UK’s biggest games retailer to stop selling used games
Rumors suggest that Game, the biggest video game retailer in the UK, will stop its pre-owned and trade-in services in the following months.
🎮 Say Goodbye to Pre-Owned Games at UK’s Game Stores 🚫🔄
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2024
The UK’s beloved high street chain, Game, has announced that it will be phasing out its pre-owned and trade-in services over the next few months. This news, reported by Eurogamer, has caused quite a stir among gamers who have long relied on Game for affordable second-hand games.
According to a spokesperson from the new owners, Frasers Group, “As part of the integration of Game, we will be phasing out the trade-in, pre-owned, and Game Elite offerings in the UK over the coming months. Pre-owned will still be available in our stand-alone stores across the UK while stock lasts, and Game Elite will still be available until the end of summer.”
🎮🔄🚫 What’s the impact of this decision, and where can gamers turn to now for their pre-owned game fix? Let’s dive in!
😢 Game Phases Out Trade-ins and Pre-Owned Games
Game has been a go-to destination for gamers looking to save some cash by purchasing pre-owned games or trading in their old ones. However, with the change in ownership, Frasers Group has decided to shift the focus of Game in a new direction. As a result, customers will no longer be able to trade in games after February 16. If you have some games ready to part with, now is the time to act! Pre-owned games will also be available for purchase until stock runs out, so get them while you can.
In addition to trade-ins and pre-owned games, Frasers Group is also phasing out Game Elite, the premium version of Game’s rewards scheme. The scheme, which offered extra reward points and exclusive deals to Elite members, failed to gain popularity despite efforts to make it more appealing.
🤔 Where can you get pre-owned video games in the UK now?
We understand the appeal of being able to save money on new games, especially with AAA titles reaching astonishing prices of up to £70 in some cases. Sophie Smart, production director at UK game studio No More Robots, expressed her disappointment with Game’s decision, saying, “I think so many of us can remember not being able to afford the cost of a full-price game when it launched, and waiting a couple of months and saving up pocket money to go and get the game pre-owned.”
But fear not, my fellow UK gamers! There is still hope for finding pre-owned games. One alternative is CEX, a popular high street staple that focuses exclusively on pre-owned media and electronics. Unlike Game, CEX offers money in exchange for products, making it a viable option for those looking to offload their old games and get some cash in return. With media ownership already a question in people’s minds, it’s possible we may see a resurgence in physical media purchasing.
🕹️💸 Take a trip to your local CEX store and discover a treasure trove of budget-friendly gaming delights!
😄 Ali Rees: Gaming and Tech Enthusiast
Before we wrap up, let’s take a moment to appreciate the author of this article, Ali Rees. Ali is a freelance writer based in the UK with an impressive background in data and analytics consulting, software testing, and digital marketing. They are not only a talented writer but also a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast.
Currently serving as the Gaming and Tech editor at Brig Newspaper, Ali brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to their articles. They even have their own Substack where they review short video games, adding an extra level of expertise to their work. To top it all off, Ali enjoys live streaming on Twitch and indulges in hobbies such as playing video and board games, enjoying live music, and reading.
💬 Share your thoughts with Ali and let them know what you think about the future of pre-owned games in the UK!
That’s it for now, gamers! Remember, even though Game is phasing out its pre-owned game services, the world of gaming still has plenty to offer. Whether you’re browsing through CEX or exploring other avenues for purchasing affordable games, the quest for gaming adventures never ends.
📚 References: 1. 🔗 Eurogamer: Game to phase out pre-owned games and trade-ins 2. 🔗 BBC: Game to stop offering pre-owned games and trade-in services 3. 🔗 The rise in media ownership concerns 4. 🔗 Substack’s removal of pronazi newsletters 5. 🔗 The shift in Twitch rules regarding nudity
❓ Q&A:
Q: Why is Game phasing out pre-owned and trade-in services? A: Game’s new owners, Frasers Group, have decided to take the company in a different direction as part of their integration plans. This led to the decision to phase out pre-owned and trade-in services gradually. However, pre-owned games will still be available for purchase in Game’s standalone stores until stock runs out.
Q: Is there an alternative to Game for purchasing pre-owned games in the UK? A: Yes! CEX, a high street retailer specializing in pre-owned media and electronics, is a great alternative. With 385 stores across the UK, CEX offers money in exchange for products, allowing you to offload your old games and make some cash while indulging in a second-hand gaming spree.
Q: How can I stay updated on gaming news and trends in the UK? A: If you’re looking to stay informed about the latest gaming news and trends, Ali Rees, the author of this article, is the person to follow. As the Gaming and Tech editor at Brig Newspaper and with their own Substack, Ali provides valuable insights and reviews on video games. Additionally, various online publications and communities dedicated to gaming can help you stay in the loop.
Q: Will physical media purchasing make a comeback with the disappearance of Game’s pre-owned games? A: The closure of Game’s pre-owned game services does raise questions about media ownership. With the availability of second-hand games becoming scarcer, some people may be more inclined to purchase physical copies of games rather than relying solely on digital platforms. Time will tell just how this shift in the gaming landscape impacts the future of physical media.
Q: Might Game reconsider its decision in the future? A: While it’s always possible for companies to reassess their strategies, as of now, Game is moving forward with the integration plans outlined by Frasers Group. However, the gaming industry is ever-evolving, and market demands could potentially lead Game or other retailers to reevaluate their approach to pre-owned games in the future.
📢✨ Share this article with fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts! Let’s spread the word and keep the gaming community informed.
Image credits: Game, Ali Rees
About the Author: Ali Rees is a freelance writer based in the UK. Their diverse background includes expertise in data and analytics consulting, software testing, and digital marketing. Ali’s passion for gaming and technology shines through in their work as the Gaming and Tech editor at Brig Newspaper. Make sure to check out their Substack, where they review short video games. In their free time, Ali enjoys live streaming on Twitch, playing video and board games, attending live music events, and reading. They also have two cats, both of whom are certifiably silly!
