Sometime next year, GameStop intends to sell an Android-based gaming tablet, complete with its own self-designed controller. The retailer revealed its intentions in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, as GameStop just started testing the tablet down in Texas.
"We looked at all the tablets and these are the ones that really worked for gaming and we're going to give you a few benefits that you're not going to get elsewhere," said GameStop president Tony Bartel.
What those benefits are has not been revealed.
Some games will be pre-loaded, but GameStop is also developing its own OnLive-like service that could stream games through the 'net. GameStop doesn't appear to be inclined to force everything to use forced touch mechanics, though, and the company its coming up with its own controller solution for games that would benefit from it.
"It's hard to imagine how to stream a game--let's say Modern Warfare 3--onto a tablet and then play it with your finger," said Bartel.
Plenty of questions remain about GameStop's tablet, but it shouldn't be a surprise the retailer is jumping in. If successful, GameStop would control brand-new means of distributing content to consumers on a platform where they'd be bringing in additional revenue. Plus, it helps the company in protecting its current revenue sources.
Now who's going to buy OnLive to push this GameStop service away by including it in their next console?
I can't wait to see this trainwreck.
Gaming tablet? Yeah, no thanks.
um...okay.
Not really much of a surprise. They've been pushing their Kongregate on android and iOS systems, and that's actually a really nifty service. I don't get around to it too often, but when I do, there's usually something nifty to check o
What's the point of using a tablet if it comes with a controller?
lol total copy of ipad....should be interesting ;D
Unless they offer a library as deep as Steam's (or allowing Steam to work on the tablet, doubtful), this is going to be a big No Thank You. Maybe I don't know enough about PC gaming, but aren't there other hardware limitations, even if they do use OnLive-like tech to stream games that demand better horsepower?
Did they announce removing iPad from shelves?
I really don't know what to think of this, have to wait and see the finished product. Gamestop's own products have always been shit quality though.
I hate gamestop as much as anybody but a tablet with actual physical button controls as an option would be welcome. Apple's no-buttons stance makes all their games unplayable :(
Huh? What? Why?
Do.Not.Want.
Gamestop is essentially making its own hand held console.
I find that fascinating.
I wouldn't buy it, as I don't like their business practices, but seriously I can't help but find that fascinating.
@crusader8463 said:
Damn you beat me word for word.
Rofl what if they call it the gametap. I know they won't cause of copyright.
I do not have any confidence in the quality of this product...
No fucking thank you.
Hmmmm, variety is always good..... what the hell am I saying, it's gonna be shit.
Great work as always, Patrick.