UK online game retailer GAME has denied claims that it’ll cease promoting bodily video video games and gaming {hardware} at its shops.
There was confusion and shock this morning as studies said the UK’s largest bodily online game retailer GAME (owned by Frasers Group) would quickly cease promoting bodily video games.
Gfinity eSports reported in the present day (24 June) that insiders claimed that shortly, bodily gaming {hardware} and software program will solely be obtainable as preorders, with residence supply incurring an additional price.
These studies appear to be incorrect, nevertheless. GAME has since categorically denied the claims in statements to varied retailers.
In a statement to Eurogamer, a GAME spokesperson mentioned, “This reporting is categorically not true. GAME continues to help the bodily gaming market, providing a variety of bodily video games, {hardware}, software program, equipment and digital reward playing cards, in shops and on-line.”
The web response to the preliminary report confirms that there’s nonetheless a marketplace for a bodily sport retailer. “It’s all a bit unhappy, actually. Like music, simply downloading video games makes it simpler than ever, nevertheless it feels much less enjoyable,” mentioned one Reddit consumer.
Different customers reminisced about their fond reminiscences of buying new video games. “Yeah the sensation while you went out to city to choose up a brand new sport and then you definately’d learn the guide on the best way residence, felt so thrilling,” mentioned one other Reddit poster.
GAME’s troubled current historical past
Because of the recognition and proliferation of digital gaming marketplaces like Steam and Epic Video games, and subscription companies like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Sport Cross, GAME has needed to diversify its choices to remain related in recent times, increasing into toys, merchandise, and board video games.
After unsuccessfully managing to maintain aggressive alongside CeX and eBay, GAME discontinued pre-owned games and trade-ins earlier this yr. They’re additionally discontinuing their reward scheme, GAME Elite.
Nevertheless, their sturdy refutation mixed with disappointment from followers on-line upon listening to the information means that they’ll proceed to serve native excessive streets in the meanwhile.
GAME has been contacted for remark.
Featured picture credit score: GAME