I have been using Gamestop for at least 8-9 years now and its always been one of my go to sites in regards to video games. Unfortunately, I absolutely hate the new redesign, to the point where I will not be using Gamestop anymore. The biggest issue I have is the fact that there are no longer platform specific sections. When I go to game sites like Gamestop, it is usually to look at a specific platforms page. With the old design, you had all of the different platforms listed right at the top of the page (just like IGN's current design). So once you were on the main page, you just clicked XBox 360 or PS3 and it immediately took you to that platform's main page. From there you could see both the news related to that platform, and the new scores related to that platform. Plus you had other options regarding that platform accessible from that main page. Not only was it a simple design, it was also the most logical, at least in my opinion.
Basically Gamestop has moved to a design like Giant Bomb, which I guess isn't surprising given that they are owned by the same parent company. I tired using Giant Bomb earlier this year but ultimately, I just couldn't get past the fact that there weren't specific sections for the different platforms. In all honesty, why do you want a design that is basically identical to Giant Bomb? Why does everything have to be so homogenous? Why cant Gamestop have its own design? Just because they are owned by the same company doesn't mean they have to be identical.
The bottom line is that you have different platforms in the gaming market and those platforms should have their own sections on sites like Gamestop. Sections that are quickly and easily accessed and which give you access to news and games for that platform only. To get rid of those sections and combine it all together....well, it just makes no sense in my book as it ultimately leads to a less user friendly experience. IGN, 1up, GameFaq, GamesRadar, CCC, Joystiq, Desrtuctoid, etc. All have specific sections for each platform. Its the way game sites have always been organized, and for good reason. That should really tell you something.
Anyways, I have already decided to leave Gamestop, but I figured I would at least make a post and let Gamestop know why I was leaving. I can deal with all of the other problems that this website has been having but this one is a deal breaker. I have truly enjoyed my time at Gamestop and I really hope Gamespot eventually goes back to having sections for each specific platform. I would come back no questions asked. Until then, IGN, Gamefaq and 1 Up will just have to do.
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