It has not too long ago been confirmed that over the following few months, GAME will not be accepting trade-ins on pre-owned video games. The favored UK gaming retail chain, which is owned by Frasers Group, has simply introduced that it will likely be discontinuing its trade-in, pre-owned, and Recreation Elite applications shortly.
You’ll nonetheless be capable of buy pre-owned video games in shops throughout the UK till shares run out, however as soon as they do, you’ll not be capable of purchase or promote used video games after that. GAME Elite, the rewards membership that offers members 10% again on all the things they purchase or promote, is anticipated to nonetheless function up till the top of summer season.
Beginning February 16, 2024 all GAME places throughout nation will not settle for recreation trade-ins and can hope to unload what’s left of its provide of pre-owned video games quickly after that. This would possibly imply some upcoming reductions and extra offers on GAME’s pre-owned titles, in an effort to shift the used merchandise, however this has but to be confirmed.
With the retail gaming business in decline, and increasingly players now shopping for their video games on-line digitally as a substitute, GAME executives imagine that shifts are actually needed. Will probably be an uphill battle to bridge this now ever-growing hole between the digital and bodily online game areas, however it’s a battle that GAME is keen to battle.
GAME has defiantly said publicly that it’s keen to be the final man standing in promoting bodily video video games if want be. With that stated, the corporate is assured that it may well stand sturdy and even usher in new clients shifting ahead, getting them off on-line retail platforms in favor of the bodily expertise.
With an emphasis on bodily merchandise, GAME sees its place out there going ahead as one thing akin to the vinyl document retailer. In recent times, classic vinyl shops have exploded in recognition, and this proves that there’s nonetheless a robust marketplace for and place within the hearts of consumers for bodily merchandise.
Packaged items similar to vinyl data or video video games may even be seen as artwork – in addition to items of historical past – with objects similar to collector’s editions promoting for lots of of {dollars} to the fitting purchaser. Regardless of this optimistic and romantic outlook, GAME is lifelike in its expectations and understands that the general business of ‘bodily’ video video games is in decline.
In the end, the destiny of GAME and comparable shops will probably be dictated by powers largely exterior its management. With that being stated it could be an actual disgrace if, sooner or later, you might not purchase bodily video video games and will solely get hold of them on-line digitally.