What should be in a video game store?

My logic is based on experience. It seems highly likely that apparently everyone here values buying the same 20 games and that in order to get them they had to consult the knowledge of this elite group of staff that suggested the game to them. Once again Im one of the few that do things in a different way. This elite staff apparently are the ones affecting peoples gaming purchases worldwide. No wonder their are shelves full and stores full of returned and preowned titles as early as 2 days after release.
 
First off... Uninformed staff is why half the people in this world HATE Gamestop.

Secondly... Not everyone is computer literate or has access to a computer. And I'm sorry, maybe I don't watch TV enough, but I very RARELY see commercials for games that aren't Nintendo.

Okay, if you went into an appliance store to buy say... a washer and dryer, and you asked the sales associate what was the best combo within your price range. He/she couldn't answer that and just pointed out features that are on the sales label that anyone with a brain could read themselves, wouldn't you be at least a little frustrated?
 
There are tons of commercials on every channel for games that kids would enjoy and even adults. These are not only Nintendo, but for masses of systems. Even in movie theaters, magazines, textbooks, school pamphlets, discount packets, you name it there are tons of things that feature video game advertisements every now and then. Everyone has access to a public library and can access the internet. So that cant possibly be an excuse for people, if it is then they are just lazy. People seem to only confine them self to gamestop but I think it best for people to go to a variety of retailers (ideally online...) but I guess Target and WalMart and Bestbuy work the best.

Ive never been to an appliance store and not seen an official company spokesman there or someone not qualified in the appliances sector to serve me of little service. Usually this is where an informed staff is and always is present. Notice that in this case it isnt a simple video game but a more satisfying and useful object in question.
 
Sorry, but I just can't buy your argument. You've obviously never worked at a video game store where people know what they are talking about.

You think an uninformed video game store clerk is more likely to sell someone a hidden gem like Zack & Wiki than an informed one is? That's BS. I think you have it totally backwards. The uninformed clerks are the ones trying to sell you on the popular games because they don't know anything better. Most of the uninformed clerks are the ones who don't know Mario from Master Chief from Madden, so when you go in as a parent looking for a good game, they try to sell you Halo 3 even though you only own a Wii. Yet someone who is informed, sure they may only suggest Mario or Zelda or something, but at least they've got the right system, and you can't deny that those are great games.

In my experience, people who play video games themselves make MUCH better salespeople at video game stores, because they can talk to the customers about games they've played, and real gamers play games other than what's popular, so they can point out hidden gems.

Uninformed clerks are usually that way because they do not play games. How is someone who doesn't play games going to be more helpful than someone who does?
 
I don't like to buy online because then I have to wait for the game to come by mail. I'd rather much buy it from a local store so I can have it in my hands the same day I pay for it. I'm just a sucker for instant gratification, I guess.

The only time I buy games online is when I have to get an import game from Ebay. And sometimes rare games.
 
Mai Valentine said:
Sorry, but I just can't buy your argument. You've obviously never worked at a video game store where people know what they are talking about.

You think an uninformed video game store clerk is more likely to sell someone a hidden gem like Zack & Wiki than an informed one is? That's BS. I think you have it totally backwards. The uninformed clerks are the ones trying to sell you on the popular games because they don't know anything better. Most of the uninformed clerks are the ones who don't know Mario from Master Chief from Madden, so when you go in as a parent looking for a good game, they try to sell you Halo 3 even though you only own a Wii. Yet someone who is informed, sure they may only suggest Mario or Zelda or something, but at least they've got the right system, and you can't deny that those are great games.

In my experience, people who play video games themselves make MUCH better salespeople at video game stores, because they can talk to the customers about games they've played, and real gamers play games other than what's popular, so they can point out hidden gems.

Uninformed clerks are usually that way because they do not play games. How is someone who doesn't play games going to be more helpful than someone who does?
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From my experience at multiple stores the uninformed clerks seemed to always suggest these amazing hidden gems or games that usually people wouldnt be offered. When the people who are really informed in the store they usually just always suggest the same 20 titles (like Ive previously stated). Sure everyone suggest Zack and Wiki, I mean who wouldnt buy a bargain bin title with a cute image on the boxart, isnt it so cute!! But anyway, the most helpful clearks for these people who are parents are the ones that always suggest them the same Nickelodeon or Disney or Movie games, for usually a kid under 11 is the type of game that they are going to play. I am quite sure that these people have also received adequate training to know what to sell to parents and what not too. Plus in this age of information no parent is really out to surprise their child for the child has already exclaimed what they wanted.

I am not going to buy into the fact that these uninformed clerks are worthless. In fact they are the most highly people in the video game business. They are the ones that load you down with so much accessories that you love it. Unlike these other people who are always attempting to get you to understand that "this game here is the best you would ever play in your life and btw, ignore all of these titles as they are worthless and boring". Im not suggesting that these good games are bad, but they are only suggesting to people AMAZING games and this makes them, the informed clerks worthless. People may take some pride in having their games that they were going to buy bashed and such but I will not.

Hiring people who play games may be a good idea however it will also aid to the effort of bashing more games that the stores are selling and force people to have these amazing titles thurst upon them while they would never discover hidden gems cause no one would be buying such titles.

Perhaps this is why buying online is so profitable for Amazon and such sites, by eliminating these annoying and worthless informed staff, people are able to buy things that they enjoy and get to experience without hearing opinons from worthless informed store clerks. Yay for buying online.
 
Starrynite said:
There would be no way for a new gamer to get caught up in time. No it wouldnt be wrong to suggest the purchase of the MGS collection to catch them up on the story (for that would be admirable). A brainless ignorant staff would ultimately be able to do the same thing as they would just point to ads in the store and other such things, though at the same time, the staff could know how this new gamer is (as this brainless ignorant staff is not a gamer), and would suggest starting more slowly to get into games, maybe suggest a light hearted game such as Ratchet and Clank or something else.
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Well, the new gamer wouldn't have to run out and get the game the second it hits store shelves, and could instead attempt to catch up on the story, as suggested by the employee. The brainless staff would be unable to do the same thing, as the release of the MGS collection isn't common knowledge among non-gamers. It didn't have a great deal of hype behind it, and there certainly weren't any ads or posters up for it, as it was just a re-release of a bunch of older games. This is why it is good to have a staff that knows what they're talking about, as they can point the less knowledgeable gamers towards games that are by the same developer or are very similar to the one they are buying. This just isn't something you can get out of an ignorant staff.

Not only that, but your entire point behind problems with an informed staff is that they have an opinion on everything, and would tell gamers that a game is good or bad, or is or isn't right for them, but you stated that an uninformed staff would do the exact same thing and it would be a positive. How is one good and the other bad?
 
Don't forget video games. ;)

Tournaments would be nice. Um....areas where you have a console set up and people can play the game? Lol...
 
Homicidal Cherry53 said:
Well, the new gamer wouldn't have to run out and get the game the second it hits store shelves, and could instead attempt to catch up on the story, as suggested by the employee. The brainless staff would be unable to do the same thing, as the release of the MGS collection isn't common knowledge among non-gamers. It didn't have a great deal of hype behind it, and there certainly weren't any ads or posters up for it, as it was just a re-release of a bunch of older games. This is why it is good to have a staff that knows what they're talking about, as they can point the less knowledgeable gamers towards games that are by the same developer or are very similar to the one they are buying. This just isn't something you can get out of an ignorant staff.

Not only that, but your entire point behind problems with an informed staff is that they have an opinion on everything, and would tell gamers that a game is good or bad, or is or isn't right for them, but you stated that an uninformed staff would do the exact same thing and it would be a positive. How is one good and the other bad?
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Regardless of preference for selecting a classic and insisiting that this person who already has a first hand interest in MGS4, I doubt it would even beneficial to get them to experience the previous ones. Just get them to play what they want and then after they explore it and beat it upon its release suggest to them the collection, same outcome is generated.

Informed Staff

Pros
-Vast Knowledge of games
-Uses resources and immerses themselves daily in videogame business
-First hand experience with tons of popular games

Cons
-Too Opinionated
-Focuses only on the "Sure Fire" good game while not giving smaller less advertised titles a chance
-Would never suggest the right games for kids
-Too away from the popular opinion in terms of Fun games versus quality games, only chooses quality while ignoring fun

Uninformed Staff

Pros:
-Makes decision based on what they have heard and based on actual game description (usually found on the box and or in-store advertising)
-Generally helpful with basic needs
-Lacks opinion...which allows them to offer a larger selection of fairly decent games to the customer
-Can relate to nongamers more

Cons:
-Quality is not a concern, so will definitely not really suggest the creme of the crop of games
-Due to their nature, will cause sales of smaller less known titles to increase in the store, thus causing a smaller stock of that game
-Has little knowledge of reviews, thus games that were reviewed average will be suggested more
-Chooses fun over quality

Pretty much it is clear about which Staff is the best
 
Starrynite said:
Regardless of preference for selecting a classic and insisiting that this person who already has a first hand interest in MGS4, I doubt it would even beneficial to get them to experience the previous ones. Just get them to play what they want and then after they explore it and beat it upon its release suggest to them the collection, same outcome is generated.
d
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I'll be honest. I have no idea what that paragraph means. XD
Starrynite said:
-Focuses only on the "Sure Fire" good game while not giving smaller less advertised titles a chance
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Uh, what? If anything the informed staff is the one that will give less advertised, still good games a chance. Odds are, the uninformed staff has never even heard of any games beyond those that get tons of advertising, so they would never recommend a diamond in the rough, if they would take a shot at recommending anything at all.
Starrynite said:
-Would never suggest the right games for kids
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Why is that? Is it somehow impossible for someone who knows about gaming to know which games are right for kids? I would expect the uninformed staff to do this a lot more than the informed one, as the uninformed one would probably just tell the kid to buy some crappy kids movie game. They would not know that said game sucks so they would recommend it to them just because the recognize the name.
Starrynite said:
-Too away from the popular opinion in terms of Fun games versus quality games, only chooses quality while ignoring fun
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Is there any difference between fun and quality? A game's purpose is fun, so a quality game is one that excels in that aspect.
Starrynite said:
-Makes decision based on what they have heard and based on actual game description (usually found on the box and or in-store advertising)
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How is it a pro that this person makes a decision based on incredibly biased descriptions and advertisements whose sole purpose is to sell the game?
Starrynite said:
-Lacks opinion...which allows them to offer a larger selection of fairly decent games to the customer
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The person who has an opinion can do the same thing as they are aware of reviews and the general perception of games. This allows recommendation of good games and only good games, whereas recommendation coming from an uninformed staff have a big chance of being utter crap as they are essentially a guess.
Starrynite said:
-Can relate to nongamers more
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The problem is, if you're at a game store, most people won't be non-gamers. Occasionally, a parent might come in looking to buy a game for their kid, but other than that, you're getting informed gamers, whom you can't relate to.
Starrynite said:
Pretty much it is clear about which Staff is the best
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Yeah, I'd say it's obvious that having a staff that knows about gaming is best.
 
You are not understanding!!! The informed staff is firstly not even that good. They dont relate to the audience in question here. Lets look at this way.

For example, guy walks into this almighty Supermarket looking to buy a tomato. They go to the fresh produce section and have a choice of people to ask for help. He has the option of asking the general person who works in the store on the cashier and not directly with produce but someone who at least buys tomatoes for their family to eat or they can ask the guy who works in the produce section who has vast knowledge of fresh produce. The clear choice here would be to ask the cashier person for assistance as they would be able to tell which one is best based on their own experience. Why go to the guy who has the vast knowledge of produce when this person who has nothing more than a dimes worth of common knowledge and experience was more helpful.

This example goes to prove that an informed staff is ultimately not as beneficial for gamers. The video game was the tomato, the informed staff was the guy that works in produce, and the uninformed was the person who has bought a tomato before. It is alright to assume that the one who works their daily with fresh produce may be the most qualified, but ultimately the one that is most helpful and versatile is the one who has a dimes worth of experience. Thanks.
 
Starrynite said:
-Due to their nature, will cause sales of smaller less known titles to increase in the store, thus causing a smaller stock of that game
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Wait what?

You just said that uninformed staff would just point out the ones that have the most advertising. How would this statement I just quoted actually happen then?

I've read all your post and I see where you're coming from, but like everyone else has said, your logic is flawed. Especially from a business standpoint, not even a video game one. When I get a chance I will make a better post. I'm at work right now so I can't post too often.
 
It was a statement that was made with knowledge that there are small titles that receive adequate advertising in stores that most people dont realize, thus these type of smaller games would increase. For example there are several games that dont receive TV commercials but still have at least like a special display in the store, or some gimmick to get people to walk over to them.
 
Starrynite said:
It was a statement that was made with knowledge that there are small titles that receive adequate advertising in stores that most people dont realize, thus these type of smaller games would increase. For example there are several games that dont receive TV commercials but still have at least like a special display in the store, or some gimmick to get people to walk over to them.
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Usually they don't, but every now and then they do. So that's cool.

The other problem with your logic is that it would only work in a perfect world. The world isn't perfect and there are too many variables. You're lumping everyone into the same catagory. Just because one type of help is good for you does not mean that it will work for everyone else.
 
No in this case, the manager would be the informed staff, everyone else would be the uninformed staff. Thus with this fleet of workers they could appeal to all people in all environments, the ideal setup for ANY successful store (such that Supergrocery store example, I have to permanently entomb that example, my best one to date!)..
 
Starrynite said:
For example, guy walks into this almighty Supermarket looking to buy a tomato. They go to the fresh produce section and have a choice of people to ask for help. He has the option of asking the general person who works in the store on the cashier and not directly with produce but someone who at least buys tomatoes for their family to eat or they can ask the guy who works in the produce section who has vast knowledge of fresh produce. The clear choice here would be to ask the cashier person for assistance as they would be able to tell which one is best based on their own experience.
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I would want to know which tomato was best, not have some guy pass along a bunch of wisdom that has nothing to do with tomatoes.

Also, exactly why does the produce expert not have the same amount of common knowledge? It isn't as though he spends his entire life, fixated on tomatoes. It cannot just be assumed that the produce expert hasn't had any of the same experiences that the cashier had.
Starrynite said:
Why go to the guy who has the vast knowledge of produce when this person who has nothing more than a dimes worth of common knowledge and experience was more helpful.
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I fail to see how he was more helpful in choosing a tomato.
Starrynite said:
This example goes to prove that an informed staff is ultimately not as beneficial for gamers. The video game was the tomato, the informed staff was the guy that works in produce, and the uninformed was the person who has bought a tomato before. It is alright to assume that the one who works their daily with fresh produce may be the most qualified, but ultimately the one that is most helpful and versatile is the one who has a dimes worth of experience. Thanks.
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Again, I don't get how the produce expert doesn't have the same "dimes worth of experience". Is there something inherently different about the produce expert's life that makes said experience inaccessible to him?
 
Starrynite said:
Cons
-Too Opinionated
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See: Knows a lot
-Focuses only on the "Sure Fire" good game while not giving smaller less advertised titles a chance
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Not remotely true.
-Would never suggest the right games for kids
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Of course not, they're informed, why would they?
Uninformed Staff

Pros:
-Makes decision based on what they have heard and based on actual game description (usually found on the box and or in-store advertising)
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They're uninformed, they haven't heard **** and, like I've said, no one advertises their game to be bad.
-Generally helpful with basic needs
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Like hell they are.
-Lacks opinion...
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Oh, that's always good.
which allows them to offer a larger selection of fairly decent games to the customer
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Um, exactly the opposite, at most, they'll go, "Der...I herd halo iz gud."
-Can relate to nongamers more
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You're in there buying a darn game!
-Quality is not a concern, so will definitely not really suggest the creme of the crop of games
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They won't suggest good titles, exactly. That's the one reason you need for them to not be hired.
-Due to their nature, will cause sales of smaller less known titles to increase in the store, thus causing a smaller stock of that game
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They won't even have heard of the darn game.

I'm not even going to bother with the rest of your garbage, because it's all completely backwards and awful, downright stupid and moronic, and you're pretty much proving yourself wrong every time you spew the same crap out of your mouth.

And don't tell me the uninformed staff is better, because clearly, they are not.

I got it. You go to get a job. What do you have to present? A resume. Are they gonna hire the person with or without a background/bit of knowledge on what they're doing?
 
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