New legislation has been put in place to force Gamestop (California) to post DLC warnings for pre-owned games. The high street retailer will now be forced to put out signs to inform shoppers if a game does not contain DLC. The decision was broken by firm Baron and Budd who are, “pleased that as a result of this lawsuit, we were able to obtain complete restitution for consumers”.

“Under the settlement, GameStop must, for the next two years, post signs on the shelves where used games are sold in California stores, and online, warning consumers that certain downloadable content may require an additional purchase.”

Many games companies now bundle initial download codes with a game and even more have been releasing online passes alongside the original release of games. This means that if you have not purchased the game brand new, you could be missing content from the game, such as the Catwoman DLC for Arkham City.

This new settlement means that users will be correctly informed of what they will (or will not) be receiving. Users who have previously purchased pre-owned games with missing DLC can even claim back money from GameStop.

“Additionally, as part of the settlement, consumers will have the opportunity to recover the additional $15 they would have been required to pay to access the downloadable content. Consumers who purchased qualifying used games and who are enrolled in GameStop’s “PowerUp Rewards” customer loyalty program can receive a $10 check and a $5 coupon. Consumers who purchased a qualifying game, but are not members of GameStop’s loyalty program, can receive a $5 check and a $10 coupon.”

It seems that the new legislation has forced GameStop to rethink its pricing plans too. Used games have now dipped significantly with the price of missing DLC showing its effect.

“The in-store and online warnings are an important benefit under the settlement as well, because if GameStop discloses the truth to consumers, it is unlikely that they will be able to continue selling used copies of certain games for only $5 less than the price of a new copy. In fact, we already know that not long after the lawsuit was filed, GameStop lowered prices for used copies of many of the game titles identified in the lawsuit.”

We for one are happy about this ruling. The pre-owned market has not developed around the idea of DLC and if players are missing content they should pay less. While those who trade in games with DLC should be offered more money. It also means that less informed shoppers are less likely to purchase a game missing DLC they wanted.

For more information on how to claim back your money please .

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