UK high street giant plunges into administration – all shops closing

GAME is closing down ALL standalone shops as the challenging retail environment persists for UK retailers. GAME has announced that all three of the remaining physical stores will shut their doors from April 2026.

The online shop is also anticipated to remain operational, and gift cards can still be redeemed. The GAME website will carry on trading as normal, and the retailer will maintain its presence as concessions within Sports Direct and House of Fraser shops, with over 200 locations currently.

GAME has been scaling back for several years, shutting shops as their leases expire, and last year, closing its HQ in Basingstoke.

Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz in 2023, the chain’s MD, Nick Arran, had rejected claims the chain was abandoning its games business to concentrate on other products, such as toys.

“Gaming is our core business, and we will be the last man standing selling physical video games.”

“We see our place in the market as proving that there is a place for physical, whether that be the collector’s editions, which we see as the vinyl of video games, or the gifter who doesn’t want to wrap up a download code for Christmas.

“But we need to be realistic. We have a business to run, and the expectation is that this will decline. So we need to fill that gap.”

On its website, GAME clarifies: “Gift cards and eVouchers are valid for two years after their purchase. Any remaining balance will be cancelled on the expiration date of the card.

“Gift cards and eVouchers cannot be used by customers outside of the United Kingdom.”