Blockbuster unveils mail order game rentals
Limited test to begin during second quarter, with a US-wide rollout later this year
Blockbuster has announced it will offer US customers mail order rentals of videogame titles, in addition to its selection of films.
Set to go into testing during the second quarter of the financial year, the program will allow selected subscribers to enter it's Total Access plan, to rent videogames through the post, with the idea of opening it up nationwide later this year.
"We already rent more videogames than any other company, store-based or online, in the nation, so we know our core customer loves games as well as movies," said Bob Barr, vice president and general manager.
"With this pilot program, we're laying the groundwork for offering Blockbuster Total Access customers easy online access to the movies and games they want, through an integrated subscription offering. Plus, according to their plan, they'll continue to be able to exchange their by-mail rentals both for free in-store movies as well as half-price in-store game rentals.
A combination videogame and movie online offering - with in-store exchange privileges - is a tremendous value and convenience offering not available through anyone other than Blockbuster."
Last month, UK retailer GAME announced it would be launching a similar service, which drew in complaints from Frontier Developments' David Braben, who said the plan was an attempt at legitimising pre-owned sales.