Gamestop Promotional Events And Freebies A Historical Overview

Introduction

GameStop, the largest video game retailer in the United States, has a long history of offering promotional items and freebies to customers and employees. While specific details about GameStop conference freebies in 2015 are not available in the source material, this article examines the various promotional events and free offers that GameStop has provided to consumers over the years. From their annual GameStop Expo to special holiday promotions and employee benefits, GameStop has utilized various strategies to engage with gaming enthusiasts and reward loyalty.

GameStop Expo: A Platform for Freebies and Exclusive Content

The GameStop Expo has evolved from an internal manager event into a full-fledged consumer convention, offering attendees numerous opportunities to obtain free merchandise and exclusive content. The 2014 GameStop Expo, held in Anaheim, California, showcased how the retailer uses these events to distribute promotional items and create memorable experiences for attendees.

At the 2014 expo, visitors encountered "bountiful amounts of freebies, ranging from posters and shirts to Pokemon Rumble U figurines and full game downloads of titles like Red Faction Collection." These physical and digital freebies served as incentives for attendance and demonstrated GameStop's commitment to providing value beyond just product sales. The expo also featured interactive elements that went beyond simple giveaways, including a live Twitch broadcast with game demonstrations from publishers and tournament play.

One particularly notable promotional activity involved Ubisoft, which "let attendees put on giant animal costumes and wrestle each other." This type of experiential marketing created memorable moments for attendees while generating social media buzz. The overall atmosphere of the event was described as having "all the perks of a major expo without any of the congestion that normally comes with it," with 80 exhibitors spread across 300,000 square feet of space.

The GameStop Expo has grown significantly since its inception in 2012, which marked its debut as a public expo in San Antonio before moving to Las Vegas and then continuing westward for the 2014 event in Anaheim. This expansion reflects GameStop's strategy to create branded experiences that extend beyond their retail locations and provide additional value to their customer base.

Employee Benefits and Exclusive Freebies

GameStop employees have access to a unique set of benefits and freebies that reflect the company's position within the gaming industry. According to a former employee's blog post from 2010, working at GameStop provides several advantages beyond a standard retail position.

One significant benefit is the opportunity to check out used games for four days, allowing employees to stay current with gaming releases without purchasing them. Employees also receive a discount, though the blogger describes it as "small." Additionally, staff can join retail loyalty programs from major console manufacturers including SONY, MICROSOFT, and NINTENDO.

The most valuable benefits come from the loyalty programs, particularly Sony's. Employees who participate in these programs "take quizzes on upcoming titles to earn points which you can spend on games and accessories." One employee reported having "gotten LittleBigPlanet GOTY, Uncharted and a new controller from them so far and I still have 30,000 points saved up."

Beyond points-based rewards, GameStop employees receive numerous free digital content packages. The blogger lists several examples: "a bunch of freebies like the LittleBigPlanet Pirate pack and the water pack, all the extra Uncharted 2 GOTY content, extra God Of War: Ghost of Sparta content, Modnation Racers stuff etc." These digital freebies provide employees with additional game content and enhance their gaming experience.

Perhaps most impressive are GameStop's "insane quarterly giveaways" for employees. One time, the company gave away "a PS3, a 46 inch Bravia TV and a mini fridge filled with Red Bull." On another occasion, prizes included "a PS3, a Move bundle pack, extra move and navigation controllers, a charging station and all the Move launch games." These substantial rewards demonstrate GameStop's investment in employee morale and engagement.

However, the blogger also notes some downsides to working at GameStop, including "dumb customers" and "pushy corporate people," as well as a "bare-bones" healthcare plan. The company reportedly also pressures employees over 21 to purchase life insurance.

Holiday Promotions and Consumer Freebies

GameStop participates in competitive holiday promotions, often bundling free items with console purchases to attract price-sensitive consumers. During the 2016 holiday season, GameStop faced challenges as "aggressive console promotions by other retailers on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday" impacted their sales. Competitors offered "$250-and-extra-freebie deals" at places like Target and Best Buy, which likely included free games or accessories with console purchases.

These promotional strategies reflect the broader trend in the gaming industry toward bundling hardware with software and accessories to increase value perception. GameStop's response to these competitive pressures included emphasizing their exclusive offerings and customer service advantages, though specific details about their 2015 holiday promotions are not available in the source material.

The company's approach to freebies extends beyond physical products to include digital content and exclusive experiences. As mentioned in the GameStop Expo section, full game downloads have been offered as promotional items, providing consumers with additional value beyond their purchases.

Free Game Promotions and Special Offers

GameStop has occasionally offered free games through various promotional channels, though these often require specific actions from consumers. One example from 2012 involved offering StoneLoops! of Jurassica as a free game to customers who made purchases.

According to a consumer account, the process required several steps: "I buy a few games at a store just to use up another coupon I had" and then "having to register for GameStop's Impulse service, and then installed StoneLoops! of Jurassica." This indicates that GameStop's free game promotions sometimes involved purchase requirements and registration with their digital platform.

The consumer noted that they were "a complete sucker for free games, so I couldn't resist the temptation to snag a free game, despite it being somewhat of a clunky way to do this." This comment suggests that while GameStop's free game offers were attractive to some consumers, the redemption process could be cumbersome.

Conclusion

GameStop has demonstrated a consistent approach to using freebies and promotional items across multiple channels to engage with customers and employees. From their annual GameStop Expo, which offers physical merchandise and exclusive experiences, to employee benefits that include digital content packages and substantial quarterly giveaways, the company leverages promotional items as part of its overall marketing strategy.

During competitive periods like the holiday season, GameStop has participated in industry-wide promotional practices that bundle free items with console purchases. Additionally, the company has occasionally offered free games through various channels, though these promotions sometimes involve purchase requirements and registration with GameStop's digital services.

While specific details about GameStop conference freebies in 2015 are not available in the source material, the pattern of promotional activities suggests that the company likely continued its tradition of offering free items at events and through special promotions during that period. GameStop's focus on providing additional value through freebies reflects the competitive nature of the gaming retail industry and the company's efforts to differentiate itself from competitors.

Sources

1. Random Nintendo - Exploring GameStop Expo 2014
2. Working at GameStop Blog
3. GameSpot - GameStop Talks Switch Supply Problems
4. A Secret Area - StoneLoops of Jurassica GameStop Freebie
5. The Wise Marketer - Walmart Reward Program