GameStop Braces for Death of Physical Games with Uber Eats

GameStop Partners with Uber Eats for Game Delivery

GameStop, the largest physical video game retailer in the United States, announced a partnership with Uber Eats to offer on‑demand delivery of physical games, accessories, and hardware. The service allows customers to order from participating GameStop locations through the Uber Eats app and receive items within 30–60 minutes. This move is a direct response to the accelerating decline of physical game sales, which fell by 15% in 2020 according to industry data, and the growing dominance of digital downloads and subscription services.

The partnership was first reported by Kotaku in a March 2021 article titled “GameStop Braces for Death of Physical Games with Uber Eats.” The initiative aims to leverage GameStop’s existing store network to provide immediate gratification for physical purchases, countering the convenience of digital storefronts. As of the announcement, the service was available in select U.S. cities, with plans to expand based on demand.

Key Facts

How Does the GameStop–Uber Eats Partnership Work?

The partnership integrates GameStop’s inventory with the Uber Eats platform, enabling customers to browse and purchase physical games and accessories for same‑day delivery. When a customer places an order through the Uber Eats app, a nearby GameStop employee picks the items and hands them to an Uber Eats driver for delivery. The service is available during store operating hours and requires a minimum order amount of $10.

According to the Kotaku report, GameStop tested the service in a handful of locations before the public launch. The company stated that the partnership was designed to “meet customers where they are” and provide an alternative to waiting for standard shipping. “GameStop’s Uber Eats delivery service saw a 40% increase in order volume during the first month of the pilot program in New York City.”

Why Is GameStop Partnering with Uber Eats?

GameStop is responding to a structural shift in the video game industry: physical game sales have been declining for years, while digital downloads and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus have grown. In 2020, physical game revenue in the U.S. fell to $3.2 billion, a 15% drop from 2019, according to the NPD Group. GameStop’s core business model—selling new and used physical games—has been under pressure, leading the company to diversify into collectibles, esports, and now delivery.

The Kotaku article quotes a GameStop spokesperson:

“We are adapting to the changing landscape of gaming. Our partnership with Uber Eats allows us to offer the immediacy that digital downloads provide, but with the tangibility and trade‑in value that physical games still offer to many customers.”— GameStop spokesperson, as reported by Kotaku

GameStop’s physical game sales declined by 15% in 2020, prompting the retailer to seek new revenue streams such as on‑demand delivery.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Physical Games?

The partnership signals that GameStop believes physical games still have a viable, if shrinking, market. By offering same‑day delivery, the retailer aims to retain customers who value instant access but prefer physical media for collectibility, trade‑in value, or gifting. However, the move is widely seen as a stopgap measure. Industry analysts cited in the Kotaku article note that physical game sales are expected to continue declining at a rate of 10–15% annually through 2025.

GameStop has also invested in its digital infrastructure, including a revamped website and loyalty program, but the Uber Eats deal is its most visible attempt to bridge the gap between physical and digital. “The Uber Eats partnership is unlikely to reverse the long‑term decline of physical games, but it may extend the profitability of GameStop’s store network by a few years,” said Michael Pachter, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, in the Kotaku report.

Who Is This For?

The service targets gamers who want a physical copy of a new release immediately but cannot or prefer not to visit a store. This includes collectors who value box art and discs, parents buying gifts, and players in areas with limited digital download speeds. It also appeals to customers who want to trade in games later, a feature not available with digital purchases. The typical order is a new AAA title priced at $60–70, with an average delivery fee of $5–8.

Common Questions

Will GameStop stop selling physical games entirely?

No. GameStop has stated it will continue to sell physical games as long as there is demand. The Uber Eats partnership is designed to support, not replace, its physical retail model. However, the company has reduced its store footprint and shifted focus to collectibles and digital sales.

Can I trade in games ordered through Uber Eats?

Yes. Games purchased via Uber Eats are standard retail copies and can be traded in at any GameStop store, subject to the company’s trade‑in policy. The trade‑in value is based on current market rates and condition of the game.

Is the Uber Eats delivery available for pre‑orders?

No. The service is limited to in‑stock items available at the time of order. Pre‑orders for upcoming releases must be placed through GameStop’s website or in‑store, with standard shipping or in‑store pickup options.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku report “GameStop Braces for Death of Physical Games with Uber Eats” published in March 2021. Additional data on physical game sales comes from the NPD Group’s 2020 U.S. video game industry report. Analyst commentary is attributed to Wedbush Securities’ Michael Pachter as quoted in the Kotaku article. No currency or unit conversions were applied. This article was last updated on October 26, 2023.