By now you’ve probably heard the news of Reggie Fils-Aimé, former Nintendo President, is joining GameStop’s board of directors. This is really interesting and I have some thoughts on it.
GameStop is in the worst state it’s ever being in its entire history. I mean, I literally already counted GameStop as a relic of the past, one that has long served its purpose and now rest in peace. Going to a GameStop now, is like going into a museum to learn how our elders used to buy games. I know this because I’m part of the elder group. It just wasn’t able to adapt its business model in time and now time itself has left it behind for a more digital model.
However, it seems the likes of Reggie Fils-Aimé and other top tier individuals believe they can still save this already sinking boat. Scratch that, it’s already sunken beneath the depth of no redemption, reputation wise.
As a random guy on the internet, I can’t see how they’ll be able to save this company. I have ideas but I can’t see them going with it. Many of us also think this way too, then again, many of us have never being in a position like Reggie has being before. None of us have the track record and experience necessary to see potentials others might miss. And it’s because it is Reggie Fils-Aimé joining the board of directors for GameStop that I’m starting to see a bit of hope for GameStop. I feel like we’re about to witness a miracle before our very eyes. Reggie Fils-Aimé is human of course, he can make mistakes, but his track record has proven that he rarely misses. So I have faith in him to actually make it happen.
I want to speculate as to what I think GameStop might end up becoming in the future. See, I’m thinking that GameStop might end up going to the route of Steam and GOG, morphing and/or adding this digital model to their business model, to be digital distribution of sorts. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They might also start developing their own games, while providing an incentive for indie developers to publish exclusively under them. Of course, they’ll still have retail shops with physical games and console, but it would add a little bit more value and security under their belt.
Next up would be to make peace with gamers across the world. As you know GameStop has a shit trade-in policies and basically screwed over gamers in the past. Revising that stingy policy would lead to them having more people coming to trade their old games and console, improving relations and keeping their inventory business going. Lastly, they might embrace the PC community too. Right now, if you want to buy a PC part, you gotta order it from Amazon or other places. I don’t know what it’s like in the US, but over here in Europe, we don’t have shops where we can just walk in and get the latest PC hardware that we need.
If they’re going to selling gaming keyboard and mouses, might as well cut a deal with AMD, Intel, Razor, Origins, Nvidia, Steel Series, Elgato and other known gaming brand to have their stuff in their shops. Go all the way and be the best spot to get all the gears you need. That would incentives me to go buy a product today in their games instead of just waiting 2 days. Of course, they’ll still need to offer shippings too for those who don’t want to leave the house.
They could also create and sponsor teams in Esports but that me just really stretching the realms of possibilites here. Anyways, I really don’t know what Reggie Fils-Aimé has planned for Gamestop but I wish all the best. I have faith in Reggie Fils-Aimé and thus, have this feeling that GameStop might actually make the greatest comeback in video game history. Plus, I don’t want people losing their jobs.
