THE FINALISTS 2012 YOUR TEAM • YOUR GAMES • YOUR AWARDS Exclusive Retail Category Partner
10th Anniversary
This new award is for any consumer-facing site or service dedicated to offering download games for PC or console
EA ORIGIN
Although it was at first just a rebranded EA Store, Origin has blossomed into a new service. The focus is not just on EAʼs titles as it recently added third- party games from Warner Bros, THQ, Remedy and Capcom with 11 publishers in total signed up so far. It runs exclusive offers/content for EA PC games, and over time has added new community and social features for its users – something it says will keep increasing. Origin has five million active members and revenues increased by more than 75 per cent year on year during 2011.
GAMERSGATE Swedish Gamersgate sells games for over 250 publishers and developers with over 3,500 games currently available. It sells a mix of new releases and back catalogue for PC and, also, Mac – a growing format which many others have overlooked as digital distribution grows and grows. The firm operates a Blue Coins loyalty program, which is a virtual currency given to users who pre-order or engage with site activities, and the points can be redeemed against further purchases. Late last year the firm established a New York office as it looks to grow its already decent market share of the global marketplace for downloads.
GOOD OLD GAMES This specialist digital retailer focuses on back catalogue games at affordable prices and has grown its audience across Europe, thanks to some key USPs. The firm regulary campaigns against DRM, which it claims harms sales, and operates a transparent ʻonce you buy it, you own itʼ sales offer. It strives to ensure all its games, no matter their age, are compatible with modern operating systems such Vista. The firm isnʼt stuck in the past, though: it is now planning to start adding newer titles to its catalogue this year, having last year sold The Witcher 2 – developed by its parent studio CD Projekt – to great success.