UK Retailer GAME removes PS3 vs. Xbox 360 sign

In response to various not-so-pleasant reactions to one of their recent store signs, the European video game retailer GAME (The GAME Group plc) has ordered the offensive sign removed from the their Bluewater Centre branch.

For those who may not have heard of it yet, the mentioned store has received a lot of flak for displaying a sign on their premises which showed bias for the PS3 and against the Xbox 360. Referred to as “the old sum total trick” by UK: RESISTANCE who was the first to report about this sign, the sign consisted of a side-by-side comparison of the features and price tags of the competing consoles.

Though we all know that GAME may just simply be trying to take advantage of the current demand for the PS3, many have pointed out that this kind of tactic was unacceptable, as stores are not supposed to show preference or dislike for any of the products that they sell. It would have been one thing to praise the features of the PS3, but the side-by-side comparison which obviously made one console seem more attractive than the other, has come across as tacky to some consumers.

In response to this boo-boo, GAME has had the poster taken down, and has also noted that the poster was not authorized to be displayed in the first place. According to a spokesperson whom GamesIndustry.biz was able to get hold of,

The incident of the sign in our Bluewater store was conducted by a member of staff, without GAME head officeÂ’s approval. This sign has since been removed and we have reiterated to all members of staff that the publishing of posters not designed and sent directly by head office is unauthorised. Anyone caught doing so will see the matter be taken further.

Let this be a warning to all overeager salesmen.

In response to various not-so-pleasant reactions to one of their recent store signs, the European video game retailer GAME (The GAME Group plc) has ordered the offensive sign removed from the their Bluewater Centre branch.

For those who may not have heard of it yet, the mentioned store has received a lot of flak for displaying a sign on their premises which showed bias for the PS3 and against the Xbox 360. Referred to as “the old sum total trick” by UK: RESISTANCE who was the first to report about this sign, the sign consisted of a side-by-side comparison of the features and price tags of the competing consoles.

Though we all know that GAME may just simply be trying to take advantage of the current demand for the PS3, many have pointed out that this kind of tactic was unacceptable, as stores are not supposed to show preference or dislike for any of the products that they sell. It would have been one thing to praise the features of the PS3, but the side-by-side comparison which obviously made one console seem more attractive than the other, has come across as tacky to some consumers.

In response to this boo-boo, GAME has had the poster taken down, and has also noted that the poster was not authorized to be displayed in the first place. According to a spokesperson whom GamesIndustry.biz was able to get hold of,

The incident of the sign in our Bluewater store was conducted by a member of staff, without GAME head officeÂ’s approval. This sign has since been removed and we have reiterated to all members of staff that the publishing of posters not designed and sent directly by head office is unauthorised. Anyone caught doing so will see the matter be taken further.

Let this be a warning to all overeager salesmen.