Dhruin
SasqWatch
No, it's not an April Fool's joke. This isn't specifically RPG-related but I know a lot of readers are fans of Stardock's digital distribution service, Impulse. Yesterday, Brad Wardell reached agreement to sell the service to GameStop. Here's a snip from the press release:
Joystiq has an interview on the subject:GameStop Announces Acquisition of Spawn Labs and Agreement to Acquire Impulse, Inc.
Streaming technology company and digital distribution platform further advances GameStop's digital strategy
Media conference call with executives scheduled for Monday, April 4
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Mar 31, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world's largest multichannel video game retailer, today announced the acquisition of Spawn Labs, a streaming technology company. In addition, GameStop announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Impulse, Inc., a subsidiary of Stardock Systems, Inc., and a leader in digital distribution. The Impulse acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in May 2011.
More information.But the most important effect of the deal, according to Wardell, may be a solid boost to the PC gaming market. "This is such a huge win for PC gamers," he said. PC gaming is a market that's long been declared dying, but Wardell says it's just moving away from traditional retail channels, and into digital distribution. "As far as the PC, there's so many other ways to interact with digital entertainment than going to a brick-and-mortar store and buying a box. So having someone like GameStop get involved and become a major player in this space greatly increases the opportunities for developers like us and all of the other indies out there."