British video game retailer GAME reportedly stops stocking video games

Update: In a statement provided to Eurogamer, British video game retailer GAME quickly denied reports that it was considering stopping stocking video games in its physical stores. It reads: “This information is categorically false. GAME continues to support the physical gaming market, offering a wide range of physical games, hardware, software, accessories and digital gift cards, in-store and online. line.”

Original story: Boxed copies of video games are available and even more shelves full of Funko Pops are apparently on the way, as a new report claims that British retailer GAME will stop stocking video games. Sources speaking to esports store Gfinity say stores will only offer games and hardware via pre-orders instead of allowing customers to browse its inventory in-store.

Gfinity’s interlocutors would be disappointed by this decision because it destroys the “identity” of the channel. This would be another step backwards from the physical video game market for the chain, which recently stopped accepting used software and will soon eliminate its rewards program. If this decision turns out to be true and comes to fruition, it would mean that customers would only have reason to walk into the store to pre-order a game they already know they want in advance, then pick it up on the date Release.

Physical GAME stores have already become a bit rare over the years, as many individual stores have been closed in favor of space within larger Sports Direct outlets, with both brands being governed by former Newcastle owner United, Mike Ashley. The move will push consumers online – where there are many much cheaper options – or towards PS Store for a digital copy.

These days, video game purchases are already heavily skewed towards digital versions in general, and in the UK this preference is likely to grow even further. This could soon become the case where CEX will be the only mainstream outlet offering video games, and even then the company is offering used products rather than new releases. There are also a few independent stores, but they generally have a more retro orientation.

What is your opinion on this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.