GameStop Looking to Netflix For Digital Business Guidance

It wasn’t that long ago that GameStop reassured us the digital download market wouldn’t hurt their brick-and-mortar business, but now not only have they changed their tune, they’re looking to embrace the ways of the future.

The company’s website has already started offering digital downloads for all sorts of games but that seems to be just the start, as the company has been looking at Netflix to see what works, according to CEO Paul Raines.

“We are getting a good picture of how to balance digital and physical content. We have studied Netflix a lot, and most of their users still absorb physical content rather than streaming. Now we are looking to see how gaming compares.”

But Raines still insists that the digital transition is a ways off.

“The technology is clear — what’s not clear is the chronology. … We are focusing on consumer acceptance. The world won’t be all digital tomorrow, even though that’s what people are claiming. In this business, users still want physical content.”

That they do, Raines. But for how long? Given that you were wrong before, it could be sooner than you think.