GAME has firmly denied reports claiming it plans to cease selling physical versions of games and reiterated its support of the physical gaming market.
GAME Remains Committed to Support Physical Game Goods
Earlier Report Falsely Alleged Retailer is Discontinuing Physical Sales
"This reporting is categorically not true," a spokesperson of the UK retailer, GAME, stated to Eurogamer today following reports of the brand discontinuing sales of physical versions of games. Despite the rise of digital downloads in the current era the industry is in, GAME remains committed to continue selling physical products.
"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," read the rest of its statement to the news site.
A spokesperson for GAME's parent company, Frasers Group, likewise assured Eurogamer that there has been no change in store policy regarding the sale of physical games and consoles. Additionally, GAME confirmed there are no changes to pre-order requirements and reiterated its commitment to continue selling a "wide range of boxed games both in-store and online."
The clarification came after Gfinity reported earlier today that the UK retailer was planning to restrict physical game and hardware sales to online pre-orders, which could then be collected in-store or delivered to consumers. The now-debunked report also suggested that customers would no longer be able to buy video game consoles in-store.
Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz last year, GAME's managing director Nick Arran asserted the retailer's dedication to physical game sales. "We see our place in the market as proving that there is a place for physical, whether that be the collector's editions, which we see as the vinyl of games, or the gifter who doesn't want to wrap up a download code for Christmas," Arran stated.
He also said that the company intends to protect its future by diversifying into gaming, toys, board games, and tech. "We do need to protect the future of the business," Arran added. "That's why we've gone with this general entertainment approach across gaming, toys, board games, and tech as well."
Source:
GAME denies report it will stop selling physical games, other than fulfilling pre-orders
GAME: We will be the last man standing in physical video games
Gfinity Esports's report
