The future of gaming will be online, with more and more games having downloadable content, from extra multiplayer levels, to entire new story lines. But what part does retail play in the online market? Retail could face extinction as the market becomes entirely virtual, just like on the PSP Go. However, retail has the advantage of attracting more people from outside the gaming sphere, as well as creating a competitive market that keeps prices low. In a move that makes sense for both parties, Sony Computer Entertainment America and video game retail giant GameStop have announced a unique partnership to sell downloadable content through their store and website.
Select downloadable content can now be purchased at GameStop retail locations and will soon be available on www.GameStop.com. The DLC – including full PSN games, add-ons, and even PlayStation Plus subscriptions, are currently available in several GameStop stores and will continue to be added to the PlayStation DLC section in more than 4,400 retail stores and www.GameStop.com throughout the rest of the month.
Over 1.25 billion pieces of content have been downloaded worldwide on the PlayStation Network from over 60 million registered PSN users, with this number set to rise now that the world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer will be offering to content to consumers.
Tim Bender, Senior Vice President of Sales, SCEA said:
“We are always looking for new ways PlayStation Network users can expand, extend and enhance their overall entertainment experience,”
“Being able to purchase downloadable digital content at retail provides yet another convenient purchasing option for gamers.”
GameStop’s Senior Vice President of Merchandising Bob McKenzie added:
“We worked hard to bring this technology to market and are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Sony Computer Entertainment. DLC content, which typically costs between $10 and $15, makes a terrific holiday gift for gamers who enjoy playing titles with available add-on content.”
Are you excited about this partnership, or will you stick to downloading games through the PSN? Let us know in the comments below.
