CGC Video Games Introduces Unopened Label Designations

Many games that are released in modern times are sealed on the production line with shrink wrap, stickers, glue or otherwise. However, classic video games — especially those produced overseas — often did not come wrapped in shrink wrap. Instead, they came in boxes that did not have a seal, but rather folded into themselves with a flap.

Rather than certify these games as sealed or complete in box, CGC Video Games is now certifying these unopened games as Unopened. This designation more accurately reflects the game's complete and unhandled state while allowing it to be graded as such.

Unopened video games certified by CGC Video Games receive a Universal blue label if the game was manufactured and distributed without a seal. These games also receive a Seal Type of "Non-sealed," meaning they were produced without a seal.

Video games certified as Unopened by CGC Video Games should show no signs of wear and tear around the box flap where the game would have been opened by a retailer or owner. This includes no valley marks, no color breaks and no wear on the cardboard seal flaps.

Meanwhile, unopened games that were originally manufactured and distributed with a seal, but later had the seal removed by a retailer or owner, receive a green Qualified label. These games have a Seal Type of "Seal removed."

Some examples of submissions that may receive a green Qualified Unopened label include:

• a PlayStation 2 game that has had the shrink wrap removed, but still has the top and bottom security stickers intact on the case's spines
• a game that has had the shrink wrap removed from the box, but the box itself remains unopened 

For more information about these changes, reach out to CGC Video Games at Service@CGCvideogames.com.