Confirmed: Rhino sold to GameStop [update 1]

I seriously dislike EBgames. Their trade in values and resales are horrible which is why I refuse to buy used games from them or sell them my used games. Seriously, spend the $5 extra and get the original game. With games costing more to develop, we need to encourage developers to try out new IPs and they will only do that if we give them (and not EB) our money.

I am at a total loss as to why EB/Rhino/Gamestop is not operating against anti-trust laws.

If they control 98% of the used games market, that screams monopoly to me.

this was confirmed on GAF days ago. where were you guys?

Something is wrong with that math. Only $550,000 in sales a year over 72 stores? That's only ~$7600/year per store. That would mean they only sold roughly 150 games per store all year long. No way they could keep the doors open with those kinds of sales. Perhaps $550k in net profit, but no way its annual sales. You sure as hell wouldn't buy out a chain for $40M if they were doing that badly, you'd let them die off on their own.

So, "operating synergies" is code for "Rhino will be run exactly like Gamestop now", right? So lower trade-in values, higher used game prices, pushing preorders and that worthless rag game informer, and the used game sections for everything older than PS2/GC/Xbox will disappear? So much for the only game chain that didn't comepletely suck around here.

It's so obvious now! GameStop will be responsible for the upcoming zombie apocalypse!

Whew, I thought when I saw the headline in my Google Sidebar that GameStop bought Rhino VIDEO, the guys who publish all the Troma movies! Never even heard of Rhino videogames... ebGames/Gamestop is the only option around here.

now where am i supposed to buy videogames.

Purchase your next gen console games at Sam's Club. I laughed out loud when i saw all new Wii games being sold at Sam's Club for 44.99 brand new. (thats what eb and gamestop charge for used copies) Games for all the consoles are cheaper there.

EB/GameStop absolutely sucks. Ever since the merger, the GameStop stores have become claustrophobic, messy, poorly-managed crapholes. Their trade-in values suck, the membership card has been hiked in price and lowered in actual value, the selection sucks, the employees seem to be non-gamers and thugs, and they can't seem to squeeze enough standees, displays, bins, racks, and A-frame marketing shelves to make themselves happy. My local GameStop stores have stuff laying on the floor, spilling out from behind the cashwrap (counter) and they now have even the most simple, worthless items on security pegs that require summoning a worker bee to unlock if you want to purchase the (the items, not the worker bees or pegs).

They SUCK HARD. I worked for FuncoLand back before Babbage's bought them, and I thought that was a sucky setup, but that pales in comparison to the evil empire that EBGameStop has become.

Screw them. I'll stick to online purchases if I can help it.

When does GameCrazy get bought now? They seem to be one of few chain independent's left? I must admit this doesn't bother me much since I seem to use Amazon and Best Buy the most. I think it is actually good to get a strong games only retailer to compete against Wal-Mart and Target.

I agree with #6. How the hell does GameStop not constitute a monopoly on the used games market?

jez... Rhino was an alright place but I guess they are no more. Well I'm glad theres at least one used game euntrepenur shop left in my town, because seriously... gamestop is terrible

Starting December 19, 2006, Blockbuster Total Access (online) is giving customers 1 free video game rental each month plus the first month is free.

Sign up at http://www.blockbuster.com/bbfamily
First month free with promo code 1557TA

Facts:

1. Offer changes to 2-week trial beginning Jan 15 2007. 3 movies out at a time. So, signup now !

2. Members can exchange online movies for free DVD rentals at their local Blockbuster (online mailer/movie will work like a coupon). Also, as soon as the online movies are exchanged at the store, the next movies in your que will ship as well. You essentially double the # of DVDs you can watch by returning them to the store (you can’t do this with Netflix).

3. Members will also receive 1 in store coupon every month for a free movie OR video game (even during free month).

4. Only pay $17.99 per month (3 out) after the 1st month or downgrade to the $14.99 (2 out) or $9.99 (1 out) plans.

Great
Now those fruitcakes are going to ruin another chain.
Do they really sell that many used games? How? At the GS by me, you only save $2 if you buy it used. If it's between buying used from gamestop or new anywhere else, I'll buy new. I go to GS once a year, when they have a buy 2 get 1 free deal. That's the only way you might not get ripped off buying something there.

Gamestop sucks. I worked there 6 years as a manager. They have a history of buying and firing. All I can say is if you are a Rhino manager you better start looking.

Just noticed the "operating synergies" myself. As a retro gamer myself, I loved Rhino as it was the last store in my area (central florida, where rhino started) who still sold nes and newer games. I went in today to buy another used dreamcast. "Sorry, we no longer carry those products" The trade in glass cases were gone, and the wall was peppered with nothing but PS2 and newer games. Most of the walls were still pretty empty due to all the in store changes theyre doing.

So thats one less customer GS/EB/Rhino will have.
I would seriously rather give my money to Walmart now.