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Has the recession finally caught up with video game mega-retailer, GameStop? In a year with a tremendous battery of new, high-profile titles hitting in rapid, holiday-season succession, the GameStop juggernaut is reporting that its sales have been “lower than expected.” Contrarily, the store has had record highs for pre-orders, which have always been a strong indicator of initial sale numbers. Not this year, it would seem. GameStop speculates that gamers are using pre-orders more as a “wish-list,” putting down five dollars on a game they want to be able to buy, but can’t afford due to their less-than-optimal financial situations. Add to that lack of cash a preponderance of attractive and big-name titles and you have a recipe for a ton of desire without a whole lot of fulfillment. 
By Shelby Reiches |