GameStop Canada Gets Purchased and Renamed to EB Games Canada
GameStop Canada is now under new ownership and will be renamed to EB Games Canada after being sold for an undisclosed amount. The French-Canadian entrepreneur Stephan Tetrault says this business move is about “bringing something back that Canadians truly loved”. EB Games Canada was rebranded to GameStop in 2021 but it will be getting its old name back, effective over the next few months.
EB Games Wants to be a Hub for Gaming
The transition from GameStop Canada to EB Games will occur across the country over the next few months. It will have a new website, updated store signage just like the old days, and new branding across digital and social platforms that will “enhance [the] customer experience,” according to the company.
EB Games sounds like it will focus more on the community with enhanced in-store events, expanded product lines, and a deeper integration with pop culture brands. Many have criticized GameStop for turning the store into more of a toy-focus. With it looking more into pop culture brands with this new owner, this might be a bad direction for those who frequent the shop.
EB Games was founded in 1977 originally.
“We want EB Games Canada to be more than a store—we want it to be the hub for gaming and fandom culture across Canada,” said current GameStop Canada President Jim Tyo. “This is about passion, and that’s what’s going to drive every decision we make.”
Whether the name change back to EB Games Canada will make a difference remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the company’s current programs remain intact. According to the official website, your pre-orders will still go through and have not been changed, and you’ll be able to pick up the game in-store or get it shipped to your house like before. Additionally, gift cards you’ve purchased or have gained from trading in games will still work after the name rebrand. The EB Games website says that “the value stored on these cards will not expire.”
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If you’ve invested in a product protection plan, it is still covered for the time that remains on it. Additionally, you’ll still be able to use your EDGE Rewards card and utilise the points on your card for purchases. Despite a change of ownership, it seems like not much will change for the customer. More community events and a focus on what Canadians need sounds good for the overall consumers up north, however. Now, Canadians will be buying their Nintendo Switch 2 consoles from EB Games instead of GameStop.
Game Informer Also Returned
EB Games Canada isn’t the only company to turn away from GameStop. After being let go and having thousands of articles removed from the internet overnight, the acclaimed magazine Game Informer has returned under new ownership as well. It will be printing physical magazines again in the future and is updating its website almost daily. It even published its previously cancelled cover story on Metaphor ReFantazio earlier this month, which was supposed to come out before the outlet was shut down by GameStop out of the blue in 2024.
Game Informer has been an outlet covering the video game industry since 1991. It is currently headed by editor-in-chief Matt Miller.
(GameStop photo by Mike Mozart – edited and cropped to fit website format) – License:
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