I haven't been able to find ANY information about this online, and we certainly don't have a SKU for it at work, but when I was at Target today I noticed what appeared to be an actual retail release of a download code for Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Though I didn't think to take a picture of it at the time, what I saw looked pretty much identical to the normal Xbox Live Marketplace points card packaging, except it was plastered with Geometry Wars art and was selling for $4.99. Has anyone else seen these cards in stores?
Personally, I think the idea of selling download codes for individual games is kind of redundant, as Microsoft already offers no less than three methods to obtain a game like Geometry Wars (points via Xbox Live, points via MS point cards, and Xbox Live Arcade: Unplugged), but what do I know? I also would have thought that everyone who could have possibly wanted Geometry Wars would have already purchased a copy, what with the game being almost three years old and one of the most downloaded games on the entire Xbox Live Marketplace, but I guess Microsoft hopes to entice all five people who wanted the game, but were too brain dead / lazy to actually navigate through the marketplace to find their precious shape shooter themselves. But I digress.
Do we really need download cards for Xbox Live Arcade games?
Ive seen those. They had em at target alongside MK3 and a couple other XBLA titles in those cards. Their reason is simple: the more ways they can sell an item, the bigger the possibility of selling it. They sell the actual code plus markup for the retailer, this could be seen as a way for a retailer to cash in on digital downloads which is becoming a great to them. It could even be possible that this way we could get XBLA titles cheaper since the 1600 points cards can vary in price from $19.99 to $24.99.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
about me
Well hello there! Since you've already done me the service of clicking on my name and have bothered to actually read this, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Andrew, and I'll be your host during your stay here at Chez GoatRoyale. I'm a 25-year-old grad. student who splits his time between a kick ass (non-paying) internship and a soul crushing (barely-paying) job at a major games retailer. I also live in Texas, which is all kinds of special.
My wife thinks I'm a jackass and a slacker. I trust her judgment.
Because I like lists, here are some of my favorite games -- organized by console.
NES Favorites Maniac Mansion Super Dodgeball Castlevania Ghosts 'N Goblins
GameBoy Favorites Super Mario Land Metroid II Batman Kirby's Dreamland 2 Final Fantasy Legend II
SNES Favorites Super Star Wars Super Mario World Zombies Ate My Neighbors NHL 95 TMNT IV: Turtles in Time
PSone Favorites Twisted Metal 2 Rival Schools: United by Fate Metal Gear Solid Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2
PS2 Favorites Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater God Hand Katamari Damacy SMT: Persona 3/4 Shadow of the Colossus
Xbox Favorites Psychonauts Knights of the Old Republic Battlefront 2
360 Favorites Rock Band 2 Fallout 3 The Orange Box Castle Crashers Earth Defense Force
PS3 Favorites Metal Gear Solid 4 Killzone 2
wii Favorites Super Mario Galaxy No More Heroes Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Endless Ocean
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press living the dream since March 16, 2006
GoatRoyale's blog
follow this blog
subscribe via RSS
send message
invite to meetup+play
I have seen pre paid cards for Texas Hold Em, Worms, and Geometry wars at Target.
I guess it is so you can gift them without buying a whole $20 1600 point card
Ive seen those. They had em at target alongside MK3 and a couple other XBLA titles in those cards. Their reason is simple: the more ways they can sell an item, the bigger the possibility of selling it. They sell the actual code plus markup for the retailer, this could be seen as a way for a retailer to cash in on digital downloads which is becoming a great to them. It could even be possible that this way we could get XBLA titles cheaper since the 1600 points cards can vary in price from $19.99 to $24.99.
*edit: this could be seen as a way for a retailer to cash in on digital downloads which is becoming a great THREAT to them.