We all knew that one-time DLC codes packed into retail games was nothing more than a tactic to combat used games, but it appears that the strategy may have over-achieved. A furious customer has filed a lawsuit against GameStop after he bought a used of copy of Dragon Age: Origins and couldn't obtain the content promised on the box.
James Collins bought a used copy at a $5 discount, claiming that he expected all the content promised on the box. When he took the game home, he obviously found that he couldn't access the content, as the code was either redeemed or outright missing. He bought the content instead, ironically paying $10 extra for his game instead of $5 less. Apparently, that pisses customers off.
"GameStop, who makes more than 20 per cent of its revenue and nearly $2 billion from the sale of used video games, is aware of this issue, and continues to fail to alert customers that this content is not available on used games," explains the suit. "As a result, GameStop tricks consumers into paying more for a used game than they would if they purchased the same game and content new."
Whether Collins knew that the codes wouldn't be redeemed and is trying his luck, or whether he was genuinely fooled, it does throw up an interesting issue that I'm surprised hasn't already occurred. It's in GameStop's best interest to sell used games, but GameStop clearly doesn't want to tell you that you'll be paying a little less for something that might cost you a lot more. Sounds like some new policies might need enacting if this suit gains ground.
GameStop Sued Over Deceptive Used Game Sales [IGN]
Contest:
11:00 AM on 03.26.2010
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I fully support the whoole DLC for first time purchase thing, think it's a brilliant way to secure proper purchases over pre-owned.
It's the retailers that need to change how they work to get around this, games with free DLC for new purchases need to be worth less trade in and cost less preowned, also Gamestop may need to put stickers on the boxes or something.
Tough for them, but 20% mark up on pre-owned games, they can fucking suck it up, man up Lamestop.
Rules and Guidlines required.
You don't see car companies complaining about used cars.
Fable 2 - 2 dollars
Borderlands - 20 dollars
Fallout 3 - 7 dollars
Lost Odyssey - 7 dollars
I was like yeah I think I'll keep them lol
Yes!
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
So I would assume the kid new about the return policy, but who knows? If they left that part out, then the kid has a right to be pissed.
Not exactly earth-shattering stuff.
I hope this gets GameStop to sell used games for better than $5 less than new. WHAT CRAP. GameStop makes way more money than they're entitled to from that, and it puts used games just as far out of reach of poor gamers like students and all.
That's like buying a used refrigerator and expecting it to still have the free ice tray included. Or something like that...
David Bowie Rock Person should be a thing.
They didn't have to do that in the slightest. This guy is a fucking idiot.
Do used car salesman have to say you won't be getting a new car smell?
Also, it's obvious that this guy is just trying to score some free cash. GameStop has a return policy. Use it. Fucking retard.
ZIGGY SEAGULL
ZIGGY SEAGULL
ZIGGY SEAGULL
false advertising is false advertising, if i buy a package of salt at kmart, and it says its a package of salt, but when i get home and open it up its a package of fucking pepper in a salt package, thats a fucking problem.
gamestop is in the wrong here and i'm just suprised it took this long before it was reconized. its not like they're a pawn shop and don't know what they have. thy know dam well what they have.
i love used games, but gamestop is hurting this industry more then pirates just on the fact that pirates don't charge you for a hacked game. gamestop makes money off yhose used games and does not give 1 penny to the publisher. most pirates i know will download a game hacked, and if they really like it, will buy the game new. kinda like a demo to them.
It isn't false advertising! This is what it says!
"Downloadable character and quest
A $15 VALUE
One-time use code available with full retail purchase.
Expires April 30, 2010."
ONE TIME USE with FULL retail purchase. That wasn't a full retail purchase.
The problem here is, the one time use code? Wound up in the fucking DVD case. That's misrepresentation on GameStop's part. Not only did they not explicitly state, "DLC may not work" but they included the DLC coupon with the rest of the packaging.
DLC download codes are big fuck yous to gamers anyway. I'm surprised so many people stand up for them. Some game companies like EA and Activision don't give a shit about you and are actively trying to squeeze your balls until you squeal.
Yeah. By giving new game purchasers free DLC. Shit man. That's the worst thing. THE WORST THING.
Hope this guy has to sell his system to pay legal fees.
Ziggy seagull is excellent.
Yeah! Rewarding the customers who actually pay them for their product, instead of a third-party leech. How shitty!
Wait a minute...how is that a "fuck you" to gamers? I didn't feel fucked at all when I bought ME2 and got free shit for buying new. I felt rewarded for being what I am- a loyal customer who buys games new, not used. There absolutely should be incentives for the customers who support these companies and keep them in business. It is completely defensible not only from a business perspective, but also morally.
It's not just DLC codes on new purchase, but it's also cases where four different chains with four different preorder exclusives. I'm not saying it should be illegal, I just think it's just further proof that gamers are willing to put up with being treated like shit over and over and they'll be thankful for it. Most DLC codes included in packaging enable content that's sitting on disc, and that's fucking abusive. That whole concept just reeks of dirty fucking pool, much less rewarding specific consumer loyalty. We're not just revenue streams, we're people for fuck's sake.