JULY 31, 2009 • The GameStop Casual Digital Store marks the retailer’s move to attract more mainstream consumers, as well as develop a larger market share in digital distribution. Casual customers will be treated to money-saving offers, free trials and streamlined search and checkout options, and pre-order priority. In addition, core PC titles will also be available.

Impact: GameStop has been a leader in the brick and mortar retail business and has been one of the most high flying game retailers in recent years.  However, GameStop’s very existence will be perilous as digital distribution becomes more prevalent.  Physical retailers have a mixed bag when it comes to moving to the online world.  Further complicating matters is GameStop’s dependence on the used game business which causes some conflict with the publishing community.  It makes sense for GameStop to move into digital distribution, but the company’s success in this area is far from guaranteed.