There is a lot happening right now and we all know that life is a bit topsy-turvy as we figure out how to overcome COVID-19. A lot of businesses are shutting down and many restaurants are already being forced to move to takeout. There are retail stores starting to close as well, but one popular video game retailer is refusing to shut its doors. In fact, GameStop is going so far as to say they are “essential retail,” in describing their reluctance and altogether dismissal of calls to shut down for employee and customer safety.

The decision to stay open is one that GameStop is seemingly hard-headed about. The memo straight from corporate says that local authorities attempting to close stores can use corporate’s comments as a reason to stay open. Two massive titles releasing today might have something to do with that. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Doom Eternal are going to be top sellers, especially considering how much free time everyone has at the moment.

So, is it unethical for GameStop to say open during these troubled times? I guess that’s not necessarily something I can answer, but health officials certainly seem to think business closures are the best move. Financially, closing is going to hurt these companies. That’s not something GameStop seems to want to swallow given recent losses and concerns over the future of the retailer.

One thing is for sure, this is going to get worse. Positive case numbers are rising as more COVID-19 tests are administered. The patients who have the Coronavirus now are only the beginning and it might end up being that nobody, not even GameStop or other retailers, can overrule CDC guidelines. From all of us at Phenixx Gaming, stay safe!

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.