Blockbuster Sharpens Focus on Gamers
Blockbuster is stepping up its game when it comes to wooing Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and DS systems owners. The fading movie rental giant says it will now focus more on console sales and the video game rental market, following its failed hostile takeover of Circuit City, the number two video game retailer in the United States.
Yesterday, Blockbuster announced its video game retail efforts will now include an expanded video game section in all retail stores along with a "new arrival wall" for video game titles. Blockbuster will also begin selling the Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo DS machines in store.
Gamespot is reporting there was no mention of the PSP (another mark against the most well-designed and under-supported platform ever) or PC games, so loyal fans of both will have to consider switching if they want to take advantage of Blockbuster's new offerings.
The stores will also sell an exclusive Sony PS3 movie and game bundle, which includes a 40 GB Sony PS3, PS3/Blu-ray DVD remote, HDMI Cable, Spiderman 3 Blu-ray disc and the Transformers game for PS3 for $499.
This is all great news for gamers, except of course those of us who love the oft-forgotten PSP. There is no mention yet if Blockbuster will compete with outlets, such as Gamefly, by adding video games to its mail delivery service. Regardless, with a heavy investment in selling machines and more retail space for games, Blockbuster has signaled that it is moving into the video game market in a very big way.
CREDIT - PC World contributor Ian Paul
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It depends on what you mean by compete cause gamefly in particular has them beat on pricing, game condition, selection (5000+ titles), supported consoles, convenience, and perks. Gamefly has everything across all platforms, including the PSP and DS. They even include PSP movies in their rental library.
Blockbuster is just flat out expensive! $10 for something like a 5 day game rental. That's ridiculous. And if you rent something you don't like from Blockbuster, you've got to go drop another $10 on a new rental.
They can add all they want. I know from experience that they aren't really all that concerned about gamers needs, not like a gamefly for example. I don't know about everyone else but going back to Blockbuster just because they upped their selection a bit would be like taking a giant step backward in my opinion.
I don't know about everyone else but going back to Blockbuster would be like taking a giant step backward in my opinion.