GAME Go into Administration, Some Stores Already Shut

GAME have today announced they have entered administration, in a sad day for gaming stores will begin closing their doors today.

300 of the 609 GAME and GameStation UK stores are expected to shut their doors immediately, with more following if a buyer cannot be found. Currently both GAME and GameStation websites are “down for maintenance”, gift cards and reward points have also been suspended. A list of stores that have already closed can be found at MCV.

It is a terrible day for the UK’s games industry, as it seems the high-street will lose its major dedicated games retailer. Hardcore gamers may not be the biggest fans of GAME but the impact it had on sales is undeniable. Mass Effect 3 sales figures were reportedly lower than expected in UK, undoubtedly due to GAME’s inability to stock the title.

Many people are still not comfortable with buying online, without a large retail presence overall sales could see a sharp decline. Having the ability to go hands-on with the recently released PSVita, would have definitely encouraged many people to buy it who were otherwise on the fence. The message this sends out in regards to the state of gaming as a whole is also poor.

We can only hope a buyer can be found and GAME in some form can be saved. For now though from everyone at GodisaGeek our thoughts go out to all those who have lost their jobs.