are kept, sealed, behind the counter. At least this was how it was when I worked at Gamestop. I, at least, find it understandable. It would be so easy to walk away with a case otherwise.

 

[jimbob123432]

If it's the display copy of an older game, then I don't really have a problem with it, but if it's a new game, it had better be in a sealed box. My local game stores don't put empty cases on display for the newest games (1-3 months old), they just display a sealed copy behind the counter.

 

[2HF]

I work at Gamestop and we do open new copies of games because we have to display a box. You'd think this could be easily solved by simply shipping a single extra copy of the box art to every retail location though I imagine that might get the tiniest bit pricey.

We are not allowed to check out new games, at least not at my location. They are kept in white sleeves as opposed to the usual yellow for used games and kept in a separate drawer from the used games. When we sell them we always inform the customer about the condition and give them a chance to look at the disk and make sure they're happy before we sell it to them. We keep all activation codes and DLC codes in the sleeve with the games, not out on the floor in the case.

Disregarding all that, if you don't want an opened copy of the game then don't buy an opened copy of the game.

 

[lowkey_jotunn]

For indy games, smaller titles or things with only a few copies, I can see them using a real game for the display, and I might forgive this type of behavior.

For a blockbuster title like Skyrim or Borderlands? Hell no. A legit store can get their distributor to send an empty case. Failing that, they can find a non-new case to display. Either a used-game trade in, or a return, or something that got damaged in shipping.

I'd immediately suspect something fishy.

 

[Flailing Escapist]

I can't speak for gamestop or anywhere else but where I work we do sell new games that have already been open. You see there are a couple things that we won't put out on the floor with the disks inside -games are one of those- because they WILL be stolen. I know we keep most of our new games in the wrapping but it eventually gets to a point where we really have nothing but the open new games left, at least until/if we order more.

But I'd also like to point out that at where I work we can't take new games- or new anything (open or unopen) home with us, unless we buy then, of course.

Edit: Now if I pre-ordered a game and it was opened I'd be fucking pissed. But that's something completely different, I think.

 

[chadachada123]

A few months ago I purchased Skyrim from a local game store and the clerk told me that this particular copy of Skyrim was the last copy, so he took the display box put the disc in and sold it to me at full retail price. I'm a pretty chill dude so I was like, "Cool, I got the last copy." I then later purchased Borderlands from a different local game store and the same occurrence as previously stated happened. Again, I shrugged it off and went on my way. Recently, I just purchased Red Dead and again it was the "last copy." After this third occurrence I'm beginning to suspect that game stores purposely open up and remove discs from their games. Maybe they do this to lock up the discs or to let employees take them home. Regardless, it's starting to bug the life out of me they are selling unsealed games as new, for full price.

Has anyone else experienced this before and are you cool with stores doing it?

Uhh... Yeah? All stores take the discs out of the boxes to prevent theft. It's not like they're out playing them in the back. They're not "used", it doesn't affect the game at all.

How do people not know this, even if you haven't worked in retail, you should've noticed this by now.

Maybe he hasn't noticed because, herp derp, not (nearly) all game stores do this. Some do, but even Gamestop doesn't do it for all of their games, it depends on which Gamestop you go to. Perhaps OP's store only recently started doing this shit (which doesn't even prevent theft to begin with, because you don't need to have the boxes for all of your stock out on the floor at once).

Edit:

I can't speak for gamestop or anywhere else but where I work we do sell new games that have already been open. You see there are a couple things that we won't put out on the floor with the disks inside -games are one of those- because they WILL be stolen. I know we keep most of our new games in the wrapping but it eventually gets to a point where we really have nothing but the open new games left, at least until/if we order more.

But I'd also like to point out that at where I work we can't take new games- or new anything (open or unopen) home with us, unless we buy then, of course.

Same answer as above, basically.

If you have 30 new copies of Modern Warfare 3, why bother gutting and putting all 30 on the shelf as open display? Seems like it'd be better for the pickier consumers to leave a majority of the copies as fresh stock while keeping consumer loyalty by showing most of your consumers that you leave copies fresh and not already opened like other stores, right?

 

[Shoggoth2588]

I'm not cool with it either. It's why I buy my (new) games from either work or amazon these days. It's alright: you can admit to shopping at Gamestop by the way. The place is a monopoly at this point. Apparently if you make a stink about it they take off about %5 since you're technically getting a display copy.

Considering new copies stay behind the counter, I doubt he was shopping at GameStop...

It depends on what you're buying: If you're in there on day one, buying a newly released game it will more than likely be behind the counter and wrapped up in the factory seal. If you're buying a new copy of saw Final Fantasy 13-2 (pulling a title out of thin air) it will likely be a display copy. Maybe my Gamestops are just horrible like that but it seems like the older the game, it won't matter if you buy new or used; the shrink-wrap will be gone and the disc will be behind the counter while the box will be on a shelf out with the other boxes (or the floor once again, depending on the Gamestop you're in)

All of their games are behind the counter really...except for the hand-held carts/discs they keep in the case by the counter.

 

[Savo]

That is one of the reasons I buy my games from Amazon. I get why they do it, but I still prefer my games to be factory sealed.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

A few months ago I purchased Skyrim from a local game store and the clerk told me that this particular copy of Skyrim was the last copy, so he took the display box put the disc in and sold it to me at full retail price. I'm a pretty chill dude so I was like, "Cool, I got the last copy." I then later purchased Borderlands from a different local game store and the same occurrence as previously stated happened. Again, I shrugged it off and went on my way. Recently, I just purchased Red Dead and again it was the "last copy." After this third occurrence I'm beginning to suspect that game stores purposely open up and remove discs from their games. Maybe they do this to lock up the discs or to let employees take them home. Regardless, it's starting to bug the life out of me they are selling unsealed games as new, for full price.

Has anyone else experienced this before and are you cool with stores doing it?

Uhh... Yeah? All stores take the discs out of the boxes to prevent theft. It's not like they're out playing them in the back. They're not "used", it doesn't affect the game at all.

How do people not know this, even if you haven't worked in retail, you should've noticed this by now.

Maybe he hasn't noticed because, herp derp, not (nearly) all game stores do this. Some do, but even Gamestop doesn't do it for all of their games, it depends on which Gamestop you go to. Perhaps OP's store only recently started doing this shit (which doesn't even prevent theft to begin with, because you don't need to have the boxes for all of your stock out on the floor at once).

Every store I've ever been to does this, sorry for my assumption. As far as preventing theft, how does it not? You have the unopened stock out back, and then you have shelf copies all out front with their disks taken out. Where are you going to steal from? Are you just gonna waltz right past the counter and walk out with a bag of games from out back? Maybe if everyone working there is blind.

But more importantly, why is this even a problem?

 

[Quaidis]

I fail to understand the problem.

If people didn't go out of their way to actively steal games off of shelves, than game stores would not be forced to drastically unbox a select handful of new games. There's no way they can keep every new game they receive behind the glass case (behind the counter). What do you want them to do: make the entire game store one large wall-to-wall glass case that they'll have to repeatedly open for every single customer?

I pre-order new games that I really want. They always come fresh, happy, and wrapped up. Sometimes they come with special 'pre-ordered' bonus goods.


If you get really paranoid about the game 'not being new', then simply ask to see the game disk before it goes in the case. If you don't want an opened new game, go to a different store? The game store employee isn't going to cry. They'll just sell it to the next guy.


The only issue I've ever had with a gutted new game was when I was searching for a copy of No More Heroes 2, and the employee kept badgering me to buy the used copy. "Are you sure you don't want the used copy? It's slightly cheaper! Come on, you seriously want the used copy. I'm not lying here, used copy is awesome." There was nothing wrong with the new copy. No scratches or smudges.

 

[ResonanceSD]

I honestly couldn't give a damn.

They take the discs out so people don't steal them off the shelf.

So long as the game works then what is there to complain about?

If it didn't work I'd just return it and say, "Oi, this didn't work."

Yay! a voice of reason! I was about to go mental with all of the whining in the first few posts.

The process is called gutting. It's a theft prevention and space saving measure. Don't like it? Buy games someplace else.


Also, what's your obsession with NEW DISCS!!!!!


If it works, installs and you never need the DVD again, what's the problem?

 

[ResonanceSD]

You guys really aren't getting it. Here's the quality ratings criteria from half.com, which are essentially the same as the criteria used by any reputable dealer. The only exception is that some of the things in the "Unacceptable" category are about things that they just don't carry, regardless of quality -- mainly the parts about region lockouts.

Brand New
Items must still be in manufacturer's seal
Opened items can't be listed in this category even if they were never used

Like New
Opened and used items that still appear brand new
Must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Very Good
Cases and boxes can show wear (scuffs, cracks, scratches)
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can't be scratched or scuffed
Items must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Good
Item can be missing only one of the following items:
Media box or sleeve
Artwork
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
The media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold

Acceptable
Media items in generic cases
CDs and DVDs must be in a plastic case (no paper sleeves)
Items missing more than one of the following:
Media box or sleeve
Art work
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
Media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold


Unacceptable - The following items cannot be sold on Half.com:
CDs and DVDs that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don't function properly
Games that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don?t function properly Imported DVDs (U.S. region 1 DVDs may be sold)
Region-free DVDs manufactured outside the United States
Promotional music
CD jewel cases with promotion marks (saw cuts, punch-outs, drill holes, UPC strikes)

Source: http://pages.half.ebay.com/help/policy/pricing.html

Each lower grade of the same item is categorically worth less than the grade above it.

Knowing this, do you guys still want to defend calling these used games new?

Dude wtf is wrong with you. Do you imagine every PS3, X360 and PC disk reader fucks up the disk before you can play it?


Also, do you just buy games for the sole purpose of having them on a shelf and never play them?

I'm seriously wondering what the hell you can be getting so worked up about a table of value ranking for a product THAT YOU INTEND TO USE ANYWAY, which is incredibly difficult to accidentally damage (hint: a cloth cleans smudges), and if you're a PC gamer (GPGMR here), you'll need once.



TLR

like it fucking matters

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

You guys really aren't getting it. Here's the quality ratings criteria from half.com, which are essentially the same as the criteria used by any reputable dealer. The only exception is that some of the things in the "Unacceptable" category are about things that they just don't carry, regardless of quality -- mainly the parts about region lockouts.

Brand New
Items must still be in manufacturer's seal
Opened items can't be listed in this category even if they were never used

Like New
Opened and used items that still appear brand new
Must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Very Good
Cases and boxes can show wear (scuffs, cracks, scratches)
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can't be scratched or scuffed
Items must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Good
Item can be missing only one of the following items:
Media box or sleeve
Artwork
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
The media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold

Acceptable
Media items in generic cases
CDs and DVDs must be in a plastic case (no paper sleeves)
Items missing more than one of the following:
Media box or sleeve
Art work
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
Media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold


Unacceptable - The following items cannot be sold on Half.com:
CDs and DVDs that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don't function properly
Games that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don?t function properly Imported DVDs (U.S. region 1 DVDs may be sold)
Region-free DVDs manufactured outside the United States
Promotional music
CD jewel cases with promotion marks (saw cuts, punch-outs, drill holes, UPC strikes)

Source: http://pages.half.ebay.com/help/policy/pricing.html

Each lower grade of the same item is categorically worth less than the grade above it.

Knowing this, do you guys still want to defend calling these used games new?

Dude wtf is wrong with you. Do you imagine every PS3, X360 and PC disk reader fucks up the disk before you can play it?


Also, do you just buy games for the sole purpose of having them on a shelf and never play them?

I'm seriously wondering what the hell you can be getting so worked up about a table of value ranking for a product THAT YOU INTEND TO USE ANYWAY, which is incredibly difficult to accidentally damage (hint: a cloth cleans smudges), and if you're a PC gamer (GPGMR here), you'll need once.



TLR

like it fucking matters

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Edit: I mean, seriously, this thread is turning into yet another normal people who know the value of a dollar vs. rich people who consider $60 nothing thread, just like the "used games are evil" and "new games cost too much" threads.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Ah yes, I get it, because you never actually play games, the simple act of opening a jewel case SERIOUSLY DEVALUES THE PRODUCT, ZOMG! CALL THE POLICE. DEY RUINED YOR MINT CONDITION GAMEZ

Also, dude, I pay $99+ for retail games, $40-60 for imports and $60+ on Steam, the fact that teh retailer has also *GASP* opened a fucking box in order to prevent theft makes little to no difference to the product itself.

 

[GAunderrated]

I don't approve of the practice and I make sure to only get sealed copies for my money. I could argue reasons why I think they shouldn't do this but I have learned that all gamestop topics always has about 12 people who religiously defend the destruction of consumer rights no matter the reasoning.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Ah yes, I get it, because you never actually play games, the simple act of opening a jewel case SERIOUSLY DEVALUES THE PRODUCT, ZOMG! CALL THE POLICE. DEY RUINED YOR MINT CONDITION GAMEZ

Also, dude, I pay $99+ for retail games, $40-60 for imports and $60+ on Steam, the fact that teh retailer has also *GASP* opened a fucking box in order to prevent theft makes little to no difference to the product itself.

Yes, it seriously devalues the product, because if I want to get an open box game (i.e., a used one) I can buy it for half the price, either elsewhere or often in the same freakin' store. If I'm paying for new, I'd better be getting new.

 

[chadachada123]

A few months ago I purchased Skyrim from a local game store and the clerk told me that this particular copy of Skyrim was the last copy, so he took the display box put the disc in and sold it to me at full retail price. I'm a pretty chill dude so I was like, "Cool, I got the last copy." I then later purchased Borderlands from a different local game store and the same occurrence as previously stated happened. Again, I shrugged it off and went on my way. Recently, I just purchased Red Dead and again it was the "last copy." After this third occurrence I'm beginning to suspect that game stores purposely open up and remove discs from their games. Maybe they do this to lock up the discs or to let employees take them home. Regardless, it's starting to bug the life out of me they are selling unsealed games as new, for full price.

Has anyone else experienced this before and are you cool with stores doing it?

Uhh... Yeah? All stores take the discs out of the boxes to prevent theft. It's not like they're out playing them in the back. They're not "used", it doesn't affect the game at all.

How do people not know this, even if you haven't worked in retail, you should've noticed this by now.

Maybe he hasn't noticed because, herp derp, not (nearly) all game stores do this. Some do, but even Gamestop doesn't do it for all of their games, it depends on which Gamestop you go to. Perhaps OP's store only recently started doing this shit (which doesn't even prevent theft to begin with, because you don't need to have the boxes for all of your stock out on the floor at once).

Every store I've ever been to does this, sorry for my assumption. As far as preventing theft, how does it not? You have the unopened stock out back, and then you have shelf copies all out front with their disks taken out. Where are you going to steal from? Are you just gonna waltz right past the counter and walk out with a bag of games from out back? Maybe if everyone working there is blind.

But more importantly, why is this even a problem?

Whoops, sorry for my sight assumption, I thought you were saying to not have ANY unopened stock, to gut ALL of the copies instead of just a few, which is what the OP is saying he thinks stores shouldn't do. My bad.

I don't mind that shelf copies exist, but I'd mind if the store I bought from did that to every copy when they only need to do a couple of shelf copies.

 

[ResonanceSD]

I don't approve of the practice and I make sure to only get sealed copies for my money. I could argue reasons why I think they shouldn't do this but I have learned that all gamestop topics always has about 12 people who religiously defend the destruction of consumer rights no matter the reasoning.

yes, in order to protect themselves, they're obviously trampling your consumer rights by opening a box.


Yes, call the ACLU, now. Go do it! WHILST THERE'S STILL TIME!

 

[Jeremy Meadows]

A few months ago I purchased Skyrim from a local game store and the clerk told me that this particular copy of Skyrim was the last copy, so he took the display box put the disc in and sold it to me at full retail price. I'm a pretty chill dude so I was like, "Cool, I got the last copy." I then later purchased Borderlands from a different local game store and the same occurrence as previously stated happened. Again, I shrugged it off and went on my way. Recently, I just purchased Red Dead and again it was the "last copy." After this third occurrence I'm beginning to suspect that game stores purposely open up and remove discs from their games. Maybe they do this to lock up the discs or to let employees take them home. Regardless, it's starting to bug the life out of me they are selling unsealed games as new, for full price.

Has anyone else experienced this before and are you cool with stores doing it?

Skyrim. Understandable. That might have been the last copy. Boarderlands and Red Dead? No. There are so many used copies of that game they are just saying that it's the "last copy" to sell it to you at a higher price. Start haggling.