The Mercenaries 3D one save debacle AKA why game stores are so hated

For those who haven’t heard, the new 3DS version of Resident Evil has a catch that some might not care about, but others are fuming over.

Attention all Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D owners out there; in case you haven’t heard (or haven’t read the fine print in the manual), the game’s save file cannot be deleted. There’s absolutely no way to reset the game. Kinda strange, huh?

First off, it sucks if you simply feel like starting fresh. Lord knows sometimes I do so poorly that it messes things up for later down the road, or stop playing after a long white, so upon returning, am completely lost. Hence the needs for a do over, though Capcom claims that this ain’t that kind of game. And true, it’s certainly not like all the other Resident Evils before it; this one’s no story and all action.

Still, many questioned the motivations behind such a move, and everyone came to the same conclusion: to screw over Gamestop, by lessening it’s net value considerably as a second-hand game. If the second owner wasn’t able to enjoy the game like the first one did, then what would be the point?

The whole used games market is a constant source of headache for many. First off, a single game can produce far more profitability than a brand new one initially, provided it’s a popular title that goes back and forth between consumer and game store (never-mind about the actual quality and cosmetic condition of the title). And does any of those extra dollars go to the people who actually made the game? Nope.

Instead, Gamestop pockets the money, hence the outrageous eco-system: you buy a game brand new for $60, trade it in one day later for $25, and then they immediately turn around and sell it for $50. The game stores all claim that they hardly make any money off the initial sale, a point that’s arguable. But because of this power they wield, they have managed to amass a considerable amount of power, and more or less have all the publishers by the balls. Why do you think Gamestop gets all those pre-order incentives? It’s certainly not by choice.

Game publishers have to deal with whatever cards Gamestop wants to deal. They can literally make or break a game, depending on how hard they push a particular title, or simply if they chose to have a cop in stock, or at a visible place in the shop. Many still believe it was Gamestop who killed the Dreamcast, because Sony slipped them a few extra dollars to put the system and its games in a not so great position in the store, plus have its goons trashed the console for any potential customers. Who would instead recommend a brand new PlayStation 2.

Now Capcom claims that there was no hidden agenda at all. Instead they believe its similar to an arcade fighting game. Characters are unlocked, and stay unlocked, just like on an arcade machine. Interesting excuse, but still somewhat fishy.

Still, many are upset… not just game stores but folks who buy games 2nd hand, who prefer to save the extra cash and the such (I’d be into it myself if not for the fact that no one can treat anything with any modicum of decency, so whenever I pick up a used game, there’s usually mustard stains on them). As result, angry gamers have resorted to “Amazon Bombing”, which is to award something a ton of one stars due to intense dissatisfaction (even if they had never partaken in the thing they’re bitching about).

A few have called for the game’s boycott mostly on the basis that it does (and the point that secondhand games ultimately helps the industry, by empowering poorer gamers and increasing a game’s exposure, are very valid points… I just hate the system that thrives as a result even more so). Plus you have conflicting reports as to whether this retailer will sell used copies or not; at one point Gamestop that they wouldn’t accepting used copies, and then they changed their minds. It’s all a huge mess.

Kudos I guess for Capcom for trying something a little creative to get rid of the middle guy. Unfortunately it’s been somewhat of a PR disaster. But everyone should relax; Gamestop is the way of the dodo, said to tell all you fans of the place (another reason why I’d maybe be more sympathetic is if they didn’t hire the biggest dumbsh*ts on the planet to run the places). Eventually, the real threat to the traditional games retail marketplace… digital downloads… will cut their legs far more effectively then awkwardly gimping one’s own game.

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