By Gabriel Lorenzo
At midnight on October 7th, gamers from all over the Bronx gathered in front of Gamestop on 225th street and Broadway to wait on line for over two hours for the release of NBA 2k15, the number one selling NBA game.
For gamers, getting in line before midnight for an anticipated release has become part of the culture.
Most of the gamers who waited for hours were from either the Bronx, or across the Broadway Bridge in Manhattan. The first person on the line was 16-year-old Joel, a Bronx native, who was there with his friend Kevin. This was their first time lining up for a midnight release. “We came out here at 8:30 and nobody was here,” said Joel. “We went to Starbucks and stayed there until more people began to show up.”
Gamers started lining up with the release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (2009), Joel said. “People just can’t wait to get the game.”
Many of the gamers have come for the improvements to the game’s graphics, game play, and the new game modes.
Amel, a basketball fan from Washington Heights, explained the enthusiasm he felt about the game. “It’s just a dope game overall,” said Amel. “People line up mainly because of the graphics and design. I lined up because of the excitement of the game, and the gameplay for the new consoles. To be honest I want to play as soon as I get home.”
As the line grew, people passing by the Gamestop game store looked on with confusion.
In past midnight releases, some altercations have occurred. On this particular evening, some drivers parked in front of the store, waiting cautiously in their cars. One gamer fan, John Carrion from Inwood, said he preferred the security of his car. “I don’t know those guys,” he said. “There are some guys outside just waiting for something. There are a lot of crazy people in New York. You just have to think positive. If you want to come and get your game, then come.”
After purchasing the game, Carrion said he felt like he accomplished something. “Some people told me that’s ridiculous, why are you making a line for that game? I’ve lined up more than eight times, for Smash bros, Watchdogs, 2k14, Fifa 15. Fifa 14, and more.”
Games are getting better and more realistic, generating more excitement for buyers and longer lines. It only gets worse like on days like Black Friday, said Carrion.
One spot of relief for customers is that athey can pre-order a copy of NBA 2k15 to buy in store or online, to ensure that they don’t miss out due to the long lines.
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