Buying games just got a bit more convenient.
Ever try and buy a game at GameStop you saw on their website? Did you call ahead, confirming its availability, and subsequently drive an ungodly distance only to find out the game was never actually available? Well, I know I have.
In an effort to alleviate this issue, GameStop has now begun a new program to drastically overhaul this broken system. While browsing the website, players can now identify a game they want at a given store in their area, and click the simple PickUp@Store button on the GameStop.com website.
Upon clicking the button, the given store will be alerted of your interest and will set the game aside for you. Once confirmed to be in stock, the site will e-mail you alerting you that it's available and allow you to print your e-mail confirmation.
From there, simply drive to the store, present your confirmation e-mail, and purchase your game!
The service is completely free and has been something I personally have been hoping to see instated for quite some time now. For a neat, simple reference, check out the e-mail alert from GameStop below.
With the GameStops I've been to, I could see this not working out right at about half of them. It's not a bad service, though, akin to calling up a rental store and asking them to put something aside for you back in the day.
I'll have to test it out next time I want a game that GameStop won't arbitrarily bump the price up $5.
I like the idea of this program. I normally just order the game online, even if a GameStop is nearby (with some exceptions) because... well, I don't know. But I like the idea. Makes the trip feel more assured.
As a game collector, I often find myself grabbing really obscure PS2 games from them and I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've called and asked if they had a game, went there and no such game was available.
I must assume with a system such as this, that problem will be eliminated or at the very least, drastically reduced. If you have a confirmation number, it now means someone's ass is on the line, rather than a phone call confirmation which really means nothing.
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