Toys R Us already selling BioShock?

  • By Polybren, GameSpot
  • Posted Aug 15, 2007 10:58 am PT

Source: Message board posters from Web sites game oriented and otherwise. What we heard: This week's new release schedule is all about Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 08, but message boards around the Internet suggest that retailer Toys R Us has committed a false start when it comes to BioShock, which...

Source: Message board posters from Web sites game oriented and otherwise.

What we heard: This week's new release schedule is all about Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 08, but message boards around the Internet suggest that retailer Toys R Us has committed a false start when it comes to BioShock, which was set for release next week.

The posters provided a number of different forms of evidence for their purchases, from pictures of the BioShock box with their user name written on a slip of paper to simply referencing their Xbox Live Gamertag, which includes a list of unlocked BioShock achievements and the latest games played.

A quick search on auction site eBay confirms that early copies of the game are available, as multiple sellers are advertising copies of the game in-hand and ready to ship overnight. People are buying the game at a premium, as well, with auctions ending for as much as $120.

So it can be established that copies are out there and being sold. The question then becomes a matter of how widespread the early release is. Is it a retail chain deciding to ignore the publisher's plans for a leg up on the competition, or is it just a handful of stores accidentally making a mess of things?

Like many of the forum-goers, GameSpot called around to a variety of local stores in order to see what the deal was. And like most of them, our attempts to locate a store selling BioShock early were unsuccessful. The game is already out there in the wild, but it appears it will take a dedicated hunter to track down a copy.

The official story: A Take-Two representative hadn't returned GameSpot's request for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus that this is an official (or even widespread) early release. Not bogus that underpaid clerks can be less than careful, making mistakes and putting out games ahead of their street dates.

285 Comments

  • Snake4w

    Posted Aug 21, 2007 1:12 pm PT

    My cousin got his for the standered 60 dollars.

  • Seraphless

    Posted Aug 20, 2007 1:50 pm PT

    Wow, you all pretend like it's a big deal someone would by it at twice the price early. Some people have the money to do it. If I had a grand or so coming in each week I would buy the game early. Plus I don't know how much your collectors editions are worth, or selling for, but you are going to pay more when it comes out to have extra stuff you don't need. But a true gamer knows you do what you can to get the game, and play the game. *shrug*

  • AnnoyingKid

    Posted Aug 19, 2007 12:03 am PT

    I got it! I just walked in to my Toys R Us, and there it was

  • UvBnBIOSHOCKED

    Posted Aug 18, 2007 7:39 pm PT

    I went on a wild goose chase today to see if they still had it. I went to one of the Toys 'R' Us' in Sunnyvale and yet, the guy at the counter said that they never received any :\ bogus.

  • crazysanta

    Posted Aug 17, 2007 4:41 pm PT

    went to toys r us but they said they cant give it to me until the 21st

  • NovaProgramming

    Posted Aug 17, 2007 9:51 am PT

    I work at a GameStop, and obviously we're more "in tune" with video games than a Toys "R" Us representative might be... but in their defense I suppose you could say that unlike other popular games (like Halo 2) the games do not have the blatant "STREET DATE 08/21" orange sticker on them. I mean, we have the game at our store. We've had it for awhile. Just not allowed to sell it until the 21st.

  • homestar15

    Posted Aug 17, 2007 9:09 am PT

    Yeah my friend on XBL told me about Toys R Us selling them early. I called the store and got the last one. I just beat the game last night and it's great. Only problem is the ending sucks. Other than that great game.

  • partytimekegs

    Posted Aug 17, 2007 2:14 am PT

    This is ridiculous. First Toys R Us is selling it early.. then I was watching TV and the commercial said Available Now. Just because all those mistakes they should just go ahead and start selling it. Its like some sort of cheap False advertisement to get my hopes up then crush them. x_x Bastards..

  • Panta

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 11:33 pm PT

    #1 Toys R Us...you guys are extremely stupid and you shouldn't sell videos games or anything related to video games. You guys never have crap at your store and the people you hire to work there don't know anything about games. At least in my area...

    Yeah that's just your area. If you have any complaints, call the number on your receipt. I'm sure corporate would care a whole lot more than me.

    #2 What kind of idiot would buy the game for double the price when its going to come out soon???

    Very impatient ones >_>... I mean just look at the Wii... it's still selling for double even triple on Ebay.

  • Panta

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 11:29 pm PT

    I know what happened: Games are shipped with release dates on the box, saying when to put them on the shelves. Bioshock had no sticker, or even anything inside. So if the person who received the shipment didn't know the date, the game went to the shelf. All games are immediately rushed to the shelf, unless they have dates, hence the problem. However there has been memos sent to inform all stores to pull it and wait until Tuesday. No more early copies.

    That's 100 percent true... I checked the box today and it didn't have any label on it. Usually the label is in big red letters on the box. Very hard to miss. The guys on the top are gonna fight take two on that note, saying that it is partly their fault. Our store luckily enough did get the memo.

  • Lightz39

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 8:44 pm PT

    Paying double the cash for the ability to beat it and spoil it for the rest is absolutely the dumbest thing i have ever heard of.

  • Death_Masta187

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 7:53 pm PT

    wow i was surprised i got my copy today... i cant wait to get off work to play it though... thank you toys-r-us...

  • playstation_wii

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 7:39 pm PT

    Yup! I've seen them!

  • ember_dione

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:44 pm PT

    I know what happened: Games are shipped with release dates on the box, saying when to put them on the shelves. Bioshock had no sticker, or even anything inside. So if the person who received the shipment didn't know the date, the game went to the shelf. All games are immediately rushed to the shelf, unless they have dates, hence the problem. However there has been memos sent to inform all stores to pull it and wait until Tuesday. No more early copies.

  • poe-catcher

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:39 pm PT

    some MOrons cant wait 5 dayz

  • vgplaya

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:06 pm PT

    "HEY!! I got this game for $120!!! OMFG!!!! I AM FREAKING AWSOME."

    Hey!!!! You just bought something you could have just waited for 5 days to buy instead to be an impatient IDIOT and buy it double!!!

  • Zion82

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 11:35 am PT

    I don't agree with retailers releasing products before the offical release date. Surely on there order forms they are told as a requirment not to sell to the public before the date. In the UK "Game" released Forza 2 earlier than the release date. All online were fullfilled and arriving up to a week early, and thats from the main UK game retailer. I don't think that was a mistake.

  • champhf

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 11:25 am PT

    i can't wait i am druling on my keyboard, im going to hold off until the oficial day it drops i don't want any problems what so ever.......i havn't been this excited since halo 1

  • GTAPsychoFan

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 10:13 am PT

    i need this game!

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 9:54 am PT

    So get a review out there already Gamespot. The game is already out there go get it and let us know how it is. I'm still undecided on this game. I played the short demo; I want to check it out some more but I dont know if I want to purchase it.

  • diminiansk8er

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 8:11 am PT

    because they have money :-)

  • Zen

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 6:03 am PT

    That's crazy, I wonder what someone would pay for an early release of Halo 3 if it happened?!?!

  • CreatureRising

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:45 am PT

    hmmmmmm i guess i will go check TRU i know it wont but better be sure

  • gmreedy

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:42 am PT

    u guys dont get that the news article said that prices for Bioshock on e-Bay, not TRU, e-Bay, were $120 dollars. TRU is probably sellin it at the retail $60. dont throw out somewhat false info when the article is right in front of you.

  • gR_Silent

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:38 am PT

    #1 Toys R Us...you guys are extremely stupid and you shouldn't sell videos games or anything related to video games. You guys never have crap at your store and the people you hire to work there don't know anything about games. At least in my area...
    #2 What kind of idiot would buy the game for double the price when its going to come out soon???

  • freerunner01

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 5:03 am PT

    If my Xbox wasnt in repair right now, I would be excited...

  • evaqu8

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 2:39 am PT

    Played the demo and I have to be honest I'm not that impressed. It looks great and is unique but I just don't know what all the fuss is about.

  • Panta

    Posted Aug 16, 2007 2:20 am PT

    Heh I work at Toys R'us and there are so many calls that come in from tards who don't read things carefully and jump the button the moment they see the words "Toys R Us selling Bioshock." I can't tell you how many times I had to repeat the sentence "No we are not selling Bioshock until next week." and than argue with them for the next 5 minutes on why we are not selling it anymore, while helping a line full of people .

  • Dungeoncrawler1

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 11:15 pm PT

    One simple reason piracy is so popular. If you have the right kind of 360, it's available right now! If it's sitting in a storeroom someplace, go ahead and sell it. Stupid to wait and let the pirate copies get a head start!

  • Sonicgod

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 11:05 pm PT

    I do this all the time I have friends in game department who will sell me games early if I ask and let them come over and play it on my TV sometime after.

    I got PC bioshock already. Nobody really watches this stuff If you sweet talk or bribe the sales people if they have the game you can get it. This is how I got my Wii and PS3 early and my PS2, n64,gamecube,dreamcast.

    And if somebody is watching they only have to mark it as another game that is out for the same price nobody bothers ask questions, they only watch what the clerks are taking out early. If it is sold to everybody else besides staff they don't seem to care or have rules.

    I may be getting metroid prime 3 a week or so early the exact same way next week.

  • BigDaveyDogz

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:49 pm PT

    I'm jealous of the people who got it early...but I can wait one more week.

  • mc2much

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:18 pm PT

    Wow some people who got it early r lucky!

  • Faephoenix_Eyes

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:12 pm PT

    I believe Toys R Us has been losing quite a huge sum of money these years :p

  • greatskate182

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:12 pm PT

    It's not that Toys R Us ignored the street date. The packages they recieved did not have a street date lable on them.

  • azizrulez

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:11 pm PT

    i bet they sold out in seconds

  • nSo_Owns_All_

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:07 pm PT

    fuzzyje, I do not work as a cashier or floor associate. I am in Receiving and Pick up. But I still don't agree with what they said.

  • mjk_1

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:47 pm PT

    i'll wait for this one do drop like 30 bucks before i get it

  • Death_Masta187

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:42 pm PT

    What about the PC version! I know ill get it on both but the PC version is better for me.. at least i can play that one at work...

  • fuzzyje

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:34 pm PT

    And I agree with nSo_Owns_All_. I actually get paid far more than minimum wage job to do minimum wage work. So we are not "underpaid" store clerks.

  • fuzzyje

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:31 pm PT

    I work at Toys "R" Us in the video game department. And when I went into work today I was told all about the mess up when i came in for evening shift. The problem was not incompetent employees rather careless packaging and information. The package the video game came in looked just like every package we get 12 times a day. Which is why it was put on the sales floor by an inexperienced person who was just covering until I arrived. The Madden game was shipped to the store 2 weeks before its release BUT the difference was that like all games received before the street release date it had a HUGE ORANGE STICKER that said DU NOT RELEASE UNTIL 8/14/07. The Bioshock packaging did not. It was just normal package which put in the hands of unexperienced trainees made a major mistake. So i for one blame the the people who packaged the damn thing. Not everyone can know everything about games. If i was there it would not have got release but I have a feeling that the other stores just don't care . But i know at my store it was poor packaging. I for one was upset I hadnt got there earlier so I could have bought one when they were selling them now my copy just sits in the back with my name taped to it.

  • NeoSpriggan

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:21 pm PT

    The street date does sometimes get a bit fiddly. Just today when i was paying off my collectors edition in GameStop (yes, i use them, but only because the staff in our one is very nice ), and they had two possible dates, either this friday, or any day up to the next friday.

  • nSo_Owns_All_

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:14 pm PT

    Oh and its not the "underpaid clerks" fault the packaging didn't have a street date, looks like Take Two f*cked up here.

  • NeoSpriggan

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:10 pm PT

    I live in Ireland, so it doesnt matter to me at all, just felt like putting a little up to date news out

  • nSo_Owns_All_

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:10 pm PT

    I work with d16punk, and it is true. Toys R Us has sold copies of Bioshock. Although I had the day off, and was called to see if I wanted it before they knew not to sell it and of course, being that it was my day off, I slept late.

  • JackaL_1984

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 8:00 pm PT

    Oh who cares? This game is going to be the best anything ever. Just wait the insignificant amount of time preparing your computer for this masterpiece. Go play some sports or something. And regarding professionalism, what does it really matter that Toys R US accidentally released the game a week early? I do like the getting a job @ TRUS idea though. Bioshock for everyone! Man, I too need something to do for a week. I wonder if the pay is good?

  • cobrax80

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:58 pm PT

    I'm sure someone just ran to their local Toys"R" Us store after reading this to check, lol.

  • NeoSpriggan

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:56 pm PT

    I just checked a kotaku thread on the early releases, seems its only some stores. I bet they got a nasty email about it and stopped the early sales

  • French023

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:49 pm PT

    this is the only way toys r us can sell video games.... i mean really when you buy a video game wats the first store to come to your mind? gamestop eb games circuit city best buy but definatly not toys r us. Personally i think this was just soo they could sell a game that is for a mature audience. The only people that buy games from them are 8-10 year olds

  • coonkineam

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:33 pm PT

    I am one of the few who got it it yesterday =]
    check gamertag - coonkine

  • SgtStrungOut

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 7:30 pm PT

    Damn. My friend gots it and he's playing it right now! I called the same Toys R Us and they are making BS lies that they havent sold it to anyone! DAMN! I want it NOW!!

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