Video Games Top the List of Must-Have Gifts for Shoppers

Video games, no longer considered just for teens and young adults, now embrace a cross-generational fan base that enjoys playing games. GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), the world's largest multi-channel video game retailer, is prepared to fulfill its annual role as the video game destination of choice by offering something for everyone. This includes more than 2,500 gaming gifts affordably priced under $20, a guaranteed in-stock program for the hottest new games, emerging video game technology such as motion-based gaming systems, a new convenient PickUp@Store online reservation system, layaway plans, free shipping for online orders with guaranteed delivery by Dec. 24, and more. The guaranteed in-stock program is available now through Thursday, Dec. 9. For more information, visit www.gamestop.com/guarantee.

“It used to be that video games and consoles were given only to kids, but today those gifts can just as likely be for entire families, moms, dads and even grandparents,” said Bob McKenzie, GameStop’s senior vice president of merchandising. “The average age of gamers continues to increase and recent advancements in gaming technology, such as the motion-based Microsoft Kinect, PlayStation® Move and Wii systems, are redefining the entire gaming experience.”

McKenzie said it’s not uncommon for shoppers to ask for games or systems that would appeal to adults in the family and not just the kids. “We’re seeing more people looking for games for mom and dad that mirror their interests or hobbies. There are also countless games designed for family fun, as well as games that are best played by individuals or online with a broader community. Regardless of a person’s age or area of interest, it’s safe to say GameStop has something for everyone on your shopping list.”

With the ever-broadening base of gaming customers in mind, GameStop has compiled a list of some of the season’s most popular titles to help shoppers make informed and intelligent gift selections. Some items may be in short supply, and McKenzie advises shoppers to check online, use PickUp@Store or call stores ahead of time to ensure what they want is available. With the guaranteed in-stock program, Gamestop will have the newest and hottest games available to fulfill shoppers’ needs.

The top picks for video game consoles and games for holiday 2010, sorted by ESRB rating, include:

Gaming Systems
Sony PlayStation® 3 with Move
Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect
Nintendo Wii

E Rated (everyone age 6 and over)
Disney Epic Mickey (Wii)
FIFA Soccer 11 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP)
Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)
NBA 2K11 (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, PC)
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Madden NFL 11 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Miniland Mayhem (DS)
Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
Kinect Sports (Xbox 360)
Kinectimals (Xbox 360)

E10+ Rated (everyone age 10 and over)
Just Dance 2 (Wii)
LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP, PC)
Move Sports Champion Bundle (PS3)
Super Scribblenauts (DS)

T Rated (everyone age 13 and over)
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (PC)
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 (Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, Wii, PSP)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS, PC)
Dance Central (Xbox 360)

M Rated (17+)
Halo: Reach (Xbox 360)
Fallout: New Vegas (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Call of Duty: Black Ops (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, DS)
Fable III (Xbox 360)
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Medal of Honor (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)

Level Up Their Gifts

In addition to games and systems, GameStop also offers shoppers a variety of ideas to make their gifts better, including gift cards, digital content codes for expansion packs, strategy guides, instruments for music games, cables, controllers, and more. Visit any GameStop store or GameStop.com for more details.

Respect the Ratings

GameStop’s knowledgeable game advisors enjoy helping gift givers make informed decisions when selecting games and equipment that are appropriate for the recipient’s age and interests. GameStop recommends gift givers refer to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings that appear on each game package to ensure the content is age appropriate. If buying a gift for a child other than your own, it is also suggested you check with the parents to make sure they are comfortable with the game’s content. For more information about the ESRB rating system visit www.esrb.org, GameStop.com or any of GameStop’s more than 4,500 stores in the United States.

Note to News Media: For hot video game gift and purchasing tips for parents and gift givers: http://www.news2know.net/mnr/gamestop/hot-holiday-video-games.php. B-roll available upon request. Special media requests should be coordinated through GameStop Media Relations, (817) 424-2000 or bethsharum@gamestop.com.

About GameStop Corp.

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is the world's largest multi-channel video game retailer. GameStop's retail network and family of brands include 6,606 company-operated stores in 17 countries worldwide, www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser based game site with more than 10 million monthly unique visitors, and Game Informer(R) magazine, the leading multi-platform video game publication. The company also sells video games and related merchandise at www.GameStop.com. General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website