Defiance under the radar? Why Gamestop!?

I kept getting it confused with the hype about Destiny, to be honest. And only one employee at GameStop actually knew what I was talking about, because he introduced me to the game!

But yeah. I talked to the folks at my GameStop. They seemed a bit surprised that 1)People were preordering it and 2) -I- was preordering it. Disconcerting when you're preordering a collector's edition and they seem confused that you would want it. One of the GameStop employees even told me "It's gonna suck, dude - it's based on a TV show or something." :|

I do think it's sad they're struggling with that bias. I've seen that mentioned a few places. I think it goes along with the assumption that any game based on a movie will be abysmal - the fact that the game and show were developed together seems to be escaping people.

It does not seem to be just Gamestop either.
Not many people, and gamers even know what Defiance even is.
If not getting it mixed up with Destiny, most hadn't a clue.
Sad thing is, is when I explained it, a lot of folks actually went and checked it out, so the interest -is- out there.. they just don't know about it. Hm..is it legal to advertise something you don't own? xD

Literally no one I'm friends with knows about this game. I only stumbled upon it through Metacritic. I can't explain why something this big a deal, is flying so low under the radar. It just doesn't make sense. You'd figure that a console supported MMO, with reputable backing, would be the talk of the town.

The GameStop i went to preorder Defiance at didn't know a thing about the game. Then again they didn't know a thing about the Wii U before and after it came out. Its sad how gamestop/EBgames doesn't train its staff to read up on all gaming news both hardware and software.

I wonder if they actually want to keep the initial release on the down-low to make sure nothing goes wrong? If most of your first-day fan base are people who sought out the game and have been enthusiastic enough to do their own research and preorder, they'll be a lot more forgiving than a bigger crowd of people that watched a handful of live-action trailers and bought it with zero research. It would certainly save some headaches on release day, and then they could still use the show to advertise for the game both directly (with ads) and indirectly (with the connections between the show and the game).

Seriously I used to work at Gamestop and then just like now it amazes me at how some of the employees dont even LIKE video games when they work in a video game store, i mean when i pre-ordered my UE it was still a gamestop exclusive, and the Assisstant Manager at my store didnt even know they had it. I said yes I would like to reserve the UE for Defiance and he said I dont think Gamestop is doing the UE , to which i promptly face palmed and said its a Gamestop exclsive bro

I want to work at Gamestop..
random gaming stuff is all I tend to remember, from lore to release dates (I have memory problems -.-; )
and feel it is something I would love doing and work hard to be the best...yet I'm always shown up by folks as described..knowing little and caring less. *sighs*

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Originally Posted by Lightning

Sadly, there's only 25 pre-orders here at Wisconsin, Sheboygan.

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Isn't that place pretty much where you go after taking the black to join the Night's Watch?

lol

Sorry had to do it. ;) All I think about is Lambeau Field when you go northern US.

While I can agree that Defiance is somewhat under the radar, I wouldn't expect midnight store openings. Don't most people pre-order these days? If you pre-order your're in the beta and already have the game installed. No need to grab a physical copy at midnight to get the install started. Just go in anytime the start day and pick up your verification code to keep playing. I also expect that more than half of the pre-orders are for digital copies, so no need to visit a physical store.

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Originally Posted by SweetMadness

360 Dashboard advertisement today :D

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My local Gamestop had an ad up for it today as well. Granted, it wasn't a very big ad, it was one of those 2ft wide(about) posters that are by the register/counter.

Gamestop doesn't require its employees to know everything about every game. Gamestop only cares if you can get numbers (trades, cards, preorders.) I for one didn't know anything about this game up until 2 months ago. Everyone wants the next COD/BF/Sports game anyway. Out of all my transactions in a week I probably get 1 person that I can mention it to and they might actually consider checking it out. Doesn't stop me from offering the pitch "Anything you want to preorder? Like Defiance maybe?!?" but its like a Magikarp using Splash "It has no effect."

So ya, you can't blame the employees when most customers come in for the same game everyone gets every year.

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Originally Posted by VictorTwoRomeo

when i pre-ordered my UE it was still a gamestop exclusive

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As far as I know, it still is in the US.

Ue is only available in US/Canda from what most of the sites say.

Yeah it looks like this game is going under the radar. A lot of sites are not even doing coverage of this game. I really hope this is good. But I think its being overshadowed. I hope I am wrong.

We have a video (and video game) rental store that also sales games and various knickknacks, etc. here called Hastings Entertainment. There is absolutely nothing about Defiance there. They don't have it listed within their pre-order section, there is no mention of it in their ads and there is nothing in the store that even points to the existence of this game. I'm kind of saddened by this. I know it's not as big of a company as GameStop but it is the kind of store that should have information about the game.

I actually first found out about Defiance through Gamestop....lol. IMO Defiance will be the sleeper hit of 2013!

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Originally Posted by Rampermt

I actually first found out about Defiance through Gamestop....lol. IMO Defiance will be the sleeper hit of 2013!

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Wow.. you must have the only knowledgable gamestop in ... well anywhere.

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Originally Posted by Rampermt

I actually first found out about Defiance through Gamestop....lol. IMO Defiance will be the sleeper hit of 2013!

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Yeah. I don't have one here and rarely ever get to go to the one that is like an hour away. I knew about it the very first time that either GameInformer or GameSpy covered it because my brother hunts the internet all the time for info on upcoming games. That was a long time ago. If it weren't for that I'd have learned about it from SyFy because my dad is obsessed with watching shows (and terrible B movies) on that channel. Guess I was lucky.

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Originally Posted by UmbrusNightshade

Yeah. I don't have one here and rarely ever get to go to the one that is like an hour away. I knew about it the very first time that either GameInformer or GameSpy covered it because my brother hunts the internet all the time for info on upcoming games. That was a long time ago. If it weren't for that I'd have learned about it from SyFy because my dad is obsessed with watching shows (and terrible B movies) on that channel. Guess I was lucky.

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I actually don't even remember how I found out about it... ... ... wow I really don't... my memory sucks.

actually, I found out about the game though gamestop as well. I went to go get borderlands and the 3 guys wouldnt shut up about it. I was on the fence about getting the ulimate edition but they all got it themselves :P . Im actually pretty good friends with them we will all be playing on xbox. The store manager told me that at thier store; they only need about 20 more pre-orders, but even if thats the case some times teh games arriie to tthe store on the day of.

I found out about the game online, however when I went in to order at Gamestop they had a sign at the desk. The clerk was definitely aware of the game and said he intended on buying the UE at some point. I ordered and paid for it in full (UE). The clerk was noticeably excited about the game. I am expecting the game to launch with decent numbers and once the show premiers the community will grow more and more with all the exposure.

So basically it just boils down to how informed the GS managers/employees are. That makes sense I guess.

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Originally Posted by Lightning

Hi guys, I'm a new member on this website and I just wanted to make my first post happen.
I pre-ordered Defiance (Standard) for the Xbox 360 on full price at Gamestop, and I asked them if they're gonna drop a midnight open for it. Sadly, there's only 25 pre-orders here at Wisconsin, Sheboygan. They will only drop a midnight open if there's at least 50 pre-orders. I wanted a midnight open so bad but I don't think it's gonna happen because Sheboygan is a boring and quiet city. How about you guys? I'm not so lucky. :(

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Your lucky the store i work at only has like 8 preorders. and 3 are me, my dad and my uncle. i talked to my manager to try and do a midnight but our DM won't let him. It sucks trust me. But i don't mind waiting since im getting the gamestop exclusive edition :P
Edit: Mind you i tell everyone who walks in through the door about defiance starting with the pale wars and talking about gameplay and the story god i get so excited talking about it :P love defiance <3

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Originally Posted by Chio Raver

Your lucky the store i work at only has like 8 preorders. and 3 are me, my dad and my uncle. i talked to my manager to try and do a midnight but our DM won't let him. It sucks trust me. But i don't mind waiting since im getting the gamestop exclusive edition :P
Edit: Mind you i tell everyone who walks in through the door about defiance starting with the pale wars and talking about gameplay and the story god i get so excited talking about it :P love defiance <3

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Guess it all depends on the individual Gamestop. I asked my buddy, thats the store manager.. he said they have a "decent" amount of preorders. Seeing how this is a small town, 35ish preorders isnt too bad at all I think,

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Originally Posted by Synder

Guess it all depends on the individual Gamestop. I asked my buddy, thats the store manager.. he said they have a "decent" amount of preorders. Seeing how this is a small town, 35ish preorders isnt too bad at all I think,

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That's really good actually especially for a game that hasn't had a bazillion ads or isn't really known about. The store i work at a lot the people don't play MMo's not to mention we don't even have a PC section in our store lol

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Originally Posted by Chio Raver

That's really good actually especially for a game that hasn't had a bazillion ads or isn't really known about. The store i work at a lot the people don't play MMo's not to mention we don't even have a PC section in our store lol

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No GameStop in Los Angeles has a PC section. You have to ask for a PC game from behind the counter.

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Originally Posted by Paladin

No GameStop in Los Angeles has a PC section. You have to ask for a PC game from behind the counter.

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The GS i first worked at still has one.

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Originally Posted by Chio Raver

The GS i first worked at still has one.

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You live in LA?

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Originally Posted by Paladin

You live in LA?

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no i live in Massachusetts lol i meant to put that in my post XD

No midnight launch in Frederick, Maryland, either. Only 11 pre-orders received.

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Originally Posted by MAXQSMART

No midnight launch in Frederick, Maryland, either. Only 11 pre-orders received.

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My local gamestop is up to 6 but I have 2 of them. I know the manager there and he said if they get 30 he'll open at midnight. Doesn't look like that will happen

well I remember when I asked in my gamestop whats coming out next month, they did mention Defiance

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Originally Posted by Defy

well I remember when I asked in my gamestop whats coming out next month, they did mention Defiance

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Your lucky if yours has employees that know what their talking about. Mine has few that don't know anything about games, and worse they like to make things up when they don't have the answers. Other day I was in there talking to another customer about defiance and the employee chimed in saying game is season based and you could only play it while during each season of the show. I asked for details and he claimed they got emails to make sure they told customers that. I really wanted to smack him, but don't want to be in jail for launch

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Originally Posted by 0_d4RK_FaLLen

Your lucky if yours has employees that know what their talking about. Mine has few that don't know anything about games, and worse they like to make things up when they don't have the answers. Other day I was in there talking to another customer about defiance and the employee chimed in saying game is season based and you could only play it while during each season of the show. I asked for details and he claimed they got emails to make sure they told customers that. I really wanted to smack him, but don't want to be in jail for launch

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Don't worry, slap him HARD then revive him with a BMG gun...when he gets up asked why he fainted.

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Originally Posted by Paladin

Don't worry, slap him HARD then revive him with a BMG gun...when he gets up asked why he fainted.

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Seriously who would think a game would come out that you could only play 4 months out of year then wait 8 to continue playing.

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Originally Posted by 0_d4RK_FaLLen

Seriously who would think a game would come out that you could only play 4 months out of year then wait 8 to continue playing.

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Someone tired from minimum wage? Seriously from what I've heard, doesn't take much to get hired since working at GameStop supposedly is crap.

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Originally Posted by Paladin

Someone tired from minimum wage? Seriously from what I've heard, doesn't take much to get hired since working at GameStop supposedly is crap.

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I'd work at a game store part time... not gamestop, but a video game store sure.

Let me clear up some stuff in this thread :)

First off, I'm a GS manager in a town of about 30k people... one of the best ranked stores in the company year after year. We are talking top 100 out of 5000+. We support our customers and inform them of pre orders and what not (coorporate stuff most internet haters hate and can't understand how it helps our business and repeat sales through customer service *at the good stores*) I first found out about defiance back in august and got to play it for quite some time. was blown away with it and it instantly became my new fav game coming out. Especially since it was made by trion which is one of my fav companies.

with that I'm crushing the rest of the company on defiance pre-orders. it's a landslide for probably over 4500 other stores. but with that it is still no where near a major AAA title's numbers. ex: cod over 1k - the new ac4- over 100 already in like 2 weeks. the game just doesn't have the press to push major numbers. trion has had a total of 3-4 PIECEs of marketing for us to put up. None of my customers know about defiance other than "that game that has the show tied to it" from reading about it in Gameinformer.

We have pushed and pushed and pushed for people to check out defiance and preorder it for the FREE beta and FREE items. Not everyone is willing to trust a new IP from a company they never have heard from. Especially these days where the avg game gets a 6-8/10 and that is supposed to be a great rating from the developers. Times are getting tough with spending and people just want to spend money on games they KNOW they will like. IE: gears, bioshock, GTA, CoD, God of war... etc.

With all of that said.... yes there are gamestops out there that i wish would commit more to their customers. yes i wish that all dm's would give approval to do midnights for games that people wish to pick up that night. but it comes down to money and risk. not every store can spend the payroll on keeping 2 closers there for a late night event that might pull 5-10 sales. there is a bottom line to watch and a safety of the team member doing the midnight to think about. Is it possible for GS to have a midnight? yep I am and I do about every game launch every monday night. I do it to retain my customer base and build support for the game, my store, and my customer's excitement. Are all store manager's crazy like me and DONATE their time to do this? no. nor should they have to.

If you absolutely have to have the game asap then i'd recommend buying it digitally through GS to preload it and have it waiting so you get all your PuR points and you can even use your trades to pay for it!! If you want the UE then you will just have to wait then since it's only physical edition and only at GS.

as a sidenote:
not all gamestop employee's are gamers. I look for customer service and the ability to talk to a customer over knowing how many different halo guns there are or how high your prestige is on CoD. as a manager that doesn't matter to me. Also... lol stop thinking that we can sit and play every game that comes out completely or that we have the time to pay our staff to read up on and know about every "insert your favorite game here" it is not legally or financially sound.

ps
omg 4/2 hurrrrrrry up... so bored and my UE awaits me!!!!

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Originally Posted by zeejay

Let me clear up some stuff in this thread :)

First off, I'm a GS manager in a town of about 30k people... one of the best ranked stores in the company year after year. We are talking top 100 out of 5000+. We support our customers and inform them of pre orders and what not (coorporate stuff most internet haters hate and can't understand how it helps our business and repeat sales through customer service *at the good stores*) I first found out about defiance back in august and got to play it for quite some time. was blown away with it and it instantly became my new fav game coming out. Especially since it was made by trion which is one of my fav companies.

with that I'm crushing the rest of the company on defiance pre-orders. it's a landslide for probably over 4500 other stores. but with that it is still no where near a major AAA title's numbers. ex: cod over 1k - the new ac4- over 100 already in like 2 weeks. the game just doesn't have the press to push major numbers. trion has had a total of 3-4 PIECEs of marketing for us to put up. None of my customers know about defiance other than "that game that has the show tied to it" from reading about it in Gameinformer.

We have pushed and pushed and pushed for people to check out defiance and preorder it for the FREE beta and FREE items. Not everyone is willing to trust a new IP from a company they never have heard from. Especially these days where the avg game gets a 6-8/10 and that is supposed to be a great rating from the developers. Times are getting tough with spending and people just want to spend money on games they KNOW they will like. IE: gears, bioshock, GTA, CoD, God of war... etc.

With all of that said.... yes there are gamestops out there that i wish would commit more to their customers. yes i wish that all dm's would give approval to do midnights for games that people wish to pick up that night. but it comes down to money and risk. not every store can spend the payroll on keeping 2 closers there for a late night event that might pull 5-10 sales. there is a bottom line to watch and a safety of the team member doing the midnight to think about. Is it possible for GS to have a midnight? yep I am and I do about every game launch every monday night. I do it to retain my customer base and build support for the game, my store, and my customer's excitement. Are all store manager's crazy like me and DONATE their time to do this? no. nor should they have to.

If you absolutely have to have the game asap then i'd recommend buying it digitally through GS to preload it and have it waiting so you get all your PuR points and you can even use your trades to pay for it!! If you want the UE then you will just have to wait then since it's only physical edition and only at GS.

as a sidenote:
not all gamestop employee's are gamers. I look for customer service and the ability to talk to a customer over knowing how many different halo guns there are or how high your prestige is on CoD. as a manager that doesn't matter to me. Also... lol stop thinking that we can sit and play every game that comes out completely or that we have the time to pay our staff to read up on and know about every "insert your favorite game here" it is not legally or financially sound.

ps
omg 4/2 hurrrrrrry up... so bored and my UE awaits me!!!!

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Sad....all they have to say to an Xbox player is MMO and their pockets will be sold no matter the ip.

wrong we say it 100 times a day.. no one wants an mmo.. most xbl people think cod is an mmo. your opinion is jaded since you like the genre. i too am an mmo fan. once i started working at GS you notice that 99% of the mmo'rs that come in are lvl 35 in wow and have been playing since launch. yet they come in and talk about how good the game is.
the avg mmo'r that walks into gs is either 12 or 30+ with kids.