GAME Shifts Focus to Online Sales and Preorders

by Arthur Herring
in News, Release
on 24 June 2024

UK retail giant GAME has recently made the decision to completely eliminate in-store physical game and gaming hardware purchases, signaling a significant change in their business model. The company, which has already stopped selling pre-owned consoles and titles, will now restrict hardware and gaming purchases to preorders only.

In an effort to adapt to the changing landscape of the gaming industry, GAME has recognized the growing trend of customers shifting towards digital goods. With physical game sales declining during the PS5 generation, the company has opted to prioritize online sales and preorders to meet the evolving needs of gamers.

Customers can now expect new releases to be shipped directly to their homes or picked up in-store for a delivery fee. However, it remains unclear whether midnight launches for new hardware will still be held in the future.

The transformation in GAME’s strategy comes after its acquisition by Frasers Group, the parent company of Sports Direct. The new ownership has prompted a gradual shift away from traditional gaming-related merchandise, such as pre-owned video games, towards a broader range of gaming-related products. This includes board games, trading cards, toys, and plushies, diversifying their offerings to cater to a wider audience.

Although this transition may be disappointing to some customers who prefer the tactile experience of physical game purchases, it highlights the increasing importance of digital distribution in the gaming industry. As technology evolves, companies like GAME must adapt to stay relevant and meet the desires of gamers who are increasingly embracing the convenience and accessibility of digital gaming.

Additional facts:
1. GAME is a retail giant in the United Kingdom that specializes in selling video games and gaming hardware.
2. The decision to eliminate in-store physical game and gaming hardware purchases is a significant shift in their business model.
3. GAME has already stopped selling pre-owned consoles and titles, further emphasizing their focus on online sales and preorders.
4. The company recognizes the growing trend of customers shifting towards digital goods in the gaming industry.
5. GAME will now prioritize online sales and preorders to meet the evolving needs of gamers.
6. New releases can be shipped directly to customers’ homes or picked up in-store with a delivery fee.
7. The continuation of midnight launches for new hardware is uncertain under the new strategy.

Key questions and answers:
1. Why is GAME eliminating in-store physical game and gaming hardware purchases?
– GAME recognizes the declining sales of physical games during the PS5 generation and the growing trend of customers shifting towards digital goods. They are adapting to meet the evolving needs of gamers.

2. What is the new focus of GAME’s business model?
– GAME is shifting its focus to online sales and preorders, prioritizing digital distribution of games and gaming hardware.

3. Will customers still have the option to purchase physical games and gaming hardware in-store?
– No, GAME will restrict hardware and gaming purchases to preorders only, eliminating in-store purchases of physical games and gaming hardware.

Key challenges or controversies:
1. Disappointment for customers who prefer the tactile experience of physical game purchases.
2. Uncertainty regarding the future of midnight launches for new hardware.

Advantages:
1. Adaptation to the changing landscape of the gaming industry and the increasing importance of digital distribution.
2. Meeting the evolving needs of gamers who are embracing the convenience and accessibility of digital gaming.

Disadvantages:
1. Disappointment for customers who have a preference for physical game purchases.
2. Uncertainty regarding the future of midnight launches for new hardware.