You ever been to Japan? I've never been to Game Dude but from what I've seen in pictures and from what you describe sounds like a bunch of stores I've seen in Japan. I used to wonder how they stay in business because it doesn't really seem like retro collecting is big there. Kinda just seems like most people buy old used stuff to actually play it. The stores for collectors were small in Akiba. The store that just had a huge used area were Gigantic all over the place.
Gamedude, dude. Gamedude. http://www.gamedude.com/turbog.html
I go to Gamedude quite often. The only time I have ever seen a Beyond Shadowgate there was when I worked there over 20 years ago. Just saying. They are only an hour from me, so yeah. Just funny how about 10 years ago, Gamedude was the scourge of the Retro Gaming world due to the silver stickers on the games and the overpricing. Now, because prices are so out of control on evilBay, they are so cool because they are so far below "Markeyt Value"....
Gamedude is cool. If you think the price lists are neat, you really need to see the store. Easily the most awesome game store in Southern California.
I got to go there last year when I was in LA on business. Definitely a cool store.
Yeah. I miss working there. Out of High school it seemed like a great idea until the commute kills you. Driving an hour plus one way just to work in a Video Game store part time ended up being a nightmare. It was fun though. One of the more fun jobs I ever had. I don't know which was better, the Gamedude or the3 Video Store. Too bad Video Stares are a thing of the past now as I'm a perfect fit in those. Yes though, Gamedude is something to see. You can see the price lists and such, but it's nothing until you have stood in the store. People never believe me how big it actually is until they see it, like I'm just making crap up along the way. Still, from when I worked there about 20 years ago or so, there's still two people there that still work there from my time...LOL. Incredible.
Nope, never been to Japan. And no, Retro gaming collecting really isn't that big here, although it is getting bigger, sadly. Most of the people here actu7ally play their games...
As for how Gamedude stays in business? it has it's clientele, not to mention it's reputation. People come in from out of state just to visit the store, as funny as that is. Not to mention you can order stuff through the internet and over the phone. Gamedude also carries DVD and Bluray movies, so there is a whole other secti9on to hit too. The store does very well because they take care of those that they cater to. I always hear people bitch about how rude this person or that person was like they were in a hurry, and it may be the case because the store get's extremely busy at times...like stupid busy. No offense to some of the people that call too, they act stupid when they do, like the clerk will ask what games are you looking for, and the caller won't give a list, they just want the guy to check each game one at a time...don't have time for that. Just give them the list of what you want...it goes quicker.
