Back in October, GameStop announced that it would begin a used game rental service called PowerPass. Those who signed up could rent any used game for an unlimited amount of time for $10 a month, up to a rate of six games at a time. At the end of those six months, subscribers would be able to choose a title to keep. But now, according to Kotaku, it looks like GameStop is suspending the program indefinitely.
It’s not expressly clear why the program is being paused, but GameStop’s public statements point to “program limitations” preventing the program from moving beyond the soft launch test phase it was currently in prior to being shut down. Store staff at locations running the rental scheme were told to pull all signage and to stop promoting the program.
Some reports point to problems with existing computer systems in various locations leading to issues with tracking what games have been checked out or returned.
If you already have signed up for the PowerPass renter program, a GameStop spokersperson told Kotaku that you can bring your pass and rented video game in for a full refund, and you’ll be allowed to select a free used game.
In more somber news, GameStop’s current CEO will step down. Daniel DeMatteo will take over as interim CEO while J. Paul Raines seeks treatment for his “medical reoccurrence”.
GameStop announced today that its executive chairman, Daniel A. DeMatteo, will be taking on the role of interim CEO as J. Paul Raines has unfortunately had “a reoccurrence of his previously disclosed medical issue and is seeking treatment.” According to the Dallas News, Raines was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014. It was removed and the prognosis at the time was said to be good.