GameStop Pulls Deus Ex Games Amid Controversy

The gaming world was shocked to find out GameStop was opening PC copies of “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” and removing coupons for OnLive. Now, in response to those shocked reactions, GameStop has pulled the game from shelves completely.

The battle between brick-and-mortar shops and online retailers has reached a new low with these latest tactics, and GameStop appears unapologetic about it. Square Enix released “Deus Ex: Human Revolution” earlier this week, and the game boxes for the PC version included a $49.99 coupon allowing gamers to play in the cloud with OnLive. Gamestop apparently felt a certain way about this and ordered employees to open the sealed boxes, remove the coupons, reseal them, and sell them for the same new price.

The scandalous part about all of this is that customers did not know why their copies were missing the coupons. Many complained but assumed it was an error by the distribution company and not a deliberate scheme hatched by GameStop.

In their defense, GameStop posted on its Facebook page that OnLive is a competitor and that it would not promote a competitor’s business in its own store.

“Regarding the ‘Deus Ex’ OnLive Codes: GameStop’s policy is that we do not promote competitive services without a formal partnership,” said GameStop’s Facebook. “Square Enix packed a competitor’s coupon within the PC version of ‘Deus Ex: Human Revolution’ without our prior knowledge and we did pull these coupons. While the new products may be opened, we fully guarantee the condition of the discs to be new. If you find this to not be the case, please contact the store where the game was purchased and they will further assist.”

Finally, after the controversy started to pick up steam, GameStop removed the game from shelves completely and has vowed not to sell the game until Square Enix ships versions without the OnLive coupons. Customers who want the game with the OnLive offer can either buy it directly or go to another store.