Gamertell

The Associated Press is reporting that Blockbuster has announced that it will begin a test program beginning Q2 2009 to allow Total Access subscribers to rent video games online.

From the article:

Customers of Blockbuster’s Total Access can rent DVDs online and exchange them in Blockbuster stores as well as by mail. The plans start at $10 a month and the company says its $20 plan is the most popular. Renting games will cost an extra 5 dollars a month, but people will only be charged if they rent a game that particular month, said Bob Barr, vice president and general manager for Blockbuster.com.

The test program will launch in a yet-to-be determined geographic market, and will go national in the second half of the year, Barr added.

The article does mention that Wii, PS2, PS3, Xbox and Xbox 360 games will be available to rent through Total Access. No word yet on whether or not PSP or DS games will be available or a download option. AP also notes that that mail-back movie rental company Netflix does not rent games nor does mail-back game rental company GameFly rent movies.

If you look at the Blockbuster site, you’ll also notice that a “Games” link has been added to the top navigation bar and it marked as “new.” That section of the site currently offers games for slightly more than retail price. Afro Samurai for Xbox 360 is available on the site for the “New Game Price” of $62.99 (retail is $59.99)!? And that does not includes include shipping/handling and sales tax.

Not cool, Blockbuster. Take note, Blockbuster - Consumers do not like higher prices especially when the economy is this crappy. Also, adding $5 to Total Access may not be the best idea even though you may be the only dual mail-back rental company in town. For now.

The monthly rates for Total Access accounts are as follows (remember to add $5 per month to rent games):

• $19.99 plus tax for 3 DVDs at a time plus 5 free in-store exchanges per month with unlimited DVDs through the mail
• $16.99 plus tax for 2 DVDs at a time plus 3 free in-store exchanges per month with unlimited DVDs through the mail.
• $11.99 plus tax for 1 DVD at a time plus 2 free in-store exchanges per month with unlimited DVDs through the mail.
• $9.99 plus tax for 1 DVD at a time plus 2 free in-store exchanges per month with 2 DVDs per month through the mail.

Read [Forbes] Site [Blockbuster: Total Access] Also Read [Gamertell]