Early Indicators Show the Next-Gen Video Game to be a Hit with Gaming Fans

Play the Game Early on the PS4

GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2014-- Today, GameStop Corp., a family of specialty retail brands that makes customers’ favorite technologies affordable and simple, announced its plans to host more than 3,500 U.S. midnight launch parties to celebrate the arrival of Watch Dogs.

On the evening of May 26, gaming fans will experience what GameStop does best – welcome the launch of the latest in video game innovation by throwing parties at various store locations. Customers can expect to participate in various activities such as contests, giveaways and the opportunity to view new footage of the game displayed on GameStop TV as they await midnight. GameStop is also offering fans that arrive early an exclusive first-to-play opportunity, allowing them to go hands-on with the PS4 version of Watch Dogs starting at 9:00 p.m. local time.

“We are seeing tremendous excitement from gaming fans for the new Watch Dogs game,” said Bob Puzon, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop. “In fact, Watch Dogs is proving to be the highest pre-ordered next-generation console game we’ve experienced to date. We are planning some exciting activities at our stores to help our fans celebrate the arrival of the Ubisoft game.”

Releasing on May 27 at all U.S. GameStop stores, Watch Dogs is the new intellectual property from Ubisoft that puts gamers in the city of Chicago with a set of hacking tools at their disposal while featuring an open-world with enhanced visuals and challenges. The new game will be available on the Sony PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® 3, Microsoft Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows PC, and will retail for $59.99.

“We know gamers are eagerly anticipating the launch of Watch Dogs and it’s encouraging to see a partner like GameStop celebrate the launch with a first-to-play opportunity,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of sale and marketing, Ubisoft.

GameStop is continuing to take pre-orders on Watch Dogs and offering customers that pre-order the exclusive Palace Pack DLC, which includes a single-player mission, an investigation bonus and an ATM hack boost. In addition, customers that pre-order for the PS4/PS3 will receive an extra 60 minutes of exclusive gameplay content.

As a special bonus, GameStop is offering customers a series of deals and trade-in offers that include:

• Purchase a PS4 console, Watch Dogs PS4 game and a 12-month PlayStation Plus subscription and save $10 (Valid only during midnight event & May 27).
• $10 off new PS3 and XB360 controllers-$44.99 ($54.99 reg).
• Save $25 when you purchase Watch Dogs game and any pre-owned smartphone.
• PowerUp Rewards Pro members will receive a 40% bonus on any games or accessories traded toward the pre-order or purchase of Watch Dogs.

For more information about Watch Dogs, how to pre-order the game, or what stores will be hosting a launch event, contact your local GameStop location, or visit www.GameStop.com.

About GameStop Corp.

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 6,600 stores across 15 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer^® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; www.buymytronics.com, an online consumer electronics trade-in platform; Spring Mobile, an authorized dealer of AT&T wireless services; and Simply Mac, the largest certified specialist of Apple’s full line of products.

General information on GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/GameStop and find us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/GameStop.

Source: GameStop Corp.

Kyle Stephenson
GameStop – Public Relations
817-722-7735
kylestephenson@gamestop.com