JOSEPH X Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I've still got my Max Payne 3 pre-order in with GAME. Gonna pop in tomorrow and get AC:R and cancel it. Ho-hum, looks like I'll have to get all my games online now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanesta Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 Think I've still got the Max Payne Special Edition and Ghost Recon Signature Edition pre-ordered with them. Don't think the latter is available anywhere else yet. Gonna spend the rest of my remaining reward points on Microsoft currency when I get in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seddo Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 So Game officially went into Administration this morning, a few hours after that and the website is now down and the administrators are closing just under 300 stores with immediate effect. Games customer service also released the below... No refunds or exchanges will be available from this point, until further notice If you payed a deposit for a pre-order, that money is now lost. The decision is being reviewed The use of GAME Reward Cards has been suspended As have GAME Gift Cards And GAMEwallet accounts You can still trade-in software for reward points and to exchange for another item. You cannot trade-in for cash. Pre-owned hardware trade-ins have been suspended The “Click and Collect” service has also been suspended So the parent company of Game/Gamestation will be sold to the highest bidder. I heard the Royal Bank of Scotland have supposedly to put in a bid for a few shares also. I'll start the bidding at a tenner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanesta Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Even though Seddo summed it up, I'll post the full announcement from Facebook: Dear GAME customers, Here’s some important news about us. GAME Group plc (the parent company of GAME in the UK) is now in administration. We want you to know that the Administrators aim at this time is to continue trading while they seek to find a new owner for the business. In the meantime, we’ve had to make some changes. We’ve summarised them below. Some of them are temporary, some are permanent. 1.Online Sales: We expect some disruption to our online services over the next few days while we make some changes. We apologise for the inconvenience this causes. 2.Refunds and Exchanges: Until further notice, we will not be able to offer refunds or exchanges for products purchased either before the administration or for products purchased from the date of the administration. 3.Pre-Orders: No new pre-orders can be taken until further notice. No refunds can be given for any pre-order deposits which have been paid. We are reviewing this over the next week. 4.GAME Reward card: We have had to suspended use of GAME Reward Cards. This means that points can be earned but NOT redeemed until further notice. 5.Gift cards: We have also had to suspend GAME gift cards. The value on these cards cannot be redeemed. If this changes, we will let you know. We apologise for the inconvenience this causes. 6.GAMEWallet: the value stored in GAMEwallet accounts will be suspended until further notice following the appointment of administrators. 7.Pre-owned Software: You can still buy pre owned products at great prices in your local store or online. If you trade in a pre-owned software item then you will still be able to accrue reward points and use your trade in to exchange for another item. You will not be able to trade in pre-owned software for cash. If this changes, we will let you know. We apologise for the inconvenience this causes. 8.Pre-owned Hardware: We have had to suspend trade in for pre-owned hardware at this time. If this changes, we will let you know. We apologise for the inconvenience this causes. 9.Click and Collect titles: We have had to suspend this service. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes. MJA Jervis and SD Maddison have been appointed as Joint Administrators of The GAME Group plc, Game Stores Group Limited, Gameplay (GB) Limited, Game (Stores) Limited, Games Station Limited, Game (Retail) Limited and Gamestation Limited on 26 March 2012 to manage their affairs, business and property as their agents and without personal liability. MJA Jervis and SD Maddison are licensed in the United Kingdom to act as insolvency practitioners by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at: [email protected] It's a sad read. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alick Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Well my local Game closed today, the highstreet is looking like a ghost town, it's sad really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddy Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Such a shame to see any store go under. We are all guilty of buying online and shopping around and GAME just wasnt competitive when it came to new game sales. They did have a decent turnover so they must be viable for something so I am sure it will be bought for something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmSixTeen Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Tempted to buy shares. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menaced Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 I've never really been a happy consumer of GAME, but I still feel it's a shame to see the UK's leading games retailer in such a state as this. I've always bought my games from there, even though afterwards I always felt I'd been skanked, especially with trade-ins. It's where I placed all of my most memorable preorders, like Battlefield 3 and GTA:IV. It would be shame to see it go. I hope it's not too late for it to be taken over by another owner. The only other games retailer in my town is Granger Games, but their prices can be just as criminal and they never sell their new games sealed, even though they're stated as being brand new. I know it's only a small thing, but when I buy a game new I expect it to be factory sealed, like the ones at GAME. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OchyGTA Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 (edited) Wonder if my local GAME closed down. If so then I'd have to travel a good 40 mins to the next closest one. E: List of all the closing stores if you want it http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/store-closu...estation/093365 Edited March 26, 2012 by OchyGTA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOSEPH X Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 It looks like the store where I cashed in my points in Cheetham Hill Manchester won't be closing down. I ended up getting Assassin's Creed: Revalations for £9.98. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinski Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 You can practically hear someone sat at Game HQ frantically slamming a big red button with "Sell Everything!" branded across it. Sad really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OchyGTA Posted March 26, 2012 Share Posted March 26, 2012 Does anyone know if all the store closures are immediate? As bad as it sounds, I wouldn't mind raiding my local on, if its still open, for some good deals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanesta Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 (edited) It looks like the store where I cashed in my points in Cheetham Hill Manchester won't be closing down. I ended up getting Assassin's Creed: Revalations for £9.98. I got Syndicate for free, and 3300 Microsoft points. Does anyone know if all the store closures are immediate? As bad as it sounds, I wouldn't mind raiding my local on, if its still open, for some good deals. They are, as was already said in the link on the previous page. Only one near me is still open, unless it just hasn't been reported. EDIT: Here's the horrible (slightly out?) maths for today: The dust has settled on GAME’s first day in administration and already 277 stores have been shut, with plans to make 2104 staff redundant. This morning, GAME Group ran 609 stores across the UK and Ireland, employing 5136 staff. Now just 333 stores remain open, with 2814 staff. Source. Edited March 27, 2012 by papanesta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OysterBarron Posted March 27, 2012 Author Share Posted March 27, 2012 cheers for the update was wondering what was going on id heard today that stores were supposedly closing but didn't have an official word of when! really they should have closed down that many stores in the first place i think i said before there were 3 stores in my local town 3 minute walk from each other including Gamestation. made no sense to me? so is the nail been put in the coffin and all stores closing or are they keeping a skeleton crew? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanesta Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I think the Glasgow closures say it all, really. We had 4 shops closed on that list, all in the town centre, and all within walking distance. Not to mention two Gamestations just as close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OysterBarron Posted March 27, 2012 Author Share Posted March 27, 2012 Jesus what planet were they living on there's no need for any shop to have more than 1 outlet per town, well unless your mc donalds. If the town is huge and has 2 distinct shopping areas that are over a walking distance i can understand but whoever was in charge of the commercial operation had a completely butt f*cked view on how to run a business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menaced Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 (edited) I passed my local GAME today and saw it all borded up and sh*t. It's a sad state of affairs, this. I guess for me to get games from now it has to be either either Grainger Games, the internet or a 10 minute train ride to another town which hasn't had its GAME store shut. Edited March 27, 2012 by Menaced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coral_City Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Can't adapt, you'll fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flitcroft101 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I bought Fifa Street yesterday, went home and played it and didn't like it that much. I took it to game to try and see if I could atleast get £30 back so I could change it for a different game (I bought it for £40) and the guy offered me £20 despite it being a brand new game thats only just been released and the online code hadnt been used. He had the biggest asshole grin in the world whilst telling me 20. I told him to get the f*ck out, scam artist... later that night I read about Game going broke and today I went to the store and saw it boarded up, the guy outside painting the windows. I have to admit it feels pretty f*cking good knowing that guy is out of a job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artful. Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Bollocks GAMEs the only place that does decent second hand games near me and I can't be bothered going down to blockbusters on the bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmic Gypsy Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I bought Fifa Street yesterday, went home and played it and didn't like it that much. I took it to game to try and see if I could atleast get £30 back so I could change it for a different game (I bought it for £40) and the guy offered me £20 despite it being a brand new game thats only just been released and the online code hadnt been used. He had the biggest asshole grin in the world whilst telling me 20. I told him to get the f*ck out, scam artist... later that night I read about Game going broke and today I went to the store and saw it boarded up, the guy outside painting the windows. I have to admit it feels pretty f*cking good knowing that guy is out of a job. thats the type of attitude i have. games extortionate ways are horrendous. easily beyond the joke when it comes to trading in games. despite them being the Only game shop in my town, i wont be missing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papanesta Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 That story wafts of a bit of bullsh*t. If I was told I didn't have a job, I sure as f*ck wouldn't paint the windows. Unless you meant a different guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flitcroft101 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 (edited) That story wafts of a bit of bullsh*t. If I was told I didn't have a job, I sure as f*ck wouldn't paint the windows. Unless you meant a different guy. Nope it was the same guy (some girl employee with him also) removing things from the shelves and painting that white sh*t over of the glass. Someone has to do it. I have to admit I feel dumb for even buying Fifa Street in the first place. Edited March 27, 2012 by flitcroft101 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OysterBarron Posted March 28, 2012 Author Share Posted March 28, 2012 I think one things for sure sales at GAME this christmas coming are going to be worse than last christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 I bought Fifa Street yesterday, went home and played it and didn't like it that much. I took it to game to try and see if I could atleast get £30 back so I could change it for a different game (I bought it for £40) and the guy offered me £20 despite it being a brand new game thats only just been released and the online code hadnt been used. He had the biggest asshole grin in the world whilst telling me 20. I told him to get the f*ck out, scam artist... later that night I read about Game going broke and today I went to the store and saw it boarded up, the guy outside painting the windows. I have to admit it feels pretty f*cking good knowing that guy is out of a job. thats the type of attitude i have. games extortionate ways are horrendous. easily beyond the joke when it comes to trading in games. despite them being the Only game shop in my town, i wont be missing them. Still a bit dickish to think like that though. He probably acted like that cause he didn't give a f*ck, was merely working til the end for a retention bonus along with redundancy but then he's out on the job market not earning any income at all. If he goes to sign on we the taxpayer will be supporting him then. Losing a job is not something I'd wish on anyone (barring misconduct of course). Not checked my local towns actually. I rarely shop on them and I sure as f*ck don't use Game group due to price. Guess I didn't help, heh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OysterBarron Posted March 28, 2012 Author Share Posted March 28, 2012 I find it strange when people say he will be supported by the taxpayer they seem to forget that the person who lost there job was paying tax in the first place 9/10 times so really they are still supporting themselves! i wouldn't wish some to lose there job its just they did rape you in the pre-owned market and i said that to the managers face! i know they had alot of stores but i don't see how a business that gives you normally not more than 15 pound trade in for semi old games then puts them back on shelf for anywhere between 15-40 quid went bust its crazy! im sensing there was some serious foul play somewhere close to the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 I find it strange when people say he will be supported by the taxpayer they seem to forget that the person who lost there job was paying tax in the first place 9/10 times so really they are still supporting themselves! i wouldn't wish some to lose there job its just they did rape you in the pre-owned market and i said that to the managers face! i know they had alot of stores but i don't see how a business that gives you normally not more than 15 pound trade in for semi old games then puts them back on shelf for anywhere between 15-40 quid went bust its crazy! im sensing there was some serious foul play somewhere close to the top. You'll find that the income tax contribution of a school leaver who ends up out of a job after a few short years doesn't go very far. There's a reason why unemployment in the UK at around 8% is really starting to hurt. People cost far more when unemployed than what they contribute when employed and paying tax. Not to mention with a personal allowance of around £7.5k with national minimum wage (for over 21s I may add) not much higher than £11k (last financial year anyway), contribution from him will be f*ck all anyway. Couple of months of job seekers max. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gta_king Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 I find it strange when people say he will be supported by the taxpayer they seem to forget that the person who lost there job was paying tax in the first place 9/10 times so really they are still supporting themselves! i wouldn't wish some to lose there job its just they did rape you in the pre-owned market and i said that to the managers face! i know they had alot of stores but i don't see how a business that gives you normally not more than 15 pound trade in for semi old games then puts them back on shelf for anywhere between 15-40 quid went bust its crazy! im sensing there was some serious foul play somewhere close to the top. Because they pretty much only made money from those trade ins. You have to understand they made very little money when selling brand new games, when you saw that new game in there for £42.99 they were probably making one or two pounds profit on it, the reason Supermarkets can sell that title at £35 while game has it for £42 is simply because Supermarkets make so much money elsewhere it doesn't matter to them. You also have to factor in other details, for one GAME had so many stores in the UK, rent costs in UK shopping centres are stupidly high. Why they had so many stores both under the GAME and Gamestation brand I don't know. I'm assuming overconfidence maybe and possibly stuck in long term lease agreements which means it'd have been cheaper to stay with the area paying that rent for however many years than to actually leave and close the store. Finally GAME tried to expand out of the UK, it went into France, Spain, Australia and Scandinavia. Reports suggest that the UK and French areas were actually doing quite well but it was this expansion which really helped seal their fate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OysterBarron Posted March 28, 2012 Author Share Posted March 28, 2012 so the question remains who will be sponsoring the video game baftas from now on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOSEPH X Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 so the question remains who will be sponsoring the video game baftas from now on? Sprunk! There's still some shops open, so it's not all over for GAME. I think they also went down because this console cycle has lasted so long. I did most of my browsing in the couple of years after I got my 360, then after that I only went in knowing what I wanted. Then I started shopping online for games. If a new gen of consoles was out, I'd probably go in to see what pre-owned games were on offer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now