Game and Gamestation saved from administration

[Scarlett.]

Struggling video games retailer GAME Group will not be stocking the highly-anticipated Mass Effect 3 when it is released next week due to a "supply issue".

Eurogamer found that the retailer, which includes the GAME and Gamestation stores, will not offer any EA games in March beyond snowboarding title SSX.

Staff at the chain alerted the games website to the situation after a company-wide memo was sent this morning, revealing that FIFA Street 3, Tiger Woods 13 and Sims 3 Showtime will also not be stocked at GAME Group stores.

GAME said that anyone who pre-ordered Mass Effect 3 should place a fresh order for the game at another retailer, such as Amazon, Play, Zavvi and ShopTo. Those who placed a deposit for the pre-order at a GAME store should contact their local retailer.

in a statement issued following publication of Eurogamer's original report, GAME said that a "supply issue" was behind the decision not to stock Mass Effect 3.

"We currently have a supply issue with regards to Mass Effect 3, which means that GAME and gamestation will not be able to fulfil orders for Mass Effect 3 at this time," said the firm.

"We want to give customers as much notice about this as possible and provide them with a range of options ahead of launch.

"We appreciate that this is disappointing for our customers, and we apologise sincerely for the inconvenience that this will cause."

Anyone who pre-ordered Mass Effect 3 at a GAME store will be offered a "gesture of goodwill" - £5 worth of Rewards points to their card if they visit before March 16.

Customers who placed a deposit for the pre-order will be refunded in store credit, and also offered the £5 in points. Anyone who pre-ordered online will get an online voucher to the value of £5 that can used on any GAME websites.

HMV has confirmed that it will be stocking Mass Effect 3 as planned.

Digi Spy

[Shaun]

:o :( not Game AND Gamestation...

[Kate!]

They are the only two places to get games from in our town, oh apart from HMV, so I sincerely hope they don't go under. My son is games mad and goes there regularly.

[Kizzy]

I think most people order from amazon now, they never have anything in stock at game. My lad likes skylanders, they sold out and never got them back in.

[Scarlett.]

This isn't the first time they've done this, recently they didn't have Ubisoft Vita games on release.

I'm willing to bet American game store Gamestop will buy Game Group out, they've been itching to get into the UK for years, hell they even tried to buy Woolworths when it was going under.

[Locke.]

Only other game shop I know of around here is some newish one, think it's called Grainger Games

[Brother Leon]

I got my PS3 and my recent games from there :(

HMV are a rip off.

[Scarlett.]

They've been ****ing over publishers/developers waaay to long by selling preowned games

(In case you don't know, when you buy a pre-owned game, NO money goes to the creators, and all goes into Game's pocket)

[Scarlett.]

More news

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gamelife/2010/01/last-story-660.jpg

The Last Story won't be sold at GAME, it has been revealed.

Pre-orders both in store and online have been cancelled one day before it was due to go on sale, according to Eurogamer.

"There is a lot activity going on in our stores and online this weekend including the releases of Syndicate: Executive Edition, Jak & Daxter Collection, Zumba Fitness Rush, Binary Domain, and Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition," a GAME spokesperson told Digital Spy.

"The Last Story, for the Wii, is not in stock and we have apologised to any customers this has affected."

Customers are invited to return to stores to collect their refunded deposits, while the game's listing has been removed from GAME's website.

GAME had previously cancelled pre-orders for The Last Story's special edition, downgrading them to standard versions.

It is the latest in a series of problems for GAME. Earlier today, it announced 35 store closures and that it is going to shut sister website gameplay.co.uk.

GAME recently received lender support to alleviate financial troubles following apparent concern by publisher EA.

The high street retailer's shares plummeted by 90% in 2011, despite £1 billion in annual turnover.

The Last Story is a Wii exclusive role-playing game created by Mistwalker and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy.

It has recently been confirmed for release in North America.

[Shaun]

-only buys preowned games :evilgrin:-

No I did buy Assassins Creed and Mortal Kombat new.

[arista]

To many stores can not make the money they need.

A buyer could buy them , strim it down.

Amazon UK would be good, if they took over to Become Amazon stores
as then you could also collect Stock sent to you.

[Scarlett.]

-only buys preowned games :evilgrin:-

No I did buy Assassins Creed and Mortal Kombat new.

I used to be preowned a lot, but when I found out that it basically rips off the original creator, I stopped.

[arista]

I got my PS3 and my recent games from there :(

HMV are a rip off.


Yes Amazon and Play.com
are the best.


HMV stores are not able to match Online prices

[Scarlett.]

Yes Amazon and Play.com
are the best.


HMV stores are not able to match Online prices

Shopto are also decent, they promise to deliver for the release day, if they fail, they give your credit to spend on the site

[Scarlett.]

MORE news

It's emerged today that UK retailer GAME will not be stocking Mario Party 9 when it's released this coming Friday. In a Nintendo statement GAME and Gamestation, which are both part of GAME Group plc., were omitted from a list of retailers where the title will be available.

At the current time the retail group doesn't have a running supply agreement with Nintendo, meaning that distribution is being negotiated on a game-by-game basis. The retailer's websites aren't currently listing the game either, meaning that this issue applies to the high street and online stores. Recent titles distributed by Nintendo, The Last Story and Tekken 3D Prime Edition, were also excluded from GAME stores.

GAME's supply problems stem from its recent credit troubles, which forced the chain to purchase stock with cash rather than credit. This has understandably curtailed its usual buying power, and recent talks with suppliers and distributors haven't been able to secure positive agreements: GAME is not stocking Mass Effect 3 or any other EA titles for March.

With all future Nintendo titles being negotiated on an individual basis it remains to be seen whether key upcoming titles such as Kid Icarus: Uprising will find their way to GAME shelves.

Nintendo Life

[Tom4784]

It'll be the end of GAME I think but I can see Gamestation being bought by somebody. I just buy most of my stuff online though nowadays, can't think of the last time I bought a game from a shop.

[Scarlett.]

I reckon Gamestop will buy Gamestation

[Scarlett.]

Shares have hit an all time low it seems
http://i43.tinypic.com/346kz78.jpg

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

qfNmyxV2Ncw

[Scarlett.]

More graphs, because bitches love graphs. Total share history
http://i44.tinypic.com/21alnqe.jpg

[michael21]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/money/4162568/Game-group-in-crisis-as-supplier-pulls-plug.html

GAME GROUP plunged into crisis today as one of the biggest video game makers in the world stopped supplying the high street chain.

A memo revealed Game and Electronic Arts had fallen out over "credit terms".

It means Game will no longer receive Mass Effect 3, the largest game of the year so far, or other March releases.

The row means Game may also miss out on Mario Party 9, and FIFA 13.

Game earlier this month struck a deal with banks to avoid breaching the terms of its loans.

But today's blow will send thousands of customers into the open arms of rivals such as Amazon and the supermarkets.

Shares crashed 12 per cent to just 5p.

The memo, written by Tom Devine, group channel director, shows EA refused to amend its credit terms to give Game a big enough profits margin.

It says: "Last week we held an industry event for our partners in the industry and explained the challenges we are facing in the short-term — and we asked for their support.

"We asked them to trade with us using manageable credit terms, and for them to continue to do that whilst we work through the strategic review and re-financing our business.

"We gave the industry commitments — we committed to integrity and openness in our dealings, and working with everyone equally.

"We committed to only stocking products on which we could get the right credit terms, regardless of the title or the supplier.

"We will not stock products if their terms are not right for our business — we will not sacrifice long-term credit requirements for short-term sales opportunities.

"As a result of us taking this position — a position that we believe is critical to our long-term health as a business — we have taken the very difficult decision not to stock EA's March releases."

Game insisted it was confident the dispute would be "short-term".

In an official statement, Game said those who had paid a deposit for Mass Effect would get a refund — as well as £5-worth of reward points.


:dance::dance::dance:

[Scarlett.]

GAME share prices have fallen by 15% following the withdrawal of future Electronic Arts releases.

Shares for the retail group, which includes GAME and gamestation, opened at 5.57p this morning, climbed to 5.98p, before plunging to as little as 4.89p, reports MCV.

Currently valued at 5p per share, the prices plummeted after it was revealed that future EA titles would not be stocked beyond this week's SSX release.

US retailer GameStop, meanwhile, has expressed interest in purchasing GAME, but does not want to take over its Australian stores.

Following a $3bn Christmas trading period, the retail giant is reportedly interested in moving into UK and Spanish regions, despite recently closing stores in Portugal and Northern Ireland.

It was previously linked with a move to take over the now defunct high street chain Woolworths in 2008.

Earlier this month, GAME announced 35 store closures and said that it is going to shut sister website gameplay.co.uk.

GAME recently received lender support to alleviate financial troubles following apparent concern by publisher EA.

The high street retailer's shares plummeted by 90% in 2011, despite £1 billion in annual turnover.

[Niall]

Game overcharge most of the time anyways. It's terrible the way they jack up their prices.

Quite shocked to hear they're in such a state tho.

[Samuel.]

This is awful :( I love Gamestation, that's where practically every game I've bought in like the last 3 years has been from.

[arista]

Game overcharge most of the time anyways. It's terribkenthe way they jack up their prices.

Quite shocked to hear they're in such a state tho.



They have been on the Edge
for some years.

But New games are soon Out
and if they can not Fund the Supply
then they are the Alone Dead Store
its their own fault.

[michael21]

is there a link that stay game are going under or being brought out :suspect:

[Scarlett.]

Fallen even lower today
http://i43.tinypic.com/2ivfzlt.jpg

[King Gizzard]

Internet shopping is killing everything

[Patrick]

What a Joke.

Everyone here buys their games from GAME, no one even goes to silly Game Stop - that's seen as 'The crappy store at the back of town that sells old games'

I refuse to buy my Games from that little dump, instead of the almighty Game.

[King Gizzard]

I buy nearly everything from amazon, haven't been to a game for ages

shops are dearer

[Patrick]

Quite shocked to hear they're in such a state tho.

This.
They're always packed when I pass :sad:

[Patrick]

LOL! Someone just told me on Facebook there, that the Game Stop in Belfast has shut down recently - due to lack of business.

So I'm pretty ******ed, I'll have to go to HMV for my games, and we all know they stock games about 4 months after release.

[Samuel.]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-03-05-game-wont-stock-street-fighter-x-tekken-asuras-wrath

Not looking good.

[Scarlett.]

Considering this was the headline earlier, doesnt look good at all

Video retailer GAME has been in the headlines a lot lately as its fortunes continue to slide in the tough financial conditions many are currently experiencing. Now today there are reports that the retailer may even stop trading soon as company directors consider the next move for the embattled chain.

Only recently we told you that the GAME stores would not be stocking the latest blockbuster games from EA, which included titles such as Mass Effect 3. Sources have told the Express that directors of the company are thinking about pulling “the plug”, after EA and Nintendo stopped supplying the chain.

The source is claiming that directors from the company are unsure if the retailer can continue “through the next trading season”, and then face insolvency. Discussions are rumored to be taking place with legal experts to see if it would be better to call it a day or build up even bigger losses.

Only recently the group secured a deal to relieve its debt conditions with its creditors let by the Royal Bank of Scotland. But it is believed the banks patience is now running thin, and the fact that stores may not have much to offer consumers in regards to the latest titles, could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

But if RBS was to decide to close the operation it won’t come cheaply as the chain has 1,274 branches across Australia and Europe. It is thought creditors would only agree to a ‘pre-pack administration’, which allows a pre-arranged suitor to buy the business as a whole. There have been whispers recently that GameStop might be interested in snapping up the troubled chain.

The retailer has already started proceedings to close sixty stores, and may even cut back its overseas operations. Retailers in the UK have been struggling for the last few years with a number of household names falling by the wayside since 2008. Only recently we told you the gaming industry as a whole was feeling the affect of the credit crunch, with a number of big game titles not selling as well as expected.

http://www.product-reviews.net/2012/03/05/game-may-stop-trading-soon/

[King Gizzard]

Is gamestation still around, we have one game, one gamestation here (well, the last time I looked)

[Samuel.]

Is gamestation still around, we have one game, one gamestation here (well, the last time I looked)

Yeah, Gamestation is owned by GAME.

[King Gizzard]

Oh :suspect: Bit random that we have both of them here then

[Samuel.]

This is depressing. I hope Gamestop buy them out or something.

Though tbh, we're not far off everything being digital anyway.

[Ramsay]

Havent bought a game from a shop in i dunno how long but i'd be sad to see GAME go..i used to buy games from there whenever i was in dublin or galway

[Angus]

My son works for Gamestation and the latest news he had yesterday was that Capcom have also pulled out of their distribution deal with the company. He's now just waiting to see if he still has a job at the end of this month. It's truly depressing as it would be the second time he's been made redundant in three years!

I blame all this on overpricing and over saturation of the games market in the high street, with some small towns like Croydon having two Game and two Gamestation shops (essentially the same store) within spitting distance of each other, in competition with other computer games stores. You can also hardly blame people for buying on the internet where prices can be anything between £10-20 cheaper than buying on the high street. Another beef seems to be with their pre-owned games business which of course delivers a profit for the company but not for the distributors.

[arista]

"Discussions are rumored to be taking place with legal experts to see if it would be better to call it a day or build up even bigger losses."

Chewy thats no way to think.
They need a buyer that can save some stores.
Name Change so they can Delete the Debt of Game.


Or some other Plan.

[arista]

Internet shopping is killing everything

No its not

John Lewis match Internet Deals to get your deal
Thats the way to do it.


And with John Lewis
they give you a Auto 5 Year Guarantee
on mamy items.

Thats the Proper way to Trade

[Samuel.]

I love their pre-owned games business. Sure, you could probably sell it through eBay for a better deal, but it's way faster. I go into my local Gamestation often to trade in, say, 5 games I've finished and done with, and more often than not I walk out with another 3 or 4 games to play, or something brand new and some leftover store credit.

[Novo]

Luckily i buy most of my games from the Market the guy there always does amazing deals and stocks up on new games and sells them for £20-25 instead of £40, sounds dodgy but i don't care, he's got a massive retro collection as well, brought the original dreamcast from him once with about 15 games for £12

[Samuel.]

They've cut a few prices online. I've bought Gears 3, Bulletstorm and Prince of Persia for £17.94. It's worth having a look.

[Josy]

I was in a game store today and they were selling lots of games for 49p and 98p

[michael21]

I was in a game store today and they were selling lots of games for 49p and 98p

F me i going to my local game store tomorrow :devil:

[Tom4784]

Yeah their prices have all been slashed, I ordered L.A Noir yesterday for £7.

It's a shame Gamestation is gonna sink with GAME as I think it's the better shop. If I was in charge I'd let GAME die and focus my efforts on relaunching Gamestation.

[Scarlett.]

Game to go into administration within weeks (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a370355/game-management-told-to-prepare-for-administration-within-weeks.html)

[michael21]

Game to go into administration within weeks (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a370355/game-management-told-to-prepare-for-administration-within-weeks.html)

:dance2::dance2::dance2:

[Patrick]

Sad times.

[Niall]

Am I the only one who hates GAME or

[Kizzy]

Soon high streets will solely consist of charity shops (due to reduced rents) pawn shops and bright house where those on benefits can buy a 50in telly at 500% interest...

[Scarlett.]

I'm not sad to see them go

1. They treat their staff like ****
2. They treat their suppliers like ****
3. They treat their customers like ****
4. "Oh you want to buy this, would you also like this? Would you also like to preorder Call of Duty Generic Warfare?"
5. They treat developers like **** (Profiting off games while the developers don't see a dime)
6. They treat publishers like ****, then are surprised when the same publishers wont give them a discount when in financial trouble.

Game has had the monopoly on the high street for far too long, it'll be nice to see a new store getting a slice of the action.

[Niall]

I'm not sad to see them go

1. They treat their staff like ****
2. They treat their suppliers like ****
3. They treat their customers like ****
4. "Oh you want to buy this, would you also like this? Would you also like to preorder Call of Duty Generic Warfare?"
5. They treat developers like **** (Profiting off games while the developers don't see a dime)
6. They treat publishers like ****, then are surprised when the same publishers wont give them a discount when in financial trouble.

Game has had the monopoly on the high street for far too long, it'll be nice to see a new store getting a slice of the action.

:worship:

They overcharge too omfg. :bored:

[Iceman]

I'm not sad to see them go

1. They treat their staff like ****
2. They treat their suppliers like ****
3. They treat their customers like ****
4. "Oh you want to buy this, would you also like this? Would you also like to preorder Call of Duty Generic Warfare?"
5. They treat developers like **** (Profiting off games while the developers don't see a dime)
6. They treat publishers like ****, then are surprised when the same publishers wont give them a discount when in financial trouble.

Game has had the monopoly on the high street for far too long, it'll be nice to see a new store getting a slice of the action.

I agree, I used to always buy out of game but the one I go to has become a dive.....

[Patrick]

It's just because I'm use to them, I always went there since I was a kid to get my PS2 games and stuff - It's like an end of an era in a way.

[Kizzy]

It is dependant on the staff i prefer one shop to the other in leeds due to the way one treats customers. Feel so sorry for the guys in their as they are so informative and helpful and will soon have no job!
Retail, as a career is finished as far as i can see.

[Iceman]

It's just because I'm use to them, I always went there since I was a kid to get my PS2 games and stuff - It's like an end of an era in a way.

Yeah but you'll not notice it much after a month or two when the big Virgin Music store closed here I was really pissed about it.....then I forgot about it......time heels all wounds!!!!!!

[arista]

Game - Debated on SkyNewsHD
after the ads

[arista]

The Say Sell the company (600 stores) for a low rate
that stops it going under
and now many more supply deals are not going through
as they know Game could shut down fast.


Its now on all media news

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/12/game-warns-investors-shares-collapse


"Game over? Game Group seeks buyer and appeals to suppliers in struggle to stay afloat"

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/markets/article-2113784/Game-Group-seeks-buyer-appeals-suppliers-struggle-stay-afloat.html#ixzz1ouHlwwQx

[Iceman]

Troubled retailer GAME will not be stocking Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City or Ninja Gaiden 3, it has been revealed.

Furthermore, Warriors Orochi 3 will not be sold by the UK games retailer.

"Capcom must confirm that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City... will not be stocked by GAME or Gamestation or on their online stores operating in the UK and Ireland," read a statement issued to Digital Spy.

They previously announced that Street Fighter x Tekken and Asura's Wrath would not be sold by GAME.

Elsewhere, Tecmo Koei Europe said: "[We regret] to announce that upcoming releases Ninja Gaiden 3 and Warriors Orochi 3 for the [Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3] will not be available through GAME and Gamestation retail outlets or online in the UK and Ireland."




It was reported earlier today that GAME could be bought by Comet owner OpCapita after the retailer had put itself up for sale.

The chain recently announced 35 store closures and that it is going to shut sister website gameplay.co.uk.

In addition, GAME's shares plummeted by 90% in 2011, despite £1 billion in annual turnover.

Read Capcom's statement in full:

"Further to the recent announcement concerning Street Fighter x Tekken and Asura's Wrath, Capcom must confirm that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City scheduled for release on Friday March 23, 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 wants to reassure its consumers that this title will be available at a wide variety of retailers across the UK and Ireland. For those consumers who have already placed a deposit to pre-order of Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City then a full refund will be available - please contact your local GAME or Gamestation shop or visit the online stores.

"Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is available for pre-order or to purchase on day of release from the following outlets: Blockbusters, HMV, Play.com, Amazon.co.uk, Shopto.net, The Hut and leading independent stockists as well as supermarket chains.

[Scarlett.]

Dozens more publishers have pulled support, most importantly Microsoft themselves

[Iceman]

Has to be it now, when you think they'll announce it?

[Iceman]

GAME has filed for administration, it has been confirmed.

Hours after the retailer announced it would be delisted from the London Stock Exchange, the store confirmed that without a suitable buyer it has no choice but to look for an administrator.

However, GAME stores will continue trading while senior staff hold discussions with partners ahead of a possible closure this weekend.

"Further to this morning's announcement of the suspension of trading in shares of GAME Group plc, the board has concluded that its discussions with all stakeholders and other parties have not made sufficient progress in the time available to offer a realistic prospect for a solvent solution for the business," read the statement issued to Digital Spy.

"The board has therefore today filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator. In the short term the board's intention is that the business will continue to trade and discussions with lenders and third-parties will continue under the protection of the interim moratorium."

Closing its chain of GameStation stores is said to be one of the main avenues GAME Group is exploring to save the retailer.

Comet owner OpCapita is thought to have the money in place to repay GAME Group's debts and a management group ready to restructure the business, but is awaiting approval from the Royal Bank Of Scotland (RBS).

The high street retailer's shares plummeted by 90% in 2011, despite £1 billion in annual turnover

Latest

[Shaun]

:bawling:

[Shaun]

I've personally never had a problem with Game or Gamestation... but then that's probably because I rarely buy outside of the second-hand section. And I have Blockbuster for that so all's well for the timebeing.

edit: except for the inevitable job losses of course :(

[Iceman]

I've personally never had a problem with Game or Gamestation... but then that's probably because I rarely buy outside of the second-hand section. And I have Blockbuster for that so all's well for the timebeing.

Yeah im kind of the same, have CeX and Gamestop and smyths to get games, I'd still ramble in the odd time just to see if there were any bargains...its still a shame though.

[Iceman]

GAME Group has suspended trading on the London Stock Exchange.

GAME's directors see "no equity value left in the Group" after shares fell to 2.39p yesterday afternoon. The decision to delist itself from the London Stock Exchange went into effect from 7.30am today (March 21).

"Further to the announcements of 12 March 2012 and 14 March 2012, the board of GAME has assessed the status of the ongoing and regular discussions between GAME and its lending banks and between its lending banks and a potential third party provider of finance to the business," reads a statement issued by GAME.

"The Board now considers itself to be unable to assess the business's financial position, and is of the opinion that there is no equity value left in the Group. Therefore the Company has requested that the listing of its securities on the Main Market of London Stock Exchange plc be suspended from trading with effect from 7.30am today."

Missed this one this morning too.

[Kizzy]

What a shame...more unemployment :(

[Kate!]

A CeX has just opened recently in town, and there's also HMV as an option, sometimes they actually are cheaper as well. We currently have a Game and Game Station in the indoor shopping arcade so probably next time I go into town both these stores will be closed. Sad really.

[Angus]

Knew it. That's my poor son out of a job again:sad:

[Iceman]

I personally find CeX to be brilliant, if you look you get a great bargain.

[Black Dagger]

I mean it's a shame for employees =(

But I don't think I've bought a game off the high-street in some time, I'l usually just use Ebay/Amazon.

[Me. I Am Salman]

Ahhh man what a fakin joke
I never use Amazon / Ebay cuz I hate em
:(:(

[Me. I Am Salman]

There's a CeX down Stratford but I never go to that shop
Oh well HMV I guess.

[Angus]

It's official. My son just phoned to say they have all received a memorandum telling them this is their last week of work:(

[Me. I Am Salman]

I'm so sorry for ya Angus :(

[Iceman]

It's official. My son just phoned to say they have all received a memorandum telling them this is their last week of work:(

That sucks. :(

[Samuel.]

There's no where else to buy games around here :/

[Angus]

I'm so sorry for ya Angus :(


Thanks - I'm just so sorry for my son, he has two kids and it took him 9 months to find this job when he was made redundant four years ago! Now it's happened again. I don't know what he will do, but he needs to get right out of retail, it has no future.

[Tom4784]

There's no where else to buy games around here :/

Buy them online, Shopto's pretty good.

[Novo]

Hardly ever buy games online now, The Market >>

[Brother Leon]

Most GAME workers I encountered are super cool and helpful. It's a shame :(

[Kizzy]

Thanks - I'm just so sorry for my son, he has two kids and it took him 9 months to find this job when he was made redundant four years ago! Now it's happened again. I don't know what he will do, but he needs to get right out of retail, it has no future.

A booming industry right now is security, my nephew did a 3 week course via Leeds City College (free as he was on JSA) he now has an SIA licence and has just landed a job with securitas.
Im sure there will be a similar scheme in your area :)

[Novo]

Yeah it's almost certain someone in Game says " do you need any help there? " as soon as you walk through the door :joker:

[Niall]

It's sad to see all these people loosing their jobs, but GAME have monopolised this industry for far too long. It'll be nice to see another retailer step up to the mark.

[Patrick]

Most GAME workers I encountered are super cool and helpful. It's a shame :(

This.

They're not like those Indie Hipster wankers you see working in places like Apple, Clothes Shops or HMV nowadays.

Well, they are - but they're actually really genuine people, who are obviously hardcore gamers who know what they're talking about.

[Niall]

I have to admit, the people who work in there are pretty cool. I went and bought Left 4 Dead 2 a few weeks back, and had a ten minute convo with the cashier about the game and stuff. :love:

[Mrluvaluva]

GAME's future has been the subject of speculation in today's newspapers.

With the company filing for administration last Wednesday (March 21), it was thought that stores might close this weekend.

The Sunday Times has now reported that the Royal Bank of Scotland, which stalled over takeover talks earlier this week, intends to buy GAME. The bank, leading a consortium, apparently plans to purchase the business once it has gone into administration, allowing it to be restructured.

However, The Express claims that talks to save GAME have collapsed, writing that its closure will be "the biggest retailing failure since Woolworths".

"GAME is likely to go into administration on Monday and the process of selling its assets will begin but this won't be a pre-pack, where a company is bought immediately out of administration," a source said.

"There was contact between the banks and OpCapita late on Friday [March 23] in the hope of reviving some sort of deal. The banks felt that selling GAME out of administration would leave them facing a colossal write-down on what they invested.

"But, in the end, they decided there wasn't enough value in what OpCapita were offering. It wasn't anywhere near 100p in the pound," the insider added.


Digital Spy (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a373036/game-administration-talk-rbs-files-offer-takeover-talks-collapse.html)

[Marc]

No :(

[King Gizzard]

Game shops are good because they employ people who know what they're talking it about, and most gamers are sound/cool..unlike generic shops where they just give it to any old fool

Can't say I ever go to game shops because of how convenient amazon etc is..but this is only bad news as supermarkets/online websites have less competitors

Hopefully they do a woolworths and keep it as an online business at least to keep the competition up

[arista]

Game Group goes into administration, 6,000 jobs at risk

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/leisure/9167039/Game-Group-goes-into-administration-6000-jobs-at-risk.html

Official Now

[Scarlett.]

GAME

Croydon
Bristol Cabot Circus
Bath Southgate
Milton Keynes Midsummer Place
Coventry West Orchards
Norwich
Bromley
Exeter
Plymouth New George Street
Bournemouth Commercial Road
Birmingham Palisades
York City Centre
Liverpool
Telford - both stores
Manchester Arndale - both stores
Burton-on-Trent
Birmingham Fort
Canterbury
Falkirk
Stevenage
Blackburn
Glasgow Buchanan Galeries
Reading Oracle
Basingstoke
Barrow
Bridlington
Weston Super Mare
Stockton on Tees Wellington Square
Newcastle
Edinburgh Ocean Terminal
Edinburgh Princes Street
Stirling
Portsmouth Cascades
Cardiff Queen Street
Dorchester
Gloucester
Preston St George's Centre
Slough
Glasgow Sauchiehall Street
Isle of Wight
Northampton
Galway
London Victoria
Dublin Dundrum
Sheffield
Lincoln Valentine Retail Park
Essex Lakeside - both stores
Barking
Nottingham Listergate
Edingburgh Cameron Toll
Edinburgh Fort Kinaird
Leeds Albion Street
Monoghan
Gretna
Crawley - both stores
Hemel Hemstead - both stores
Belfast
Newcastle - both stores

GAMESTATION

Birmingham New Street
Sutton
Enfield
Bromley
Llaneli
Sunderland
Norwich
Great Yarmouth
Taunton
Ilford
Cumbernauld
Coventry
Hyde
Bournemouth
Brighton
Liverpool
Shrewsbury
Stafford
Leicester
Skelmersdale
Perth
Halesowen
Walsall
Gainsborough
Harlow
Dumbarton
Cannock
Kettering
Stockton on Tees High Street
Salisbury
Hartlepool
Stevenage
Nuneaton
Cheltenham
High Wycombe
Glasgow Sauchiehall Street
Hastings
Long Eaton
Leamington Spa
Norwich
London East Ham
Lincoln
Rhyl
Mansfield
Hereford
Banbury
Middlesborough
Leeds
Basildon
Congleton
Fife Glenrothes
Newcastle

Also
http://www.shoptonews.net/2012/03/26/game-closes-277-stores-40-percent-of-workforce-affected/

[Lee.]

Oh.. my local Game isn't on that list, which is tremendous news for our shopping centre. We seem to have lost loads of shops recently including Monsoon and Peacocks.

[Scarlett.]

Game has now closed here in Blackpool, Gamestation is still open though

[Samuel.]

Glad my local Gamestation will be around for a bit longer, but surely it won't be long until the rest go too.

[Z]

Surprised that nothing's closing in Aberdeen seeing as there are two Games and a Gamestation in the city centre

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

we have a game and gamestation within like a minute walking distance of eachother and they aren't on that list

[arista]

Surprised that nothing's closing in Aberdeen seeing as there are two Games and a Gamestation in the city centre


Updates are Stores Tomorrow
to say closed.




Zee it takes time to sort the mess
any buyer is trying to pick some store only.


And One of those 2 stores will close soon.
Or both.



Are you in Germany?

[arista]

Game has now closed here in Blackpool, Gamestation is still open though


Yes but check tomorrow to see if its Open?

[Lee.]

Surprised that nothing's closing in Aberdeen seeing as there are two Games and a Gamestation in the city centre

yeah, I thought the Dunfermline one would be a goner... especially as they are even closing big stores like Princes Street.

[Fetch The Bolt Cutters]

imagine if you had like loads and loads of points left on the reward card thing i would be pissed off

[Scarlett.]

Yes but check tomorrow to see if its Open?

I will, it's likely it wont be :/

[arista]

imagine if you had like loads and loads of points left on the reward card thing i would be pissed off


This has been going on for over a Month
and they can Not Get New Stock - So they are Doomed.


Game people want New Games
not just smelly s/h ones.

[bbfan1991]

Gutted and I feel sorry for those now jobless:(.

[michael21]

GAME and Gamestation closures - the complete list

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/store-closures-begin-at-game-and-gamestation/093365

Abergavenny Unit 3 Cibi Walk, Frogmore Street
Accrington 29 Broadway
Aintree Comet
Altrincham 97 George Street
Andover 49 High Street
Antrim Unit 42, Junction One Outlet Centre
Ashford 18 County Square
Ashington 12 Station Road, Ashington
Ashton Unit 28, The Arcade
Athlone Unit 44 Athlone Town Centre
Aylesbury Units 36-37, Friars Sq. Shopping Centre
Ballymena Unit 15 Fairhill Shopping Centre
Banbury 4B Castle Quay Shopping Centre
Bangor NI 9 Bloomfield Centre
Barking Unit 17 Vicarage Fields Shopping
Barnet Unit 10 The Spires Shopping Centre
Barnsley 32 Market Street
Barnstaple 30 High Street
Barrow In Furness Unit 26, Portland Walk
Basildon 84 Town Square
Basingstoke 3 Mayfair House
Bath SU7 St Lawrence Street, Southgate Centre
Beckton 19 Gallions Reach, 3 Armada Way
Belfast Unit 55 Castle Court Shopping Centre, Belfast
Belfast (Conns) Unit 20, Connswater Centre
Belfast (Forestside) Unit 12, Forestside Shopping Centre, Upper Galway
Birkenhead 35-37 Milton Pavement, Grange Precinct
Birmingham Unit 52, The Pallasades
Birmingham 138 New Street
Birmingham Fort Unit 3a The Fort Shopping Park
Bishop Auckland 59 Newgate Street
Blackburn Unit 7 Victoria Court, The Mall
Blackpool Unit 19, Houndshill Shopping Centre
Blanchardstown Unit 112, Blanchardstown Town Centre
Bluewater LO42 Lower Thames Walk, Bluewater
Bolton 37 Newport Street
Bootle Unit 7, 63 Parkside, Strand Shopping Centre
Boston 23 Strait Bargate
Bournemouth Unit 4, Avenue Centre, Commercial Road
Bournemouth 49 Commercial Street
Bracknell 39 Princess Square
Bradford Unit 2, The Broadway
Bradford 4-6 Darley Street
Brent Cross Unit B15, Brent Cross Shopping Centre
Bridgend 12/14 Adare Street
Bridlington Unit 11 The Promenades
Brighton 69 Western Road
Bristol SU16 Cabots Circus, Broadmead
Bromley 68-68A High Street
Burnley 68/70 St James Street
Burton on Trent 7 Underhill Walk
Bury 20 Princess Parade
Buxton Unit 13, Spring Gardens
Camden 124 Camden High Street
Cannock 6 Market Hall Street
Canterbury 14 High Street
Cardiff 92 Queen Street
Chatham 152 High Street
Cheltenham 100 High Street
Chester 39 Foregate Street
Chesterfield 22 Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (10 Vicar Lane)
Chiswick 350 High Road
Cirencester 26, Cricklade Street
Clacton on Sea 20-22 Station Road
Colchester 3 Shewell Walk, (Unit 13 The Culver Centre)
Coleraine 16 Kingsgate Street
Collierswood Unit 9a Tandem Centre, Christchurch Road
Congleton 45-47 High Street
Cork 6 Mahon Point, Cork
Cork 66 Patrick Street, , Cork, Eire,
Coventry Unit 22, West Orchards Centre, Smithford Way
Cowley 107 Pound Way, Templars Square Shopping Centre
Cramlington 4 Dudley Court
Crawley Unit 8, County Mall
Crawley 10-12 The Martlets
Crewe Unit 7, The Market Centre
Croydon 98/99 Whitgift Centre
Croydon (Purley Way) Comet
Cumbernauld Unit 29, Antonine Shopping Centre, Tryst Road
Dewsbury 12 Longcauseway
Doncaster 43/44 Market Place
Dorchester 55 South Street
Dublin 2 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Eire,
Dublin Unit 18, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1
Dublin (Dundrum) Unit 10, Level 3, Dundrum Centre, Dublin
Dublin (Dundrum) Hamleys Dundrum
Dublin (Liffey) Unit 37, Liffey Valley Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin,
Dudley 7 Churchill Parade
Dudley (Merry Hill) Unit L87, Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Dumbarton 77/79 High Street
Dundee 40 Murraygate
Dunstable 6-8 Nicholas Way, Quadrant Shopping Centre, Dunstable, LU6 1TD
Durham Unit SU40, Land Of The Prince Bishops Shopping Centre
East Ham 111 High Street North
East Kilbride 5 The Olympia, Town Centre
Edinburgh 127 Princes Street
Edinburgh (Leith) Unit RU4, Ocean Terminal
Ellesmere Port 18 Mercers Walk
Enfield 37 Church Street
Enniskillen Unit 23, Erneside Shopping Centre
Evesham Unit 16, Riverside Centre
Exeter SU19 Princeshay
Falkirk Unit 34, Howgate Centre
Fleet 16 Hart Centre
Gainsborough Unit 13b, Marshalls Yard, Gainsborough
Galashiels Unit 8 Douglas Bridge, Galashiels
Galway 5 Eglington Street
Glasgow Unit L3/22 , Buchanan Galleries
Glasgow Hamleys Glasgow
Glasgow 146 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow 83 Sauchiehall Street
Glenrothes 42 Unicorn Way
Gloucester 16 Kings Walk
Grantham 53 High Street
Great Yarmouth Unit 10 Market Gates Shopping Centre
Gretna Unit 53, Gretna Outlet Village
Grimsby 24 Victoria Street West
Halesowen 38 Hagley Mall, Cornbow Centre, Halesowen
Halifax 12 Woolshops
Hanley Unit F, The Potteries, Hanley
Hanley 214-215 The Potteries
Harlow 8 Broad Walk, Harlow
Harrogate 2D Cheltenham Parade
Harrow 68-70 St. Anns Road
Hartlepool 92 Middleton Grange Shopping Centre
Hastings 19 Queens Road
Hemel Hempstead Unit 201, The Marlowes Shopping Centre
Hemel Hempstead Unit 12, The Marlowes Shopping Centre
Hereford 56 Commercial Street
High Wycombe 16 Church Street
Hounslow Unit 13, The Treaty Centre, High Street
Hull Unit G46, Princes Quay
Huyton Unit 5 Cavendish Walk, Derby Road, Huyton
Hyde 8 The Square, Hyde
Ilford 172 - 174 High Road
Inverness 6-8 Ingliss Street
Jarrow 25 Viking Precinct, Jarrow
Kensington 185 High Street
Kettering 27 Gold Street
Kidderminster 82 Worcester Street
Kingston 64-66 Clarence Street
Lakeside Unit 282 Lakeside Shopping Centre
Lancaster Unit 15, Ashton Walk, St. Nicholas Arcade
Leamington Spa 83 Parade
Leeds 50-52 Albion Street
Leeds 18 Kirkgate
Leeds (Birstall) Unit 8b Birstall Shopping Park
Leeds (Crossgates) 58 Crossgates Shopping Centre
Leeds (Crown Point) Unit 5b Crown Point Retail park
Leicester 42 Granby Street
Lewisham 68 Lewisham Centre
Limmerick Unit 11A, Cruises Street, Limerick, Eire,
Lincoln (Valentine) Unit 2a Valentine Retail Park
Lisburn 6 Bow Street
Lisburn Unit A10, Bow St. Mall
Liverpool Unit 43/44 Clayton Square Shopping Centre
Liverpool Unit 44, South John Street
Llandudno 46 Mostyn Street
Llanelli Unit 1, Llanelli Shopping Centre
Long Eaton 10 Market Place
Lowestoft 43 London Road North
Luton 142-144 Andale Centre
Luton 39 George Street
Macclesfield 25 Mill Street
Maidenhead 75 Queens Walk, The Nicholson Centre
Maidstone 351 Chequers Centre
Manchester Unit L16 Arndale Centre
Manchester Unit 59, Arndale Centre
Manchester (Trafford) 124 Peel Centre, Trafford Centre
Mansfield 38A Westgate
Meadowhall Unit 29, High Street, Meadowhall Shopping Centre
Meadowhall Unit 52, High Street, Meadowhall Centre
Melton Mowbray 14-15 Market Place, Melton Mowbray
Merthyr Tydfill 4 Graham Way, Tydfils Shopping Centre
Merthyr Tydfill Unit 3 Beacons Place Shopping Centre
Metrocentre Unit 112 Lower blue hall, Metro Centre
Middlesbrough 108 Linthorpe Road
Middleton G14 Middleton Shopping Centre
Milton Keynes Unit SU 10, Midsumer Place
Monaghan Unit 27 Monaghan Shopping Centre
Newark 9 St Marks Place
Newbury 63A North Brook Street
Newcastle 8 High Friars, Eldon Square
Newcastle Fenwicks Concession
Newcastle 78 Grainger Street
Newport 13 Commercial Street
Newport Isle Of Wight 63 High Street
Newry Unit 12A, Buttercrane Shopping Centre
North Finchley 776 High Road
North Shields Comet
Northampton 17 Abingdon Street
Norwich 17 St Stephens Street
Norwich 3-4 Castle Mall Shopping Centre
Nottingham Unit 2, 33 Listergate
Nuneaton 2A Market Place
Oldham Unit 18, The Spindles Shopping Centre
Omagh Unit 5, Main Street Development
Orpington 79 - 81 The Walnuts, Orpington, BR6 0TW
Perth 9 Scott Street
Peterlee 21 Yoden Way
Plymouth 81/83 New George Street
Portadown Unit 6, High Street Mall
Portsmouth 7 Meadow Walk, Cascades Shopping Centre
Preston 8 Fishergate Centre
Preston 172 Friargate
Putney Unit 28, Exchange Shopping Centre
Ramsgate 30 High Street
Reading Unit 17 Oracle Shopping Centre
Redcar Unit 8, Regent Centre
Rhyl 64 High St
Rochdale 54 Market Way
Rugby 45-46 Clocktower Centre
Runcorn 48 Forest Walk, Halton Lea Shopping Centre
Salisbury 11 High Street
Scarborough 112B Westborough
Scunthorpe 58 High Street
Sheffield Unit 22/24, Fargate
Sheffield 37/41 The Moor
Shrewsbury 3-4 Castle Street
Skelmersdale UNIT 27 Upper Mall, The Concourse Shopping Centre
Slough N21 Curzon Mall, Queensmere Centre
Solihull Comet
South Shields 89/91 King Street
Southampton Unit SU8, West Quay Centre
Southampton 82 Above Bar Street
Southport 203 Lord Street
Speke Comet
St Albans Unit 32, The Maltings
Stafford 21 Gaolgate Street
Staines 54 High Street
Stevenage 64 Queensway
Stevenage 54 Queensway
Stirling Unit 24, The Thistle Centre
Stockport Comet
Stockton-on-Tees Unit SU32, Wellington Square
Stockton-on-Tees 134B High Street
Stratford 88 The Mall
Stratford upon Avon 13 Town Square Shopping Centre
Sunderland 251 High Street
Sunderland 27 Blandford Street
Sutton 192 High Street
Sutton Coldfield Unit SU7, New Hall Walk, Lower Sutton Parade
Swansea 12 Union Street
Swindon 9 Havelock Square, Brunel Shopping Centre
Swindon 7 Regent Sreet
Tallaght Unit 307, The Square
Tamworth Unit 18, Ankerside
Taunton 47 North Street
Telford Unit 6, 159 New Mall, Telford Shopping Centre
Telford 32 Sherwood Street, Telford Shopping Centre
Torquay 5 Union House
Truro Unit 2, 4/6 Pyder Street
Uxbridge 13 Market Square
Victoria 10 Victoria Place, Buckingham Palace Road
Wakefield 17 Kirkgate
Walsall 42 Old Square Shopping Centre
Walthamstow Unit 11A, Selbourne Centre
Wandsworth 61 South Mall, Wandsworth Shopping Centre
Warrington 46 The Mall
Washington Unit 30 Albany Mall, The Galleries
Washington 26 Albany Mall
Welwyn Garden City 21 The Howard Centre
Wembley 458 High Road
West Belfast Unit 4 Park Centre, Donegall Road
Weston Super Mare 85 High Street
Weymouth Unit 5, Bond Street Centre
Wigan 23 Market Place
Winchester 106A High Street
Windsor 21 King Edward Court
Woking 4 Middle Walk
Wolverhampton 27 Dudley Street
Wood Green 83 High Road
Woolwich 112 Powis Street
Wrexham 42-43 Hope Street
Wythenshawe 18 The Birtles, Wythenshawe
Yeovil 13-15 Vicarage Walk, Quedam Shopping Centre
York Unit3, 5 Spurriergate

[King Gizzard]

We have a game and gamstation here, gamestation closing according to that list looks like theyre keeping GAME open here then :suspect:

[Iceman]

Dublin 2 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Eire,
Dublin Unit 18, Ilac Centre, Dublin 1
Dublin (Dundrum) Unit 10, Level 3, Dundrum Centre, Dublin
Dublin (Dundrum) Hamleys Dundrum
Dublin (Liffey) Unit 37, Liffey Valley Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin,

:bored:

[Scarlett.]

ShopTo is offering credit in return for GAME Reward Cards.

The online retailer is running a banner ad on its own site offering £3 to new customers in exchange for their GAME Reward Card.

"New ShopTo customers only. Register & send in your GAME Reward Card and get £3 off your first ShopTo order," the ad reads.

The ad appeared shortly after GAME and GameStation administrators PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) announced that stores would no longer accept GAME Reward Cards until further notice.

GAME Group today announced its intentions to file for administration following last week's delisting from the London Stock Exchange.

GAME Group CEO Ian Shepherd resigned from his post earlier today, following the appointment of administrators.

GAME and GameStation will reportedly see 277 store closures, laying off roughly 40% of its workforce.

The high street retailer's shares plummeted by 90% in 2011, despite £1 billion in annual turnover

DS

[Iceman]

Would they sell of remaining stock or close with immediate effect?

[Scarlett.]

I'm not exactly sure on that, I'm guessing they'd sell their stock, this is gonna throw the UK games chart into chaos

[Iceman]

I'm not exactly sure on that, I'm guessing they'd sell their stock, this is gonna throw the UK games chart into chaos

Oh yeah, im going to town tomorrow so i'll let you know if they're open.

[Scarlett.]

Reward Cards working once again
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a373852/game-reward-cards-back-in-operation-against-pre-owned-stock.html

Could possibly exit administration tommorow
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a373796/game-to-exit-administration-as-early-as-tomorrow.html

[Kate!]

We have both a Game and a Gamestation in town, as far as I know they are still trading, they were on Tuesday of this week anyway.

[Scarlett.]

Game closed here on Tuesday, Gamestation is still opening, apparently this is common, they're keeping the stores which bring in the most money in each town

[bbfan1991]

The local Gamestation to me has closed down, although the GAME shop is still open because it is often quite busy and the company wanted to wait for another buyer.

[King Gizzard]

Judging by that list, as I said before, gamestation closed here but games still open

Gamestation was the more tackier shop, here anyway, probably just the building it was in

[Scarlett.]

Gamestation is the more gamer friendly one tbh, Game is too cooperate, still feel sorry for the people who worked there though

[King Gizzard]

Yeah, gamestation did fixes, game didn't..here anyway

[Mrluvaluva]

GAME has allegedly been saved from administration by a deal with investment firm OpCapita.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the deal will ensure the safety of most of its remaining 333 stores, but it is unknown how many of the company's 2,814 employees will keep their jobs.

The group entered administration last week after having failed to find a buyer, despite reports that the RBS were mounting a bid. 277 shops were immediately closed and 2,000 jobs were lost. The company is now £85m in debt.

OpCapita are known to specialise in investing in and turning around troubled retailers - last year they purchased Comet for the price of £2.

The price paid by OpCapita in this instance is unknown, although it is thought likely to have been a nominal amount of £1.

A deal to save the group's international arms has apparently not been reached, but potential bidders include HIlco and GameStop.

GAME and Gamestation's websites were reactivated yesterday ahead of a possible takeover bid.

It is thought that final negotiations are being completed tonight (Saturday 31) and that a deal may be announced as early as Sunday morning.


Link (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a374220/game-saved-from-administration-by-investment-firm-opcapita.html)

[Mrluvaluva]

GAME has been saved from administration, according to reports.

A deal has been officially reached with investment firm OpCapita to save the struggling gaming retailer, according to MCV.

OpCapita reportedly amended their original bid that was first reported yesterday (March 31).

The firm are said to have paid a nominal fee in order to seal the claim, in a similar way to how they paid £2 for Comet last year.

However, the deal only applies to GAME's UK business, with their overseas operations still struggling and available to buyers.

Hilco and GameStop are currently still in the hunt to purchase GAME's foreign territories.

It is not confirmed if supply agreements have been made with each UK supplier to GAME, but it is understood that some companies have agreed to return.

OpCapita will set up a new management team tomorrow (April 2).

For the time being, all of GAME's remaining 333 stores and 2,814 UK staff are safe, but none of the closed retail outlets will be reopened.

The group entered administration last week after having failed to find a buyer, with 277 shops immediately closed and 2,000 jobs lost.


DS (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a374275/game-saved-from-administration-by-opcapita.html)

Good news.