Will Game be the next to go?
 

Saw they were in trouble earlier in the week,

This puts a bit more flesh on the bones....

http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/what...ning-with-game

Thats either a very strange business model, or a very clever way of doing things....


Either way though... its not tlooking good


Mart

I've been following this story for a week now with interest, the last paragraph about gamers not noticing any change seems to be very optimistic.
Over on Xbox.com theres plenty of gamers complaining that they went to stores to buy new releases on Friday to find there was no stock, being told they only have stock for pre orders, not on particularly big games either, we are talking soul caliber 5 and metal gear solid hd collection.

I went to buy FIFA 12 at game last week and the first store told me there was no stock and couldn't say when they would get any, the second store I got their last copy. I had £60 in game credit and wanted rid of it quick just in case.

I hope they stay afloat as there is little alternative on the high street, doesn't look good though.

I wouldn't say it was a strange business model or a rare one for that matter

Is that just a sale or return / goods on consignment type of arrangement then ?

Shaun

Essentially yes, they are using the credit agreement to offset the risk of not selling. I assume that this contributes to the inflated prices in Game stores

We used to do that for certain items (high price / low turnover) when I worked in a bike shop in the 70's. Didn't know it went on in this day and age LOL

Shaun

Plenty of places still stock stuff on a Sale or Return basis, Shaun.

It's usually lower value food items though, sandwiches and the like.

How bloody old are you anyway? I was only born in 75.

I was born in 1959 :)

Shaun

I've been a regular visitor to my local Game for many, many years. Since their abysmal midnight releases of BF3 and MW3 (5/6 staff in store and only 2 on the till with massive queues even for pre-orders) I'll be ordering mine online in the future. I also find the place a bit of a rip off as they seem to cater for impulse purchases and don't mind adding on extra for the satisfaction of having in your hand there and then.

They're too expensive. High store retailers need to realise you have to compete with online.

It doesnt help on their own website they offer the game cheaper on there than in their own bloody shop.

In my śhitty town Center there's a game and a gamestation 100yards away from
Each other I went last week they was looking for
£45 for black ops!

Shopto for me, game are way over the top on price.

High street stores can't compete on price mainly because online sellers don't have to deal with the bills associated with a high street store (rent, heating, staff wages, public liability insurance etc). If it all comes from a warehouse then the overheads are much less and so the goods can be sold at smaller profit margins. Simple economics that is killing the high street in general (not just games stores)...

Not been into game since they tried to hard sell me the warranty on an xbox. I told them i did not want it, the bloke at the counter said I was crazy and give me 5 minutes to think about it.

I don't believe that, not these days.

Richer sounds do alright to name one company.

Surely selling a game at £40 instead of £50 will always be beneficial . Because if you sell it at £50 = no sale so made nothing.

I like GAME. I recently bought a pre-owned white DS (so I could stop nicking the mrs one). £7 cheaper than Argos and gave a years warranty with it. Was as new other than came in a plain white box.

Do some cracking deals online a well. Got a new Wii black with Wii fit, plus controller and nunchuk before Xmas for £120. Amazon wanted £75 just for the Wii Fit board (black).

I must admit for the big game releases (the only ones I normally buy on release day) I go to local supermarket as a lot closer to me than driving into Reading.

Richer Sounds generally have very small shops with only a few staff, selling expensive equipment, rarely on the high street (usually in cheap to rent side streets). Not really a good comparison...

If they sell at £40 they might not make anything once you figure into the costs of selling that item. Having worked in retail many years ago, this was becoming a problem even then. Retailer A with large overheads cannot compete with retailer B with small overheads. You also have to figure in shops like supermarkets who can buy in vast amounts and get discounts. They also frequently sell things at a loss in the hope you will buy something else (groceries) while you are there. It's a cutthroat business.

Not saying this is the whole problem, but it is a major contributing factor. Selling stuff cheap is not as easy as it sounds...

I see your point, I just can't see how they can list a price at £50 then you go to Tesco/hmv/asda. And they have it £10 cheaper?

Even Argos manage better bundle deals sometimes.

Because supermarkets and the like sell things other than games. They can afford to take a loss (or very small margins) on some stuff because they will make up the loss in profits elsewhere (from selling milk or bean bags etc). Game does not have that luxury. They rely solely on income from games sales, and so have no fallback.

Totally agree. A friend of mine owns a small chain of independant game shops here in Blackpool called Eclispe and he has a hell of a struggle with the likes of Asda retailing games cheaper than he can even buy them. Also, the popularity of "steam" has destroyed his PC games sales overnight. I went in to see him yesterday to buy COD MW2 for the PC and he just laughed and asked if I dont have an internet connection for some reason? :(

Also the likes of steam hasn't helped

Well I've spent my £20 GAME card, no way am I losing it like I did with my Virgin card years ago.

Staff at the Game head office have been made redundant.

http://www.dealspwn.com/game-confirm...-layoffs-92365

Game don't want you to buy new games, they want you to buy pre-owned as they make better margin on the stuff. The Game store I use locally seems to go through Managers and Assistant Managers like nothing I've seen before, mustn't be a very rewarding company to work for.

yep its doomed, wont miss it myself tbh, i do feel sorry for the smaller traders though, i think the high street has had it

More trouble for game.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/17210489

Game are terrible now, went in to one of their stores yesterday and the supply of new games was non existent. I'm looking to pick up ssx on Friday but will be going to hmv as I have games to trade in.
I know game are trying to push pre owned games but they will run out of those too soon as no one will trade games in there

Its Game over!

:D

"Game customers who have pre-ordered the title will be given £5 in loyalty card reward points."

Cute, R.I.P Game

Got exactly the same sorry we're skint email from gameplay.com for my mass effect 3 pre order yesterday. I didn't realise they were owned by the game group, oh well that's my business they've lost for good.