GameStop's streaming service will require console game purchase

Gamestop senior vice president Mike Mauler has given an outline of how the specialist retail chain's streaming service will be "pro console".

"In terms of a service, the consumer has to have bought the game. So we're not looking at a service where you can just play games in the cloud," Mauler told GamesIndustry.

"You would buy the game through our loyalty programme and through a partnership with the publishers we would give them an opportunity to possibly - this is still something we're working out - to be able to play their game when they're not at home with their Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

"You would have to actually own a console and buy the game. And in this case we're making very closely with the console manufacturers. It would be an additional service that you would be able to purchase as you buy a copy of the game to play on your Xbox. So it's a win-win for everybody."

Mauler described the scheme as "pro console" and requiring no effort on the developer's side. The new system is based on technology gained through gameStop's SpawnLabs acquisition, and is currentl;y in closed, private beta.

GameStop's recent digital endeavours have borne fruit for the global chain, with digital growth far outweighing that of traditional retail.

Thanks, Shack.