Scott Moore of Galaxy Comics in Saginaw, Michigan, read the ICv2 interviews with game publishers voicing their opinions on Internet discounters, among other things (see 'Loren Greenwood, President of Wizards of the Coast on Internet Retailing,' 'Jay Tummelson, Owner of Rio Grande Games, on Internet Retailing,' and 'Joe Hauck, EVP Sales, Marketing and Product Development of WizKids on Internet Retailing'), and thinks their responses tell a lot about each publisher's regard for core hobby retailers:

I thought the interviews about Internet pricing were short but very informative.  Everyone complained when WizKids went exclusive with Diamond but they are taking the stance that brick-and-mortar stores are the ones promoting the games, offering playing space, teaching new players and holding tournaments.  Offering their product exclusively through Diamond/Alliance allows retailers to sell packs at, wait for it... the SMRP!  I know that's a totally alien concept in the Internet age but as a retailer it's nice to actually be able to make money on something.  I don't understand why online retailers sell hundreds of boxes at a $2.00 mark-up per box and think they are making money, but I digress.

The Wizards and Rio Grand interviews were enlightening as well.  Loren Greenwood used a lot of words and didn't really say anything.

'We have various sales policies and practices tailored to our customers and their specific needs.'

'The implications for our business--and others--remains to be seen and we will continue to actively examine it in the context of our current distribution models and internal pricing policies.'

So all that means... what, exactly?  It means that WotC is going to sell whatever they can to whomever they can because they make the same amount per box no matter who buys it from them.  How it ultimately gets to the consumers? Meh.

I'm not sure why the Jay Tummelson interview was even published.  His answers are basically, 'Don't know.', 'Don't care.', 'Don't care.' and about B-and-M stores?  'Don't care.'

This has nothing to do with the interviews but I've been in retail a while now and I understand how things work (I think I do anyway).  It's just depressing that at some point it goes from 'a love for the game and your product' to 'make as much money as possible, no matter what it takes.'  I love my money as much as the next guy, but at some point it might be worth looking at making a little less money and making the overall marketplace better.

The opinions expressed in this Talk Back article are solely those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff of ICv2.com.