GAME, one of the few remaining physical gaming stores in the UK, is planning to shut down all its standalone outlets as it moves towards administration.
According to TheGameBusiness weekly podcast, the remaining three brick-and-mortar stores will cease operations from April 2026. This decision follows the recent announcement that the company has initiated the process to appoint administrators, triggering a 10-day creditor action freeze.
Over the years, GAME has been gradually reducing its number of high-street stores, particularly noticeable since 2020. Despite the closure of standalone stores, the brand will continue to have a presence through concession stores in other Frasers Group entities, including approximately 200 existing locations within Sports Direct and House of Fraser.
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The online platform of GAME is expected to continue its operations.
This closure marks the second time GAME has faced administration, with the company previously undergoing the same process in 2012. Following a £52 million rescue package in 2019, Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct acquired the gaming retailer, which was later rebranded as Frasers Group in the same year.
Nick Arran, the managing director of GAME, will be stepping down after leading the company for nine years. Arran, an experienced figure in physical media retail, has a background that includes roles at HMV, Blockbuster, and ShopTo.
In 2023, Arran expressed confidence to GamesIndustry.biz , stating, “Gaming is our core business and we will be [the] last man standing selling physical video games.”
Despite this assertion, market trends have revealed a significant shift in consumer behavior towards digital purchases. Arran highlighted in the same report that digital game sales surged from 45% to