Working at a Video Game Store for 15 Years
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2021
- This video is sponsored by Retro-Bit. Go to retro-bit.com/alwas-awakening to pre-order Alwa's Awakening for the NES!
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Ian has ended his time working at the game store after 15 years. We discuss his experiences, what he has seen, what he will miss, and more.
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#retrogames #gamestore #talesfromthegamestore - Ігри
TALES FROM THE GAME STORE playlist: ua-cam.com/video/b8XA8Dmy8xw/v-deo.html
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Thanks to Retro-Bit for sponsoring! Check out Alwa's Awakening at retro-bit.com/alwas-awakening.
I remember that time in mid 2000 before retro really took off. Now yea can swing a dead cat without hitting some kind new retro throw back style games or videos on UA-cam about people talking about older games
Gonna be honest, guys, this is one of the best podcast segments there’s been in years. Pat does very well as an interviewer and Ian is giving a very nice retrospective. I love this.
Agreed. Ian's BEST. I was waiting for this since he mentioned he'd talk about Luna after he left. 👍👍
yeah this one was good
Ian and Pat rule. This is definitely one of the best segments of a podcast I've seen in a long time.
Agreed!
Wow it’s almost like the people that are listening like to talk about video games and video game stores or what it’s like to work in a video game store…
Ian’s computer: ❌🐱👻VGHF 🐱 ⭕️⏹⏺⚪️👻⚫️🔴🔵🐱🐱🔲🔳⬛️🟥🐻🔵
Pat’s computer: 🐶
I was JUST thinking that I want Ian to talk about those stickers. I think I might recognize one.
I've wanted the blue, red, yellow cat sticker for ages. Anybody have an idea where it's from?
@@thomasgambroadamsson3650 One of the newer ones is the Taylor Ham sticker, 2nd row down and 2nd in from the left. That is the famous pork roll that they talk about occasionally. It's a sugar cured ham product that is delicious. Great on its own, but it's probably best in a breakfast sandwich, pork roll, egg (normally scrambled), and cheese on a bagel... mmmmm now I can't wait til morning to go to Wawa and get one.
There is a Podcast where he does talk about the stickers
I went to Luna on Ian's last day, just to meet him and wish him well. I did end up buying something just so I wouldn't be "that guy," and he was the nicest, most down to Earth person. Ian, I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, and thanks for the SuperNES system.
I wanted to go, as it’s up the street. I’m a total a**hole for not doing so. Worst fan ever.
Thanks man!
@@pxlsicle I'll miss you at luna! Hope to see you at a convention in the future
Lucky you, only way I'll meet him is paying for an overpriced retro convention :(
Was it an official Super NES system? I need to know. I’m kind of a collectionist. 😁
I took a vacation out to SD and I’m from AZ, so while I was in town I wanted to look around at some video game and record stores in the area and I walked into Luna with no knowledge that this was the store Ian worked at and I remember walking around and heard his voice and instantly recognized it lol as I made my purchased I told him I was a huge fan of him and Pat and Ian was really cool guy and even gave me an tote bag for my games I bought. Was pretty awesome day for me lol
Unfortunately Pat and Ian have a lot of haters. I have never met them but they seem like great guys. However, success breeds jealously.
@@gregorycook5305 Pat and Ian are also NOT shy about voicing their honest thoughts. To some they appear REALLY opinionated but to me that's their greatest strength. They don't suck anyone's ass and call things as they see them.
It’s great to hear Ian talk about his experiences as both a collector and a Luna employee. Thank you for sharing!
Look for the book version, "No Longer a Luna-tic" by Ian Ferguson- coming to all words-in-print boutiques in time for Christmas!
For the longest time I thought Ian was the owner of Luna (two locations)
Yes, I thought the same!!
I think we all did at one point. Glad to hear he is moving on with his life and hopefully being paid a lot more. From my understanding he makes most of his money on Pat Nes Punk and at Luna to pay the bills. Pat diversifies his money from UA-cam, his book, and store stuff.
@The Darius Truxton Show Get a job
Ian, you are viewing this whole situation from an extremely grown up set of eyes. I commend you for this because it's been my experience that most people are not like this. Good for you for recognizing how much the positive aspects have affected your life. Good luck crushing the next chapter of your life!
2 locations everyone.
Never forget.
This was both a nice interview by Pat, and a nice introspective/retrospective from Ian.
Wow, this is a pivotal moment, I've been watching/listening to you guys for more than 10 years and I can't believe Ian quit his Luna job. It was like, part of his character. I even remember a Pat the NES punk episode with him at the counter (was it the NWC episode?), so many memories... I'll drink one for all the great years and the pitfalls you overcame. And for many more!
Pat being a very good interviewer, and Ian being a very good interviewee.
Ian I am right there with you on the “the older I get, the less I talk” comment. I honestly feel that describes my personality the last year or so.
Vectrex story was amazing! Good luck Ian at the new job 👌🏼
Forgot to add: I am 65 years old and have years ago left collecting of anything behind. I sell on ebay and deal with collectors most days, but any need to possess "collections" I have left behind years ago. The things in life that matter are people, pets and how we treat others, not in massing quantities of "things", especially sealed things entombed in lucite...
well said, people don't mention the slight mental illness that develops over the course of extreme collecting. The constant loop of uptaning more and more. After the hunt for said item is over and the luster wears off you're on to the next thing.
I can relate to becoming more quiet. Talking and hanging out with others is just an exhaustive, stressful thing these days.
It's weird how much of what Ian says about vintage game collecting also rolls over into record collecting. The stuff he says about playing games to enjoy and not worrying about having the vintage version is exactly how I've changed with my record collection after dealing with so many shelf collectors and genuine collectors.
I listened to the podcast and was hoping this would make a clip. Well said about your time there and the great things a job did for you, this is so important and the right mindset to view the world. Being grateful is essential.
I remember that feeling of my stomach hurting every day I went to work on my old job 10 years ago. Glad you got out and all the best in your future endeavours.
It didn't happen every day, but I would get panic attacks and dry heaves before going to work at my previous job.
Ian has been a steady voice since I've been listening to this podcast. He's a good man.
This is the best segment this podcast I’ve ever heard. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I love this podcast mainly because of how genuine Pat and Ian’s characters are
“Genuine” is probably the last word I’d use to describe these man boys.
@@SumDumGydumbass
Pat is a great interviewer and Ian is a great storyteller. This clip highlights just how talented these two are.
Thanks Ian. Great story time. Best of luck in your new career. Always love tales from the game store since I work in retail as well.
WOW! Thank you Ian for such a great share. I am sure many of us never imagined how hard it is for others just to get up each morning and do their jobs, we don't think about the lives of others. Your point about trade in negotiations was heartbreaking, people needing money to pay rent and bill's. You must have both taken lots of abuse and heard so many tragic stories. No wonder it was so hard to show up every day. But, it was great to hear you put it all into perspective when talking about the people you met and how it made you who you are now. Continued success to you both. Thank you to Pat for getting Ian to share this difficult stuff so publically, and thank you for being one of the good guys on UA-cam and in the retro gaming community.
I love hearing Ian's insights, experience, and stories about working at Luna. He should write a book about it.
Dude I totally feel him on that customer service stuff I work at gas station and I've had people pay for gas in change
I have appreciated all the game store related content on your podcast, Tales, etc. Good luck Ian in your new career. I hope you enjoy your work and have less stress too. Take care.
Love the segment. I collect now, the exact same way Ian does. And weirdly mostly gameboy games. Thanks for taking the time to chronicle the biz in this video.
Ian, ty so much for sharing your story. I recently quit my long term job over an incredibly similar feeling. Honestly, I'm always second guessing my choices cause who just up and quits during a pandemic when the pay is good? It is so refreshing to hear someone else that has had similar feelings and experiences, just to know I'm not alone.
Everything works out one way or another. Just gotta keep at it.
Talking about the shift in collecting trends and shelf collecting. I found a gamer/collector in my home state through Instagram a couple of years ago. We became friends over time until this person told me that they went into a store and took everything they could "because they didn't want anyone else to get it". I stopped talking to that person and removed them from all of my social media after that. That whole "Can't let anyone else have it" mindset really struck a cord with me and I just had to walk away from that. It hit me as hard as it did because my home state is very scarce for used game stores, and because of that, I feel like it's a common decency to share what little wealth there may still be out there. Take what you're interested in, leave what you don't want for the next guy or girl to come around and discover.
The Tales from the game store segments were the best. The one with the guy walking around with a jug of milk still makes me laugh
Ans his crazy expression to ian when he refunded him! And the classic.. LITTLE BITCH
Congrats Ian! We love ya buddy! Good luck with your new journey.
Congrats Ian wish you well in your future endeavors this has been one of my favorite episodes great stuff guys!
Loved this segment. Getting to know you guys better through segments like this makes it more of a podcast.
I must say, I was quite surprised to learn Ian was leaving Luna. I live in PA, and I've been to San Diego twice for work. I did think about maybe trying to make a trip to Luna, but both times my schedule was pretty tight. I wish now I had. The end of an era for sure.
I can understand though. When you work somewhere for 15 years, and see it evolve the way it did for Ian, I get the relief in the "closure" of moving on. Those tales from the game store crack me up, especially the pokemon plant em one. THE JUMBO JACK SUCKS DAD. I mean I watch it over and over, probably a few times a year. Funny every single time. The ranch dressing story. Oh the laughs.
Good luck Ian! I'm a little surprised Ian didn't mention what his new job / position was but at the same time I'm not surprised? He did mention about becoming more private as time goes on, and I can respect that. It's nice to fade into the background a little and meander with the everyday folk.
Thanks for sharing Ian, I always enjoyed your insight and candidness regarding Luna. Best of luck on the next chapter.
Wholesome as hell comment mate 👍
This was a good insight into not only ians journey but as life as whole as his story is very relatable. One thing that i still cant over is how retro gaming is always referenced as having gotten its boom when avgn started his UA-cam videos. I don't know of any other entertainment medium where that lightning in a bottle was replicated. Its wild.
Great insights. It is always good to hear about your journey Ian. Pat great work interviewing ! Love this segment.
As someone who worked over 15 years in customer service and customer facing, I've become a hermit at home lol. I had to get out of customer facing positions last year because you're right, everything starts tense and usually gets worse from there. Enjoy the break & relax when you can.
this was a very fascinating segment. Thank you for posting.
The end of an era.
never forget
Great insight from Ian, many thanks for sharing. Best of luck to you in the new job, hope it goes well.
Wow...15 years. I had no idea Ian was there that long.
Incredible podcast segment, what a fun series of stories, thank you for all the great luna stories Ian
Love the chemistry here! No talking over each other, both are in a good mood, just hanging with the boys. Great to see the podcast has only been improving!
Really curious to hear what Ian will be doing now?
When I was visiting in 2018 (from Canada) I made sure to visit the store. I’m sure many fans have done the same! Best wishes Ian on what’s coming next!
Congrats to an awesome Career Ian! Hope you enjoy your next opportunity going forward 👏🏻
So many times I walked into Luna and wanted to let him know I was a fan of the podcast but I didn't tell him it was probably best I totally understand about not wanting to talk
Congrats Ian and good luck on your future workplace.
I've lived in OB since 94. I was so stoked when the store on Voltaire opened up. I remember when you 1st started working there.
Excellent segment. Really articulated what the past couple years have been like for people working in the retail sector. Very poignant. Congrats on 15 years and good luck at the new job!
This is the best segment in a long time! Please convince Ian to head up more segments in this vein
The end of an era. ❤️. Congratulations Ian.
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I spent 10 years working at CEX (a 2nd hand game store in the UK), so I feel the pain of those trade-in situations! Best of luck in your next job Ian.
gg ian! Now in good health and stress-free, I hope you're living your best life!
I totally agree Ian I'm 39 as well and I've been at the same walmart job for over 19 years and since the pandemic started its been crazy
Walmart for 19 years?!?! Are you a masochist?
@@northofnashira2575 lol part of me must be
I met Ian at Luna in probably 2016, he was super nice to me and it was a really cool experience. I wish him (and Pat of course) all the best!
I really enjoyed that pod cast. Cheers guys ^_^ I loved that story at end about the old couple.
2007-2010 were such a good time in retro gaming collecting
Yep I wouldn't forget my 1st visit when me and my best friend were checking out retro game stores in San Diego and North County, this was before I started to watch the podcast. Also glad I was able to give the La Mesa location a visit during Ian final month at Luna Video Games, not only I was glad to let go of some games but also brought some games from the store. Enjoyed chatting with him and asking questions on a few games I had. Also did enjoy meeting coworker Lane, and hope to meet the others and visit the Chula Vista Location someday. Tales from the game store was my favorite and after hearing funny stories its' what persuaded me to visit as much as I can. Also I prefer to support independent games stores too these days. Overall amazing video and looking forward to visiting the stores some more.
This was awesome! Thank you Ian 👍
Great segment!
Ian's going to pull an NWO/WCW angle where he'll end up working for Gamestop.
Lol, ah come on Juicy, the man is already in enough pain!! Unless he is a BME Pain Olympics finalist he wouldn't subject himself to the torture of working there! 😂
That would be amazing
It made me emotional hearing Ian talk about how many things wouldn't have happened had he not worked at Luna, I feel the same way about playing music/being in bands. Just the way your life can be shaped entirely by one instance. I've met so many great people and without it I wouldn't have. Good time to reflect and be thankful.
The trade in thing is wild. I thought it was pretty well known that if you are willing to bring something to a pawn shop, or place like a pawn shop, you at most get 50% of what you'd get if you sold it personally. The upside is it's quick, it's easy, you don't have to pay fees like on ebay (so in reality it's more than 50%) or meet up with some weirdo in an alleyway lol
70 for something that's going to be sold for 120 is a super good deal for a trade in.
Ian has leveled up! Good luck on your next adventure.
I have never watched this show before. I follow Ian on Twitter and had no idea he was on this show. I just recognized the picture in the thumbnail from the Twitter post and clicked on this video out of curiosity. This was a great retrospective/interview. I worked in a mom n pop style game shop for many years myself. Lot's of what Ian touched on was relatable. Thanks for sharing!
Also I hate doing trade ins. Doing trade ins is the worst, I would rather clean the store bathroom after Friday night Magic than to have to do trade ins.
For someone that doesn't like to talk Ian is really good at it
This episode was fantastic! Congratulations Ian on your next steps in life.
this was amazing it really felt like there was a lot of stuff Ian had to get off his chest but couldn't till now it was an amazing segment didn't feel at all as long as it was
Its here boys! Been waiting for this topic since Happy New Job Ian made his first appearance on CUPodcast
Congrats on the new job, Ian. Not easy at all to leave a job that you have been at for so long. Best of luck with the new adventure.
Great video! I think Pat did great as the interviewer, and Ian's points of view are always appreciated. Just wondering if they have already mentioned what's Ian's new job?
Congrats to Ian for finally breaking free. I worked at EB Games for 5 years and as much as I hated the job at the end I wouldn't change a thing. Crappy jobs like that build character and incentivize progression. Plus now I've got a bunch of crazy stories to tell, like how shortly after I left the store was robbed at gunpoint.
Big coincidence ! 😂
Great discussion
I can relate to Ian. I hate my company but my life would be completely different right now if i hadn't worked there and met so many people
The phrase pat was looking for was familiarity breeds contempt. My dad used to say that all the time. Haha
I bought my boxed game genie at Luna last year. Was in town for work and I wanted to check it out. Ian wasn't there but the guy was helpful and friendly and I was pretty happy to find that boxed game genie. Good price too!
This feels kinda like a exit interview.
We love you Ian. Honest to god, as dumb as it may sound to you because I know you are humble, you and pat have given me joy, laughter, insight, controversial takes, some personal stories, and overall a sense of community for me. I have never missed a podcast since 2013, even when you were sick and pat held it down. Both Pat and you are the “news” to us as much as the actual news was to our parents. The podcast is a staple in my life and I just want you both to know that it is one of my favorite things to do every week and I always look forward to it.
Thanks.
As someone who has been employed in a retail business related to a hobby for now nearly 17 years a lot of this resonates with me.
Thanks for sharing the tails from the game store
Ian I have to say you're one of my favorite people to listen to, I love hearing your thoughts. Pat isn't that bad either haha hope you guys are doing well.
Good luck in this new path Ian! Loved the " Tales from the Gamestore" segment, its my favorite. I´m gonna miss it so much!!
How about making a replacement segment like: " Frank´s/Pat´s tells from the Flea Market" ?
January will be my 14th year in the retro retail industry, so I can very much relate to how it has shaped me, my social circle, my views, etc. My last job was at one store for 12 years before it went down the shitter, due to bad management. As mad as I was about it, I still met my wonderful girlfriend there, reconnected with so many lost friends, met so many new friends, and while I was sad to see it go, it will always live on through me because of my extended experience there.
Now I run my own business from home doing the exact same thing, trying to combat these crazy prices of the retro video game market. It's sad to hear you step down, Ian. You always sounded like one of the good guys in your field, but I'm at least glad you could leave on your own terms.
Smartest thing Pat ever did was to bring Ian in as a full partner, as fun as they were, comedy Nintendo skits can only get you so far. Ian's bought a lot of current gaming knowledge and credibility to the show, they definitely make a great team in this format.
Super Mario Bros/Duck Hunt was 25 cents at Game Crazy 😵
The Golden times
I used to work for Buffalo Exchange, so I can sympathize that working the buying counter is the worst, worst, worst thing ever.
Best of luck in your future, Ian.
THX GUYS!!!
In 2008 i got back into retro video games and by the following year i started buying Genesis,SNES,Game Cube,Play Station,Saturn and N64 systems and games. I quit buying physical retro games about two years ago when i noticed prices were quite high. Now i emulate and play the physical media i own. Very interesting to see how things changed in the industry.
Great to hear Ian talk about his experiences at Luna. Maybe more tales from the game store i bet Ian has more stories like past ones.
Saw the thumbnail and recognized it instantly as the Luna near where i went to school. Cool insights
Fascinating. I worked retail at a Buy Back Games in Denver. It would get to the point after the three thousandth time I heard, “Youse guyce got ‘Super Mario Tree’?” that I would just answer, “Buy Back Games. We have no copies of ‘Super Mario Three’. We do not know when we will get a new shipment. There are no rentals.” To which they would reply, “So youse don’t got it?” Then a long pause on my part. It didn’t matter what I had just said, I had to say, “No ‘weese’ don’t got it.”
I had to look up CU Next Tuesday ;-)
Wow you speaking about collecting in 2005 is a real throwback to when I started... when everyone bought games to play and we shared our experiences on forum and when every "mainstream people" almost paid you to get rid of their stuff! I was at last year of I school and a girl in my class almost refused the 25$ I gave her for a CIB SNES Killer Instinct pack with CIB Lost Viking 2. It was one of my first purchased as a collector since I always wanted a SNES as a kid and never got one.
What a great experience Ian had in Luna Games
I work in customer resolution and let me tell you... I totally relate to what Ian said about not having energy to talk. I expend so much mental energy at work that when my brain has any window of opportunity to recover, I need to take advantage of it. Honestly, it's such a blessing that I work from home. While it might be nice to have coworkers to commiserate with, I feel like I would be extremely terrible company most of the time.