Gamestop Opening 'Tournament Stores'

[Dr.Finger]

Gamestop has announced the opening of their first tournament-focused store, in San Jose California. This 4,000 square foot store, about triple the size of the normal Gamestop store, will have two dozen plasma-screen enabled gaming stations in the tourney area. The company plans to open an unspecified number of additional tourney stores nationwide.

The first competition will be held this Saturday in, what else, Madden 2008 with gamers competing for a $1,000 in-store shopping spree. Gamestop says that local competitions will be held most weekends, with national tournaments occurring quarterly.

Thanks to Gamesindustry (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=31443).

[Gorvi]

Why do I read that as 'cesspools'?

[Dr.Finger]

I'm not really sure the point of this. They're paying a lot more in rent for additional space that arguably won't bring in much additional revenue. Sure it could build a little brand loyalty, which is good in an industry where prices don't vary much on new items, but I'm still not seeing the value of this in a day and age of Xbox Live, PSN and Steam.

[Dukefrukem]

I'm not really sure the point of this. They're paying a lot more in rent for additional space that arguably won't bring in much additional revenue. Sure it could build a little brand loyalty, which is good in an industry where prices don't vary much on new items, but I'm still not seeing the value of this in a day and age of Xbox Live, PSN and Steam.

$1000 in store shopping spree would be nice but what is the entry fee?

[Digital Outlaw]

$1000 in store shopping spree would be nice but what is the entry fee?

$1000 dollars

[Syl]

I actually really like the idea behind this, if they can get LAN centers set up everywhere, it'd be quite nice.

[Dr.Finger]

I actually really like the idea behind this, if they can get LAN centers set up everywhere, it'd be quite nice.If it was a LAN center I could see it as a good idea. But from what I read its only going to be used for the few hours each weekend that they hold tournaments. For the rest of the week it'll lie fallow or at best run some demos/videos. That's not enough money to cover the cost of the extre 2,500 sq ft.

[Scull]

If it was a LAN center I could see it as a good idea. But from what I read its only going to be used for the few hours each weekend that they hold tournaments. For the rest of the week it'll lie fallow or at best run some demos/videos. That's not enough money to cover the cost of the extre 2,500 sq ft.
10 to 1 they'll allow people to pay to play by the hour, and use store copies, or used copies of games to let people use. I can see this as a great revenue generator for them.

[Trickyicky]

$1000 dollars

I found that extremely hilarious for some reason.

[Ilikecapcom]

I like this. I might shop at gamestop again if they open one down here in LA.

[LilBunnyFuFu]

I found that extremely hilarious for some reason.

Its funny cause its true.

Its probably like 10 a person, and there will be a double elimination ladder of 200 people to work through. I won a Soul Caliber 2 tourney in mine. That was kinda cool, if they have a street fighter tourney then I am there.

[GunnyMo]

I'll be they'll start requiring a used game trade in as entry fee. ;) But I wouldn't expect to see a tourney store near you very soon (unless you live in San Jose).

A tourney store is a good idea but I fail to see how it will stay profitable let along staffed with the way GameStop runs payroll at or below common sense minimums.

[bean19]

This is pretty cool actually. . . do you guys think that it could be them dipping their feet in because they realized that B&M stores will be redundant by the next console generation?

[Disgustipated]

Oh sweet, this is only 45 mins away from me. IF they have a COD4 tourney...

[Shodan2020]

Oh sweet, this is only 45 mins away from me. IF they have a COD4 tourney...

You'd get your ass handed to you because you'd be up against people on their 3rd or 4th prestige rank. Some may or may not poop in socks as well.

[GunnyMo]

This is pretty cool actually. . . do you guys think that it could be them dipping their feet in because they realized that B&M stores will be redundant by the next console generation?

Not really. People have been saying brick and mortar would go away ever since digital shopping was introduced. It ain't happenin' for a long time, folks. America ain't as wired as the media would lead you to believe. ;)

[KingGorilla]

So what they are offering is a chance to spend hours in a Gamestop, playing Madden, with hardcore Madden fans right next to me, in a closed and hot environment? What kind of gun can I get with the highest clip capacity?

[tiremfej]

So what they are offering is a chance to spend hours in a Gamestop, playing Madden, with hardcore Madden fans right next to me, in a closed and hot environment? What kind of gun can I get with the highest clip capacity?

Haha, nice.

I think the idea is pretty fantastic. I would hope they would be build one near me, I know it's not ever going to happen. When I finally win the lottery, I'm going to build a tournament area in my house. Until then, it's Live and my measley 32" LCD.

[KrimsonFyre]

I always wanted more LAN centers around town. Sure, multiplayer gaming is more accessible now then ever, but it is nice to be able to punch your buddies whenever they shoot you down etc. Plus I think competitive gaming is growing alot every year and this just makes the scene more visible to the general public. Which is, again, a good thing imo.

I have no doubt there will some annoying 'package tactic' associated with this though. I already have to say no to 5 questions whenever I buy a game there. ("For the fifth time, I am never buying that damn disc warranty!" :P).

Think EBGames will take this up for us northern Canadians?

[Binkley]

I hope this succeeds, but with Gamestop running it....I dunno.

[BabyJesus]

Oh boy if I won I could get $1000 in overpriced scratched messes of used games! AWESOME.

I can see it now,
Me-"Can I get a copy of MISC KINDA NEW GAME with my $1000 shopping spree?"

Them-"Did you preorder?"

Me-"No"

Them-"Sorry only had enough for preorders, but we have this used copy of Madden 06 for $58.99, and you can save 10% if you sign up for GAME INFORMER!!!"

[KrispeKreme]

I think this is Gamestop reacting to Play'N'trade http://www.playntrade.com