Game Group Confirms Multiple Store Closures
(http://www.edge-online.com/files/imagecache/article_content_360x270/game+group+store+a_3.jpg)
Retailer Game is to close a number of its UK stores in a move that could lead to the loss of 247 jobs.
Confirming a tip we received from a retail source, the company told us it is to shut multiple Game and Gamestation outlets, plus all Game concessions in Debenhams stores. It noted that the affected locations represent "a small percentage of the UK Group", which currently has 682 stores.
The company also said that it plans to seek employment opportunities for all 247 affected workers.
Game's full statement follows.
"We are committed to evolving our business to make sure it operates as efficiently as possible while consistently delivering the high standards of service our customers demand.
"We regularly review our entire store portfolio, including our concessions, to maximise the opportunities to reach customers while also ensuring that the business is running as effectively as possible.
"As a result of this review process, and the tougher market conditions that we face in 2010, we have announced our intention to close 12 Game stores, 6 Gamestation stores, and all 25 of our concessions in Debenhams stores. In each location, we have detailed plans to support the customers and employees.
"The majority of the identified sites are located close to another one of our stores, and we will help each customer affected by a closure to transfer to their nearest store as well as our online offerings.
"We will provide extensive support to the teams in each store. However, with deep regret, we have had to offer redundancy to 247 employees. We will do our utmost to redeploy roles if possible, and have started consulting with all affected employees in the 43 sites.
"We are very focused on supporting our people, and thank them for their continued hard work and understanding."
Seen this coming for a while now & I expect more closures soon too, I know i joked about Gamestation in Chorley closing in a post a few weeks ago but now I could be right :o
SAAAAAAAAALLLLLLEEEEE!!!!! :D
I work in Slough, where there are two Game stores. They've been talking about closing one of them for ages.
There are 2 GAME stores in Bluewater, never understood the reason for that, wonder if one of them will go?
Hope they don't shut down the gamestation by me. It's the only one in about a 10th mile radius of my house!
Quote from: RedMaster11 on February 28, 2010, 06:14:51 PM
I work in Slough, where there are two Game stores. They've been talking about closing one of them for ages.
dude! what you doing! never admit you have anything to do with slough!! ;)
If you think about it there are too many GAME stores about, every high-street seems to have two, In Staines we have three one closing down in about a weeks time but no sales!!!
Quote from: Astrex on February 28, 2010, 07:49:07 PM
dude! what you doing! never admit you have anything to do with slough!! ;)
[/quote]
He works for David Brent :P
Quote from: Astrex on February 28, 2010, 07:49:07 PM
In Staines we have three one closing down in about a weeks time but no sales!!!
[/quote]
I know Staines well.
What happened to the quotes there !!
lol my sister used to work in the building where Office was flimed.
When I said Staines I meant the town and not your bedsheets ;D
Just messing :P
Quote from: Astrex on March 01, 2010, 11:42:42 AM
When I said Staines I meant the town and not your bedsheets ;D
Is there a difference. :P. I remember the old cinema seats, More staines on them than my bedsheet. ;D
I've worked in Staines and Slough,and can understand fully why there near Heathrow.Full of immigrants! :o
Back on subject,we have 2 game stores in Lakeside,2 in Romford,Bluewater as mentioned,Brentwood etc.
What I'm saying is,in a 10 mile radius we have something like 15 game stores.
I still prefer Gamestation though!
I've got 2 near me, one in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester. With the exception of the bonuses with some releases you get I'm not too fussed with them. Gamestation seem to have better offers of the week and I have an independent near me which does well.
They have a loyalty card system that instead of points gives you a game, something like if you buy 6 games worth 29.99 or more then you get one free of your choice!
That's a pretty good loyalty scheme they have, shame GAME doesn't offer anything better than points :(
we have a game and a gamestation quite literally just one shop apart in our shopping centre. i bet they close gamestation so people are forced to buy from game as they are the only gaming shops we have. did i mention rochdale is poo
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on March 03, 2010, 11:44:34 AM
we have a game and a gamestation quite literally just one shop apart in our shopping centre. i bet they close gamestation so people are forced to buy from game as they are the only gaming shops we have. did i mention rochdale is poo
Pretty much the same in Chorley too mate, Game are just around the corner from Gamestation, though both stores are always quite busy so i'm guessing both will stay open, all the indie game shops have long since closed, Woolworths have obviously gone too, they always had some good deals, the only alternative we have is Blockbuster and that isn't really a good one, thank god for online retailers :)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on March 03, 2010, 11:51:16 AM
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on March 03, 2010, 11:44:34 AM
we have a game and a gamestation quite literally just one shop apart in our shopping centre. i bet they close gamestation so people are forced to buy from game as they are the only gaming shops we have. did i mention rochdale is poo
Pretty much the same in Chorley too mate, Game are just around the corner from Gamestation, though both stores are always quite busy so i'm guessing both will stay open, all the indie game shops have long since closed, Woolworths have obviously gone too, they always had some good deals, the only alternative we have is Blockbuster and that isn't really a good one, thank god for online retailers :)
amen to that brother :)
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on March 03, 2010, 11:44:34 AM
we have a game and a gamestation quite literally just one shop apart in our shopping centre. i bet they close gamestation so people are forced to buy from game as they are the only gaming shops we have. did i mention rochdale is poo
That pretty much sounds like the GameStop takeover in the US a few years ago.
5 years ago, the US had GameStop, EBgames, Software Etc., and Babbages. GameStop bought out and ran those left out of business. I wish I had bought stock in GameStop 5 years ago. :D
Game and Gamestation are run by the same company.
Quote from: Failed on March 03, 2010, 07:50:30 PM
Game and Gamestation are run by the same company.
GameStop and EBgames is now run by the same company in the US. They've been slowly phasing out the EBgames name for a few years.
Quote from: Failed on March 03, 2010, 07:50:30 PM
Game and Gamestation are run by the same company.
Electronic Boutique bought out Game in the late 90's then rebranded all their stores as Game, then the company name was changed to Game Group, which is what is still is, Game Group then bought Gamestation in 2007 and continues to run Gamestation under that name.
When EB was around retailers was rubbish, from the service to there prices things was mad!
i get a couple of industry related magazine and news thingies, so if i can be bothered i read a bit about how the businesses are working.
Gamestation is full of highly opinionated staff, i find GAME friendlier and full of people who just love games for what they are. Theres also 2 girls that work there, who actually play games. Which is rare i don't know ANY OTHER girls who play games other than wii fit or LIPS :P :P :P
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get staff discount ;D
Quote from: Astrex on March 04, 2010, 11:02:02 AM
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get chlamydia ;D
FIXED
Quote from: Failed on March 04, 2010, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: Astrex on March 04, 2010, 11:02:02 AM
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get chlamydia ;D
FIXED
LOL! just got rid of that!!
Quote from: Failed on March 04, 2010, 11:12:19 AM
Quote from: Astrex on March 04, 2010, 11:02:02 AM
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get chlamydia ;D
FIXED
I was trying to find a video of a bit I saw where one guy tell another that he wants to name his daughter "Chlamydia". I forget where I saw that.
Unfortunately, internet search results scared me before I could find it. :-\
EDIT: I found it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulmh3A4lkm4). It's from the movie Waiting.
LOL! nice vid ;D
I only have Game near me, And they are useless. Constantly have Pre-owned games more expensive than original copy's. There game knowledge is terrible as well. The two students spend there time standing behind the counter picking there nose, While the manager just directs people to the Wii stand.
The only other place to buy games near me is Extra-Vision. Who do far better deals on their games than Game does, But there staff are even worse, Fatbird constantly readjusting her bra, Spotty kid who can find nothing and the game *expert* who once told me the Xbox was being shelved, So I should wait for Halo2 on the Playstation!!!!!!!
no wonder i astound people with my vast gaming knowledge, it's all down to my degree in kickasslogy
uh huh.....from the university of onelegness!
Quote from: Astrex on March 04, 2010, 09:02:02 AM
When EB was around retailers was rubbish, from the service to there prices things was mad!
I used to work in EB.
Quote from: Astrex on March 04, 2010, 11:02:02 AM
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get staff discount ;D
Ah, sexy Bex. Dude, I've just eaten.
Quote from: Red
Quote from: Rex
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get staff discount ;D
Ah, I've just eaten sexy Bex. Dude
did she enjoy it?
Quote from: Failed on March 04, 2010, 08:28:38 PM
did she enjoy it?
Wait for it ...
(http://i48.tinypic.com/2rpbccp.jpg)
there it is...
think I'm going to make 'Bazinga' my new nickname!
you can't be called bazinga and stud
Bazinga Stud! sounds like Burger King have something new on there menu !! hmmmm whose getting hungry? :P
It's big, it's meaty, it's the Bazinga Stud .... availoable now from Burger King!
The Bazinga Stud gives you meat where you want meat.... in your hearteries. 3lb of pure cow meat, made 100% from cow. 17 rashers of Bacon, a big curly Sausage(sausage may be substituted), a whole Leg of Dog, onion rings and Luke's super secret sauce (sauce may contain salt).
Want meat in your mouth, want your heart to have minor failage? Get the Bazinga Stud inside you NOWWWWW!!!
Quote from: Failed on March 04, 2010, 08:28:38 PM
Quote from: Red
Quote from: Rex
Ahh dude you should see this girl in my local GAME, shes a proper hardcore gamer but she's an annoying fat slob... Have considered bangin it just to get staff discount ;D
Ah, I've just eaten sexy Bex. Dude
did she enjoy it?
Ahhh I just noticed this message!! dude that chick bex is so fat you would need to throw down some flour to find the wet spot!!
And if Red eat that I'm pretty sure we will never see him again.
R.I.P Red 17th July 1947 - March 5th 2010 :'(
Quote from: Failed on March 05, 2010, 10:00:07 AM
It's big, it's meaty, it's the Bazinga Stud .... availoable now from Burger King!
The Bazinga Stud gives you meat where you want meat.... in your hearteries. 3lb of pure cow meat, made 100% from cow. 17 rashers of Bacon, a big curly Sausage(sausage may be substituted), a whole Leg of Dog, onion rings and Luke's super secret sauce (sauce may contain salt).
Want meat in your mouth, want your heart to have minor failage? Get the Bazinga Stud inside you NOWWWWW!!!
LOVE IT! you made it sound lke a new top of the range dildo! ;D
ohhh that's why they call it a Happy Meal :)
Quote from: Failed on March 05, 2010, 10:00:07 AM
It's big, it's meaty, it's the Bazinga Stud .... availoable now from Burger King!
The Bazinga Stud gives you meat where you want meat.... in your hearteries. 3lb of pure cow meat, made 100% from cow. 17 rashers of Bacon, a big curly Sausage(sausage may be substituted), a whole Leg of Dog, onion rings and Luke's super secret sauce (sauce may contain salt).
Want meat in your mouth, want your heart to have minor failage? Get the Bazinga Stud inside you NOWWWWW!!!
Awesome !!!!! Your so random Failed :D :D :D
GAME shutting 35 stores, Gameplay.co.uk
Affected outlets have been notified of closure plans
GAME has announced plans to close 35 stores and its Gameplay.co.uk website.
The affected stores have been notified of their impending closure, and GAME told MCV it has a 'detailed plan to help customers move to another local store or online' and that it'll do its best to redeploy staff wherever possible.
The closures are part of the retailer's formerly announced plans to cut its UK GAME and GameStation outlets from 610 locations to 550 by Christmas 2013.
GAME will shut Gameplay.co.uk, which it acquired in 2004, next week. "So that all of our customers can enjoy the benefits of the new online platform that we launched last year, Gameplay customers will be served through Gamestation.co.uk from March 1st 2012, including customer support for their purchases," said a spokesperson.
"All new orders will be directed through gamestation.co.uk from that date. We're talking to our customers who access our online community through Gameplay about this today, and look forward to welcoming them to the growing community at gamestation.co.uk."
GAME has encountered a number of stock issues since it emerged that the firm was facing credit insurance problems, including being unable to sell Ubisoft's Vita launch titles this week.
I very nearly applied for the manager's position in our local store last year - VERY glad I didn't, I heard on the grape vine they weren't renewing their lease so I guess they're one of the ones to go. The biggest problem is that the stores just aren't performing - on new releases they're often not competitive unless you're relying on trading in a new game soon after release. Then with older titles, they either don't carry much in store unless you're in one of the city branches or you have to shop online - which, if you're shopping online, you have cheaper deals much of the time anyway. Sad really, I really like GAME as a brand - buying my games from a shop that specialises in games is great. Feels a bit misguided of them when you find better offers in Asda or HMV.
What would happen if GAME died? (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-28-what-would-happen-if-game-died)
Haven't GAME stated in the past that they're looking to become more of a online retailer anyway? So surely many of those points raised will become redundant anyway. I don't really have much sympathy for them, they sell many 'Pre-Owned' games at the same price as New at the same cost, minus the 'Online Pass'. I order 99.9% of my games from Shopto anyway, and they always have the so called 'low budget' games stocked.
"Real risk" bosses may pull the plug on GAME, insiders claim
In discussions with legal advisors
GAME's bosses may pull the plug on the embattled high street shop, insiders have claimed.
Directors are considering cutting their losses after GAME failed to secure stock of Mario Party 9 and, crucially, Mass Effect 3.
Indeed GAME will not stock any of EA's planned March releases, including Tiger Woods 13, FIFA Street, and The Sims 3 Showtime.
A source "close to the situation" told The Express: "There is a real risk that GAME's directors will pull the plug because they can't be sure that the company can survive through the next trading season, and then insolvency becomes inevitable.
"They are in discussions with their legal advisers about whether to shut up shop rather than rack up more losses."
GAME could miss out on a potential £7 million in revenue and £2.5 million in profit by not stocking Mass Effect 3, an analyst predicted last week.
Last month GAME managed to convince its syndicate of lenders, led by Royal Bank of Scotland, to relax its debt covenant. But sources "close to the State-owned bank" told The Express it was running out of patience.
"The immediate response from RBS will be to push for more store closures, but the tipping point for the directors and the lending banks will come when the stores don't have products to sell," said an "industry source".
"This could happen if more suppliers follow suit."
Another source added: "RBS will be looking for the best way to secure its position or improve it. Suppliers pulling their products is a stepping stone to administration, but the problem for RBS pulling the plug is that it will be an expensive and complex administration because Game has 1274 stores across Europe and Australia.
"Lending banks will only want to consider a pre-pack administration, where there is a pre-arranged buyer, but who would want to buy GAME?"
RBS declined to comment on the report.
GAME Group was last week forced to issue a note to shareholders in an attempt to calm concern over its ability to stock new games.
Its current stock issue with EA is "temporary", and both parties are working to make sure it doesn't happen again, GAME said.
GAME added: "As part of the strategic plan development process which it announced on February 3, the Group has been working closely with its suppliers, as well as other stakeholders. In particular, the Group has been discussing with its suppliers the level of support and engagement it needs from them over the coming months. There have, during that process, been isolated instances where it has not been possible to agree launch plans for individual game titles."
US retail giant GameStop is thought to be poised to make a bid for GAME (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-02-29-gamestop-wants-to-buy-game-report), particularly its UK and Spanish business.
f*ck GAME. I went in on Friday to buy SSX and show a little bit of compassion, all their staff were complete dicks so I walked out. Ordered it from ShopTo instead.
Quote from: Jurassic Parky on March 05, 2012, 04:29:25 PM
f*ck GAME. I went in on Friday to buy SSX and show a little bit of compassion, all their staff were complete dicks so I walked out. Ordered it from ShopTo instead.
Good man :)
Now GAME Won't Be Stocking Street Fighter X Tekken or Asura's Wrath
UK retailer GAME Group has taken another hit to prospective sales following "supply issues" that have prevented stores from stocking Mass Effect 3 when it launches this Friday. This time GAME and Gamestation stores will no longer be stocking Street Fighter X Tekken or Asura's Wrath, which essentially means that the chain will have none of the week's major UK releases available.
"Unfortunately Capcom must confirm that Street Fighter x Tekken for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and Asura's Wrath, both scheduled for release on Friday March 9, will not be stocked by GAME or Gamestation either in their retail outlets or on their online stores operating in the UK and Ireland," Capcom revealed to Eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-05-game-wont-stock-street-fighter-x-tekken-asuras-wrath) via a statement. "Capcom wants to reassure its consumers that both these titles, including the Special Edition of Street Fighter X Tekken, will be available at a wide variety of retailers across the UK and Ireland."
Capcom suggests that you try HMV, Play, Amazon, ShopTo, The Hut, or "leading independent stockists as well as supermarket chains" if you're looking to secure a copy of either game. If you've pre-ordered SFxTK or Asura's Wrath at GAME or Gamestation meanwhile, don't despair, as you can get a full refund.
"For those consumers who have already placed a deposit for a pre-order for any of these titles then a full refund will be available - please contact your local GAME or Gamestation shop or visit the online stores," Capcom's statement continued.
A decision is also being made as to whether GAME Group stores will be able to stock Capcom's next big release, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. "At present no decision has been made as to whether Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, scheduled for release on PS3 & Xbox 360 on March 23 and PC on May 18 will be available to purchase from GAME/Gamestation," said Capcom. "As soon as a decision is made we will communicate it."
The end is nigh!!!!
I remember when Woolworths went under and I've working in stores that are in administration, prepare for some good deals if it does go under.
GAME put up for sale (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/339559/game-puts-itself-up-for-sale-report/)
GAME not stocking Ninja Gaiden 3 (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-13-game-wont-stock-ninja-gaiden-3-or-warriors-orochi-3)
The also won't be stocking Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City:
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-13-game-wont-stock-resident-evil-operation-raccoon-city
The end is nigh indeed!
Quote from: Windedprism on March 13, 2012, 03:24:59 PM
The end is nigh indeed!
Yep, read somewhere earlier that they have enough funding to stay open for 3 more weeks and if a buyer doesn't step in that'll be that!
If anybody has vouchers lying around, I'd use em now while you can!!!!
Rumour: Walmart in talks to buy GAME (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/339993/walmart-in-talks-to-buy-game-rumour/)
Shopping next week, a few bargains might be on the way!!!
Hold on Walmart own Asda right?
I shop in Asda and Game Enniskillen, so if walmart own both, it would be win/win, I think!
At least if Walmart did buy it, the stores would get a much needed bit of attention. Game outside of the bigger stores is just antiquated. HMV is a much nicer shop.
..though, c'mon, let's be honest. We all just go to whoever has the game we want for cheapz. :D
GAME will die this week without £180m rescue - Report
Retailer faces Armageddon this weekend without buyout, claims Sunday Times
GAME Group will go into administration this week if it doesn't secure £180 million to pay its creditors, according to The Sunday Times.
The specialist retailer, which has been the subject of multiple doomsday reports over the past few weeks, reportedly has a £21m rent payment due on Sunday, more than £10m owed in deferred VAT, £40m owed to video game suppliers and a £12m wage bill shortly requiring payment.
Any potential investor in the company would have to pay the firm's six banks - including Royal Bank of Scotland - £100m, as well as the above mentioned debt, reports MCV.
Both US giant Walmart and Comet owner OpCapita have reportedly tabled offers for the company, though lenders are said to be sceptical that the latter has the means to rescue the firm.
In recent weeks GAME has lost the support of Nintendo, EA, Sega, Capcom, Tecmo Koei, Microsoft and Activision, meaning it hasn't been able to offer recent releases such as Mass Effect 3, Street Fighter X Tekken and FIFA Street, and won't be stocking upcoming games including Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Kinect Star Wars.
The retailer said in a statement last week: "The Board of GAME is working actively to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. This includes ongoing discussions with suppliers, seeking access to the original facility or alternative sources of funding, and reviewing the position of all of its assets in the UK and international territories.
"It is uncertain whether any of the solutions currently being explored by the Board will be successful or will result in any value being attributed to the shares of the Company."
Wow that's grim.
GAME could resurrect as new company - without Gamestation (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/340763/game-could-resurrect-as-new-company-without-gamestation/)
GAME officially files for administration (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/340810/game-officially-files-for-administration/)
Went into my local store today to see if I could find any bargains, most stuff was still full price. :(
I did the same yesterday, give it a week or so!
Loads of bargains in my local Gamestation, new releases are still full price but pretty much everything else is on sale and in the two or so weeks they've got left i'd expect even bigger sales.
I always thought Game was owned by Gamestop. Weird.
Today GAME have suspended the use of Reward Cards (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-26-game-suspends-use-of-reward-cards-and-gift-cards-cancels-refunds-and-exchanges) and closed a bunch of shops (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-26-game-administrators-close-277-stores-make-over-2000-redundant)!
GAME administration to end tomorrow with RBS as buyer - report
The Royal Bank of Scotland will buy GAME out of administration - and it could happen as soon as tomorrow, a new report has declared.
UK trade publication MCV heard the news from "multiple sources".
RBS, which led GAME's money lending syndicate, had been tipped by national press as the favourite to acquire GAME.
But should the report run true, questions will be asked about RBS' rumoured block to a bid made by Comet's parent company OpCapita for GAME last week.
GAME entered administration days ago. Administrators PwC shut 277 stores and revealed plans to let go 2014 staff by the end of the week.
In Ireland, a sit-in protest was held by GAME staff worried about redundancy pay.
Should RBS buy GAME out of administration tomorrow, the business may not necessarily return to life as it once was. The terms of the deal could yet be brutal.
A failed business buying a failed business, awesome!
GAME's administrators are now allowing the use of rewards cards but only against pre-owned stock.
RBS is around 4/5ths owned by British Taxpayers. So does that mean we get discount on GAME products?! sh*t hot!
Quote from: BackupLight on March 29, 2012, 02:01:54 PM
RBS is around 4/5ths owned by British Taxpayers. So does that mean we get discount on GAME products?! sh*t hot!
That's about as likely as Steven Seagal winning an Oscar! :)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on March 29, 2012, 02:46:52 PM
That's about as likely as Steven Seagal winning an Oscar! :)
Worlds greatest travesty, I mean, Under Siege, Really.
Gamestation in my hometown has now closed and transferred all stock to the nearby Game, streamlining has begun.
This news broke yesterday morning so a lot of people thinks it's an April Fool though quite a few sites mentioned this on Saturday too.
Confirmed: GAME saved
"No plans" for further store closures, says new owner
Administrator PwC has confirmed OpCapita's purchase of GAME UK.
Baker Acquisitions Limited, an entity advised by private investment company OpCapita, has picked up GAME's UK assets, including all 333 UK GAME and Gamestation stores that remained open during administration.
The acquisition brings the UK business out of administration, which it has been in since last Monday. Baker said today it will provide GAME with "the capital it needs to trade on a normalised basis", and that the jobs of nearly 3200 GAME employees have been saved.
Baker will also seek to re-employ a "small number" of staff who previously worked at GAME's head office but were made redundant last week. There are "no plans" for any further store closures, it said.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but media reports indicated GAME UK was bought for a nominal £1 fee. The cost comes from paying off the £85 million debt owed to GAME Group's syndicate of lenders, led by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
OpCapita managing partner Henry Jackson said: "We are pleased to have reached agreement with the Administrator. We strongly believe there is a place on the high street for a video gaming specialist and GAME is the leading brand in a £2.8 billion market in the UK.
"We have assembled a strong team of experienced industry operators to implement the programme of operational change that is needed. There is a huge amount to do but we look forward to the challenge of restoring GAME's fortunes in partnership with its employees and suppliers."
PwC partner Mike Jervis added: "We are delighted to be able to secure this business sale and provide some much needed stability for customers, suppliers and employees alike in these uncertain times. The support of these stakeholders has been crucial over the last week and I would like to thank them for their support throughout this difficult period.
"This means that the GAME brand will not be another one of the retail names disappearing from the high street in the current difficult climate."
I really hope this means they can inject some life into the brand. Still fail to be encouraged to shop at GAME unless they have some odd release on the cheap - which is rare. Last game I bought from them was the crazy good deal they did on Skyrim at Christmas. Other than that, they're kind of meh.
Tesco Goes For GAME's Throat
Tesco stores, the self-named 'home of gaming', obviously doesn't mind kicking an enemy while it's down.
With GAME having been bought and it's remaining 333 stores now staying open Tesco has slashed it's gaming prices across the board.
Mass Effect 3 and SSX come in at only £24.91, a price that GAME will never be able to match and Tesco know this. It doesn't stop there with Saints Row: The Third and Street Fighter X Tekken both selling for just £21.91.
Mario and Sonic at the Olympics for the Wii is just £19.91, just in time for the British Olympic Games. You can also pre-order Max Payne 3 and Prototype 2 for just £37.91.
After the news last week of GAME's financial troubles, Tesco slyly hit the flailing company with a cheap shot by saying that they have "the largest number of game stores in the UK".
Sainsburys and Asda are also getting on in the action slashing countless video game prices.
It's like a pride of Lions settling down to a recently killed Zebra. Can GAME revive itself with such cut-throat competition, or is it just putting off the inevitable?
Tesco selling a few big games cheap but everything else (10/15 other titles) will be full price, hardly going for GAME's throats.
Gamestation were selling SR3 for £17.99 not long after release, Tesco selling it a higher price nearly 5 months later isn't much to shout about either!
This story still rolls on!
End of an era: Gamestation rebranded as GAME
Game Retail has announced today that all its stores will now operate under one brand â€" GAME.
MCV understands that an announcement was made during the GAME Conference today.
It means an end to the firm’s dual-brand identity. It has operated both GAME and Gamestation stores since it acquired the latter chain from Blockbuster in 2007.
It follows comments made to MCV last week from CEO Martyn Gibbs, who said the company is researching what gamers ‘want from a specialist.’
Gamestation was formed in 1993 in York and by 2002 had 63 stores. It was then sold to Blockbuster who aggressively rolled-out stores until the brand had almost 240 on the High Street. GAME then acquired Gamestation in 2007, with the store’
MCV will reveal more on the new changes happening at Game Retail over the coming days.