GAME - The end is Nigh???

[Bob]

UPDATE 2: Eurogamer has this morning talked with GAME about its current credit insurance and stock difficulties.

A GAME spokesperson guaranteed the launch of Sony portable console Vita in its shops.

"The games coming out this weekend, Final Fantasy, SoulCalibur 5 and Metal Gear Solid, are moving through our system as we speak. They're all booked in for launch on Friday in our stores and that's exactly what we'll be doing.

"In terms of things further out like Vita, as you'd expect we're working closely with our industry partners and have got big plans for those launches."

On Vita specifically: "There are pre-order campaigns in store. We're very excited about it." "Yes [we can guarantee Vita will launch in GAME]. "We have big launch plans for Vita."

On the loss of credit insurance with agencies, GAME said: "You work with each supplier to come up with an answer and that's what we're doing."

UPDATE 1:Eurogamer readers have reported that GAME is not selling Metal Gear Solid HD on its website, and that the shop has been turning away Mass Effect 3 pre-orders.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection is currently not listed on GAME's website.

ORIGINAL STORY: UK shop GAME appears to be in trouble after doubt was cast on its ability to buy new games.

Eurogamer has heard from multiple UK industry sources that the specialist video game retailer has lost credit insurance with a number of agencies.

This means that publishers are now forced to take the risk on games that do not sell - something they do not wish to do.

GAME is now being asked to pay for new stock with cash. If GAME doesn't have the cash, it could result in the shop being unable to stock new games.

This week sees the launch of Final Fantasy 13-2, SoulCalibur 5, NeverDead and Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. Eurogamer understands GAME will stock these games on Friday.

[hollywooda]

They should be worried about getting Vita in, I cant see anyone buying that this time of the year.

[CherryCokeChaos]

Yeah it's not good.

There's a lot resting on the vita and it really hasn't amazed in Japan, it's also out at a weird time (marketing wise) and costs a bomb (229 for 3G, 269 for wi-fi)

We'll see what happens...

[Ginga]

I don't get it...

[IgTerminals]

Hmmm. This is worrying. They took my pre-order of ME3 last week (my Valentines pressie for my Girlfriend) but said they weren't getting any special ed copies in.
More worrying is the fact I preordered Blazblue CS: Extend for 22nd Feb, and have booked Annual Leave from work for it. If larger publishers aren't trusting Game with stock, I really can't see P-Qube supplying Game.
Bummer.

[Bob]

They've got the market pretty much to themselves so I've no idea how they've managed to get into such difficulty.

I was worried the other day when I posted about what appeared to be a collapse in the prices of their used stock.

[BuffAngel]

Our local Game store has already closed.

That means the furthest West they go in North Wales is Llandudno. Its not good. We have a Gamestation in Bangor. And a HMV (but they look rocky atmo)

Could be that we are buying games direct from MS sooner than anyone thought.

Might as well buy them day 1 if that happens since they stay £40+ forever.

[Bob]

Might as well buy them day 1 if that happens since they stay £40+ forever.

This is where the digital distribution market breaks down at the moment.

If you've cut out the retailer and their margin and the physical product and the need to transport it by releasing straight onto the net for gamers to download then why can't it be £25-£30? Then it wouldn't need discounting anyway because people would buy more and take more risks.

[hollywooda]

I've always said if some games came out at a 20 quid price point they would sell tons more, plus reviewers wouldn't be so hard on them.

[Bob]

Yeah.. To be fair they wouldn't have to that cheap.

At this stage in PSone's life most new games where coming out at £30 and I was buying 'em like candy.

[hollywooda]

Yeah.. To be fair they wouldn't have to that cheap.

At this stage in PSone's life most new games where coming out at £30 and I was buying 'em like candy.

but i bet they where great games?, like the PS2 most of the best games came in its later stages.

[Bob]

Oh indeed.. Driver was one I remember.

[hollywooda]

Oh indeed.. Driver was one I remember.

see, 30 quid well spent.

[Bob]

Indeed..

Although even when Platinum stuff was a regular thing I used to buy more stuff new.. they don't seem to bother with that anymore or if they do GAME don't bother pushing it as they'd rather shift one of their million used dog eared, spunk on the manual, copies.

[hollywooda]

Indeed..

Although even when Platinum stuff was a regular thing I used to buy more stuff new.. they don't seem to bother with that anymore or if they do GAME don't bother pushing it as they'd rather shift one of their million used dog eared, spunk on the manual, copies.

bored of this now....