GameStop streamlines website as it repositions for digital growth

GameStop relaunched its PC game digital distribution business in the U.S. today as a streamlined download and code-distribution service, obviating the need for customers to download and manage their games through the standalone GameStop app. Under the new system, any customer who purchases a digital copy of a PC game from either a GameStop retail store or the GameStop website will be emailed a receipt and either a download link or a code that can be redeemed via a game distribution service like Steam, Origin or uPlay. It's not terribly dissimilar from the way GameStop already sells PSN and Xbox Live codes for digital copies of both DLC and full games. Before today, anyone who purchased a digital copy of a PC game from GameStop had to use the GameStop PC Downloads App to download and run their game. Now the app is being reduced to serve as an optional game library manager, though any games purchased prior to April 24 will still need to be launched from the app. "Until now, our digital download process had multiple steps. After receiving customer feedback over the past year, we've made improvements to simplify our digital PC game purchase and download process," stated GameStop director of merchandising Alan Walters in a press release announcing the new service. "Our enhancements simplify the process and offer customers a streamlined experience."