Lines for last year's Black Ops launch in West Hollywood
Lining up the night before a big game release has become a fun tradition for a lot of gamers — it’s nice to meet the people in your neighborhood with a common interest, for one. Many stores now understand the phemonenon and, instead of handling it horribly they did about 10 years ago, retailers now prepare for the lines and welcome their craziest customers with open arms. Here’s what “the big three” are up to for the arrival of Modern Warfare 3 in North America:
- Walmart is hosting midnight launches 2700 or so of their stores, plus they are doing multiplayer competitions (with prizes!) while you wait. There are details and a list of stores is here.
- GameStop is planning to accommodate lines starting at 9pm in its nationwide stores, and their website reminds you that you can bring in trade-ins toward to purchase of MW3, too. They will have playable PS3 editions of the game Monday night as well, so you can try before you buy. Up north, GameStop is hosting a big event in Toronto, and several Canadian locations will be open at midnight.
- Best Buy is doing midnight launches as well; go to this page and select the “Midnight Store Openings” image. You’ll get a drop-down list of states and can find the store closest to you. There are different plans for Best Buy in Canada, including big events in Toronto and Vancouver.
Those are the US & Canadian retailers I know that have structured plans specific to the MW3 launch. Target and Toys R Us are still unknowns, so you should contact your local store for more info. I have heard conflicting reports about some stores opening at midnight and some asking customers to come in at the start of Tuesday’s regular hours. Again, call your local store to see if they are planning something special.
Los Angeles & Infinity Ward
If you are in the Los Angeles area and wanna rub elbows, I am planning on visiting at least two places where I know there will be lines — and I have heard that Infinity Ward programmers will be showing up to meet and greet their fans as well. I’ll stop by at the Microsoft Store in Century City and GameStop in West Hollywood (and I’ll probably hit them in that order). I might roll to a few more in the area, but I know for sure I’ll visit those.
San Francisco & Sledgehammer Games
The Sledgehammer Games team will also be appearing at several stores in the San Francisco area. Meet them at the midnight launches at GameStop on Powell & O’Farrell, Gamestop on Mission & 23rd, Best Buy on Geary & O’Farrell, and Best Buy in Union City. Bring your copies for them to sign! Plus, Sledgehammer Games’ Community Manager Guy Beahm is in Amsterdam with some SHG folks as well — watch his Twitter for updates on his international adventures!
Other cities
There are also a few big events in a few US cities that may be of interest to you:
New York City NY: 14th Street near Union Square is the place to be. GameStop #6562 and Gamestop #4923 will offer a chance to meet the developers & get some special swag, and Best Buy #1531 will be offering a “first to play” event. I think that means you get to play it a bit in the Magnolia home theater area while you’re waiting in line.
Fayetteville AR: Walmart #3919 will have a big event in the parking lot, complete with trucks, giveaways, and tournaments.
Los Angeles CA: In addition to the special stuff at GameStop in West Hollywood listed above, Best Buy on W. Pico will be having a “first to play” event.
