Oh, Reggie, they’re determined to wreck things before you even start.

Well, GameStop seems to have decided to flush whatever goodwill anyone has left for them. Per an internal memo leaked to Kotaku and Vice, they proclaim to employees that they’re an “essential business” and should stay open during the coronavirus pandemic-related lockdowns.

That’s a load of shit.

To give you an idea of what’s considered an essential business, places like gas stations, grocery stores, and drug stores are meant to stay open. In other words, businesses that need to stay open since they provide essential goods and services. Which, even the biggest gamer on the planet wouldn’t consider the de facto Funko POP! store to be.

But hey, here’s the body of the memo as best I can piece together:

Due to the products we carry that enable and enhance our customers’ experience in working from home, we believe GameStop is classified as essential retail and therefore is able to remain open during this time.

We have received reports of local authorities visiting stores in an attempt to enforce closure despite our classification. Store Managers are approved to provide the document linked below to law enforcement as needed.

The second document reads:

Thank you for what you are doing to keep us all safe. If you have questions about our store’s hours, operations or policies could I ask you to please call our corporate office:

GameStop Corporate Office
844-993-3145

Thank you for understanding.

I don’t know which top doggie is responsible for this one. But they’re probably the biggest shithead they’ve got. And hopefully, they’re one of the fuckers departing the company in April.

For whatever it’s worth, they clearly realized the fuckup. And released the following tweet:

Which doesn’t mean much, because they’re still not a fucking essential business!

They also issued the following response to Vice:

While GameStop is best known as a provider of gaming and home entertainment systems, we also offer a wide array of products and devices that are important to facilitate remote work, distance learning, and virtual connectivity. As millions of Americans face unprecedented challenges adapting to virtual learning, working and interaction, there is significant need for technology solutions and we are one of many providers of these products that are remaining open at this time. Schools, businesses and families are now suddenly dependent on being able to connect through technology. While there are many businesses and organizations far more critical than ours, we believe we can have a positive impact during this very challenging time. The health and safety of our employees and customers is of utmost importance and we have and will continue to take extensive precautions consistent with CDC guidelines. We are complying with all state, county, city and local ordinances and we will continue to adjust to any future developments.

“The health and safety of our employees and customers is of utmost importance and we have and will continue to take extensive precautions consistent with CDC guidelines. We are complying with all state, county, city and local ordinances and we will continue to adjust to any future developments.“. You know, except the ones that inconveniently point out that you aren’t fucking essential retail!!! THERE ISN’T ANYTHING YOU SELL THAT’S NECESSARY FOR WORKING OR CONNECTING DIGITALLY FROM HOME!!!

Hell, even their employees know they’re not getting paid anywhere near enough to put up with this bullshit. Kotaku quoted one of the brick-and-mortar shithole’s employees as follows:

Been with company almost a decade. This is indefensible.

Another, to Vice:

I’m picking up my Animal Crossing tomorrow, and leaving my keys.

You know what? Fuck you, GameStop. Fuck you and your empire of dirt. You’re not above the law because you sell fucking video games, in addition to an absolutely massive pile of Funko POP!s. I literally can’t imagine the level of privilege that allows the suits that run this shitfest to be so delusional. You goddamn yuppies.

Sorry for the editorializing. Just had to be said after this.

Source: Engadget

About Author

B. Simmons

Based out of Glendale California, Bryan is a GAMbIT’s resident gaming contributor. Specializing in PC and portable gaming, you can find Bryan on his 3DS playing Monster Hunter or at one of the various conventions throughout the state.

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