GameStop Digital Game Downloads in 2010

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GameStop is gearing up for the digital age, easing into the business by offering digital game downloads.

Gamers knew this would eventually happen: GameStop will soon sell digital game downloads along with the physical, packaged games located in-store. The new program, which will start testing next year according to Reuters, aims to provide additional content rather than full-blown titles for now. However the company's move into digital distribution will undoubtedly pave the way for full games when the market is ripe for the picking.

"A large market for full game downloads is not imminent, (but) the add-on downloadable market will grow," GameStop Chief Operating Officer Paul Raines said at the BMO Capital Management Digital Entertainment conference.

The plan described by Reuters paints a picture of the gamer learning about new downloadable content. Apparently the gamer can purchase the "upgrade" and then retrieve the content online when returning home. That may be the case, but a better scenario depicting gamers purchasing the content from GameStop's online store makes more sense.

Currently it's not known exactly what GameStop will offer that doesn't already exist on Microsoft's Xbox Live, Sony's PlayStation Network, or various websites offering content for hot PC games. The report states that GameStop will work in conjunction with Microsoft and Sony networks. We're betting that there will be GameStop exclusives thrown into the mix somewhere.

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coonday , November 13, 2009 1:01 AM

I wonder if pricing will remain the same because I don't see how many people would prefer to download a game from the virtual Gamestop when a real Gamestop may be nearby with tangible merchandise.
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False_Dmitry_II , November 13, 2009 1:49 AM

F gamestop.
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CoderDunn , November 13, 2009 3:44 AM

Why buy from game stop when I can pick up the same game from steam when it's having a promotion?
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rsklingensmith , November 13, 2009 5:06 AM

coderdunnWhy buy from game stop when I can pick up the same game from steam when it's having a promotion?

Maybe because you have no idea if and when Steam will be having a promotion for a certain title, not to mention all the crap steam pulls, most recently being locking you out of MW2 (not that any pc gamers actually bought that pos) until they say you can play it.
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CoderDunn , November 13, 2009 6:25 AM

Quote:
Maybe because you have no idea if and when Steam will be having a promotion for a certain title, not to mention all the crap steam pulls, most recently being locking you out of MW2 (not that any pc gamers actually bought that pos) until they say you can play it.

I guess I'm not as picky as other people then. I don't mind waiting for a good deal. Yes steam has been pulling some crap lately but it is the best digital distribution system available IMO. Steam has some really good deals if you have a little patience.
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AIstudio , November 13, 2009 7:48 AM

So if the governing bodies get there way and restrict everyones internet by capping, how will it be cost effective to download games etc.
I am curious as this sort of business profile would be severely crippled if they got there way. (the MPAA & RIAA)
I just cant see how it can work both ways???
This IS the way forward for future gaming and movies but i just think the above are going to kill it if they get there way.
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neiroatopelcc , November 13, 2009 9:01 AM

Can someone tell me which online houses offer digital downloads of games that don't use specially tailored patches etc, and that offer their services to europeans? From january I'll have a 50Mbit connection, and I probably might feel like paying for a few of the games I'm playing if it's simple enough and doesn't come with securom.
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ssalim , November 13, 2009 2:17 PM

Hopefully the download:
-is affordable
-does not expire
-does not have download limi
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battery , November 16, 2009 1:59 PM

if the service is terrible you could just buy a key off them and torrent/RS the game.
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ckthecerealkiller , November 16, 2009 4:10 PM

rsklingensmithNot to mention all the crap steam pulls, most recently being locking you out of MW2 until they say you can play it.

That was Activision NOT Steam....

Anyway, I think digital distribution is a very good thing. Still it isn't for everyone and won't be the majority for the market for some time. (Especially with current ISP's.)
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tsheldrake , March 2, 2010 3:56 PM

Don't buy digital downloads from gamestop. I pre-ordered a game only to find out it's not available for download on launch day. When I tried to cancel the order by contacting Gamestop customer service they informed me they couldn't cancel it as I would have to contact the company I bought it from. I said "I bought it on your website from you". The agent informed me that it's not actually from them, it's a third party company called Trymedia.com, guess I know why it's not domedia.com. Anyways, trymedia has no phone support, just email, so now I wait to see if they are going to refund my pre purchase. I don't trust anyone that allows a third party to sell under their name and then doesn't offer any support or recourse with that said company. Don't get taken by this shady business.