Gamestation: Difference between revisions
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Gamestation has evolved since the takeover from GAME and is now following its parent company's model much more closely than was at first anticipated. Since the integration to GAME group some Gamestation stores have been closed in order to streamline the business. |
Gamestation has evolved since the takeover from GAME and is now following its parent company's model much more closely than was at first anticipated. Since the integration to GAME group some Gamestation stores have been closed in order to streamline the business. |
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On 29 February 2012 it was announced that both Game and Gamestation would no longer stock new titles from [[Electronic Arts]]. this is due to the major games distributor refusing to give the company reduced rates and fairer supplier terms. This affected the Pre Orders of [[Mass Effect 3]], due out the following week.<ref>http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/9113300/Game-falls-out-with-EA.html</ref><ref>http://www.game.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArticleView?articleId=137297&catalogId=10201&langId=44&storeId=10151</ref> |
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==Deals and appeal== |
==Deals and appeal== |
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Revision as of 22:17, 29 February 2012
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2008) |
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| Company type | Retail store |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK |
Key people | Stephen Hall Julian Gladwin (co-founders) |
| Products | Games Consoles Computer Games Accessories |
| Parent | Game |
| Website | http://www.gamestation.co.uk |
Gamestation is a chain of UK retail shops selling used and new video games, and was the second-largest specialist video game retailer in the UK until it was bought out by Game in 2007[1] , a group which owns many different gaming stores throughout the UK and Europe and by whom it is now fully owned and operated.
History
Foundation and sale to Blockbuster
Gamestation was founded in 1993 in York and by 2002 it had 64 stores across the UK. In 2002 Gamestation was sold during the peak sales period of PlayStation 2 to American video rental giant Blockbuster who invested heavily in an aggressive store roll out program. This, coupled with competitive pricing subsidised by the buoyant video rental market of the time, elevated the chain to second highest market share in the UK games industry; behind Game.
2006 saw their American parent company file massive debts in the region of $550 million, leading to widespread speculation that the company was either rife to a take over or teetering on the edge of administration - however Gamestation was in fact still making healthy profits, Blockbuster went through a process of consolidation and sold any outlets not branded 'Blockbuster' in an effort to concentrate on its core business.
Sale to GAME
Blockbuster Inc. announced on 2 May 2007 that it had sold Gamestation Ltd. to British-based Game Group Plc for about £75 million ($150 million) in cash.[2] 217 Gamestation stores were sold in the deal. Gamestation's smaller "concession" stores, that operated inside of some Blockbuster stores, were not involved in the Game takeover and are now owned by Blockbuster exclusively. These stores have since been re-branded as 'Blockbuster Games' stores and no longer operate under the Gamestation identity.
The Gamestation brand is run in parallel with the parent company's Game brand.
April Fools' 2010
On April Fools' Day 2010, Gamestation temporarily added a clause to its online sales contract claiming that "By placing an order via this Web site on the first day of the fourth month of the year 2010 Anno Domini, you agree to grant Us a non transferable option to claim, for now and for ever more, your immortal soul." Besides the humorous reference to a deal with the devil, the prank was meant to illustrate the problems with fine print in clickwrap license agreements that allow companies to hide unfavorable conditions from their consumers.[3]
Current operation
Gamestation currently has over 250 outlets in the UK.[4] Its current base of operations is at Unity House in Basingstoke since 2009. The company plans to maintain and grow Gamestation as a separate brand, as its image is that of a store for "gamers."
Online operations are through Gamestation.co.uk, managed by Game Group's 2004 acquisition Gameplay GB ltd. Pricing structures are similar to the groups other UK websites, but maintains the Gamestation identity.
Gamestation has evolved since the takeover from GAME and is now following its parent company's model much more closely than was at first anticipated. Since the integration to GAME group some Gamestation stores have been closed in order to streamline the business.
On 29 February 2012 it was announced that both Game and Gamestation would no longer stock new titles from Electronic Arts. this is due to the major games distributor refusing to give the company reduced rates and fairer supplier terms. This affected the Pre Orders of Mass Effect 3, due out the following week.[5][6]
Gamestation currently operates 232 stores throughout the UK and Ireland as of 1 November 2011[update].[7]
Deals and appeal
Until they bought Gamestation, Game were considered to be Gamestation's primary competitor. Gamestation's main method of attracting customers is to put on more special offers than its competitor as well as focusing on pre-owned games and large discounts on older titles.[citation needed]
The chain focuses on the current generations of consoles: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube, Wii, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance and PlayStation Portable as well as the PC. They also sell, and accept as part exchange, games and consoles from older generations, such as the Sega Master System, Mega Drive, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, although this practice looks set to cease due to Game disposing of old "retro" stock. Game accessories for the older consoles are also available.
Gamestation advertised their Christmas promotions with 'Fat Chris' which is a parody of Father Christmas (advertised as "What's half of Father Christmas?" - "Fat Chris!"). He was used for Christmas 2006 and 2007, and also reappeared in the 2008 Christmas advertising campaign. In 2009, however, it was dropped with the shop promotions "starring" the branch manager of the particular store, to encourage the customers to talk to the staff and give the stores a more personal feel.
References
- ^ Game acquires Gamestation in £74 million deal - www.mcvuk.com
- ^ http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/1372930.130_jobs_under_threat_at_York_software_firm/
- ^ http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/04/15/online-shoppers-unknowingly-sold-souls/
- ^ http://www.gamestation.co.uk/about.asp Gamestation: About Gamestation
- ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/9113300/Game-falls-out-with-EA.html
- ^ http://www.game.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArticleView?articleId=137297&catalogId=10201&langId=44&storeId=10151
- ^ Gamestation store numbers, 2011