US chain GameStop to buy online computer game hot spot Kongregate

The move comes as the distribution of videogame software shifts increasingly to the Internet with digital downloads supplanting visits to real-world stores.

With the Kongregate acquisition, GameStop will tap into the surging popularity of “social play” in which gamers connect in online communities.

Kongregate hosts about 10 million players monthly, and approximately 23 million hours of game time are logged monthly at the website, according to GameStop, which sells new and used videogames at its shops.

“Kongregate advances GameStop's digital strategy by providing a gaming platform for casual, mobile and browser games that can be promoted and played by our existing gamers,” said GameStop chief executive J. Paul Raines.

GameStop did not reveal financial details of the deal, which is expected to close by next week.

Kongregate was launched by siblings Jim and Emily Greer in 2007 as an online haven for people that want to play free games online and share their accomplishments.

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