It is an open secret that the situation of The GAME retail chain is far from experiencing its best moments. In recent months, we have seen quite a few signs in this regard, such as a change in the terms of its points program in Spain, which has become notoriously controversial due to mismanagement, the outright cancellation of said program in the United Kingdom (the group’s parent country), or some rather strange adjustments to the working hours of chain workers in a given country.

It is not necessary to dig too deep to find the causes of this complex situation., it is enough to analyze the development of the video game market in recent years and see that their physical distribution, which was the main purchase channel in its time, is now hardly a witness. Digital stores have consumed the market and there is little margin left for collector’s editions, buying and selling second hand and little, very little else.

Fortunately for GAME and similar businesses, Yes, there is still a much more active market for selling devices. Consoles, controllers, accessories, with the added bonus that second hand also has a good place here. And, of course, also collectibles that add up to the same thing. Today, the chain resists with these wickers in a very complex market, in which it undoubtedly needs to constantly reinvent itself in order not to disappear. .

Nostalgic nod, image of the old post office in La Vaguada shopping center (Madrid). Picture from Thursday the 13th

So a few hours ago Rumors have started circulating that GAME is planning to quit selling hardware and games in its physical stores, quite a surprise, which would primarily indicate an orderly plan to close them down and concentrate exclusively on internet sales. However, The company categorically denied the information.. Here are the statements from a Eurogamer spokesperson: “This information is categorically false. 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.“.

It is undoubtedly the good news is that your operations remain as they were before, but we must not stop appreciating that the information about the potential exit of the said market in its physical stores reached such a reach in such a short time. This is undoubtedly another reminder of what was indicated at the beginning, the very complicated situation that the group is going through, which makes us think about its future in the medium and especially the long term.

Opening image: Miramar Shopping Center