Video game and software retailer Gamestop hasacquired TechCrunch50 company Spawn Labs, a startup that develops game streaming technology. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In addition, GameStop also announced the acquisition of game distribution platform Impulse, which is a division of software company Stardock.
Spawn Labs launched in 2009 as a Slingbox for video games. Via, Spawn Labs appliance and computers apps transmit HD-quality (720p) content over the Internet so that players can use the peer-to-peer game streaming service to play games simultaneously.
The Spawn Labs team will work closely with GameStop’s existing R&D group to further develop the product, according to a release. Once the Spawn Labs integration and testing on a new consumer interface is complete, users will have immediate access to a wide selection of high-definition video games on demand on any Internet-enabled device.
Impulse’s platform allows users to access to a library of more than 1,100 games to be downloaded. Impulse also provides content publishers DRM and copy protection tools and allows developers to enable achievements, account management, friend lists, chat, multiplayer lobbies, and cloud storage within their games. GameStop says that it will maintain Impulse as a business and will integrate the platform with its own site in the next few months.
GameStop has been on a bit of a shopping spree. Last year, the company bought Kongregate, a social gaming destination and community site for gamers. For GameStop, these acquisitions are the mechanism by which the retailer is pushing its digital strategy in the gaming space.
