UK retailer GAME has grabbed a partnership deal with Sony to bring Playstation Network downloadable games to 42 of its high street stores from today – with a full rollout to all 620 UK branches of GAME and Gamestation planned for as soon as mid-September.
Up for grabs through a GAME store near you from today are titles such as the God of War Collection, Wipeout Fury and additional maps packs for Killzone.
GAME’s CEO Ian Shepherd says “This is a significant step forward in our digital strategy. For the first time, gamers will be able to browse a wide range of digital titles for the PlayStation Network in our stores, alongside a variety of other digital and physical products.” The announcement goes on to address the intention of the partnership is to bring gamers a wider choice and “unbeatable range”.
Sony’s Electronic Entertainment VP Robert Fisser backs this up with “We are excited by the partnership with GAME Group, which will see over 6,000 in-store sales associates promoting the fantastic content available on PlayStation Network to a new audience of over 3.5m customers each week, significantly increasing awareness of digital gaming among new consumers.”
The exclusive link with Sony makes GAME the biggest games retailer in Europe, and once the UK gets the full PSN connection through the high street retailer the plan is set to roll out for our neighbours overseas.
Read below for the full press release from GAME.
Have you heard about GAMEfest? It’s the UK retailer’s own gaming convention where you can get hands-on with much-desired titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 before anyone else! Read about it – here.
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[spoiler]GAME Group announce digital partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
15/08/2011
First European retailer to sell PlayStation downloads in stores
GAME Group, Europe’s leading pc and video games retailer, today announces a groundbreaking partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), to sell a wide range of digital games in stores across Europe.
From today a range of digital titles will be available in 42 GAME and gamestation stores in the UK. All 620 stores in the UK will be selling the full range of over 50 titles by mid-September, and the offer will eventually be extended to Europe. The range will include full game downloads, game add-ons, and subscriptions to the PlayStation® Network (PSN™).
The move is a major step forward in GAME’s strategy to grow digital sales by increasing its range of digital titles and offering customers new ways to pay for them. Initial trials have shown that over 80% of customers use cash, reward points and gift cards to buy digital downloads in stores.
The partnership with SCEE means that GAME will become Europe’s biggest retailer of digital games, with the widest range of digital titles in the largest number of stores. It follows the announcement in July 2011 that GAME had extended its range of digital pc titles to 1,200 stores across Europe.
Ian Shepherd, GAME Group CEO said “This is a significant step forward in our digital strategy. For the first time, gamers will be able to browse a wide range of digital titles for the PlayStation Network in our stores, alongside a variety of other digital and physical products. This is important because it offers customers more choice, more advice and more control than they can get online. Our partnership with SCEE means that we can offer customers an unbeatable range and great value across all the gaming channels.”
“The partnership reflects the close and long standing relationship between GAME and SCEE across Europe as both companies move rapidly to innovate and bring new products and services to customers.”
Robert Fisser, VP Sales and Commercial Development, SCEE said “We are excited by the partnership with GAME Group, which will see over 6,000 in-store sales associates promoting the fantastic content available on PlayStation Network to a new audience of over 3.5m customers each week, significantly increasing awareness of digital gaming among new consumers.”
Initially featuring a range of Sony titles, GAME Group’s digital PSN range will expand to include 3rd party titles in future. Digital titles available at launch include MAG, God of War Collection, and Wipeout Fury; and game add-ons include Killzone Steel Rain Map pack, and Uncharted 2 Siege Expansion pack. All titles are sold with PEGI age ratings. Customers will also be able to buy PSN vouchers for units of £5 and above.
–ENDS –
About GAME Group:
GAME Group plc is Europe’s leading retailer of pc and video games, video game consoles and related accessories. We operate over 1,300 stores, websites and digital operations in the UK, Eire, Scandinavia, Iberia, Australia and the Czech Republic. Our aim is to be the destination of choice for every consumer.
GAME Group’s digital expansion in 2011:
09 February GAME introduces a range of Microsoft digital titles to 40 trial UK stores
16 February CEO Ian Shepherd outlines plans to dramatically increase digital revenues as part of the ‘Dedicated to Gaming’ strategy
27 April GAME reveals that digital sales are accelerating, up 27% to £41m in 2010, and up 28% in Q1 2011
15 June GAME announces that digital sales increased 33% in Q2
26 July GAME rolls out range of digital pc and browser games to 1,200 stores across Europe
15 August GAME becomes the first European retailer to partner with SCEE to sell 40+ digital PlayStation titles in UK stores, with plans for a rapid roll out
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