The guide describes that two associates should be manning the register, with one to ring up customers and the other to pass along the requested game version. If the line is too long, an electronics associate should "take quantities of the game to the front register and assist the cashier by handing out the game at time of purchase." Considering Wal-Mart went through the effort of making such a comprehensive guide, corporate would probably love to hear from customers who don't have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience during the GTA IV launch.*
*Metagame: The "execution guide" has a major error on Pg. 2, can you spot it? Hint after the break.
[Thanks Anonymous]
Hint: Look at the time at the bottom of the page. Looks like non 24-hour stores are being punished. Yes, we're sure it's a typo.
(Page 1) Reader Comments
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And of course everyone is running out to buy GTA then shoot up a school on the way home
On another note, images of the PS3 launch where all sorts of violent crap happened to people brave enough to go, are dancing through my head. Even if BBuy has a midnight launch, do I really want to risk getting my banana ass whooped so that some douche can steal my GTAIV? I think not sirs. I can wait until normal business hours, thank you very much.
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I did get to do a couple video gamed-themed surveys on there, however. One was even worth 9 bucks in e-rewards cash, so that was pretty nice. Another one had to do with in-game car insurance advertising in Forza Motorsport 2.
-Love, Wal-Mart"
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As for Wal*Mart, eff them. Every time they claim they'll not only have a midnight release for a game or console, any or all of the following occur:
a) Flyers for the promotion of getting it at midnight are strewn about the electronics section, in sight of minors who probably shouldn't have anything to do with this
b) The day of the event, people ask constantly the same damn question(When/where can I get it?); even though all the details are posted... and eventually torn down by hording or jealous consumers.
c) The night of the event, there are no organized lines or true supervision by either employees, hired rent-a-cops, or local law. Thus, it's a 50/50 chance either the crowd will be civilized and wait accordingly by chronological order of arrival...
d) Or what usually happens is, despite any kind of organized line, ticketed listing, etc.; the moment that entry is given... it's a Black Friday-style bum rush to get the desired item.
Screw that noise. Buy it from Game$top, Blockbu$ter-GameRu$h, get it online, whatever... just don't vex your nerves by dealing with the public(let alone the Wal*Mart kind)directly with a high risked, bad chance that someone'll "act-a-fool".
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P.S. Fuck Wal-Mart, just 'cause.
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I got to play all the previous GTA games the day or day after launch. : (
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Dick
I know it's easy to watch a 5 minute youtube video and get all up in arms about hating something, but when you've got $50 in your checking account and you need food for the next two weeks, good luck doing that at Target or Jewel.
Fortunately, if their handling of the Halo 3 release is any indication, this won't be bad. They had a whole tournament set up and an orderly, quick line at midnight to get the game.
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Before this, I didn't even think twice about getting my GTA at Wally's.
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I've got to get mine there, though, because the kids at the local GS irritate the shit out of me.
oh noes!
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make sure you see the "replying to (username)" box directly below the "email me when someone replies to this comment"
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You get your reciept with the clerks signature, and then hand that to them at midnight and VIOLA you've got your game.
It's about as speedy-riffic as you can get, as all of the trivial stuff (age verification, payment, etc) is handled ahead of time.
The other game store I go to won't be getting it 'til like the 1st of next month, and I'm too lazy to go to Gamestop. Walmart is closer.
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I find this quote funny, because Blockbuster is doing the same thing. Making GTA IV their tentpole title to expand the game collection in all the stores and start to sell retail games along with systems, accessories, etc.
Everyone wants a piece of the gaming pie now and it's sad because GameStop has such a foothold on the market that Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Blockbuster, etc. all have an uphill battle to try and wrestle part of the pie away from them.
And yes, I work at Blockbuster and want them to succeed. I also am shamelessly letting you know that we pretty much have the best trade-in value (although we don't give cash back) for games - Assassin's Creed yesterday was $33 (for PS3). I don't know what it is at Gamestop, but it's more than likely less. This might be the only way Blockbuster can compete with Gamestop. I am surprised Best Buy hasn't yet entered the used game/movie business yet.
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Seriously. Stop giving them money. It all gets funneled out of your community.
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I don't exactly live in a small town, but the gaming community here isn't all that large. And the typical flavor of taste in games here usually leans in a very depressing direction, so I've never had to pre-order a game. Ever. ((For example, if Madden '09 and MGS4 were to launch on the same day, despite both being 'popular' titles, Madden copies would be scarce and I could literally fill a pool with what'd be left of the MGS4 games)).
Anyway, just curious, so please shed some light.
On Topic: I was going to purchase my copy from Circuit City since I work there, but we're not doing a midnight launch, it would seem. So I have no problem whatsoever with rolling through Wally's at 11:59PM and getting my copy within two minutes of my arrival.
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