Curmudgeon GamerMaybe the only way it could have been published was to secure a distribution deal with a huge retailer ahead of time, and EB Games/GameStop fits that description. However, it is precisely this kind of exclusivity crap that I fear will get out of control and lead to an even more consumer-hostile environment.
And Chulip isn't the only game. Settlers DS is getting the same treatment.
Labels: business, ds, game stores, ps2
Hm. No publisher would willingly agree to an exclusivity deal such as this, which means no sales from Wal-Mart, Target or the like. This implies that they expect the game will sell so poorly that it won't make any difference, and that decreasing the number produced will cut their losses.
It also implies pretty strongly that it was Gamespot's idea to bring it out in the States at all, and that they're probably doing it to increase traffic to their stores, which we might guess need such a boost right about now.
Sound plausible?
By JohnH, at 24 February, 2007 15:22
johnh seems to be on to something. Even if he's not, and let's say that the number of additional sales from Wal-Mart wouldn't've made a difference (which I doubt, but 1.) We'd have to assume Wal-Mart would take it, and 2.) It would seem many Wal-Mart sales are those licensed games; not necessarily your discriminating gamers??), what's the issue?
That is, what's so bad about exclusivity if the prices remain competitive and, as Matt mentioned, it has the possibility of giving the US a few extra titles?
However, it is precisely this kind of exclusivity crap that I fear will get out of control and lead to an even more consumer-hostile environment.
What does that picture look like, and how much more is "more"? I'm happy Madden wasn't an exclusive, certainly, so I could get it cheap as crud at Circuit City at its release, but aside from that relative exception from the rule, where's the practical benefit?
Now once the EB version has a hidden Pac-Man and Wal-Mart's a hidden Galaga, we've got an issue. ;^)
By rufbo, at 24 February, 2007 15:43
I believe the exclusive deal for Chulip only lasts 30 days or something like that. However, it's so niche that it's unlikely the 'big' stores would pick this up anyway. But I would still expect to see this on Amazon at some point.
I bought it anyway because I'm weak (hopefully the last thing I buy from Gamestop/EBGames). I have to admit, it's exactly what I expected -- bizarre, somewhat unforgiving difficulty, but charming all the same.
By Dan-o, at 25 February, 2007 02:54
you can also buy PS2-Chulip from www.gamequestdirect.com as well i got my copy from there
By , at 09 June, 2007 23:05
Feedburner
