EB-Gamestop launches download service, "largely garbage" declares 1UP

by James Ransom-Wiley { Oct 10th 2006 at 3:55PM }

EB Games and Gamestop have launched a download service, staking claim in the growing industry trend to distribute content digitally. If you're familiar with the conglomerate retailer's websites, the setup is straightforward, giving browsers near-instant access to over 1,000 PC titles; though it's a collection that has been criticized by 1UP as being "largely garbage."

We're also concerned about prices. The games range from $9.99 to $49.99, but, for example, Texas Hold 'Em and Zuma, which are featured on the Gamestop (pictured) and EB pages, both retail for $19.99, whereas XBLA versions of the same games retail for just $10. Still, as 1UP points out, there are a few gems to be unearthed from the trash heap (e.g., 1942, Civilization III, Deus Ex, & Heroes of Might and Magic). Unfortunately, the sites lack a satisfying interface for sorting out these favorites from the rubbish.

Looks like an act of desperation to us. This service needs a makeover and more reasons for us to check it out. Anyone cashed in on a game yet? How are the download speeds?

[Via 1UP]

Shop - Gamestop
Shop - EB Games

Tags: download, download service, DownloadService, EB, EB Games, EbGames, Electronics Boutique, ElectronicsBoutique, Gamestop, Texas Hold 'Em, TexasHold'em, XBLA, Xbox Live Arcade, XboxLiveArcade, Zuma

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

LaughingTarget @ Oct 11th 2006 8:20AM

Similar to the same lineup on Fileplanet's Hit Points system. Basically, a bunch of old games overpriced that you could get on EBay, with physical media, for a fraction of the cost.

SydRocks @ Oct 10th 2006 4:22PM

"largely garbage." Woo!

If EBGames really wanted my to buy things online, they just need to make a CANADA version of the site! Thats the only reason I buy online from FutureShop.

Stu L Tissimus @ Oct 10th 2006 4:50PM

Can I assume that 1942 is Battlefield 1942?

crono141 @ Oct 10th 2006 5:05PM

Can I download a PS3?

foxhound.sldsnk @ Oct 10th 2006 5:03PM

by the way, i went to EB Games in canada this morning and i was told that they wont be taking pre orders for the ps3. has any other canadians had this problem? has any canadians been able to make a pre order at EB?

Wedge @ Oct 10th 2006 5:03PM

Of course not, obviously they are selling a random PC port of the arcade shooter classic.

I'm just amused because EB-Games still usually have stock of used PC software in stock in the stores. I got Deus Ex in a big shiny box for $3 from one.

Matt. T @ Oct 10th 2006 5:55PM

Thanks a lot , I giveyou this tipo yesterday morning, with a link to EB, writing a better article, and you put 1up shit in front of me......not cool

Pedro Van Faulk @ Oct 10th 2006 7:46PM

Is it wrong that the fact that 1up hates it makes me want to use it?

Game Artist @ Oct 10th 2006 6:58PM

Digital distribution makes more sense for the publishers. They get to keep a much larger cut of the profits that way. Downloads via EB games do nothing for me, especially so when they charge the same amount for the download as they physical product.

Dirtyboy @ Oct 10th 2006 7:11PM

What I don't get is why they sell us the same game you can buy off the shelf for the same price. No box, instructions, or disc, yet have to pay full price? I'm sure part of the problem is the "brick-and-mortar" places like Best Buy and Walmart, who are probably throwing a fit (like Walmart is right now with downloadable movies).