[Diablohead]

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/store...station/093365 A list of stores being closed

Reading Oracle is the one near me, shame to see it go as a friend works there.

We have a gamestation down the highstreet which imo will do better.

[Jburton]

Word on Twitter is that all GAME stores in Ireland have been closed (not all closed up here in the North though). Can anyone confirm? The GAME closed in Belfast is the one in Castle Court (predictable).

Game Castlecourt was the very definition of superfluous.

I am hearing Game Bloomfield (Bangor) is gone although Ards maybe still open.

[Yenrot]

Word on Twitter is that all GAME stores in Ireland have been closed (not all closed up here in the North though). Can anyone confirm? The GAME closed in Belfast is the one in Castle Court (predictable).

Heard that too. Omagh GAME is gone. The owner of the street it's on is trying to turn every shop in that street into a bar/nightclub, so it would've been gone anyway.

[dc89]

That looks like a decidedly unpleasant area. Where is it?

That is Stockport. The arse-end of Stockport. I have been to rough places late at night but I have only ever feared for my life once. The midnight launch of GTA:SA and yes, I was there in that same street.

[cyberheater]

GAME and Gamestation in Glasgow are both closed.

That's it. I'm off to check the Gamestation at Hamilton.

They're still open at have this sign up.

[Stuart444]

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/store...station/093365 A list of stores being closed

damnit... my closest one Gamestation in Dumbarton has also been closed. (It opened not that long ago, maybe a few years ago? But before that we had none and now we again have no gaming stores really in Dumbarton).

I go to Glasgow mostly but it was nice that if I wanted something quick, I could get on a bus or train and get to the Dumbarton Gamestation within 15 mins.

This is only the first day... wonder how the rest of the week will go...

[Ghost]

Looks like Brighton lost it's gamestation but kept it's two Games.

Haven't actually been out to check myself mind you.

[Raide]

damnit... my closest one Gamestation in Dumbarton has also been closed. (It opened not that long ago, maybe a few years ago? But before that we had none and now we again have no gaming stores really in Dumbarton). I go to Glasgow mostly but it was nice that if I wanted something quick, I could get on a bus or train and get to the Dumbarton Gamestation within 15 mins. This is only the first day... wonder how the rest of the week will go...

If no buyer is found, they all close.

[Songbird]

GameStation Grimsby has closed. Had to get the customers out and close the shutters down at 1pm. A lot of customers seem pissed (since most seem to like GameStation here more than GAME.) Lost my job anyway. Can't say I didn't expect it, but today is a sad day. :(

Wow, you're close to me. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[Data Ghost]

While I agree that the prices could be high and the trade in prices were very poor, Im still kinda gutted.

As a gamer its great to go into a dedicated video game store during a console launch etc. Aside from that the manager at Llanelli Gamestation is a great bloke who would always sort me out with whatever discounts he could as I have been a loyal customer for years and years.

Does anyone know if Llanelli Gamestation and Game are still open?

I feel that if they arent saved it will have a negative impact on gaming in the UK :/

[Psychotext]

That is Stockport. The arse-end of Stockport. I have been to rough places late at night but I have only ever feared for my life once. The midnight launch of GTA:SA and yes, I was there in that same street.

Ha, thanks. Scary times.

[dc89]

It's bat shit insane how they have TWO stores in one of the most expensive retail destinations in the UK, The Trafford Centre.

One store is on the ground floor, and the other on the First floor in the same side of the centre. The rent there is through the roof.

[JoeTheBlow]

Obviously if no buyer is found for the remaining locations then all 609 will be closed. I don't see that as a likely scenario, the UK games market is the third largest homogeneous market in the world. There is room for a specialist retailer, just not one that has 609 locations with two or three spots in the same town, sometimes even on the same high street.

I can't help wondering if, with over 3 months rent due for nearly 400 locations, another company may just let the GAME/GameStation brand die other than paying millions out.

I don't see why they'd not just wait it out then move into all those empty spaces, debt-free.

[Dachande]

Just want to say Hi to fellow LeedsGAF!

Didn't even know there WAS a LeedsGAF, really...

[123rl]

It's bat shit insane how they have TWO stores in one of the most expensive retail destinations in the UK, The Trafford Centre. One store is on the ground floor, and the other on the First floor in the same side of the centre. The rent there is through the roof.

And they have always been Game stores as far as I remember. It isn't like one used to be an EB store that was rebranded. I'm certain they were both Game stores the first day the Trafford Centre opened.

I remember asking my old area manager why Gamestation doesn't have a Trafford Centre store and he said it costs over £1m just to open a store in there!

[mclem]

Mutterings on Twitter suggest that the Westgate Centre GAME is alive and well in Oxford. Rooting for the Templar's Square Gamestation now.

I'd assume there's a reasonable amount of student trade in the city centre one, so I suspect that might hang around for a fair while. Worried for the Gamestation, though, it's more off the beaten track.

[Raide]

While I agree that the prices could be high and the trade in prices were very poor, Im still kinda gutted. As a gamer its great to go into a dedicated video game store during a console launch etc. Aside from that the manager at Llanelli Gamestation is a great bloke who would always sort me out with whatever discounts he could as I have been a loyal customer for years and years. Does anyone know if Llanelli Gamestation and Game are still open? I feel that if they arent saved it will have a negative impact on gaming in the UK :/

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/store...station/093365

Check the list. I think Llanelli is on there. Wondering if Carmarthen will also loose theirs.

[JonathanEx]

damnit... my closest one Gamestation in Dumbarton has also been closed. (It opened not that long ago, maybe a few years ago? But before that we had none and now we again have no gaming stores really in Dumbarton).

I've only been to Dumbarton twice, but I was under the impression that there's nothing at all in Dumbarton, let alone gaming shops. Apart from Morrisons. With an unhealthy amount of Irn Bru.

I can't help wondering if, with over 3 months rent due for nearly 400 locations, another company may just let the GAME/GameStation brand die other than paying millions out. I don't see why they'd not just wait it out then move into all those empty spaces, debt-free.

Infrastructure, trained staff? That's a LOT to set up from scratch that would cost a lot.

Maybe it'll be like a reverse auction. 400 stores? No buyers? 300 stores, will anyone take 300? 250 stores? 250? SOLD!

[Suairyu]

We were all kind of expecting it to happen, just not so soon. Apparently we might have to go in again this week to box all of the stock up for sending back. I assume we will be paid...

The administrators are legally obliged to pay you for all services given from the moment they took control of the company.

They are not obliged to (read: will not) pay you any wages earned prior to the moment the company entered administration.

So, basically, this month's paycheck will only count hours worked starting from today. I hope you have a little bit saved up for emergencies. I was in the same boat as you a few years ago with Music Zone.

[Gazzawa]

I think its too late in the day for a buyer to come in.
In this day and age its too much of a risk to buy something that big in a market gradually moving online(not 100% but close). Way too many stores. Way too much rent.
But I could be wrong (way wrong)

[Suairyu]

I think its too late in the day for a buyer to come in. In this day and age its too much of a risk to buy something that big in a market gradually moving online(not 100% but close). Way too many stores. Way too much rent. But I could be wrong (way wrong)

An upside is that GAME Group now has zero debt. To a company big enough to stomach the up-front costs and competent enough to run the stores, it'd be a fairly attractive prospect.

[Cronen]

Hmmm, both Swansea's GAME and Gamestation look like they'll remain open. I was expecting at least one of them to go, as they're both quite close to eachother in the city centre.

[Dachande]

I'm really surprised that I haven't heard about the Lowestoft GAME and Gamestation stores closing. It's a pissant little seaside tourist town (where my parents now live) and I've thought for ages that having two open was stupid, so I was expecting to see one or both down as closing, but so far neither...

[Raide]

I'm really surprised that I haven't heard about the Lowestoft GAME and Gamestation stores closing. It's a pissant little seaside tourist town (where my parents now live) and I've thought for ages that having two open was stupid, so I was expecting to see one or both down as closing, but so far neither...

Maybe they are hitting the bigger towns and cities with several GAME/Gamestation stores. If my local goes, I will be very disappointed.

[Danj]

I notice nobody's reported on the Cambridge GAME and Gamestation stores so far, guess I will have to check them out myself after work tomorrow (they'd probably be closed by the time I got there if I tried to go back in today).

[checkeredknight]

The administrators are legally obliged to pay you for all services given from the moment they took control of the company. They are not obliged to (read: will not) pay you any wages earned prior to the moment the company entered administration. So, basically, this month's paycheck will only count hours worked starting from today. I hope you have a little bit saved up for emergencies. I was in the same boat as you a few years ago with Music Zone.

True. Although, didn't GAME state a week or so ago they had enough put by to cover every-bodies wages owed throughout March? Hopefully that will still apply. Thanks for the information; I have quite a bit of money saved up and I plan to move away to another town next month. Hopefully I will have more chance of finding a job there (plus I get to live with some friends too.)

[Stuart444]

I've only been to Dumbarton twice, but I was under the impression that there's nothing at all in Dumbarton, let alone gaming shops. Apart from Morrisons. With an unhealthy amount of Irn Bru.

Yeah there isn't much there at all apart from Asda and the shops near it (and the fast food stuff).

Woolworths closed down before and now Gamestation... apart from a Pet Store I like going into, there isn't much reason to go to the City Center. (where that stuff was located)

[shaneskim]

The administrators are legally obliged to pay you for all services given from the moment they took control of the company. They are not obliged to (read: will not) pay you any wages earned prior to the moment the company entered administration.

I read somewhere that pre-appointment wages will be honoured for this month.

[acm2000]

I'm really surprised that I haven't heard about the Lowestoft GAME and Gamestation stores closing. It's a pissant little seaside tourist town (where my parents now live) and I've thought for ages that having two open was stupid, so I was expecting to see one or both down as closing, but so far neither...

there is absolutely NOTHING to do in lowestoft, so all the kids just sit at home playing video games

well, the airshow is good, for 2 days a year

[dc89]

And they have always been Game stores as far as I remember. It isn't like one used to be an EB store that was rebranded. I'm certain they were both Game stores the first day the Trafford Centre opened. I remember asking my old area manager why Gamestation doesn't have a Trafford Centre store and he said it costs over £1m just to open a store in there!

Yup. Even the big department stores there struggle to turn a decent profit. I know for fact if John Lewis could roll back the clock they would not have opened a store there.

[Data Ghost]

Confirmed: Llanelli Gamestation has closed today, not sure about the remaining Game :/

[Exterminieren]

Any news on the Wolverhampton Games and Gamestation?

Ridiculous that they had 2 games on the same side of Dudley St. about 30 seconds worth of walk apart, with the Gamestation in the Wulfrun Centre too. Not difficult to see why the chain's dying.

Best of luck to anyone who's lost their job today.

[LordAlu]

I read somewhere that pre-appointment wages will be honoured for this month.

Correct. The money for wages pre-administration was put in a trust fund with RBS so all staff would get their money at the end of the month.

Other news in my local area. Not only has my store (Halifax GS) closed, but both GAME stores in Bradford have closed, although the Gamestation has survived. Both the GAME and Gamestation in Huddersfield have survived as well.

[Roxas]

Actually, in regard to my earlier post, Llandudno and Rhyl stores HAVE closed.

[HTuran]

Mutterings on Twitter suggest that the Westgate Centre GAME is alive and well in Oxford. Rooting for the Templar's Square Gamestation now. I'd assume there's a reasonable amount of student trade in the city centre one, so I suspect that might hang around for a fair while. Worried for the Gamestation, though, it's more off the beaten track.

Yeah, to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised to see the GameStation to go.

[Cronen]

Maybe they are hitting the bigger towns and cities with several GAME/Gamestation stores. If my local goes, I will be very disappointed.

Scratch that, Swansea's Gamestation store have tweeted that they've closed.

[Pie and Beans]

Leeds GAF everywhere... can certainly see the Gamestation here getting closed if it hasnt already due to its fairly terrible location. Grainger Games should hire some of the fallout staff to replace the bellend that normally serves me in there, and maybe I'd go back!

[mclem]

I notice nobody's reported on the Cambridge GAME and Gamestation stores so far, guess I will have to check them out myself after work tomorrow (they'd probably be closed by the time I got there if I tried to go back in today).

How are they positioned? I'm wondering if they'd be in a similar situation to Oxford, thriving on student footfall.

[Moobabe]

Just popped into my local GS - they're shut down. Everyone in there is gutted - such a shame to see them lose their jobs. Sorry to everyone in this thread who's been effected as well - you guys will land on your feet, don't worry.

[micster]

Any news on the Wolverhampton Games and Gamestation? Ridiculous that they had 2 games on the same side of Dudley St. about 30 seconds worth of walk apart, with the Gamestation in the Wulfrun Centre too. Not difficult to see why the chain's dying. Best of luck to anyone who's lost their job today.

The one opposite Primark was closed at the weekend as a planned closure. Dont know about the other two, but theres no way that GAME'll be closed. It was only refurbished a few months ago. The Gamestation is probably more likely to go.

[Little Old Man]

It'll be interesting to know which Liverpool stores are shut. I agree with Paul that I expect the GS on Lord Street and the Liverpool One Game will be kept. The other two outlets seem to small and hidden to be saved.

Wonder what will happen in St Helens and Warrington: Game and GS in each currently?

[Suairyu]

Correct. The money for wages pre-administration was put in a trust fund with RBS so all staff would get their money at the end of the month.

Good to hear. You guys have got off lucky.

[JoeTheBlow]

Those stores remaining open are going to be hammered tomorrow by people trying to use their GAME gift and store cards, and asking for their pre-order money back, neither of which they will be able to do.

I would not like to be working there, things could get ugly, and if i've read correctly then they could essentially be working for free as their wages aren't protected anymore.
Horrible situation.

[123rl]

It'll be interesting to know which Liverpool stores are shut. I agree with Paul that I expect the GS on Lord Street and the Liverpool One Game will be kept. The other two outlets seem to small and hidden to be saved. Wonder what will happen in St Helens and Warrington: Game and GS in each currently?

I know the Wigan Gamestation was going but is the Game store closing as well? It's a big store but in an awkward location (5 minute walk from the main town centre area)

[IdreamofHIME]

The only GAME in Edinburgh not on MCV's list is the smallest one. I really thought the Princess Street one would have been the one to survive.

[clockpunk]

Braehead and The Fort were always the two biggest money makers in Scotland (Braehead is actually one of the biggest for taking money in the UK). .

Is that... really? Damn, well they really need to replace the she-devil manageress with a more competent individual while they still can. So rude, ill-mannered and lacking any social skills - especially when there is a much friendlier HMV 2 minutes walk away.

...

Speaking of which, I guess HMV at the top of Buchannan St is the place to go to now, for that end of the city...

But cheers, chaps - I shall certainly check out CeX when I get an opportunity!

[zomgbbqftw]

An upside is that GAME Group now has zero debt. To a company big enough to stomach the up-front costs and competent enough to run the stores, it'd be a fairly attractive prospect.

They do not have zero debt, they have £85m worth of credit secured against the company. The administrator will sell off as many assets as required to ensure all secured creditors are paid. Employees are number one in the list, then it is the banks, HMRC used to be second, but they got demoted by the Enterprise Act 2002 to unsecured so they are in the shit with trade creditors.

[BillyG_3001]

Sorry if this has already been posted but I have just read that the adminstators are saying that any game vouchers are now worthless & can't be redeemed for any merchandise.

That seriously sucks because my girlfriend got me a £25 voucher for Christmas.
Do you reckon its worth me trying to use it? Has anyone managed to use a voucher today?

[Randdalf]

Portsmouth Cascades one has gone apparently, that one's been around for years, used to be an Electronics Boutique (remember them?).

[zomgbbqftw]

Sorry if this has already been posted but I have just read that the adminstators are saying that any game vouchers are now worthless & can't be redeemed for any merchandise. That seriously sucks because my girlfriend got me a £25 voucher for Christmas. Do you reckon its worth me trying to use it? Has anyone managed to use a voucher today?

From 12pm today points and vouchers are no longer valid. You can put a claim in for you voucher with PwC but you are unlikely to get anything.