GameStop Responds To Viral Video That Calls The Company 'Cheap And Greedy'

GameStop, one of the largest video game retail chains in America, has responded to a viral video accusing it of destroying "perfectly working" video game discs and other hardware. The video sparked public outrage at the company's alleged callous attitude of destroying video game products such as PS3 and Xbox 360 video games instead of donating the same to charity. The products were claimed to be in working condition. The company has issued a statement clarifying that it only destroys damaged or defective products. It also stated that it routinely donates games and other gaming accessories to charitable organisations.

"We completely agree with the suggestions of donating games or accessories to charitable organisations," GameStop clarified through an official statement on its Facebook account. "We do that routinely with our partners Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital."

Gamespot reports that the video game retailer responded to the viral video titled "GameStop is Cheap and Greedy" and claimed that the official company policy prevents outlets from destroying working video games and accessories. The company clarified that the practice of discarding and destroying products is only restricted to those that are "damaged, defective, no longer work or cannot be repaired." The Facebook post stated that the destroyed products depicted in the video were defective and non-functional.

Vice got a similar response from GameStop after it contacted the company for an official word on the issue. The company spokesman called the video an "anomaly" and said that the company policy only allows non-working items to be destroyed. Working games and accessories are instead sent to the refurbishment centre, wherein they are either tidied up for resale or sent for donation.

YouTube user JayPee who was responsible for posting the viral video uploaded another video refuting GameStop's claims. He argues that the controllers that he had recovered from the dumpster next to the GameStop outlet had the wires deliberately cut to render them inoperable. He claims to have found the controllers in perfect working condition after re-soldering the slashed cables.

JayPee also reiterated that the discs seemed to appear normal, apart from what appears to be a prominent and deliberate cut rendered by a sharp object, as depicted in the original viral video. Calling the company's clarification through Facebook as "public relations lies," he alleged that GameStop has simply tried to cover its tracks after being exposed of destroying what he claims to be working video games and accessories, which could have been donated instead.

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