GameStop Canada

GameStop’s Canadian Adventure Hits the Exit Button: What’s Next?

GameStop’s CEO Ryan Cohen sounds off while planning to sell Canadian and French operations. Could this be the end of an era for gamers?

In a surprising move that has left many gamers scratching their heads, GameStop Corp. announced its intention to sell its operations in Canada and France. CEO Ryan Cohen took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to justify the decision with a slew of complaints about high taxes and what he described as the rise of 'wokeness' alongside a nod to liberal and progressive ideologies. Notably, Cohen's candid remarks have sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, raising eyebrows over what exactly his complaints have to do with selling game consoles (spoiler alert: not much)!

Meanwhile, the gaming giant seems to think it's time to pivot in its game plan after a series of rebranding efforts, including its recent transformation of EB Games stores. Cohen's comments have seen a mix of backlash and support, especially among those who think that the retail landscape is being influenced too much by social issues rather than by good old-fashioned gaming. You have to wonder if a desperate pullback means GameStop is really losing its grip or just trying to play a different level of the game.

But what exactly does selling its Canadian and French operations mean for the company’s future? GameStop has been on a rollercoaster ride, navigating both the digital shift in gaming and the global pandemic's impact on retail. The company's ongoing analysis of its international assets indicates that they may be holding an ace up their sleeve—a strategy that’ll see them emerge as a more focused entity, hopefully more aligned with a gaming community that truly wants to support its local shops.

As if that weren’t enough drama for one gaming franchise, it turns out that these decisions come at a time when console gaming has stayed strong in Canadian hearts. The country is one of the top gaming markets in North America, showing no signs of slowing down. With significant contributions to the gaming industry and a vibrant indie scene, what will happen to the once beloved GameStop in Canada? In the wise words of every gamer when faced with uncertainty: ‘To be continued…’

Fun fact: Did you know that Canadian gamers, on average, spend over $114 on games every year? That’s quite a fare for a population that embraces gaming culture! Also, with digital storefronts gaining popularity, it might just be the push GameStop needs to rethink its strategy — who wants to deal with shelves when you can click a button instead?