Page 12 - Old School Gamer Magazine Issue #43 FREE Edition

Blockbuster is remembered for its significant impact on the movie rental industry, its marketing campaigns, and its role in shaping home entertainment practices in the late 20th century. Its decline serves as a case study in business adaptability and the effects of technological change on traditional retail models.
Fun Fact #1: In the 1990s, the company hosted two Blockbuster World Video Game Championships.
Fun Fact #2: In the early 2000s, Blockbuster had the opportunity
to buy Netflix for $50 million but declined, a decision often cited in discussions about business strategy and foresight.
Why are so many Blockbuster exclusive games so valuable today? After all, how can a seemingly ordinary copy of N64’s Clayfighter: Sculptor’s Cut go for over $1,500
on the open market? The truth is
a complete Blockbuster exclusive video game is incredibly hard to come by. Here are a few more.
The Flintstones: Surprise at Dinosaur Peak (NES)
Regardless, the common consensus is that it is indeed a Blockbuster exclusive title, and it has been valued accordingly. Furthermore, the game had a limited release anyway because it came out shortly before the discontinuation of the NES.
Donkey Kong Country Competition (SNES)
This version of Donkey Kong Country is a verifiable Blockbuster exclusive. In fact, it’s doubly exclusive, as it was specifically created for a Blockbuster Video gaming competition held in 1994. That’s why
a complete version of the game will earn you around $1,600.
Blockbuster World Championship II
(Sega Genesis)
Similar to the Donkey Kong Country Competition cartridge, Blockbuster World Championship II was
made for the real-life event of the same name. It, too, is like a demo cartridge, featuring competition- focused versions of two games: NBA Jam Tournament Edition and Judge Dredd.
Since Blockbuster commissioned the destruction of these cartridges after the event, they shouldn’t even exist. But, apparently, they do, making Blockbuster World Championship II one of the all-
time rarest retro game cartridges. An authenticated copy can earn you over $5,000. Take a look at
the “Blockbuster Exclusive Games” article by Matt Owen in this issue of Old School Gamer, to learn about every Blockbuster-only game rental title!
Being a gamer in the '90s was super exciting, and the rise of Blockbuster Video was a huge part of the culture. I believe if Netflix did not come along and the internet was a bust, Blockbuster Video would be going strong and even bigger than ever. Who knows? Since physical media is going
away and consoles are only digital, perhaps Blockbuster could make another run at it, since GameStop
is not a fan favorite for retro video games. If indeed they make a comeback, I would for sure recreate the day I met my wife and rent the same game I did in 1999. Life is like a Blockbuster Video; sometimes I would love to “rewind” to experience my memories.
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OLD SCHOOL GAMER MAGAZINE • ISSUE #43