Blockbuster Gets into Retail Game Scene

If you think that there aren’t enough places to buy video games, systems and accessories, then be thankful that Blockbuster has unveiled a new business branch: retail video game sales. In a move to compete with game store giants GameStop and Game Crazy, Blockbuster corporate-owned stores will begin selling games, hardware and accessories. Available systems include Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, but one notable missing system is Sony PSP.

Rod Murray, vice-president, games merchandising, Blockbuster Inc, offered this explanation for the new retail gaming branch: “We’re committed to offering a full assortment of everything gamers want in our stores.”

To get everyone extra excited, Blockbuster will also have exclusive special offers, such as, “an exclusive Sony PS3 movie and game bundle… for $499.99…includes: a 40GB Sony PS3 game console… PS3/Blu-ray DVD remote, HDMI cable, ‘Spiderman 3’ Blu-ray disc, ‘Transformers’ PS3 game and a BLOCKBUSTER 12-week PS3/Blu-ray rental card that entitles users to one free PS3 or Blu-ray rental per week for 12 consecutive weeks.”
(I’m sure Sony didn’t work out any kind of exclusive deal with Blockbuster to support their poor sales of the PS3…) No word if Blockbuster will have similar packages for other systems.

The launch of this new service from Blockbuster was timed with the popular releases of “Grand Theft Auto IV” and “Mario Kart Wii.” While no official details have been released concerning the success of the new service, it is clear that Blockbuster is looking to strengthen its standing in the home entertainment industry.

In related news, Blockbuster has also announced it is developing a new service to steam movies directly to your TV. Netflix is already in development with LG Electronics for a similar device. With the news that Apple was to begin offering online movie rental downloads, Blockbuster’s stock plummeted 17%, something that corporate Blockbuster is motivated by. Blockbuster has not given a release date for this service.