Ever since console games were created back in the 80’s, there’s been a major problem with each and every one. This problem wasn’t as big of a deal in the early days, but with the creation of the Internet and video game websites, this problem has grown.
The problem of which I am speaking is the release date system. Every entertainment medium has a set release date system except for video games. CDs and Movies all come out on a single day a week. They are shipped a week, sometimes even two weeks before thier release date and can’t be sold until that date comes. If a movie or CD is sold early, there is a $10,000 fine to the lucky street date breaker.
However with video games there is no set street date. When a company such as Nintendo, Sega, Capcom, and so forth say a game is to be released on such and such a date, what they are really saying is that it SHIPS on that date. Stores may get that game at any time on the ship date, or sometimes not until days later.
So why is this a problem? When a gamer really wants a game, and simply can’t wait until they can go buy it, there is no telling when a store will put it out. I for one am often caught calling store after store the day before a game is “supposed” to be out trying to find out when it will be put on shelves. Larger chains, such as Best Buy, will sometimes set a date for the release, which is often two or three days after the ship date. If a store gets it in early they cannot put it out until that date. Now, say another store such as GameStop gets it in the day after the ship date and they put it out right away. There is absolutely no telling when exactly a store will release a game. Often times I’ll call a store and the workers will either not have a clue what I’m talking about or have no idea when they will be able to sell it.
Back before the Internet was overrun with gaming sites that feature reviews, previews, and release dates, the main place to find out information on a game was by reading the box at the store. Back then it didn’t matter to many gamers that a game was going to be out on a certain date, because there was no easy way to find out these things. Nowadays, anyone who plays a lot of games knows exactly when a game is supposed to come out, or at least has a simple way to find out. This problem is noticeable now more then ever.
Now, how can this be solved? Simple. All that must be done is set up a system exactly like movies and CDs. Every Tuesday any game that is to be out that week gets released. Each game to be out gets shipped a week or two early to allow stores to get ready for the sale. Also like movies and CDs, if that release date gets broken and a store sells a copy early, there can be huge fines to the store that broke the street date.
How does this help the gamer and the company? That’s also very simple. If the games are shipped and not allowed to be sold, stores can advertise their release better. If a game comes out on Tuesday it can be featured in the Sunday ads so more people know the game is coming out that week and will want to buy it. Also, rental stores will get the games in early, allowing for three things. First it would allow the employees to play them early so that they are able to better help a customer in deciding to rent the new games. Secondly, rental stores would actually have games for rent the day they are out, so if a gamer isn’t sure if they want a game yet they can rent it the same day that they would be able to buy it to find out if they like it or not. Lastly, game review sites would be able to get the game in early and in time for its release so gamers can read up on it before buying it.
I know some of you are going to say that this delays a game’s release a few days and you just can’t wait that long. But would you honestly rather wait two or three extra days and know the exact day a game is to be put on shelves, or would you rather have it come out that whole day or two early but not be sure when it will be available? I for one am sick and tired of playing phone tag and driving all over town searching for that one game that is supposed to be out. Improve the release date system today!
Matt Schraeder
