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Home » GAME closes the last of its high street stores as fans rue ‘sad’ but ‘inevitable’ end
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GAME closes the last of its high street stores as fans rue ‘sad’ but ‘inevitable’ end

By britishbulletin.com19 March 20263 Mins Read
GAME closes the last of its high street stores as fans rue ‘sad’ but ‘inevitable’ end
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GAME will close its final three high street stores next month, marking the end of its standalone retail presence in Britain.

The outlets in Dudley, Lancaster and Sutton are the last remaining branches of a chain that once operated around 300 stores nationwide.


The closures follow the company’s move into administration earlier this year, with administrators appointed in January after a notice of intention was filed.

It marks the second time in just over a decade that the retailer has entered administration.

Stores in Chatham and Belfast had already shut at the start of 2026.

The latest closures will bring an end to GAME’s independent presence on UK high streets, although the brand will continue operating through other channels.

The company’s website will remain active, while customers will still be able to access GAME through around 200 concession stands inside Sports Direct and House of Fraser stores.

Nick Arran, who has served as managing director for nearly nine years, will leave the business following the closures.

GAME to close final high street stores as retailer exits physical shops

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GETTY

His departure comes after a period in which the company had sought to stabilise its operations amid wider industry changes.

GAME has been reducing its store estate for several years, closing locations as leases expired.

The company also shut its Basingstoke headquarters last year as part of restructuring efforts.

Frasers Group acquired the business in 2019 in a £52million deal, bringing it under the same ownership as Sports Direct and House of Fraser.

Despite the takeover, the retailer has faced continued pressure in a market increasingly dominated by digital sales.

GAME has been reducing its store estate for several years

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GETTY

GAME was founded in 1990 by Peter Wickins and Neil Taylor, initially selling video games and consoles through physical stores before expanding internationally.

The chain became a prominent fixture on British high streets, offering dedicated retail space for gaming hardware, software and accessories.

However, the business first encountered major financial difficulties in 2012 when it entered administration.

Although it continued trading after that period, the company struggled throughout the latter part of the decade.

Frasers Group’s acquisition provided backing, but the shift towards digital downloads and increasing online competition has continued to impact sales.

In 2023, Mr Arran said: “Gaming is our core business, and we will be the last man standing selling physical video games.”

He added collector’s editions remained popular, describing them as “the vinyl of video games.”

Mr Arran also acknowledged the longer-term challenges facing the sector.

He said: “We need to be realistic. We have a business to run, and the expectation is that this will decline.”

The retailer has continued to face mounting competition from online platforms as the industry moves further towards digital distribution.

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