Earlier today, a report from Kotaku detailed a new trade-in pricing structure which eliminates the complicated incentives model currently in place at GameStop.  The old method gave extra percentages on trade-in value toward used games, game reservations and more.  Now, those additional values are being removed and GameStop claims that this will give additional value to its customers.

After Kotaku’s Jason Schreier reached out to the company for further comment, they simply came forward about the new policy stating:

“GameStop made the decision to simplify the trade-in pricing structure that is part of our buy-sell-trade program based on positive feedback we have received from customers and store managers,” said Jason Cochran, senior vice president, pre-owned business. “We anticipate this change to be well-received by our customers as they experience the added value we are now offering them for their pre-owned video game and consumer electronic products.”

“Last year, GameStop issued over $1.2 billion of trade credits with more than 70% of that applied to the purchase of new products,” said Cochran. “We want to provide our customers the best value for their trade and we believe customers will be pleased with this new simplified pricing.”

I think it’s worth adding that while $1.2 billion in trade-in credit seems fairly substantial alone, when 70% of that is applied to new products, GameStop takes a portion of that.  The number also doesn’t seem so large when compared to the roughly $9 billion total revenue earnings for the fiscal year of 2013, which was posted to the company’s website.

How do you feel about these changes or about the company as a whole?  Please join in on the poll below, or let us know in the comments.

My Opinion:

For those who value the services of GameStop to continue their hobby, I feel that this is a win for them.  However, they are the only ones who benefit.  There is still no return for developers, the ones who’ve made the original product.  Personally I have stopped using the stores for many reasons, not just pricing, trade-in value, or lack of giving to the industry that helped to make the corporation.  I place a high value on the games I own and want to keep, one that GS will likely never meet me on.  

Scott Deisner is an Associate Writer for MONG.  He enjoys story and character driven content above all else, things made from potatoes, and long walks on sandy beaches ;P  You can follow him on Twitter.