Video game retailer GAME has entered administration once again, burdened by debts of £16 million. The company, which once operated as many as 300 stores across the UK, appointed joint administrators in April 2025 after a prolonged decline.
Liverpool Store Closure Marks Final Chapter
The retailer closed its long-standing store on Liverpool’s Lord Street on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The location later reopened as a downsized concept within a revamped Sports Direct on the same street. This closure was part of a broader scaling back that included shutting its headquarters in Basingstoke last year.
James Saunders and Lauren Wentworth of KR8 Advisory were appointed as joint administrators in April. Their report outlines the final attempts to rescue the business, noting that the company was incorporated as Game Retail Limited following its acquisition in 2011.
From 300 Stores to Administration
The administrators stated: “The Game brand was originally established in 1990 and developed into the UK’s leading high street retailer of video games and consoles. The company started trading in 2012 following the acquisition of the UK trade and assets of the former The Game Group Plc out of administration. At the point of acquisition, the business operated over 300 retail stores together with two e-commerce platforms under the Game and Gamestation brand names.”
Following the acquisition, the company consolidated under the single Game brand and undertook a financial review, resulting in the closure of some loss-making stores but also plans to open new ones.
Market Conditions Blamed for Collapse
Administrators pointed to difficult market conditions in subsequent years, including Brexit and the rise of digital downloads. They added: “Market conditions remained difficult in the subsequent years driven by changes in consumer behaviour, including the transition from physical games to digital downloads, uncertainty associated with Brexit, and increased competition within the sector.”
The company’s losses widened to £43 million by 2019 before the brand was bought by Frasers Group, which integrated stores into Sports Direct outlets.
No Major Console Releases Since 2020
The administrators noted: “Despite these efforts, the company’s financial position continued to deteriorate during the final quarter of 2025, which historically had been one of the busiest trading months for the business. There have been no major console releases since 2020, and large manufacturers have cited global chip shortages as a reason for further delays.”
Having reviewed the company’s financial and operational position, it was concluded that the business was no longer viable.
