http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10198&Itemid=59

By Kris Graft

 US movie and game rental chain Blockbuster will be increasing its focus on videogames, in an effort to grab a piece of the $17.9 billion industry. Blockbuster said Monday that it will be offering retail videogames and game hardware at all US Blockbuster locations, allowing consumers to purchase new games, consoles and accessories.

The firm said it will be stocking Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii and DS systems.

Locations will also begin carrying a wider range of game titles for its rental business across all platforms.

Special game sections will be integrated into stores.

The announcement of an expanded retail initiative comes as some of the biggest titles hit the market. This season will see Grand Theft Auto IV and Mario Kart Wii, among other titles.

Blockbuster will also be offering bundle deals, such as the $499 PS3 movie and game bundle, which includes a 40GB PS3, PS3 Blu-ray DVD remote, HDMI cable, Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray, the Transformers videogame, and a Blockbuster 12-week PS3/Blu-ray rental card.

"We are committed to offering a full assortment of everything gamers want in our stores," said Blockbuster games merchandising VP Rod Murray in a statement.

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I am actually getting GTA4 from blockbuster as they offered me $44 for my tradings when gamespot only wanted to give me $24 for the same games.  They actually called me this morning to tell me they are staying an extra 15 minutes past midnight in case I wanted to pick it up.  They also had a decent pre-order deal.  I welcome more options for consumers and more competition!

Yeah they've slowly been expanding their games focus over the last few months. Back when I was an employee I got a nice deal on Guitar Hero III there.

This is interesting and I will have to go to the local BB and see what is up. The main thing I want from BB is DS rentals. Many DS games are just too short to buy.

I cannot help but think they will be pushing PS3s over Wii/XBox. Every PS3 sold is more potential for Blu-Ray rentals.

I do hope they get into the trade-in market. Gamestop needs some competition in that area.

They do trade-in ^

Not the PSP?

Weird.

i used to work at a Blockbuster in my town



they fired me for getting a part-time job at Gamestop



So take it from me, they're serious!!


They not only want to nail Netflix but Gamestop/ EB as well




... those bitches :/

DMeisterJ said: Not the PSP? Weird.

haha

if it makes u feel better, PSP games were always more popular than DS games at Blockbuster.... then again we only carried like 5 or six DS games compared to nearly a 100 for the PSP. BB always liked Sony a little more

 

:/

Hastings also does trade-ins but they are not located in all places.
http://gohastings.findlocation.com/

I haven't rented a movie in ages! Over a year, maybe. If there's a movie I want to see, even a crap movie, I buy it. They're just so cheap. Games on the other hand....... It's harder to justify spending $50-$60 on a game I'm sketchy about. Good move, Block Buster! It'll pay off, I'm sure of it.