TESCO: The New Home of Gaming

I happen to see in the newspaper the new home of gaming...TESCO.

Digital Spy - Tesco

Now with the 'collapse' of GAME i was hoping to see the rise of independent games stores, but i am afraid that ASDA's and Tesco's plans to plug the gap almost immediately may ruin this dream.

TESCO's are already advertising the following;

- The largest number of gaming stores in the UK
- 393 Stores open nationwide for Midnight launches
- Free UK delivery or Click and Collect.
- Pre Order price promise
- Clubcard points
- Trade games for anything off in store

Now thats aggressive marketing if you ask me, especially as i think HMV are being very slow to advertise the fact they sell games too. Especially as games sales at HMV have skyrocketed!

Considering the rise of supermarkets undercutting games prices in the first place and making losses on brand new games which caused the whole mess of GAME group going under in the first place, it would be interesting to see if they still continue to offer games well below the RRP on launch to edge out their remaining rivals.

So with many retailers looking to jump in GAME's grave (who may still not die) who do you think will take the top spot with gamers. Or do you think GAME/Gamestation can recover from all of this!

( Edited 17.12.2012 05:02 by Guest )

To be honest, I've bought the majority of my games online for so long now - I don't give a toss about any retailers selling games. There aren't any local businesses to support anymore (the last one must have closed down about seven years ago in my hometown) - so it doesn't really bother me. I never remember GAME being particularly good value, or helpful, and though I've got a few bargains through Gamestation online, nothing will replace Amazon and Play for buying games for me.

But I guess from a convenience point of view, a big supermarket like Tesco would be a pretty good source. I'm too lazy to go out to a game store, but I'd definitely delve down an aisle whilst doing the shopping.

( Edited 17.12.2012 05:02 by Guest )

I think there is still a need for a dedicated specialist retailer though, but perhaps they really need to mix the formula up, perhaps having gaming competitions, exclusive demos of upcoming games, niche merchandise and retro games. Basically Gamestation before it was acquired.

There was a specialist games store in Croydon where they were selling imports, retro and managa themed merchandise but they have recently re-located because of last summers riots. However i think these stores are really.

I think being able to see old Dreamcast's, Saturn's, N64's with all their games behind glass cabinets always makes you want them more.

I know for a lot of people eBay has answered that question, but i am someone who openly does not like the way eBay operates and simply just don't trust the sellers.

I think there is a way that a dedicated games shop could work...maybe i'll figure it out and set my own place up!

( Edited 17.12.2012 05:02 by Guest )

I'd love a games store that's more than just the games. Que?

Well, a specialist retailer that deals in a retro section, has comics, merchandise and other video game rarities. Didn't visit the Croydon one myself, but I remember a few round TCR years ago.

I know there is a teeny tiny handful around the UK, well there used to be in London, but probably closed down now.

( Edited 17.12.2012 05:02 by Guest )

Based on recent experience, Tesco seem to have been increasing their prices. A few new releases have been up to £42.

I'd like a shop, where the staff are knowledgable about the products, can demonstrate and offer advice without bullshit about the products- I don't want to hear staff say the same thing no matter what i hapoen to be looking at- and with consoles set up so users can try out games, not just have videos playing. Also, engage customers - competitions, tournaments etc.

These are things I dont see happening in Tesco, or any other supermarket. I also don't think we'll be seeing many of the niche titles/hidden gems being stocked there

We have a preowned game shop around here called Software Seller. It also goes under the name of Games Workshop since it sells Warhammer figurines. (Not something I'm interested in, but pretty cool for collectors.)

They sell a range of games from the NES/GB era right the way up to this generation of games. The prices can be a little steep though and I'm referring to the newer games. The staff are great too, even if there are only 2 members of staff there, haha. I happen to know the manager's son from school and he has slashed a couple of the prices for me on a number of occasions. (Even crossing the 1 out on a £16 price tag!) I haven't bought anything from there since the GameCube days though.

I pretty much buy all my games either online or in supermarkets because I find thats the cheapest way to go about things.

I don't tend to go just for Tesco though, I just shop around and see who has the best deal. I guess they are all though if you consider club card points etc

( Edited 02.04.2012 11:01 by saunderscowie )

One of the options should have been 'Internet'. So for me, none of the above.

I always heard people saying how supermarkets are great for game shopping but the tesco near me is actually pretty shite for games.

Basically the top 10 for each selling console and rarly differ in price from game stores.

So online (amazon mostly) for me too!


( Edited 03.04.2012 03:38 by Mr James2t3 )

Well i guess if the rumours of disc-less drives for the 720/PS4 are true then maybe we will just have Nintendo stores