Several years ago, only a handful of retail stores even had gaming demos set up for consumer use. It seems that nowadays nearly every single store has a different version of every console on the market on display that allows consumers to test drive new titles before making a purchase. These ‘gaming stations’ used to be reserved for only the most hardcore gaming fans, but now children and adults are making use of them to help them to make a decision.
This holiday season, shoppers frequently stopped and patiently awaited their turn at gaming stations across the US. Although it goes without saying that playing a video game for free is fun, the cost of titles almost necessitates this process. A game that does not meet up to the standards of a consumer can only be traded in for a lesser value. This means that consumers are much more cautious about spending their money, especially considering that unemployment is high in the United States.
For retailers, having the most gaming stations setup could mean the difference between making a lot of money or going bust over the holidays. Although the consoles themselves only cost a few hundred dollars, the constant game play, hardware and maintenance fees associated with keeping these gaming stations up and running can quickly add up. As shoppers continue to browse and sample the display versions of electronics sold by retailers, they will have to keep up with growing demands for both stock as well as variety.
