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Retail giant Amazon is no longer selling certain video games to customers who aren’t Amazon Prime members.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

April 22, 2016

1 Min Read

Retail giant Amazon is no longer selling certain high-profile video games to customers who aren’t paying Amazon Prime members. 

As picked up by VideoGamer, a number of notable releases, such as the PS4 versions of GTA V and FIFA 16, currently can't be purchased directly from Amazon without Prime. 

Amazon has a history of temporariliy or permanently preventing non-Prime members from buying certain items, though this latest spate is notable both because of the high profile of these games and the fact that different games are being blocked in the U.K. vs. the U.S.

For now, non-Prime members attempting to buy affected titles will be informed their "item is reserved for Prime members" before being told to either try the $100/year subscription service, or purchase the game from a third-party seller. 

Other titles locked behind the Prime-wall include Battlefield: Hardline and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

When questioned about the change by VideoGamer, Amazon gave an abrupt response.

“One of the many benefits of Amazon Prime is access to exclusive selection on a number of great products,” said the company. “Customers who are not Prime members can sign-up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, or they can purchase those items from a Marketplace seller."

This also isn’t the first time Amazon has given Prime members a leg up in the video game market. Earlier this year the retailer introduced another Prime perk, giving its paying members 20 percent off the latest game pre-orders and releases

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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