GameStop, founded in 1984 as Babbage’s in Dallas, Texas, began as a software retailer focused on video games and quickly expanded during the rise of home gaming consoles. It rebranded to GameStop in 1999 after a series of mergers, becoming one of the largest video game retail chains in the world. The company flourished in the 2000s, capitalizing on the popularity of physical game sales and trade-ins, but struggled in the 2010s as digital distribution grew. In 2021, GameStop made headlines globally when retail investors on Reddit’s WallStreetBets subreddit triggered a short squeeze on its stock, turning it into a symbol of rebellion against institutional investors. This event led to a renewed focus on digital transformation and e-commerce, reshaping the company’s future strategy.
