Based on reports, GME shares slid to $28.55—down about 5%—after the fundraising news. The drop follows a weaker-than-expected Q1 performance in the core video game business.
Revenue missed Wall Street’s estimates, as gamers keep shifting toward downloads and streaming services. Many traders seemed puzzled by the focus on Bitcoin rather than gaming.
Several firms have turned to debt to buy more BTC. US President Donald Trump’s media venture raised $12 billion for that purpose, and Tokyo-based Metaplanet is lining up $5.4 billion.
Strategy, Strive Asset Management and Semler Scientific tapped debt markets too. All of them see Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, despite its swings.
GameStop will need to explain how it plans to spend the money—whether on more Bitcoin, store upgrades or new partnerships. Investors will watch closely for clues on where the company is heading next.
GameStop now wears two hats: it’s a retailer and a budding Bitcoin holder. The success of this funding plan will hinge on how well both sides of the story play out. If digital sales pick up and Bitcoin keeps climbing, investors might warm to the idea. If not, they may push for clearer focus on the gaming business.
Featured image from Heise, chart from TradingView