Game Stores Selling Opened Games as "New"

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Ah yes, I get it, because you never actually play games, the simple act of opening a jewel case SERIOUSLY DEVALUES THE PRODUCT, ZOMG! CALL THE POLICE. DEY RUINED YOR MINT CONDITION GAMEZ

Also, dude, I pay $99+ for retail games, $40-60 for imports and $60+ on Steam, the fact that teh retailer has also *GASP* opened a fucking box in order to prevent theft makes little to no difference to the product itself.

Yes, it seriously devalues the product, because if I want to get an open box game (i.e., a used one) I can buy it for half the price, either elsewhere or often in the same freakin' store. If I'm paying for new, I'd better be getting new.

Used games are cheaper because they're used. Merely opened games aren't used, because they've never been used. Used games have been played, so there's a greater chance of a flaw or defect having developed through use. Games that were merely opened will generally only be flawed or have a defect if it occurred during manufacture/packaging/shipping. And it's the same for factory sealed games.

All it takes is a mistake in handling after opening the game to cause a defect that wasn't there before it was open. What's more, it doesn't matter, it's considered used the moment the shrink wrap comes off, just like with toys, DVDs, or anything else that people collect.

Yes, and I would have to imagine that if an actual defect was caused during opening, they'd change the valuation accordingly. But the mere act of opening the shrink and removing the disc does not mean the disc has magically been owned by someone previously.

And people collect older things, things that have value, because they weren't made to be collected. Here's the catch. Anything that is marketed as a "Collector's Edition"? EVERYBODY goes out and buys one to put into storage somewhere in hopes that it will be worth a lot of money some day. Only because everybody did it, it has no rarity, and thus doesn't have worth.

The value in a modern video game is in the playing of it. Any money after the fact is purely trivial in determining the value at purchase. Thus, a game that has only been opened and not damaged in the process has the same value as a shrinkwrapped copy.

I'm not talking about money after the fact. I'm talking about how much it would cost to get an identical item if I shopped around. Anywhere but gamestop, an opened item would count as used, and have a lower price as a result. This is a fact. I do not understand why you cannot comprehend this.

 

[GAunderrated]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Except you're not overpaying, except by using a determination of value that just does not matter. Sealed or opened doesn't affect the current value of the game. It may affect some nebulous future value of the game, but with digital distribution, there just won't be any value to old games, since their value is based on rarity and there's literally a million of them out there.

It matters because that determination of value applies to anywhere else I would buy it -- or to Gamestop itself, if they happened to have a copy that they had labeled as used. Face it, used is worth less than new, opened is used, gamestop routinely rips off their customers.

Used is worth less than new, and Gamestop rips off their customers, but opened is NOT USED.

Only consumer's of gamestop think that opened is not used because they made up that silly rule to suit their own purposes. Every other retail or online service sells new copies as sealed.

If it wasn't sealed I could return it for a refund or get a new copy that is sealed. Buy a new copy from gamestop that has been gutted then go to amazon and sell that "new" copy. Except if you try and sell it as new you would get complaints because new is classified as factor sealed copy. You would have to sell it as "like new" which does devalue the game because it is not factory sealed. But I never put it in a console so clearly its "new" right? Nope

So yes opened products are not new, despite what gamestop wants you to believe to suit their agendas.

 

[ResonanceSD]

All it takes is a mistake in handling after opening the game to cause a defect that wasn't there before it was open. What's more, it doesn't matter, it's considered used the moment the shrink wrap comes off, just like with toys, DVDs, or anything else that people collect.

Oh, so you don't actually play games, you just collect boxes.

Also, and here's a crazy idea.

if the game doesn't work

brace yourself

TAKE IT BACK!

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Except you're not overpaying, except by using a determination of value that just does not matter. Sealed or opened doesn't affect the current value of the game. It may affect some nebulous future value of the game, but with digital distribution, there just won't be any value to old games, since their value is based on rarity and there's literally a million of them out there.

It matters because that determination of value applies to anywhere else I would buy it -- or to Gamestop itself, if they happened to have a copy that they had labeled as used. Face it, used is worth less than new, opened is used, gamestop routinely rips off their customers.

there is also the fact that some people dont know the definition of used. used is a game that has left the store, gone to a machine what plays it and is the played and THEN traded-in, then sold as second hand. not a disc that's been removed from its box.

*sigh*

I'm posting this again:

Brand New
Items must still be in manufacturer's seal
Opened items can't be listed in this category even if they were never used

Like New
Opened and used items that still appear brand new
Must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Very Good
Cases and boxes can show wear (scuffs, cracks, scratches)
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can't be scratched or scuffed
Items must include all boxes, instructions, and artwork from manufacturer

Good
Item can be missing only one of the following items:
Media box or sleeve
Artwork
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
The media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold

Acceptable
Media items in generic cases
CDs and DVDs must be in a plastic case (no paper sleeves)
Items missing more than one of the following:
Media box or sleeve
Art work
Instructions
DVD, CD, game disc, or game cartridge can be lightly scratched or scuffed
Media item must work without the need of repair or resurfacing
Skipping CDs, DVDs, and game discs can't be sold
Fuzzy or snowy VHS tapes can't be sold
Games that don't load or play can't be sold


Unacceptable - The following items cannot be sold on Half.com:
CDs and DVDs that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don't function properly
Games that skip, jump, freeze, or otherwise don?t function properly Imported DVDs (U.S. region 1 DVDs may be sold)
Region-free DVDs manufactured outside the United States
Promotional music
CD jewel cases with promotion marks (saw cuts, punch-outs, drill holes, UPC strikes)

Source: http://pages.half.ebay.com/help/policy/pricing.html

I sincerely hope I never buy something online that was put up by one of the chuckleheads in this thread that are saying opening the shrinkwrap does nothing to the value. They'd fleece me.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Ah yes, I get it, because you never actually play games, the simple act of opening a jewel case SERIOUSLY DEVALUES THE PRODUCT, ZOMG! CALL THE POLICE. DEY RUINED YOR MINT CONDITION GAMEZ

Also, dude, I pay $99+ for retail games, $40-60 for imports and $60+ on Steam, the fact that teh retailer has also *GASP* opened a fucking box in order to prevent theft makes little to no difference to the product itself.

Yes, it seriously devalues the product, because if I want to get an open box game (i.e., a used one) I can buy it for half the price, either elsewhere or often in the same freakin' store. If I'm paying for new, I'd better be getting new.

Used games are cheaper because they're used. Merely opened games aren't used, because they've never been used. Used games have been played, so there's a greater chance of a flaw or defect having developed through use. Games that were merely opened will generally only be flawed or have a defect if it occurred during manufacture/packaging/shipping. And it's the same for factory sealed games.

All it takes is a mistake in handling after opening the game to cause a defect that wasn't there before it was open. What's more, it doesn't matter, it's considered used the moment the shrink wrap comes off, just like with toys, DVDs, or anything else that people collect.

Yes, and I would have to imagine that if an actual defect was caused during opening, they'd change the valuation accordingly. But the mere act of opening the shrink and removing the disc does not mean the disc has magically been owned by someone previously.

And people collect older things, things that have value, because they weren't made to be collected. Here's the catch. Anything that is marketed as a "Collector's Edition"? EVERYBODY goes out and buys one to put into storage somewhere in hopes that it will be worth a lot of money some day. Only because everybody did it, it has no rarity, and thus doesn't have worth.

The value in a modern video game is in the playing of it. Any money after the fact is purely trivial in determining the value at purchase. Thus, a game that has only been opened and not damaged in the process has the same value as a shrinkwrapped copy.

I'm not talking about money after the fact. I'm talking about how much it would cost to get an identical item if I shopped around. Anywhere but gamestop, an opened item would count as used, and have a lower price as a result. This is a fact. I do not understand why you cannot comprehend this.

Because it's not a fact. You know why they give you a discount? So you won't go bitching to management about how they tried to charge you full price for an item that was opened, but had no visible defects whatsoever. So they toss you a 10% discount in the hopes that you'll shut the fuck up, and as a gesture of goodwill to hopefully keep you shopping there.

No, at every store I've ever bought a display item from, they've /offered/ the bloody discount, because it's an open package and they know it's not worth as much. It's also a way for them to get a little extra good will from the customer for next to nothing. Do any of you people ever buy anything that's not a videogame? Seriously.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Except you're not overpaying, except by using a determination of value that just does not matter. Sealed or opened doesn't affect the current value of the game. It may affect some nebulous future value of the game, but with digital distribution, there just won't be any value to old games, since their value is based on rarity and there's literally a million of them out there.

It matters because that determination of value applies to anywhere else I would buy it -- or to Gamestop itself, if they happened to have a copy that they had labeled as used. Face it, used is worth less than new, opened is used, gamestop routinely rips off their customers.

Used is worth less than new, and Gamestop rips off their customers, but opened is NOT USED.

Only consumer's of gamestop think that opened is not used because they made up that silly rule to suit their own purposes. Every other retail or online service sells new copies as sealed.

If it wasn't sealed I could return it for a refund or get a new copy that is sealed. Buy a new copy from gamestop that has been gutted then go to amazon and sell that "new" copy. Except if you try and sell it as new you would get complaints because new is classified as factor sealed copy. You would have to sell it as "like new" which does devalue the game because it is not factory sealed. But I never put it in a console so clearly its "new" right? Nope

So yes opened products are not new, despite what gamestop wants you to believe to suit their agendas.

You're talking about resale, not retail. They're different animals when it comes to valuing items.

You keep saying that, but from my end, it's the same product no matter what, the only difference is who I buy it from.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Because it's not a fact. You know why they give you a discount? So you won't go bitching to management about how they tried to charge you full price for an item that was opened, but had no visible defects whatsoever. So they toss you a 10% discount in the hopes that you'll shut the fuck up, and as a gesture of goodwill to hopefully keep you shopping there.

Hey hey, I am actually an alien lizardperson who controls minds with my toes.

This is also a fact.


But seriously, you got it spot on. I can picture O_M as the guy I'd routinely toss out of my cafe for being "difficult" before calling security.

 

[ResonanceSD]

It would take a heck of a lot to somehow damage the disk just by breaking the shrink wrap, opening the case, removing the disk, and putting it inside a plastic envelope.

You have a pretty irrational fear, there.

Wanting your digital information stored on a plastic disk to be IN MINT CONDITION is pretty irrational too.

You know why they call it "used" if you go home and break the shrink wrap? Because they have no idea what you've done with it. You could have used it to buff your floors for all they know.

+1 to this.

Although for all we know, he might just use game disks to buff his diamond statue of me.

And that is why you fail.

There is no spoon!

Except for my avatar. Then, there is in fact 2 spoons.



@Owyn_Merrilyn <-- you don't work in retail and never have, right?

 

[Crashern Steak]

I don't mind my games being unsealed when I buy them from retailers if I see them put the disc in the case. there's less chance for the disc to be damaged if its left on the shelf in the case.
what I dislike is when they leave the case of a game I want on shelf, but have sold the disc and manual or unable to find it.

 

[2HF]

This thread should have ended at reply #1 with "If you don't want to buy an opened game then don't buy an opened game".

You can have all the opinions you want but I'll tell you right now that not a single one of them matters. If you don't want to buy it then don't. If you do want to buy it then buy it. You'll never change anyone's mind nor should you care to because it doesn't matter. If someone wants to buy an opened game it has absolutely no effect on those who don't want to buy them opened. Same goes for the opposite side.

 

[GAunderrated]

Here's why it matters: I. Do. Not. Like. To. Over. Pay. It's a ripoff. End of.

Except you're not overpaying, except by using a determination of value that just does not matter. Sealed or opened doesn't affect the current value of the game. It may affect some nebulous future value of the game, but with digital distribution, there just won't be any value to old games, since their value is based on rarity and there's literally a million of them out there.

It matters because that determination of value applies to anywhere else I would buy it -- or to Gamestop itself, if they happened to have a copy that they had labeled as used. Face it, used is worth less than new, opened is used, gamestop routinely rips off their customers.

Used is worth less than new, and Gamestop rips off their customers, but opened is NOT USED.

Only consumer's of gamestop think that opened is not used because they made up that silly rule to suit their own purposes. Every other retail or online service sells new copies as sealed.

If it wasn't sealed I could return it for a refund or get a new copy that is sealed. Buy a new copy from gamestop that has been gutted then go to amazon and sell that "new" copy. Except if you try and sell it as new you would get complaints because new is classified as factor sealed copy. You would have to sell it as "like new" which does devalue the game because it is not factory sealed. But I never put it in a console so clearly its "new" right? Nope

So yes opened products are not new, despite what gamestop wants you to believe to suit their agendas.

You're talking about resale, not retail. They're different animals when it comes to valuing items.

Nope they are the exact same beast everywhere but gamestop. If I buy an ipad at best buy and never open it I can sell it as new. If I buy any "new" game from gamestop I cannot sell them as new. You can make all the weak excuses you want but this is the truth.

 

[ResonanceSD]

.

None of this is applicable unless you buy games just to have some mint condition jewel cases on a shelf somewhere.

Or you just like to nitpick at everything.

 

[Slayer_2]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

And herein lies the point.


If you go to gamestop, buy something that's new that has been devalued for an actual reason rather than your insane paranoia, GET IT REPLACED.

 

[GAunderrated]

.

None of this is applicable unless you buy games just to have some mint condition jewel cases on a shelf somewhere.

Or you just like to nitpick at everything.

Thank you, that pathetic excuse for a counter-argument confirms to me that you know its right but just want to troll. It's time to go to sleep now but its nice to know you at least admitted before I went to bed. Night

 

[Slayer_2]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

And herein lies the point.


If you go to gamestop, buy something that's new that has been devalued for an actual reason rather than your insane paranoia, GET IT REPLACED.

Would work, except no returns/exchanges for PC gaming peasants. Without Steam being so kind, we would have been, forgive my French, fucked.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

And herein lies the point.


If you go to gamestop, buy something that's new that has been devalued for an actual reason rather than your insane paranoia, GET IT REPLACED.

Would work, except no returns/exchanges for PC gaming peasants. Without Steam being so kind, we would have been, forgive my French, fucked.

Your post sounds like you had a problem with gamestop rather than steam

 

[Slayer_2]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

And herein lies the point.


If you go to gamestop, buy something that's new that has been devalued for an actual reason rather than your insane paranoia, GET IT REPLACED.

Would work, except no returns/exchanges for PC gaming peasants. Without Steam being so kind, we would have been, forgive my French, fucked.

Your post sounds like you had a problem with gamestop rather than steam

I did. Still turned out that Steam had to step up and fix EB Games letting their damn employees play one-use games.

 

[ResonanceSD]

Bought my bro Dead Island for Christmas, the serial key had been used and the box opened. Clearly someone had played it. After contacting Steam support, we got it back, they were very professional and helpful, but still, not a very great present.

And herein lies the point.


If you go to gamestop, buy something that's new that has been devalued for an actual reason rather than your insane paranoia, GET IT REPLACED.

Would work, except no returns/exchanges for PC gaming peasants. Without Steam being so kind, we would have been, forgive my French, fucked.

Your post sounds like you had a problem with gamestop rather than steam

I did. Still turned out that Steam had to step up and fix EB Games letting their damn employees play one-use games.

Yeah but my point is that you had a legitimate reason to complain.

 

[Slayer_2]

Yeah but my point is that you had a legitimate reason to complain.

Yeah, I'm not one of those OCD people who flips out about it being "used". It's a disc holding a piece of software, as long as the software works and I can use it, I don't give a shit. Oh no, the magical packing has been opened? Whoop-dee-fucking-doo, who cares? Not gonna affect the game. What DOES affect a game and wreck a great present is an employee using your one copy of a DRM-protected game, and buttfucking you. Again, good thing Steam stepped up.