Video game retailer Gamestop has ordered employees to pull all copies of the PC version of Deus Ex from store shelves, all because of a coupon that was included in the game.
Among the packaging and promotional materials in the game’s box is a coupon for OnLive, a cloud-based game service that allows users to play PC games on their computer or TV without needing to download anything.
Apparently this really upset the game store chain, because it has its own service that is a rival to OnLive.
In a memo to all stores, the company wrote, “At this time please pull all Regular PC Editions of Deus Ex: Human Revolution and place them in your backroom.”
“As GameStop is developing a streaming service … the coupon that was included is for a competitive service. We are returning all copies” of the game.
Gamestop said anyone who pre-ordered the game will still be able to pick up their copy, and customers who purchased the game can return it as normal.
However, anyone who walks into the store and wants to buy a copy will be told it is not available.
Apparently, the store’s original decision was to have employees open every single copy of the game and yank out the coupon. Believe it or not, that idea didn’t work out too well.
Deus Ex publisher Square Enix has released a statement about Gamestop’s rash decision, saying:
“As part of Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s boxed offering on PC, Square Enix included a third-party coupon,” the gamemaker said. “GameStop was not made aware of this inclusion and Square Enix respects the right of GameStop to have final say over the contents of products it sells and to adjust them where they see fit in accordance with their policies. Square Enix invites gamers who want to purchase the PC version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution without additional coupons to buy the game at any one of over 4,000 GameStop stores in North America or purchase a digital download copy online from www.gamestop.com.”
