Speaking on the topic of digital distribution, GameStop senior vice president of merchandising Bob McKenzie told Edge, "Our position with vendors has been pretty straightforward. We've been honest with them--we're not afraid to compete with them. All that we ask is that our customers are able to get the product [at traditional retail] at the same time for the same price...so that the consumer has a choice."

That choice certainly comes with its own faults. Recently, there was a problem with the manufacturing of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky causing both the physical and digital releases to be delayed.

Additionally, McKenzie says, "We're not saying we won't be impacted at all by digital distribution, but the average customer isn't going to have the patience for a 72-hour download for a game on their system." 72 hours to download a game? There must be a memo going around the GameStop corporate offices containing a list of 10 things every employee should know concering the dangers of digital distribution. We swear we've heard someone throw out that number before.

Also speaking on the subject was Tony Bartel, the company's executive vice president of marketing. Bartel thinks old-fashioned brick and mortar offers something digital distribution doesn't: "a great experience with the expertise of our staff."

Would you purchase the video game at the retail store as opposed to digitally download the game? What do you say?

Tags: Gamestop Digital Download Video Games Stalker News

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