It has just lately been confirmed that over the following few months, GAME will now 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 will probably be discontinuing its trade-in, pre-owned, and Recreation Elite packages shortly.
You’ll nonetheless be capable to buy pre-owned video games in shops throughout the UK till shares run out, however as soon as they do, you’ll now not be capable to purchase or promote used video games after that. GAME Elite, the rewards membership that offers members 10% again on every thing they purchase or promote, is anticipated to nonetheless function up till the top of summer season.
Beginning February 16, 2024 all GAME areas throughout nation will now not settle for sport 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 an increasing number of players now shopping for their video games on-line digitally as an alternative, GAME executives imagine that shifts at the moment are crucial. 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 prepared to combat.
GAME has defiantly said publicly that it’s prepared to be the final man standing in promoting bodily video video games if want be. With that mentioned, the corporate is assured that it may possibly stand sturdy and even usher in new prospects 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 file retailer. In recent times, classic vinyl shops have exploded in reputation, and this proves that there’s nonetheless a robust marketplace for and place within the hearts of shoppers for bodily merchandise.
Packaged items reminiscent of vinyl data or video video games may even be considered as artwork – in addition to items of historical past – with gadgets reminiscent of collector’s editions promoting for tons of of {dollars} to the proper purchaser. Regardless of this optimistic and romantic outlook, GAME is life like 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 related shops can be dictated by powers largely outdoors its management. With that being mentioned it could be an actual disgrace if, sooner or later, you might now not purchase bodily video video games and will solely receive them on-line digitally.