UK retailer Game denies reports it will stop selling physical video games in-store

Troubled video game retailer GAME has shot down reports that it will stop selling boxed games and consoles in its stores.

After halting trade-ins of pre-owned games earlier this month, the company was allegedly set to cease sales of all gaming-related goods at its shops outside of fulfilling pre-orders.

Citing unnamed sources close to the retailer, gaming publication Gfinity Esports claimed that GAME would only offer video game hardware and software that had been purchased in advance. That would mean customers would be forced to buy products online to collect in-store, an option GAME already offers alongside home delivery.

However, Game has outright denied the plans in a statement to gaming website Eurogamer.

"This reporting is categorically not true," a spokesperson said today (June 24). "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."

Even after clearing the air, the retailer will struggle to shift the dampened mood around it.

Many of GAME’s standalone locations have already been folded into owner Fraser Group’s bigger stores, which range from House of Fraser to Sports Direct, diminishing its presence on the high street. It’s also increasingly shifting away from video games towards sales of toys and merchandise.

In another worrying sign, GAME recently shuttered its loyalty scheme that rewarded customers with discounts on video games. But it was its decision to scrap trade-ins that probably hurt gamers the most, leaving CEX as the only place on the high street to sell and buy used games at a discount.

Ultimately, it seems physical video games aren’t quite ready to go the way of DVDs, which have been phased out by all but the most niche retailers. The advent of digital-only console models like the discless PS5 and Xbox Series S probably aren’t helping their cause, though.