GameZnFlix
| File:Gameznflix-Logo.png | |
| Company type | Public (OTCBB) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rental |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Fate | Ceased operations 2008 |
| Headquarters | Franklin, Kentucky |
Key people | John F. Fleming, CEO/President |
| Products | DVD-by-mail |
| Revenue |  US$931,000 (2008) |
| US$-1.1 million (2008) | |
Number of employees | 1 (2008) |
| Website | www.gameznflix.comTemplate:Fix/category[dead link] |
GameZnFlix was a subscription-based DVD-by-mail service in the United States, providing flat-rate rentals of both home videos and video games. On September 6, 2007, the company executed a 1:1000 reverse split of its shares and updated its ticker symbol from "GZFX" to "GMZN." The website was taken offline by November 2008.
The service functioned similarly to other DVD-by-mail providers like Netflix, but distinguished itself by offering rentals of both films and video games, thereby also competing with game-focused platforms such as GameFly. Subscribers had the option to purchase select DVDs or games at discounted rates if they wished to keep them. Additionally, GameZnFlix operated as a conventional online retailer, selling new DVDs and video games.
Circuit City, which has since ceased operations, promoted one-month prepaid GameZnFlix subscriptions for new users and sold gift certificates that customers could send to acquaintances.
Rental offerings and memberships
GameZnFlix’s rental catalog included video games compatible with the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii consoles. The company did not support cartridge-based gaming systems such as the Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS.
The service provided three subscription tiers allowing customers to rent either 1, 2, or 3 movies or games simultaneously. Each plan featured an unlimited rental model. Most plans offered a 14-day trial period with access to a limited selection of titles.
Military personnel in the United States were eligible for approximately a 10% discount on subscription fees. GameZnFlix also facilitated shipping to overseas military installations via the APO/FPO military postal system.
Financials
Based on the most recent SEC filings available, GameZnFlix ceased its video rental operations in November 2008. The filings indicate that the company intended to pursue alternative business opportunities for acquisition. In 2008, the company reported net losses amounting to $1.1 million on revenues of $931,000, compared to losses exceeding $10 million on revenues of $3.6 million in 2007.
Distribution centers
According to the 2007 Annual Report from GameZnFlix, the company operated distribution warehouses located in Colorado and Kentucky to serve its customer base.
Marketing
Between February 2004 and the 2005 Super Bowl, GameZnFlix ran a television advertising campaign that included appearances by actor Ben Curtis, widely recognized as "The Dell Dude" from Dell, Inc. commercials.
A pilot marketing initiative with electronics retailer Circuit City ran from November 2005 through March 2006 and was subsequently expanded into a comprehensive co-marketing partnership. This agreement enabled all U.S. Circuit City stores to offer prepaid subscriptions along with various promotional activities such as flyers and online campaigns. By December 2006, every store was participating in this program.
Throughout 2006, GameZnFlix sponsored a bicycle racing team competing in Tennessee and supported multiple watercraft competitions across the United States. The company increased its presence in Internet advertising through partnerships with Internet service providers and launched an affiliate program. Additionally, GameZnFlix collaborated with McDonald's and ClickCaster for a nationwide promotional tour featuring tour buses, competitive events for Ridge Racer 6, outdoor movie screenings, and other community activities. Other partnerships included Circuit City outlets, ClickCaster live broadcasts from event sites, and charitable contributions benefiting the Ronald McDonald House along with other local organizations.
Legal proceedings
Per the GameZnFlix 2008 Annual Report – Item 3. Legal Proceedings:
- On February 8, 2008, a lawsuit was initiated in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania titled Mobile Satellite Communications v. GameZnFlix, Inc. et al. The plaintiff alleges damages resulting from the termination of an agreement regarding leased television channels by GNF Entertainment, LLC. A judgment awarding $350,000 was granted in favor of the plaintiff.
- On February 28, 2008, CNET Networks, Inc filed suit against GameZnFlix, Inc., operating as GameZnFlix.com, in Simpson Circuit Court, Franklin, Kentucky. The claim involved unpaid fees totaling $96,000 for online advertising services requested by GameZnFlix. A judgment of $67,038 was awarded to the plaintiff.
- On July 17, 2008, Ingram Entertainment, Inc. initiated legal action against John Fleming doing business as GameZnFlix, Inc., also in Simpson Circuit Court, Franklin, Kentucky. The plaintiff asserted damages related to unpaid purchases made in 2007 amounting to $45,040 (~$Template:Format price adjusted for inflation). On November 24, 2008, a judgment was issued for $45,940 (~$Template:Format price adjusted for inflation) plus interest accruing until full payment is made.
Name change
Approximately eight months following the unexpected closure of its DVD and game rental platform, GameznFlix revealed a corporate rebranding to TBC Global News Network, Inc., alongside updating its stock ticker to TGLN. This transition signifies a strategic pivot from its original Online Video Rental operations toward establishing itself as a media entity dedicated to delivering news and insights focused on the lesser-known segments of American business, particularly the secondary and tertiary tiers.
According to CEO John Fleming, "The market is already well served by outlets such as CNBC, Fox Business Network, and Bloomberg when it comes to Fortune 500 companies. Our objective is to spotlight businesses that typically receive minimal attention—those listed on NASDAQ Small Cap, OTCBB, Pink Sheets, as well as select private companies that are not publicly traded."
In October 2015, the corporation underwent another renaming, adopting the title InCapta Inc with the stock symbol INCT.