Sometimes it seems the job description of a politician includes not having fun with things the kids like, because, well, think of the dignity of the office or something. P'shaw. Dallas' mayor must have been thinking of the coolness of the office when he kicked off a 24-hour Guitar Hero III fund-raising marathon on Friday.

Blockbuster Not The Best Game Store So Far

So I ran out today to pick up Iron Man the video game, exciteable little fanboy that I am, and decided to purchase it at my local Blockbuster Video, to see how they were doing with the new retail push. They had one copy for the PlayStation 3 and one copy for the Xbox 360 available, and on a whim I chose the PS3 version, seeing as my poor system hadn't been getting much attention since Hot Shots Golf last month. Upon getting the game home I hastily unwrapped it, only to discover that my PS3, which I have long considered the best of the three current consoles when it comes to reliability, would no longer accept any Blu-ray media. PS2 games work fine, and DVD's, but PS3 games and blu-ray movies were a no go. I was completely crushed, and jonesin' for some Iron Man, so I took the game back to Blockbuster, hoping they would show pity on me for buying a game I couldn't play. They swapped out versions for free and I lived happily ever after!

Unfortunately I'm lying.

The Incredible, Super, Magnificent, Blockbuster Exclusive GTA IV Preorder Picture Frame

Those who preordered their copy of Grand Theft Auto IV at Blockbuster received a more...domestic celebration of the world's most controversial game—a picture frame. We'd call it a GTA IV picture frame, but the only thing GTA IV about it is the print placed inside. The frame's exterior is a very standard, black-painted wooden design you'd see at any department store.

Oh, it's super lame today. But in a few more months, that frame will make a sweet, sweet regift.

Thanks to Gizmodo's Jason Chen for sending this in!

Blockbuster Video Gunning For GameStop?

"We are committed to offering a full assortment of everything gamers want in our stores — hardware, accessories and retail and rental games across all platforms — including Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS," said Rod Murray, vice-president, games merchandising, Blockbuster Inc.

Blockbuster Brings Video Games To Sacred New Release Area

Score one for games. With the release of GTA IV, Blockbuster will begin to feature video games in "new release" retail space formerly reserved exclusively for movies. I know, it doesn't sound like a big deal to rearrange some stuff on the shelf. But trust us, these retail guys get sweaty in the crotch just thinking about signage. As Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes explains:

This is a big event for Blockbuster. The new release wall is sacred ground for us...We think that's going to attract a lot of people to our game offerings.

Blockbuster putting videogames in "new releases" starting with "Grand Theft Auto IV" [Variety][image]

Blockbuster Aiming At Game Preorder Exclusives

Canadian Blockbuster Video stores and Microsoft are once again teaming up for their Badges of Honour program, which features five limited-edition pins, available now through April 7th. As with last year's program, a $2 donation to the Children's Miracle Network nets you one of these five lovely pieces of flair. This year's selection includes Gears of War, Ninja Gaiden II, and Rock Band buttons, while the Guitar Hero II and Halo 3 buttons of last year are only a memory. Disappointing, yes, but you should have been charitable in a more timely fashion. Don't miss out this time!

Badges of Honour [Xbox Canada]

Blockbuster Renting GH Guitar

Blockbuster Decides to Back Blu-ray

Blockbuster Rents Wii and PS3 Games

Blockbuster Manager Talks Trash to Gamer