Jim Greer, CEO of Kongregate, has announced that Gamestop
has acquired Kongregate as a wholly-owned subsidiary. In non-technical terms, this means that Kongregate now belongs to GameStop.
Roughly 4 years ago, Jim Greer founded Kongregate, a community centered on user-submitted flash-based independent games. With its profiles, friends lists, chat functionality, and ability for users to make money off their own content, one might label it as the de facto “social network” for indie games.
If you are wondering how the site will change after the deal, Jim writes,
I have on good authority that we’re finally going to lose the “beta” tag. Past that, really not too much. GameStop resources will allow us to improve the site much more quickly, but we’re going to stay the same site that you have grown to know and lo- well, tolerate.
According to GameStop, this will help Gamestop grow beyond the retail sector into the digital market, GameStop president Tony Bartel said,
Combining Kongregate’s expansive catalogue of games with our well known consumer brand, powerful marketing and strong customer relationships, means that even more gamers will be able to enjoy their games anytime, anywhere and on any device.
The company did not disclose terms of the acquisition.
