GameStop Holds Free Call of Duty Tournament This Weekend

Above: Guy Hengesbach

Fads have come and gone over the past few decades as technology advances, but one pastime that has stood the test of time in the East Lansing area, is games. GameStop, located at 641 East Grand River, is still standing, and hosting a free two-day “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” tournament July 28-29.

Store Leader Guy Hengesbach spoke about how the gaming store has been able to stick around for almost eleven years.

“Gaming has stayed relevant just as books or movies have because we all crave creativity,” Hengesbach said. “ I think everyone looks for an outlet to escape the everyday mundane … the activity of going in to get that newest game, seeing it put across the counter, and making it yours is a universal feel.”

Hengesbach credits the longevity of the East Lansing location to the 45,000 enthusiasts, many of them college students, who trade their gear during the school year.

“Half of our business is guests trading in games, consoles, phones or tablets for cash or credit,” Hengesbach said. Another contributing factor to the successful business is the portion of customers that come in for things besides games.

“We carry an array of unique knick-knacks, collectibles, cards, board games, and clothing,” Hengesbach said, “making us a hidden gem for gift-giving and collectors.”

According to Hengesbach, what sets the East Lansing GameStop location apart from mall stores is their delivery of customer service. “I preach to my team that each guest that enters deserves a memorable experience,” he said. Each day, he encourages staff to create a welcoming atmosphere, making each guest feel appreciated and wowed every time.

Many of their regular customers visit the shop much in the same way vinyl junkies hit up record shops, and browse the aisles.

“Some guests want the scoop on the newest games, or what collectibles are available to preorder,”Hengesbach said. “For a few, it’s just part of their daily routine.” At least one of their regular customers visits the shop about four times a week, sometimes just to chat about current events, or what’s new in his life.

It’s conversations like these that make Hengesbach’s job an enjoyable one. “My favorite thing about my job is the people I get to meet every day. I tend to think I can relate to most people and enjoy getting them to come out of their shell, maybe have an authentic conversation so when they leave hopefully they say, ‘you know what -- that was fun, let's go there again soon!’”

To thank the East Lansing community for their support, GameStop regularly hosts free gaming tournaments, and family-friendly events. Once a month, they hold a kids day, with coloring, sidewalk chalk, origami and a Q&A with parents about game ratings.

On July 28-29, they’re hosting a 17+ adult “Call of Duty: Black Ops 2” tournament. Players will compete for a new standard edition copy of the upcoming “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4,” out October 26. Second and third place winners will receive headphones.

According to Hengesbach, “Call of Duty” is one of the most popular gaming series of all time. “It takes the gaming industry by storm by putting out a new title every one to three years,” he said. “The historical accuracy, fluid game play, realistic weapon action, story line and ability to play online with friends as a team make it a favorite.”

For more information about free events, visit GameStop at 641 East Grand River, or call 517-203-4036.