GameStop buys streaming tech and digi download firms

Just hours after we revealed GameStop was launching new Facebook games, the firm has further underlined its commitment to digital gaming.

It has acquired streaming games technology firm Spawn Labs, and also entered an agreement to purchase digital distributor Impulse, a subsidiary of US developer Stardock Systems.

The move reinforces the firm’s play to become a multi-channel retailer not dependent on bricks and mortar stores.

Spawn Labs will be integrated into GameStop’s R&D business ‘to develop GameStop’s growing suite of digital game products and services’.

"Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device," the firm said.

GameStop President Tony Bartel added: "Our customers are gaming in many locations and on many devices, and we need to deliver the same great immersive experience that they have come to expect.

"Spawn Labs and Impulse provide a customer-friendly and publisher-friendly way for us to accomplish this."

Impulse, meanwhile, will continue as a digital distribution platform used by developers and publishers.

J. Paul Raines, chief executive officer of GameStop, said: "With these important acquisitions, we will continue to make appropriate investments related to our multichannel strategy.

"GameStop is uniquely positioned to be the leader in both the physical and digital gaming space."