Blog:GameStop, Get a Grip.

Word has just gotten out that GameStop is ordering its stores to be kept open even in the event of law-enforced lockdown and has self-classified as an essential business, even though video games are not essential to our survival and many games releasing this year and beyond are available through digital storefronts. If one wishes to order physical copies, they don't even need to go to GameStop for those because they can simply order them through GameStop's own website in addition to online stores such as Ebay and Amazon. They've stated that on the basis they sell cell phones, they are essential, but the claim is very misleading. A commenter on one of the videos linked below claims to be a GameStop employee and says they trade-in cell phones at the store, but they don't actually sell them there; you have to go to their website to purchase one. They also have not provided any sanitation equipment such as disinfecting wipes or hand sanitizer and they took quite a while before they decided to shut down their demo stations.

We've always known GameStop has been struggling in recent years given the advent of digital distribution, online stores, and their shady business practices coming to light, but this is simply unethical even considering what they've done in the past. I've said that I don't like being unable to work in my previous blog post, and I really want to back the moment I can be, but the difference is that my workplace cares about its employees. Not only was sanitation equipment amply supplied, but they also told me it was my call whether I come in or not, and if I chose not to come out of fear of catching or spreading COVID-19, that's fine. By comparison, GameStop has allegedly told employees that if they stay and don't bring in a note stating their doctor advised them not to work, it's considered an unexcused absence. It's very clear they're willing to do anything to keep their company afloat, even if it means jeopardizing the health and lives of their staff.

I had already stopped going to the store long before this happened, but I'm firmly done with them now. They'll be lucky to stay in business by the end of the decade at this rate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2RN7rm77Bg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jy9iN9RWls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agHGxJ0jbng

