By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Walmart Starts Selling Used Games, GameStop VP Not Worried - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 28 October 2014 / 4,697 Views

Walmart started offering gift cards for customers used game back in March of this year. The retail giant has started selling used games in 1,700 of its 4,800 US stores today, according to a report on Bloomberg.

"Our goal is to buy used video games for more, and ultimately sell certified pre-owned video games for less," said Walmart's senior vice president for entertainment Laura Phillips.

The move to sell used games was to lure gamers away from GameStop. GameStop has dominated the used game market. However, GameStop president Tony Bartel has said he isn't worried.

"Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, they've all tried or are trying used games," Bartel said. "Frankly, when someone comes it helps us, because it raises awareness that you can turn in video games, and we have the lion's share of the market."

Analysts have sided with Bartel. They have stated that selling used games isn't the problem. It is getting gamers to sell their games to retailers that is.

"The trick with used [games] is not demand. It’s supply," said Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter. "Getting people to buy used games is easy—cheap people will buy used stuff. Getting people to trade in games requires a relationship."

"They might offer you $20 for a fairly new game you’re done playing with, and turn around and sell it for $55," said Longbow Research analyst James Hardiman. "There’s a lot of ways, if you’re concerned about the economics, to do better than that. You can sell it on eBay for $45."

________________________________________________________________________________________

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. Outside, in the real world, he has a passion for the outdoors which includes everything from hiking to having received his B.A. in Environmental Studies. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


More Articles

8 Comments
Admiralsnake (on 29 October 2014)

cocky as hell......Gamestop....

  • +1
nanarchy Admiralsnake (on 29 October 2014)

I would actually think they are extremely concerned (either that or he is a complete moron), but regardless he is never going to say that publically.

  • 0
Ganoncrotch (on 28 October 2014)

"cheap people will buy used stuff." Way to go Pachter, those who can't buy every game new @ 70euro are "cheap"

  • +1
swbf2lord Ganoncrotch (on 28 October 2014)

I felt a bit offended at that too, although you can't buy PC games used--mostly.

  • 0
Dechizen (on 28 October 2014)

my walmart already sells used games and at a better value than gamestop

  • +1
Baryonyx (on 29 October 2014)

Why should them? There is even a Gamestop in one of the smallest cities in Norway.. and Walmart doesn't exist ourside of US.. PEOPLE! WAKE UP! there is an entire big world outside of US.. Walmart alone in the US won't bother Gamestop as long as Gamestop got a world marked.

  • 0
ZTxGhost Baryonyx (on 29 October 2014)

"Walmart doesn't exist ourside of US.."

What is this? A quick google search will confirm that there are over 6K international Walmarts, and would've saved you some embarrassment.

  • 0
nanarchy Baryonyx (on 29 October 2014)

There are more international walmarts then there are gamestops in the entire world.

  • 0