GameStop midnight release "party" for Madden 13
GameStop really needs to learn what it means to throw a party. Nothing special, nothing over the top.
My brother in law is a hardcore football fanatic and he loves his Madden games. Very dedicated to the franchise. He asked me if I would like to attend the midnight release party at our local GameStop tonight. While I'm not a big fan of GS, I figured I'd go to see what all the hype was about.
He arrived a little before me and paid for his game. We got to play a quick match on a tiny screen, then had to go stand in line. They had sandwiches from Jimmy John's (a very mediocre sandwich joint in my opinion) for sale, and other than that it was mostly waiting. Nothing special or over the top. No real reason to not just go to Wal-Mart and scoop it up there.
With that said, I'm curious as to how they can call that a release "party". I would think that there would be some sort of event, other than standing in line. Maybe have a small tournament with a previous version of the game at the very least, but sadly no, nothing of the sort. I was very disappointed.
But on the bright side I found out about a local web site that is set up in order to let the locals know about future gaming events. I'm going to check this out and write another post about it. I can't wait to see if it’s going to be good.
» Tagged In: #community showcase, #fail, #Gamestop, #madden13, #party, #release date
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g1 DISCUSSIONS
theentertainmentguy
To me that sandwich would be the highlight.
ChopChop
It's based on who manages the GameStop and who works there. I went to the Halo Reach release and they had Halo Reach set up on 7 different TV's, and there was a tournamen. Winner got a free game. I went to another GameStop for a COD MW3 release party, and all it was was waiting outside in the cold.
intotheblaze117
my gamestop has FREE pizza form mountain mikes, its pretty good! nd im on a first name basis with all the employees anyway, about to start working there, so its not really waiting for me :p
LOEAnubis
Eh, it depends on the GameStop. The one I used to go to in Jacksonville, FL (St. John's Town Center) used to go all out for Madden. Tournaments the night of the release, they brought in Hooters girls and wings (for free, though limited), ex-Jag Jimmy Smith was there a few times and signed stuff for the tourney. All in all it was a good time, it just depends on what that GameStop wants to do and how much they want to spend.
CyberAngel573
Why would you even throw a party for this?
Solafien
My locals ones do cool tournys, I recall playing tournies for Smash brothers brawl/mortal kombat for a chance to win the games. And for FFXIII. I won FF trivia scoring tickets to video games live!
Rupture
Gamestop mediocre?? Surely you jest...
Tom the Iron Man
Back in the day, before GameStop hit Fortune 500, the store managers had access to something called "Petty cash" in which they would expense out money for food and drink and entertainment to make real party. Once they hit Fortune 500 all the creative freedom the store managers had (and the petty cash) was taken away and now they are budgeted, and unless you're store is in the top 20% in the region good luck getting any money to throw a party. Even if you do it's a pitiful amount, $50-$75.
BossmanCCrowder0
At my Gamestop in Kansas, we were able to play Madden 13 early. I showed up for the Ratchet and Clank Collection and I also won the Madden tournament they had.
I love midnight launches. Getting a game early is awesome, sometimes you get to play it early and compete with other people. Also a great way to meet new gamers.
alondite345
I don't shop at Gamestop anymore, so yea.