GamersGate

The idea of GamersGate was conceived by Paradox Interactive in 2004Caoili, Eric. "[https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/gamersgate-launches-microtransactions-platform GamersGate Launches Microtransactions Platform]". Gamasutra. 9 December 2008. after numerous fan requests for better access to Paradox's games were finally answered in the form of direct downloads. After Paradox sold a game to an Argentine fan via a download link that was later removed, word spread on the Paradox forums and international fans began asking if they too could purchase video games through downloads.Reid, Christos. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_212/6304-Gateway-to-Gaming Alternative Access: Gateway to Gaming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042338/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_212/6304-Gateway-to-Gaming |date=2015-09-24 }}" (cont. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_212/6304-Gateway-to-Gaming.2 p.2]). The Escapist. Issue 212. 28 July 2009. Seeking to provide cheap distribution of games to countries that did not offer them in physical retail stores, Paradox developed a digital distribution system called "Paradox on Demand" and commenced trial operations in April 2006. On 20 November 2006, the system was officially launched under the name "Gamer's Gate". Interest in the service grew such that in 2008, after other publishers requested that Gamer's Gate distribute their games as well, Paradox decided to separate the service into an independent company called "GamersGate".{{cite press release |url=http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=109087 |title=Paradox Interactive Launches Large-Scale International Digital Distribution Service |date=20 November 2006 |publisher=GlobeNewswire |access-date=24 January 2007}} By April 2009, GamersGate was offering 1000 video game titles.Lee, James. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-catalog-surpasses-1000-titles GamersGate catalogue surpasses 1000 titles]". Gameindustry.biz. 21 April 2009. By April of the following year, they had doubled their offering to 2000 titles.Staff. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-celebrates-2-000th-title-available-for-sale-digital-distribution-is-booming GamersGate celebrates 2,000th title available for sale]". Gamesindustry.biz. 30 April 2010. An additional 1000 games were added in 2011, bringing the company's total to 3000 games.Caoili, Eric. "[https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gamersgate-to-launch-ad-supported-freegames GamersGate To Launch Ad-Supported FreeGames]". Gamasutra. 9 June 2011. This pattern has repeated each year with 4000 games offered in 2012, 5000 offered in 2013,Staff. "[http://www.mcvuk.com/press-releases/read/leading-digital-distribution-platform-gamersgate-announces-massive-summer-sale/0118292 LEADING DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION PLATFORM GAMERSGATE ANNOUNCES MASSIVE SUMMER SALE]". MCV. 8 July 2013. and over 6000 {{as of|2014|lc=y}}.

As a digital distribution company, GamersGate offers digital rights management-free (DRM-free) games and downloadable content (DLC) for PC, Mac, Linux, and Android platforms. GamersGate is a client-free service that does not require users to log on in order to play purchased games. In a January 2012 article for The Escapist magazine, columnist Shamus Young speculated that these features would appeal to gamers opposed to the passive DRM validation, always-on DRM, and mandatory client program downloads that were common to many of GamersGate's top competitors.Young, Shamus. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/experienced-points/9374-Digital-Distribution-The-Other-Guys Experienced Points: Digital Distribution: The Other Guys] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913015332/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/experienced-points/9374-Digital-Distribution-The-Other-Guys |date=2014-09-13 }}" (cont. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/columns/experienced-points/9374-Digital-Distribution-The-Other-Guys.2 p.2]). The Escapist. 27 January 2012. GamersGate accepts online payment by credit card or cash via Rixty.Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_115344.html GamersGate and Rixty Sign Deal: Flexible cash payment options for the GamersGate website]". Gamershell.com. Accessed 11 September 2014. From 2012-2013, it offered a catalog of free games via its Void system.Wittenkeller, Josh. "[http://www.gamezebo.com/2012/05/22/gamersgate-officially-announces-ad-supported-free-games-platform-void Gamersgate officially announces ad-supported free games platform VOID]". Gamezebo. 22 May 2012.

GamersGate is one of the earliest digital distribution sitesNunneley, Stephany. "[http://www.vg247.com/2010/07/23/impulse-and-gamersgate-dont-agree-with-npd-digital-sales-results Impulse and GamersGate don't agree with NPD digital sales results]". VG247. 23 July 2010. and has undergone major aesthetic redesigns over the years. The first major redesign occurred in May 2009Ziemer, Joe. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-digital-distribution-site-gets-a-lick-of-paint GamersGate: Digital distribution site gets a lick of paint]". Gameindustry.biz. 20 May 2014. when they adopted a design that Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Alec Meer described as "GoG-esque" and "shiny".Meer, Alec. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/05/27/gamersgate-redesigned-crazy-sales GamersGate: Redesigned, Crazy Sales]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 27 May 2009. The second redesign occurred in July 2011Bell, Erin. "[http://www.gamezebo.com/2011/07/22/gamersgatecom-gets-overhaul-adds-achievements-amp-more GamersGate.com gets an overhaul, adds achievements & more]". Gamezebo. 22 July 2011. and was interpreted by some as a response to changes in the industry including the launch of Origin and the acquisitions of Direct2Drive by GameFly and Impulse by GameStop.Meer, Alec. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/07/22/gamersgate-redesign A New Suit Of Clothes For GamersGate]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 22 July 2011.

GamersGate was one of the earliest video game stores to offer downloadable content for PC games, starting with downloadable content for the Hearts of Iron and Europa Universalis series.Tanelon, James. "[http://www.wargamer.com/article/3596/editorial-the-paradoxical-pay-policy Editorial: The Paradoxical Pay Policy]". The Wargamer. 24 May 2014.Smith, Quintin. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/08/26/online-outlined-paradox-connect-announced Online Outlined: Paradox Connect Announced]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 26 August 2010.

In December 2008, GamersGate began offering developers MicroSuite, a free in-game downloadable-content API that allows game companies to insert DLC microtransactions into gameplay.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2008/12/09/gamersgate-launches-new-micro-transaction-platform/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210135535/http://venturebeat.com/2008/12/09/gamersgate-launches-new-micro-transaction-platform/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-12-10 |title=GamersGate launches new micro-transaction platform |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=2008-12-08 |access-date=23 August 2011 |work=VentureBeat }} The release of MicroSuite came only a few months after GamersGate's release of the GameNerve Publishing Suite, a management tool allowing users to publish and digitally distribute newly created games in order to maximize profits for the creator rather than an intermediate distribution company.Staff. "[https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/gamersgate-announces-gamenerve-publishing-suite Gamersgate Announces GameNerve Publishing Suite]". Gamasutra. 23 June 2008.

GamersGate initially required a software client for its customers to download their purchased games, but on 28 January 2009, the company began allowing customers to download games through a micro-download.{{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/press-releases/gamersgate-to-offer-ldquo-client-free-rdquo-experience/0130609| work=Develop | last=Zeimer | first=Joel | date=28 January 2009 | access-date=23 August 2011 | title=GamersGate to Offer"Client-Free" Experience}} Under this system, every game is associated with a small corresponding program that, when downloaded, will retrieve the install files for the customer's computer. Upon retrieval, the user installs the game and may then remove the downloader from the computer.{{cite web | url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/02/25/review-gamersgate-an-alternative-direct-download-games-service/ | title=Review: GamersGate, an alternative direct-download games service | last=Coldewey | first=Devin | work=TechCrunch | date=25 February 2009 | access-date=23 August 2011}} CEO Theo Bergquist has touted the client-less feature of GamersGate as a way to distinguish it from more dominant video game distribution platforms like Valve's Steam.{{cite web | url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107625-GamersGate-CEO-Were-Not-Afraid-of-Steam/ | title=GamersGate CEO: "We're Not Afraid of Steam" | last=Chalk | first=Andy | work=The Escapist | date=8 February 2011 | access-date=23 August 2011}}

Since its inception, GamersGate has eschewed the use of controversial digital rights management (DRM) schemes common to other digital video game distribution services. Games downloaded from GamersGate are released free of passive DRM validation and always-on DRM, and GamersGate users have the option of transferring purchased games to other accounts. Company CEO Theo Bergquist has emphasized the need for digital distribution companies to trust consumers. Although the potential for video game piracy and similar abuses are present through its method, GamersGate believes that trust in consumers acts as "a source of comfort" for its customers.Arendt, Susan. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/93540-Digital-Distribution-Is-a-Matter-of-Trust Digital Distribution Is a Matter of Trust] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913022013/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/93540-Digital-Distribution-Is-a-Matter-of-Trust |date=2014-09-13 }}". The Escapist. 31 July 2009. The company has sought to work against piracy by cultivating mutual respect between itself and its strong player community. In an article for Information & Communications Technology Law, Peter Holm suggests that perhaps GamersGate's best DRM-free defense against piracy is simply that it makes the legal purchase of games easy and cheap.Holm, Peter. "Piracy on the simulated seas: the computer games industry's non-legal approaches to fighting illegal downloads of games". Information & Communications Technology Law. Vol.23, Issue 1. Pp.61-76. 2014. DOI 10.1080/13600834.2014.899770

In addition to GamersGate's customer-friendly policies, rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union on the topic of digital right of first sale have clarified that lessors who indefinitely license software thereby exhaust their property rights to the software."[http://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2012-07/cp120094en.pdf Judgment in Case C-128/11: UsedSoft GmbH v. Oracle International Corp. - An author of software cannot oppose the resale of his 'used' licenses allowing the use of his programs downloaded from the Internet]". Press Release No.94/12. Court of Justice of the European Union. Luxembourg. 3 July 2012. The effect of this ruling is that European digital distribution customers may resell downloaded games on the secondary market. Because GamersGate is based in Sweden and serves French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish, and Swedish customers, this ruling has significance for GamersGate's European sales.Walker, John. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/07/03/crikey-eu-rules-you-can-resell-downloaded-games/#more-114473 Crikey: EU Rules You Can Resell Downloaded Games]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 3 July 2012.

GamersGate has partnered with over 250 publishers and developers including 2K Games,Staff. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-2k-games-deal-another-publisher-recruited-by-digital-download-site GamersGate/2K Games deal]". Gamesindustry.biz. 15 August 2008. Atari,Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_41483.html GamersGate and Atari Sign Deal]". Gamershell.com. 7 September 2007. Capcom,Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_49470.html GamersGate and Capcom Entertainment Sign Deal]". Gamershell.com. 29 April 2008. Electronic Arts,Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_70454.html EA Joins GamersGate]". Gamershell.com. 27 February 2009. Epic Games,Staff. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-com-epic-s-unreal-series-now-available-by-digital-download GamersGate.com]". Gamesindustry.biz. 23 June 2009. Koei,Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_76830.html Koei and GamersGate Sign Deal]". Gamershell.com. 22 May 2009. SEGA,Martin, Matt. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/sega-inks-digital-distribution-deal-with-gamersgate Sega inks digital distribution deal with GamersGate]". Gamesindustry.biz. 19 January 2009. THQ,Geddes, Ryan. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/16/gamersgate-and-thq-announce-distribution-agreement GamersGate and THQ Announce Distribution Agreement]". IGN. 16 January 2008.Staff. "[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/gamersgate-distributing-thq-stuff-online GamersGate distributing THQ stuff online]". Eurogamer. 17 January 2008. Ubisoft,Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_71594.html Ubisoft Joins GamersGate]". Gamershell.com. 12 March 2009. and Vivendi GamesStaff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/30/gamersgate-and-vivendi-games-partner-to-offer-pc-titles-via-digital-download GamersGate and Vivendi Games Partner To Offer PC Titles Via Digital Download]". IGN. 30 June 2008.Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_54012.html Vivendi Games Joins GamersGate]". Gamershell.com. 30 June 2008. among many others. GamersGate has also signed distribution agreements with numerous smaller independent video game developersStaff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_47986.html Indie Developers Join GamersGate]". Gamershell.com. 9 April 2008.Staff. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-layernet-deal-layernet-s-select-titles-added-to-digital-download-portal GamersGate/Layernet deal]". Gamesindustry.biz. 26 October 2009. and a wide variety of international developers like the Russian 1C Company,Staff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/07/gamersgate-signs-exclusive-deal-on-selected-1c-titles GamersGate Signs Exclusive Deal on Selected 1C Titles]". IGN. 7 August 2008. the British Blitz Games,Elliott, Phil. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-inks-deal-with-blitz GamersGate inks deal with Blitz]". Gamesindustry.biz. 11 August 2009. the German Crimson CowStaff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/03/gamersgate-open-for-german-publisher-crimson-cow GamersGate Open for German Publisher Crimson Cow]". IGN. 3 March 2008. and Kalypso Media,Staff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/13/gamersgate-enters-digital-distribution-partnership-with-kalypso-media GamersGate Enters Digital Distribution Partnership with Kalypso Media]". IGN. 13 Feb 2008. and the French Microïds.Staff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/10/gamersgate-adds-microads-to-growing-portfolio-of-publishers GamersGate Adds Microïds to Growing Portfolio of Publishers]". IGN. 10 July 2008.

Initially distributing only PC games, GamersGate began offering Mac games in June 2009{{cite web | url=http://www.macworld.com/article/141087/2009/06/gamersgate.html | access-date=23 August 2011 | date=10 June 2009 | last=Cohen | first=Peter | work=Macworld | title=GamersGate makes play for Mac gamers }} and later added Linux games and Android games.Peeples, Jemery. "[http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/05/05/gamersgate-begins-selling-android-games-has-50-off-sale-until-tuesday/83805 GamersGate Begins Selling Android Games – Has 50% Off Sale Until Tuesday]". Hardcore Gamer. 5 May 2014. {{as of|June 2014}}, the site lists over 1500 Mac titles.{{cite web | work=GamersGate | title=Mac - GamersGate | url= http://www.gamersgate.com/games|access-date=12 June 2014}} As GamersGate has expanded its catalog to include macOS (formerly Mac OS X) and indie games, it has been acknowledged as a good place to download Mac gamesDuggan, Michael. iPad Multiplayer Magic. Cengage Learning. P.256. 2011. {{ISBN|9781435459656}} and for new game developers to get published and to make early sales.Dillon, Roberto. HTML5 Game Development from the Ground Up with Construct 2. CRC Press. Pg.220. 27 March 2014. {{ISBN|9781482216615}}Galindo, David. "[https://archive.today/20140915113724/http://gamasutra.com/blogs/DavidGalindo/20110627/89702/How_much_do_indie_PC_devs_make_anyways_Part_III.php How much do indie PC devs make, anyways? (Part III)]". Gamasutra. 27 June 2011.

Because it was formed as a split from a strategy game developer, the majority of the company's initial offerings were strategy war games. However, as third party developers signed on to distribute with Gamersgate, the site's offerings became increasingly eclectic. Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Kieron Gillen noted in 2008 that GamersGate's Top 10 Sales chart provided "a snapshot of a completely alien PC gaming world" with obscure but meritorious titles outperforming mainstream titles. Gillen suggested that this was evidence that "downloadable games enable niches."Gillen, Kieron. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/04/14/gamersgate-top-10-analysis Gamersgate Top 10 analysis]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 14 April 2008. This pattern has lessened through the years but has never entirely disappeared. New Tang Dynasty Television drew attention to GamersGate's charts in 2014, when the free-to-play co-op game Warframe ranked alongside Castle of Illusion.Staff. "[http://www.ntd.tv/en/news/entertainment/20140825/198937-pc-download-charts-borderlands-franchise-ramps-up-for-presequel.html PC download charts: 'Borderlands' franchise ramps up for pre-sequel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913032216/http://www.ntd.tv/en/news/entertainment/20140825/198937-pc-download-charts-borderlands-franchise-ramps-up-for-presequel.html |date=2014-09-13 }}". New Tang Dynasty Television. 25 August 2014.

GamersGate frequently offers special deals and sales on its inventory. It has been praised by critics for its innovative bundling that, during some sales, allows purchasers to opt out of individual games enclosed within the bundle for a reduction in the bundle's price.Peeples, Jeremy. "[http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/02/20/gamersgate-offers-up-rockstar-bundles/75284 GamersGate Offers Up Rockstar Bundles]". Hardcore Gamer. 20 February 2014.Duncan, Alasdair. "[http://www.destructoid.com/pick-your-own-rockstar-games-bundle-at-gamersgate-270889.phtml Pick your own Rockstar games bundle at GamersGate]". Destructoid. 20 February 2014.

At E3 2011, GamersGate announced that it would be offering free video games in exchange for advertisement views.Tan, Maurice. "[http://www.destructoid.com/e3-gamersgate-announces-ad-supported-freegames-service-203365.phtml E3: GamersGate announces ad-supported FreeGames service]". Destructoid. 8 June 2011 Players could download a game for free but, prior to playing it, would have to watch a short advertisement selected by GamersGate's advertising partner, Blind Ferret Media.Staff. "[http://www.mcvuk.com/press-releases/read/gamersgate-selects-blind-ferret-media-as-online-advertising-sales-partner/042958 GamersGate Selects Blind Ferret Media as Online Advertising Sales Partner]". MCV. 30 June 2011. Advertisements would not be inserted during gameplay.Rossignol, Jim. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/06/14/gamesgate-explain-freegames GamersGate Explain FreeGames]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 14 June 2011. The new program, called "FreeGames", was set for beta release in mid-June 2011. Interest among gamers was so high that 10 thousand beta signups were made within the first few hours. The official start of the program was intended to be 1 September 2011 and to offer some 200 games.Rossignol, Jim. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/06/09/gamersgate-freegames-beta-signup GamersGate FreeGames Beta SignUp]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun 9 June 2011. GamersGate CEO Theo Bergquist stated that the company's long-term goal was to offer as many of its 3000 games as possible under the FreeGames program. Bergquist's claims that this was the first program of its kindHill, Owen. "[http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/06/10/gamersgate-freegames-announced Gamersgate Freegames announced]". PC Gamer. 10 June 2011. were refuted by Shacknews' Alice O'Conner, who pointed to a similar failed experiment by Ubisoft in 2007.O'Conner, Alice. "[http://www.shacknews.com/article/68831/gamersgate-launching-ad-supported-free GamersGate launching ad-supported free games]". Shacknews. 9 June 2011. However, in the following weeks GamersGate's beta run proved to be a success.

GamersGate officially launched the follow-up program to FreeGames, christened "Void", on 28 May 2012. Like FreeGames, the service allowed customers with an account to download certain games for free in exchange for watching a few short advertisements. At release, nearly 100 games were available in the Void catalogue.{{cite web|work=GamersGate |title=VOID - GamersGate |url=http://www.gamersgate.com/void?skipintro=1 |access-date=12 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531022811/http://www.gamersgate.com/void?skipintro=1 |archive-date=May 31, 2012 }} The company ended the Void service in January 2013.{{cite web|work=GamersGate |title=VOID - GamersGate |url=http://www.gamersgate.com/void |access-date=11 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111181655/http://www.gamersgate.com/void |archive-date=January 11, 2013 }}

As one of the earliest digital distribution services, GamersGate saw rapid expansion in its earlier years with over 100 percent in growth from launch through 2009.Elliott, Phil. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/the-gate-keeper The Gate Keeper]". Gamesindustry.biz. 4 March 2009. Contemporaneously, GamersGate's parent company, Paradox Interactive, saw digital distribution overtake retail sales. In January 2011, it reported that GamersGate digital downloads accounted for 70 percent of Paradox's total revenue, which had grown over 1000 percent since 2001.Tito, Greg. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup Misc - The State of PC Games: Paradox's 2011 Lineup]" (cont. pp.[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.2 2], [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.3 3], [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.4 4], [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.5 5], [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.6 6] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913022024/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.6 |date=2014-09-13 }}, [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/editorials/misc/8599-The-State-of-PC-Games-Paradox-s-2011-Lineup.7 7]). The Escapist. 27 January 2011. By July of the same year, Paradox reported that 90 percent of its sales were digital (through both Steam and GamersGate).Senior, Tom. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20130720173740/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/07/06/paradox-sales-are-90-digital-we-don%E2%80%99t-really-need-retailers-any-more-says-ceo Paradox sales are 90% digital, “we don’t really need retailers any more” says CEO]". PC Gamer. 6 July 2011.

The total market share of digital downloads going to GamersGate, however, is considerably smaller than its major competitor, Steam. It has also faced competition from newer companies like GOG.com and from contemporaries like Impulse and Direct2Drive.Hill, Owen. "[http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/11/11/gog-release-witcher-2-sales-stats-steam-dominates-all-competitors-combined GOG release The Witcher 2 sales stats. Steam dominates all competitors combined]". PC Gamer. 11 November 2011.Eichner, Andrew W. "Game Over, Insert Coin to Continue: Entering a New Era of Video Game Intellectual Property Enforcement". IDEA: The Intellectual Property Law Review. Vol.53, No.1. P.123. 27 January 2013. Analysis by Impulse owner Stardock in December 2009 indicated that Steam controlled at least 70 percent of the market with the other big players (Direct2Drive, GamersGate, and Impulse) competing over the remaining 30 percent. Stardock's claim that Impulse controlled 10 percent of the market was vocally disputed by both Direct2Drive and GamersGate, with GamersGate's Theo Bergquist arguing that "in many, many cases we know that GamersGate sell as many units as Steam for the mid-size segment of titles."O'Connor, Alice. "[http://www.shacknews.com/article/61435/digital-distribution-platforms-dispute-market Digital Distribution Platforms Dispute Market Share, Sling Mud]". Shacknews. 1 December 2009. Luke Plunkett, writing for Kotaku, noted that "none of this bickering involves serious competing with Steam, leading us to believe that the PC scene's pecking order is Steam first, daylight second, and these guys jostling over the last spot on the podium."Plunkett, Luke. "[http://kotaku.com/5415837/pc-download-stores-arguing-over-who-comes-after-steam PC Download Stores Arguing Over Who Comes After Steam]". Kotaku. 1 December 2009. A July 2010 study conducted by NPD Group failed to list GamersGate among the top 5 digital distribution companies. However, this study was disputed by both GamersGate and Impulse (which also failed to rank).Meer, Alec. "[http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2010/07/24/impulse-gamersgate-demand-respect Impulse & GamersGate Demand Respect]". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. 24 July 2010.

Launched on the World Wide Web from Stockholm, Sweden in 2006, GamersGate has expanded internationally both online and offline. One of its first expansions took place in September 2010 when it opened an online branch within Facebook.Staff. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gamersgate-com-digital-download-store-opens-branch-within-facebook GamersGate.com]". Gamesindustry.biz. 17 September 2010. Starting with the Swedish site, se.gamersgate.com,Staff. "[http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/03/gamersgate-kicks-off-european-localization-with-swedish-site-launch GamersGate Kicks Off European Localization with Swedish Site Launch]". IGN. 3 December 2010. Gamersgate launched localized websites throughout Europe in late 2010 and early 2011. Specific versions of GamersGate were made for French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish language customers.Elliott, Phil. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2010-12-02-gamersgate-announces-localisation-plans GamersGate announces localisation plans]". Gamesindustry.biz. 2 December 2010. The following year, GamersGate announced that, due to a 50 percent growth in sales from the previous year and in anticipation of its upcoming Void advertising program, it would be opening a physical shop and office in New York in 2012.Staff. "[http://www.gamershell.com/news_130724.html GamersGate Expands in New York]". Gamershell.com. 22 December 2011.Bell, Erin. [http://www.gamezebo.com/2011/12/22/gamersgate-expand-global-reach-new-york-office GamersGate to expand global reach with New York office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913064130/http://www.gamezebo.com/2011/12/22/gamersgate-expand-global-reach-new-york-office/ |date=2014-09-13 }}". Gamezebo''. 22 December 2011.

GamersGate has been in active competition with digital distributors including Steam, Impulse, Direct2Drive, and to a lesser extent OnLive, and Origin. Notably, GamersGate has gained a reputation for sharp criticism of SteamHillier, Brenna. "[http://www.vg247.com/2011/12/20/gamersgate-ceo-dismisses-onlive-origin-and-steam GamersGate CEO dismisses OnLive, Origin and Steam]". VG247. 20 December 2011. which in 2011 Theo Bergquist suggested was "peaking".Hillier, Brenna. "[http://www.vg247.com/2011/02/08/gamersgate-were-not-afraid-of-steam-valves-service-peaking GamersGate: 'We're not afraid of Steam', Valve's service 'peaking']". VG247. 8 February 2011. Although market statistics convincingly show Steam to be the most dominant player in the digital distribution market, Bergquist argues that this is strictly due to the fact that the market is currently oriented toward the hardcore gamer subculture.Pearson, Dan. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-02-08-gamersgate-were-not-afraid-of-steam GamersGate: 'We're not afraid of Steam']". Gamesindustry.biz. 8 February 2011.Rose, Mike. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20120510221610/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/123370/GamersGate_Were_Not_Afraid_Of_Steam.php GamersGate: 'We're Not Afraid Of Steam']". Gamasutra. 9 February 2011. Bergquist predicts that Steam will lose market share as the market widens in the future and that GamersGate, with its considerably less cumbersome client-free and DRM-free system, is well positioned to grow rapidly.Chalk, Andy. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107625-GamersGate-CEO-Were-Not-Afraid-of-Steam GamersGate CEO: 'We're Not Afraid of Steam'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831151543/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/107625-GamersGate-CEO-Were-Not-Afraid-of-Steam |date=2011-08-31 }}". The Escapist. 8 February 2011. Disagreement over Steam's embracing of DRM technologies has led GamersGate and others to boycott the distribution of popular titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 that contain software such as IWNET, a player matchmaking service that works through Steam and therefore requires a Steam client and account.Purchese, Robert. "[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/d2d-impulse-gamersgate-boycott-mw2 D2D, Impulse, Gamersgate boycott MW2]". Eurogamer. 6 November 2009. Describing games containing such software as Trojan horses, GamersGate and other digital distributors have refused to carry certain games that mandate the installation of client software.O'Connor, Alice. "[http://www.shacknews.com/article/61165/modern-warfare-2-shunned-by Modern Warfare 2 Shunned by Several Digital Distributors Due to Steam 'Trojan Horse']". Shacknews. 6 November 2009.

GamersGate's criticism of Impulse has also received extensive coverage in the gaming press. As early as 2009, GamersGate criticized Impulse owner Stardock's analysis of its share of the digital download market as misleadingly self-aggrandizing. A series of back and forth comments between the companies prompted Kotaku's Luke Plunkett to describe GamersGate, Impulse, and Direct2Drive as "guys jostling over the last spot on the podium". Criticism was again levied by GamersGate against Impulse in April 2011 in response to GameStop's acquisition of Impulse from Stardock. GamersGate's Theo Bergquist questioned the wisdom of the purchase, describing Impulse as Steam's "lesser talented stepchild"Westbrook, Logan. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109019-GamersGate-CEO-Thinks-Buying-Impulse-Could-Be-the-Wrong-Move-for-GameStop GamersGate CEO Thinks Buying Impulse Could Be the Wrong Move for GameStop]". The Escapist. 6 April 2011. and summarizing GameStop's press release as "we will do whatever we can to not be the next Blockbuster".Grayson, Nathan. "[http://www.vg247.com/2011/04/06/store-wars-gamersgate-says-gamestop-struggling-to-not-be-the-next-blockbuster Store Wars: GamersGate says GameStop struggling to 'not be the next Blockbuster']". VG247. 6 April 2011. GamersGate specifically pointed to shortcomings in Impulse's technological capacities, describing the service as "outdated" and archaic.Martin, Matt. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-04-06-impulse-an-outdated-digital-distribution-platform-gamersgate-ceo Impulse 'an outdated distribution platform' - GamersGate CEO]". Gamesindustry.biz. 6 April 2011. In response, Stardock CEO Bradley Wardell suggested that the comments from GamersGate were more likely revelatory of GamersGate's financial situation and that perhaps the company wasn't operating as profitably as it claimed.Tito, Gre. "[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109062-Why-Stardock-Sold-Impulse-to-GameStop Why Stardock Sold Impulse to GameStop] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913022019/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109062-Why-Stardock-Sold-Impulse-to-GameStop |date=2014-09-13 }}" (cont. [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109062-Why-Stardock-Sold-Impulse-to-GameStop.2 p.2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913023543/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/109062-Why-Stardock-Sold-Impulse-to-GameStop.2 |date=2014-09-13 }}). The Escapist. 7 April 2011.Hillier, Brenna. "[http://www.vg247.com/2011/04/13/stardock-ceo-responds-to-gamersgate-criticism-of-impulse Stardock CEO responds to GamersGate criticism of Impulse]". VG247. 13 April 2011.Jenkins, David. "[http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2011-04-14-stardock-hits-back-at-gamersgate-criticisms Stardock hits back at GamersGate criticisms]". Gamesindustry.biz. 14 April 2011.

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• {{Official website|http://www.gamersgate.com}}

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Category:2006 establishments in Sweden

Category:Companies based in Stockholm

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Category:Online retailers of Sweden

Category:Online-only retailers of video games

Category:Swedish companies established in 2006