Why You Can Trust CNET Poll: do you still buy video games from Australian stores?
The local retail video game industry is undergoing some interesting changes. Is it enough to keep your interest?
Last week saw 20 per cent off games from JB Hi-Fi, 50 per cent off games from Harvey Norman and a largely abortive attempt at a mega-sale at Dick Smith.
Sure, they're end of quarter sales, but it's deep discounting to a degree that we're not used to seeing in Australia. Add in extra pressure from quasi-local players like Harvey Norman's grey import site, a UK store that's targeted at Australians, some decent prices from New Zealand-based MightyApe and things only get more interesting.
The strength of the Australian dollar is likely the biggest culprit and effector of change; importing from the likes of Zavvi, Play-Asia and Amazon, let alone engaging in digital distribution services like Steam, Green Man Gaming, Get Games, GamersGate, GoG.com and countless more, has made gaming as a hobby cheaper than ever, applying considerable pressure to the local market.
It looks like we've seen the vanguard of local retail fighting back, with some successes, some failures. Will it win your business? Vote in the poll on the right.