Established High Street and online games retailers risk losing significant share to broadband suppliers, and possibly even utility companies, if they do not embrace digital distribution.

That is the robust view of Pierre Gaudet, CEO of Europe’s leading games digital distribution outfit Metaboli, which has begun a renewed effort in the UK after success with PC game services in France, Germany and elsewhere.

“We are talking to lots of retailers in the UK, but many are resistant because they think digital distribution endangers their existing business,” Gaudet told MCV.

“Everyone knows that there will be a growth in this sector. It is inevitable. And when the big move comes, some traditional retailers could be left behind.”

Metaboli already works with GAME, but believes that ISP partnerships, such as its recent deal with Virgin Media, could spell trouble for stores that don’t go digital too.

“Anyone with a strong online billing relationship with consumers could come in, even electricity firms,” added Gaudet. “We would much rather work with games retailers.
“It amazes me that even Play.com and Amazon don’t have a digital distribution strategy for games.”