Update 1: GAME Westwood says that you get the money re-imbursed if you decide to purchase the VR headset.
Update 2: GAME Milton Keynes claims that the promotion is run in direct partnership with PlayStation
Original story
UK retailer GAME has launched an in-store promotion for PlayStation VR, which asks potential buyers to pay-to-play PlayStation VR.
Fancy playing #PlaystationVR ? Well pop into store where you can book a spot to play #VR !! Ask staff for details #GAMEVR pic.twitter.com/R3rja7CxXy
— GAME Swindon (@GAME_Swindon) October 22, 2016
The initiative has rolled out nationwide, and customers are asked to stump up either £5 for ten minutes, or £15 for 30 minutes to test out some games on Sony’s new virtual-reality headset.
The term “rip-off” springs to mind, in my humble opinion. Why would GAME charge customers to play something that they surely want to encourage them to buy? And £15! Wonder how Sony PlayStation feels about this particular marketing strategy, which doesn’t seem particularly helpful in promoting PSVR.
Nevertheless, some people seem to be having fun, and don’t mind paying to play (unless the pictures are just members of staff? Wonder if they had to pay too?)
Our staff are already loving #PlayStationVR ! Our staff say "It’s the next step in gaming" come book your #GameVR experience in store today! pic.twitter.com/DgXCNYIU4I
— GAME Pontypridd (@Game_Pontypridd) October 22, 2016
Others aren’t happy with the PlayStation VR promotion.
So @GAMEdigital are charging people to try #PlaystationVR 🙈 that’s one way to make money when they aren’t selling #GameVR
— Gary G (@GGreenFitness) October 22, 2016
Why are the @GameUKOnline stores charging money for people to demo #GameVR . How can they possibly justify this?
— Daniel Falcone (@FalconePunch55) October 22, 2016
Even game developer, Mike Bithell, has waded in on the conversation.
lol, #gamevr charging punters to demo products to them. This Argos catalogue will cost you £5 mate. Surprised the manufacturers are allowing
— Mike Bithell (@mikeBithell) October 22, 2016
If you’re interested in joining in the fun, and you’ve got your wallet handy, more fool you. Head down to your GAME store now.
Or, you could just make your own PlayStation VR headset.
Editor’s note: You can play around my house all day long and I’ll only charge you £20. The catch is you have to play Here They Lie, and each time you scream the price goes up by £1.