GAME Closes Final Three Standalone Stores

The UK video game retailer GAME is closing its three remaining standalone stores, marking the end of its independent high street presence as it enters administration for the second time in over a decade.

The closures, affecting locations in Dudley in the West Midlands, Sutton in Surrey, and Lancaster, follow a notice of intention to appoint administrators filed last week through law firm RPC. This step provides a 10-day protection period from creditor actions while the company, owned by Frasers Group, assesses its options. GAME Retail Limited reported a shift from an 8.5 million pound profit to a 2.5 million pound loss in its accounts for the year ending April 2024. The firm, fully owned by an entity controlled by tycoon Mike Ashley, declined to comment on the developments.

GAME will continue operations through more than 200 concession counters inside Frasers Group outlets, including Sports Direct and House of Fraser stores, as well as via its website. The Basingstoke head office closed last year, and most staff have transitioned to zero-hour contracts in recent months. Managing Director Nick Arran, who joined nearly nine years ago, has departed amid the changes.