NEWS
“The plans to make Ubisoft a top five publisher were bold and exciting, and I wanted to be a part of that.” Rob Cooper reflects on the last ten years p16
HMV considering online pre-owned move
Entertainment retail giant to follow Amazon’s new used games offer, but is this business model such a good idea? by Dominic Sacco
HMV WANTS to be the next retailer to offer pre- owned games online following Amazon UK’s entry into the market. Last week,
Amazon.co.uk began buying and selling second-hand titles. Customers can buy pre- owned games from the retailer, check prices using an online calculator and post old games in exchange for gift vouchers.
Now HMV has said it is looking to introduce a similar online service in addition to its in-store pre- owned offering, Re/Play. “We don’t sell used games online at present, but it is something that we are considering for 2011,” HMV’s Re/Play games manager Martin Baxter told MCV. “Amazon’s move comes as no surprise given that some of the major players do not offer an online trade- in service. Although there
services for over 17 years, I cannot think of one overly successful dedicated service that relies on people to send in their games. But such a trade-in offer can complement an existing online business. “Maybe Amazon’s buying service will work, especially
“
are games swap websites and the likes of eBay who offer this type of service. But their prices can vary dramatically, making it difficult to understand the value of the offer.” However, online retailer
ShopTo and used games expert Chris Ratcliff have raised doubts over internet second-hand services.
HMV’s pre-owned boss Martin Baxter is confident Re/Play can be as successful online as it is in-store
“Online trade-ins will always have issues and delays involved, which many consumers will find intolerable when compared to store trade-ins,” said ShopTo marketing manager Phil Driver.
Game Guideeditor Ratcliff added: “Having studied mail order and online trade-in games
by James Batchelor
THE WORLD’S first fully accessible video games suite has opened at Helen and Douglas House Children’s Hospice in Oxfordshire. The room was created and funded by gaming charity SpecialEffect, and allows all of the hospice’s guests to enjoy playing video games – no matter what physical disabilities they may have. “The games suite has been in development for over a year and a half, so it’s great to finally open it,” said SpecialEffect director Dr Mick Donegan.
6 December 17th 2010
“It contains a wide range of access technology, such as eye-gaze devices, to ensure that as many of the guests are catered for as possible.” Helen and Douglas House Children’s Hospice’s director of support services David Pastor added: “The value of the expertise that SpecialEffect has brought to us is immense. “As a result of their involvement, many more children and young adults are able to use bespoke equipment and games to their benefit.” SpecialEffect: 01608 810055
Amazon’s move is no surprise as some key firms lack an online trade-in service. Martin Baxter, HMV
as it is associated with a global brand. “However, I am concerned by the small print, which states that if the item sent in is not as described, it may be disposed of by the merchant and may not be returned.” HMV: 020 7432 2000
SpecialEffect opens revolutionary games room
Hospice regular Helen Oakley –whose mother Sandra spearheaded this initative –with father Kevin
www.mcvuk.com
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