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Steam seeps out at your local Gamestop

Steam seeps out at your local Gamestop

Steam LogoSteam, with all of its rich creamy center, is starting to spill out into the real world with gift cards sold by *Take a Deep Breath* GameStop.  These cards are currently coming out in $20 and $50 amounts.  Just like any other gift card that is used for purchases of digital media, there is a simple code on the cards to allow them to be redeemed online and the funds added to your steam wallet.  The gift card system is the first means for people without a paypal account or credit card to purchase games through Steam.

This business move doesn’t seem to provide any real benefit to either company as they cover two different sides, digital vs. physical, of the same market but both companies have a vested interest in where you purchase from.  GameStop usually tries to create more incentive to purchase from their brick and mortar stores for pre-purchases by providing some kind of exclusive launch day DLC.  With this move it can only be speculated that there is a kick back happening from gift card sales.  Plus, individuals that buy these  while using their PowerUp Rewards program will get points that they can later redeem; this could be the real move by GameStop.

No matter the benefits to either company, this is a move that can help them further get their hooks into consumers.  GameStop can get more customers into their store and Steam provides a way for more people to blow their life savings during the Summer Sales.

Comments

  1. Theironhand
    Theironhand Somehow I knew they we're going to do that.
  2. Tushon
    Tushon They should have a long time ago. Now Timmy can take his hard-earned lawn-mowing and paper route money and get his wallet equally raped by sales events.

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