Microsoft and GameStop today announced a new partnership that aims, among other objectives, to broaden the latter’s “physical and digital video game offerings.”
Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 cloud network, Surface devices, Teams, and Xbox All Access service will be included in the multi-year collaboration.
GameStop will use Dynamics 365 for its business activities as part of the contract, including financing, inventory, eCommerce, retail, and point-of – sale. This will help GameStop ‘s store partners access “omni-channel data about consumer preferences and buying history, real-time product inventory information, subscriptions, pricing, and promotions to provide a differentiated and personalised customer experience in the store.”
Microsoft will also offer new Surface devices to GameStop store employees to meet customers ‘ needs and monitor store operations. In addition, teams for coordination and teamwork will be used by store associates. This will encourage them, GameStop said, to share ideas with other employees.
Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President of Gaming for Microsoft, stated:
“For many years GameStop has been a strong go-to-market partner for our gaming products; and we are excited about continuing as well as evolving that relationship for the launch of the Xbox Series X|S. GameStop’s extensive store base, focus on digital transformation in an omni-channel environment; and expert gamer associates remain an important part of our gaming ecosystem; and we’re also pleased to elevate our partnership.”
Xbox All Access will also be added by GameStop to its Xbox offerings. That includes an Xbox console at no upfront cost with 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The companies noted in a joint press release the benefits they would reap from the relationship in terms of “customer acquisition and lifetime income value of each gamer brought into the Xbox ecosystem.”
