Amazon blocks non-Prime members from buying certain video games

Amazon blocks non-Prime members from buying certain video games
David Scammell Updated on by

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UPDATE 3: Amazon has reinstated Prime-exclusive games. It isn’t clear why the games were temporarily removed from the initiative earlier this evening. VideoGamer.com has not received any further communication from Amazon since our earlier update.

UPDATE 2: Amazon appears to have lifted the Prime-exclusive restriction on video games.

GTA 5, Far Cry Primal, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Battlefield Hardline and Rainbow Six Siege all now appear to be available to purchase to both Prime and non-Prime members. VideoGamer.com has not heard anything further from Amazon following its earlier statement.

UPDATE: Amazon has provided VideoGamer.com with the following statement in response to this story:

“One of the many benefits of Amazon Prime is access to exclusive selection on a number of great products. 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.”

ORIGINAL STORY: Amazon has extended its “Prime-Exclusive Items” initiative to block non-Prime members from being able to purchase certain video games.

The change was spotted by customers this morning, with the PS4 versions of GTA 5, Rainbow Six Siege and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate now only available to Prime members, along with the PS4 and Xbox One versions of FIFA 16, Far Cry Primal, Battlefield Hardline and more.

If you aren’t a member of Amazon Prime, you will now see a box with a blue border on the right of the page “identifying the item as Prime-Exclusive”, and will not be able to add the item to your basket.

It isn’t yet clear exactly how many games are now available exclusively to Prime members. The initiative does not prevent buyers purchasing the affected items from third-party sellers.

“Prime-Exclusive items are products for sale on Amazon that can only be purchased if you’re a member of Amazon Prime,” Amazon says on its website. “As a Prime member, you can choose from millions of Prime-eligible items sold on Amazon.co.uk.”

A subscription to Amazon Prime costs £79 per year. VideoGamer.com has contacted Amazon for comment.

Source: amazon.co.uk (thanks, @joshlhood)