GameStop is the largest video game retailer in the United States and other parts of the world. For such a large company, it all comes down to making a big profit annually. However, when that profit is being eaten away by digital and free games giveaway, someone in charge is bound to make some noise.
Over the past couple of years, Sony has been giving away free games to its loyal fan-base on a monthly basis via the company's PSN service. Microsoft followed up later with Xbox Live Games with Gold, and so far it is a massive success.
Furthermore, both hardware manufacturers have regular digital sales, and GameStop is concerned because the company perceives digital as a threat to its core business. You see, when a console gamer goes out and purchases a video game directly from Microsoft and Sony, GameStop loses out on the potential profit if that person had visited one of its stores instead.
A recent investor call at GameStop is living proof how the company feels about digital and free games. GameStop president, Tony Bartel, made some comments that are an apparent hatred for the rising digital revolution. He's not a man who is interested in having digital products being less expensive when compared to the physical versions.
"We want to help ensure that our industry does not make the same mistake as other entertainment categories by driving the perceived value of digital goods significantly below that of a physical game," according to Bartel.
From what we are seeing here, GameStop is probably one of the main instigators for the failure of Microsoft, Sony, and other game developers to price their digital titles below the $60 mark. Doing so could put a lot of pressure on GameStop, and likely drive the company out of business in a few years.
The best chance for the digital revolution to rise up in the video game industry lies with the hundreds of indie video game developers out there. If these developers keep making great and affordable games that attract millions of eyes, then players will eventually gravitate towards digital more.
Additionally, network operators will also have to remove bandwidth restrictions, but that is easier said than done.
