Is GameStop going to close?

I can say without hesitation that I go to GameStop for all my gaming needs. I love the store. I like to hike and look for hidden gems. I like to reserve games, buy used games, and occasionally have a little chat with the friendly, if somewhat nerdy, staff.

Aside from their amazing return policy for used games and sometimes reasonable prices, I don’t think GameStop is a generous, price-conscious company. I know from the start that they’re in it for the money, and to be fair, for the money, they mostly deliver.

I know they buy my old games for coke caps and sell them for gold bars. With all of that said, I still love GameStop. if you are a gamer, why not?

This is what worries me. I think of GameStop as a necessary evil friend, or a necessary evil; whatever, you know what I mean. They are like your drug dealer, if you are addicted to crack. He doesn’t really care about you but he has what you NEED and he is always there when you need him.

That said, I’m afraid I could lose my dealer and here’s why.

First

GameStop is in a mad rush to get rid of its inventory. I bought 47 sets for $108. That’s with shipping and delivery in two days.

Second

The rumor mill, the Hopi Indians, the web-bot, and even the “chatter” picked up by the NSA all point to a fully digital gaming market. All downloads… No more CD or cartridge purchases.

Third

GameStop is not a publisher or developer. It’s a retail business, like Best Buy, and in case you haven’t heard, they’re closing a bunch of stores.

Four

GameStop bought Kongregate, no doubt to diversify its revenue stream.

I’m speculating, of course, but the future doesn’t look good for GameStop. Or if?

After all, GameStop has built a gaming empire, a mecca, a military industrial complex, universal health care, a utopia for smelly kids, a game retail business that Donald Trump would be proud of.

They surely have something up their sleeve. Please tell me you have a plan.

I know one thing for sure:

GameStop executives are working hard to survive the coming gaming apocalypse. You know, the one the Mayans predicted. You can be sure that GameStop’s corporate offices are uptight and ruthless. And in this environment they will either succeed and survive, or they will change their business model and be relegated to “publishing” browser games.

We’ll find out on Friday, December 21, 2012.

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