GameStop

Our IxD seniors leveled up their design journey 🎮 During the Fall 2025 semester, students partnered with GameStop on a real-world industry project, presenting final concepts directly to the GameStop team. The challenge was to bridge physical and digital experiences to foster community and growth, specifically within the trading card collector ecosystem. From research → insights → wireframes → prototypes, students:  • Identified market opportunities and key business metrics  • Designed in-store and digital experiences that drive traffic and community  • Developed marketing strategies and tested concepts with real users The result was fully realized prototypes, research handoff documentation, and launch-ready thinking grounded in both user needs and business realities. As GameStop’s team shared: “The quality of work the senior class put into this project is incredible! Every group presented heaps of valuable research which informed such insightful design decisions for their concepts. The internal teams at GameStop that this class got to partner with had a great time and were thrilled at the opportunity to work with the IxD program. We want to give a big thanks to all the professors and students who put so much energy into making this semester’s project such a success.” - Devin Anderson, Creative Director “Seeing these students go from initial individual research proposals to fully realized prototypes has been incredible. They didn't just design concepts, they poured their hearts and souls into work that bridges real user needs with business impact. That's the kind of design thinking that moves the industry forward.” - Nick Braver, Lead Product Designer For us, this was a special full-circle moment. Devin Anderson, an SMC IxD alum and now GameStop’s Creative Director, returned to create meaningful industry opportunities for the next generation of designers. Beyond grateful. Thank you, GameStop, for giving our students an unforgettable, real-world learning experience. This is hands-on learning. This is SMC IxD.

Another happy GameStop PSA customer screaming all the way from Poland where he’s currently stationed in the United States Army. We did the honors with a grade reveal via FaceTime with his brother. The smiles say it all! RESHIRAM EX GEM MINT 10!!! Thank you for your service, Hank! We’re happy to have assisted you with your grading! ❤️🖤 Bring in your graded cards (PSA 8 or higher) for an on the spot cash or credit offer - Pros get MORE!

Yesterday proved how a viral moment can become a lifeline for kids’ health. GameStop’s “Staplegate” auction—yes, the infamous stapler and staple—raised $250,000 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I had the chance to gather at one of GameStop’s New York stores with Champion families, employees, and the very generous auction winner to see those dollars come full circle: gaming stations, GameStop gift bags, and the simple joy of kids just being kids. To Peter Carlin and the entire GameStop team, thank you for turning a headline into hope. Your year-round point-of-sale fundraising and growing Extra Life involvement are already changing lives at all 170 member hospitals in our network. When community and creativity meet purpose, everybody wins. We’re grateful to keep leveling up this partnership — one power-up, one stapler story, one child at a time.

Three weeks ago, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 took the world by storm — and I’m incredibly grateful to have played a part in bringing that excitement to life! I had the opportunity to lead a major store takeover at the Union Square GameStop in NYC, transforming the space into a Mario Kart World experience. From a full front window decal and backdrop mural to immersive in-store vinyl wraps featuring vibrant artwork — the entire location became a celebration of the Nintendo universe. 👏 Huge thank-you to Mark Goetz who brought this vision to life as our lead art designer. The visual impact of the space wouldn’t have been possible without your creativity and talent! To top it all off, we had a special visit from Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, who stopped by to see the activation in person — a true honor and an unforgettable moment for the entire team! This project wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration of so many amazing people: 🎮 Big thanks to my internal Nintendo colleagues for your creativity and dedication. 🤝 A special shoutout to Tristen Hagey at GameStop — the best partner I could have asked for throughout this activation. 🎉 And to Stephanie Humes, who flawlessly led the event-day experiences like face painting, a live DJ, Mario Kart tournaments, and costume competition — you brought the energy to life! Lastly, a big thank you to the GameStop store team and our NBA team for all the long hours spent setting up and working the event. Your hard work made this a standout success. When two iconic brands come together, the possibilities are powerful. Proud to be part of an industry that creates joy, connection, and unforgettable memories. #NintendoSwitch2 #MarioKartWorld #RetailMarketing