GAME is a ‘bully’, its troubles are ‘karma’, says publisher
Lewis Denby March 7, 2012 - 9:38 amNews: Outspoken publishing exec, Paradox Interactive’s Fred Wester, has claimed that GAME’s troubles are entirely its own fault, thanks to their allegedly ‘bullying’ business behaviour.
Paradox Interactive’s Frederick Wester has never been one to keep his mouth shut, though he’s not usually as ferociously blunt as this. While the games industry mourns the potential demise of high street retailer GAME, it is Wester who’s taking the alternative viewpoint: they deserve to fail, he says.
“GAME has basically been bullying people around and now it comes back to bite them in the ass,” the publishing exec told the newly launched GamesIndustry International (formerly GamesIndustry.biz and Industry Gamers, brought together under one banner).
The company’s serious financial troubles are ‘karma’, he said.
“It’s been abusing their situation in the UK for a long time but it always comes back to you. Look at EA and Nintendo, they’re not even willing to help. They will take the hit just to get rid of GAME and start over.”
Last week it was revealed that Electronic Arts would not stock any of its March releases in GAME. Nintendo’s Mario Party 9 is also unavailable.
“One of the biggest problems is they haven’t behaved nicely to other people, so it’s karma,” Wester added.
