GAME Reportedly Planning to Stop Selling Physical Games [Updated]

Update: GAME has responded to Eurogamer regarding a report that it will no longer be stocking and selling boxed games in its stores, stating that it is “categorically not true”, and that it will continue to sell physical games.

"This reporting is categorically not true," a GAME spokesperson said in a statement. “GAME continues to support the physical gaming market, offering a wide-range of physical games, hardware, software, accessories and digital gift cards, in stores and online.”

Original Story

A new report claims that UK retail chain GAME is to cease selling physical games, and will only fulfill physical pre-orders. In-store physical releases will seemingly be phased out entirely.

Gfinity reports (via Eurogamer) that any new releases on the horizon will have to be pre-ordered and collected in-store, should you want to obtain a physical copy. Apparently, the same will apply to consoles - beyond the launch of new hardware, you won't be able to simply walk into your local GAME and pick up an Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch off the shelf.

Of course, a visit to GAME in its current form makes this news a little less surprising. Nowadays, the majority of shelf space is dedicated to toys, board games, and collectibles, like plushies, Funko Pops, and LEGO. Having said that, not being able to purchase a physical game from GAME, does seem bizarre.

Back in February, GAME stopped its trade-in scheme, bringing to an end the ability to purchase and exchange pre-owned games, and ceased its GAME Elite rewards programme. Changes like these are reportedly part of a broader shift for GAME, with many stores closing and being moved into other Fraser Group (GAME's parent company) stores, like Sports Direct, to operate as a concession.