Are you tired of going into a video game store and seeing M-rated games covering the shelves, with rows and rows of box covers full of guns and snarling faces? Help is at hand, if you live in the U.S. near Grapevine Mills Mall in TX, as there's a new GameStop Kids store in town. The first of a new range of 80 stores to open by 15th November, these outlets will be packed full of games rated for everyone, as well as an undoubtedly dizzying range of accessories, plushes and cute things.
It's an interesting idea, and clearly the bosses at GameStop see an opportunity and market to make a lot of money, otherwise they wouldn't do it. It'll undoubtedly be on Nintendo's radar, too, as whether we like it or not a major part of the big N's image and focus is on younger gamers. We do get mature content on Nintendo systems, but plenty of our games are designed with everyone in mind, be they kids or big kids. If these GameStop Kids stores don't have a significant variety of Mario and Pokémon themed toys — plus various others — alongside their respective games, then we'll be amazed.
Still, you don't need to be a child to go into one of these stores — though maybe take one with you to avoid embarrassment — as even a quick browse of the GameStop Kids website will show you delights including an Assassin's Creed Plush: bringing the cute to mature games near you.
Are you up for a nice cheerful store where you can buy an assortment of toys with your game? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
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[source joystiq.com]
Comments 67
Awww, look at the cute Pokemon store!!!
That sounds like an interesting idea. I'll keep an eye on it.
Interesting...
I'm a 23 year old male and would probably be in ther emore then the regular store. Can't get any better then Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong in my opinion
If I was a kid when this happened, I think I would have fainted due to excitement...since I was plush fanatic when I was a kid.
@Joshers744
I might spend more time in there due to collectibles...
Oh wow that assasins creed doll's head is huge. Creepy.
That Tardis mug on the other hand.... Want!
Great store for parents that don't want to glare at M-rated box arts.
Also, great for collectors. All those plushies.
But at the same time, I don't like them video games sound "Kiddy".
I have to agree with some of you, I'd love to have something similar in the UK. If that makes me a big kid, then so be it
@SkywardLink98
Yeah those too...if my wife isn't paying attention to what I'm doing anyway.
i'd love that here in canada. i love plushies.
Interesting.. Too bad there's not going to be one where I live!
I took a quick look at the site, man do they have alot. Also, is that a kirby plush in the picture?
I'm scared that ignorant "gamers" that think you need blood, guns, and curses to have a what they call a "real game" will take this as an excuse to prove themselves right that Nintendo games are for babies and little kids. But I still think this is a unique idea. It'll help keep them little ones from wanting to buy Call of Duty or Assassins Creed at the age of 6 which is downright rediculous.
@MrWalkieTalkie
Yeah, I agree with him. I hope people won't use this to judge the good Nintendo E rated games, but it will at least help keep kids away from stuff they shouldn't be playing.
Probably will still have the same kind of crooked employees that all Gamestops have.
DOCTOR WHO TARDIS MUG!!!!!
Bosses at GameSpot? You mean Stop? lol
It seems like a good idea. Let's see if it works.
I think that Gamestop is quite concerned about the rise of digital distribution. Most consumers of Mature games are tech savvy enough to make the transition sooner or later. I think that Gamestop is forecasting an ever dwindling number of Mature gaming customers in its retail stores.
However, non gamer parents and grandparents may be very clueless and apprehensive about the concept of buying games/gifts digitally. I see this as less of a secondary avenue for Gamestop, but more of an actual re-branding of the entire store.
As a 28 year old video game collector and father of an 8 year old...I approve.
Big thumbs up for this move. I love the idea of wandering down an Ilse without all of the gnarly and gruff things going on all over. A decent concept that helps to keep kids from that sort of thing is awesome in my book. And collectibles are a big plus on the side. I want some Pikmin plushies when Pikmin 3 comes out.
@Tasuki
you know it lol
good work Gamestop, I would definitely check this out if it came to the malls in my area.
"It's an interesting idea, and clearly the bosses at GameSpot..."
GameSpot? Don't you mean GameStop?
Anyway, this is a somewhat intresting idea, and it has got me curious. I still don't understand why we need both a regular store and a kids store, though. This isn't like how it is with Toys 'R Us and Kids 'R Us, IMO.
It's an interesting idea, and I'm surprised that there is apparently enough demand to make this viable. Particularly so since it sounds as if new stores are being opened, rather than existing Gamestop stores being rebranded - GS must expect that the additional revenue will be worth the cost of rent, employees, utilities etc.
I'll be interested to see how it goes.
Wow, I live just about half an hour from there.
This is awesome! It should've been done years ago! I would probably be more tempted to go in there simply because I despise games that offer violence for the sake of it. I might like some mature-rated games... I can't wait to get my hands on ZombiU, but still 95% of my gaming collection is made up of games that are more 'child-friendly'.
@sketchturner Yeah bro I live pretty close as well. I'll definitely check it out without shame!
No, that sounds horrible! Gamestop Kids, rename it "Gamestop for Gamers with Real Taste in Games"
Texas is the last place in the country that is afraid of exposing guns to kids, instead they teach their kids how to use guns properly.
At any rate while I am an adamant fan of plushies, I find high quality ones designed and/or made outside of Japan few and far in between. Still, a store with video game merchandise instead of just games wall to wall is welcome and rare.
I absolutely have no problem with Nintendo having games and systems targeted at kids, my issue is if their systems and games are designed for kids to the extent they hinder the freedom and enjoyment of adults.
I'm worried that @MrWalkieTalkie may be right about certain gamers using this as an excuse to bash Nintendo so I'm not sure if I'd want this in the UK but I like the sound of game stores that sell plushies and other collectibles.
I'm 26 and I would pick these stores over the original. Especially for plushies.
So a Gamestop almost completely dedicated to Nintendo? Nice...
i hope i get one where i live. i live in the only freaking town in the us that doesn't have a gamestop!! but noooo all we need is about 30 pizza places.
"Are you tired of going into a video game store and seeing M-rated games covering the shelves, with rows and rows of box covers full of guns and snarling faces?"
Yes, yes I am. I have never been interested in M-Rated games, so this may be right up my alley.
Sounds like Gamestop 'Ninty' to me. I would go in here for the plushies and such. Its nice they're trying to appeal to a larger audience, Gamestop has always been kind of geared towards young adults.
gritty space marines need not apply
Finally, a place where I can collect some non game, but still game related, merchandise. I approve of this idea!
Looks very cool.
I hope this idea works!
Just checked out the site, none near where I live but One near where I'm going on vacation next month.
Excited to check it out!
I do indeedily live reasonably close to Grapevine Mills, though I've never been there. I wouldn't need this store personally, since I can get my adorably sweet Paper Mario goodness anywhere, but it's nice for its target audience. I feel like the mothers would look at me with alarm if I was in a Kids store. I don't have any, you see.
I bet they'll sell Call of Duty there.
I mean, more kids play that than anything else.
I think this is kind of pointless since regular Gamestops already sell games ok for kids. The plushies sound nice, though.
Might check this out, one's opening in the mall right by me. Though they already have a normal GameStop in there, so I wonder if that's replacing it.
There was actually a store listed at a mall I was just at with my wife here in south florida... I'll definitely keep a look out for the store...
I would totally shop here. Most M rated games these days are boring anyways imo because they focus to much on realism and shoot shoot shoot, kill kill kill, run run run, take cover formula waaay to much. I'll take fantasy, creative, fun games any day. Man I'm still a big kid!
This is fantastic. I'll go for the plushies alone!
@Barbiegurl777 E10+, T and M rated games are rated for violence and such, not difficulty.
So now there's a Game Stop for children along side the one for adult children? This seems unnecessary.
Man, why couldn't they have done this a few months ago when I was actually able to visit GMM? >:C
@Gamesake
lol I guess that's all of us here I'm definitely a toy'r'us kid!
Woho!! A place to get Some video game plushies and collectibles!
I wonder if we'll see a GameStop Adults store featuring nothing but Adults Only games. Of course, that store would be the size of a mall vendor cart.
That's cool!
I would totally shop at one too...if there was actually one for miles from where I live. There aren't any in Mississippi, Alabama, nor Tennessee
Seems cool. XD
Emaan wrote:
Well, don't forget. Leapfrog, etc. Kid's have there own part of the gaming industry, Nintendo just happens to be closer to the center of the gaming industry.
The advantage is they can put the learning tablets and gaming handhelds that are normally carried at walmart and toys r us. Can be carried there without offending their usual customers.
Normally I hate seeing things kidified, but its not a bad idea. Non nearby me but maybe thats a good thing since I like plushies as much as the next guy but I'm a sucker for figurines.
I imagine they'll have just as many older customers as the younger ones.
I'm all for new plushies!
It's kinda cool considering I live so close to Grapevine Mills Mall. I still don't like Gamestop though lol.
Cool. If Hawaii gets one I'll just be there for plushie
@Furealz That would have to go up to T. coughSSBcough
the demographic results of the customers going in there is going to be very VERY interesting
No way that's only 20 minutes away from my house!!!!!!!
Wow, a lot of North Texas peeps on this site!
I would definitely go in one of these, I don't like a lot of M games anyway. Though I have to question selling toys for stuff that isn't really kids genre- Big Bang Theory? Assassin's Creed plush? Arkham Asylum figures? I know kids are generally interested in M game related stuff, but I feel like that's somehow breaking the kids-only since those games/shows aren't for them.
I need more Pokemon plushes!!
I guess not necessary but I have a feeling I would be in that store more than regular Gamestop. They have collectible goodies plus most games I plat are rated E-T.
It's pretty sad that there needs to be a seperate store. I remember when the majority of video games were designed for kids/everyone. It was back when platformers ruled the roost and we didn't need gore to sell a game.
sigh I miss those days...
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