Game (retailer)
| GAME logo | |
| Company type | Public (LSE: GMG) |
|---|---|
| ISIN | GB00BMP36W19  |
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK |
Key people | Christopher Bell (Chairman) Ian Shepherd (Chief Executive) |
| Products | Game Consoles Video games Accessories |
| Revenue |  £1,625.0 million (2011)[1] |
| £43.2 million (2011)[1] | |
| £15.7 million (2011)[1] | |
| Parent | Frasers Group |
| Subsidiaries | Gamestation, Gameplay GB ltd |
| Website | www.game.co.uk
www.game-retail.co.uk www.game.net www.game.com.au www.game.se www.game.no www.game.dk www.game.es www.game.pt www.gamegroup.plc.uk |
The Game Group plc (LSE: GMG) (usually known by its high street trading name Game and stylised as GAME) is a British video games retail company. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE SmallCap Index.
History
Early history & Electronics Boutique takeover
The company was founded by Bev Ripley and Terry Norris as Rhino Group in 1991.[2] In 1993 the company acquired Virgin Games increasing the total number of stores to 77.[3]
In 1995, the gaming retailer Electronics Boutique acquired 25% of the Company, the name of which was changed to Electronics Boutique Limited under license from the US business.[4] The name of the retail outlets were also renamed from "Future Zone" to "Electronics Boutique".
Acquisition of GAME
In 1999, Electronics Boutique Limited purchased a chain of retail outlets known as Game from which the current name of the Company was derived for £99 million.[5] Game which at the time had 86 stores was originally established in 1990 by Peter Wickins and Neil Taylor.[6]
Electronics Boutique Limited went on to purchase the BarrysWorld online gaming service in 2001,[7] the French retailer ScoreGames in 2001 [8] and the Spanish retailer Centro Mail also in 2001.[9]
In 2002, Electronics Boutique stores in the UK and Ireland were rebranded as Game, and the Company name was changed to The Game Group. Despite the name change, a 1% sales royalty to Electronics Boutique in the United States continued to be paid until January 2006. Attempts to have this overturned in court in 2003 were unsuccessful.[10]
In July 2004, the GAME group acquired Gameplay (GB) Limited, online and mail order retailer of video games, computer software and associated products.[11] Gameplay (GB) Ltd now also trades as GAME.co.uk, the group's main online arm in the UK.[12]
In September 2006, Game acquired Australian speciality video games retailer Gameswizards and have since rebranded all Gameswizards outlets as Game stores.[13]
Acquisition of Gamestation
In May 2007, the company announced the acquisition of rival UK specialist video game chain Gamestation for £74 million. The company stated that they intended to retain the brand.[14]
Current sales
As of March 2011, stores sell games for all major video game platforms. A few stores continue to sell games for the discontinued Gamecube console. Games are also sold under a 'preowned' label, where a customer has returned a used game for cash or credit. US retailer GameStop has proven this business strategy beneficial, generating an estimated $3 billion revenue in fiscal year 2008-09.[15]
Operations
The company had over 1,367 stores worldwide as of 29 April 2010[update],[16] the most recent store opening being in the Czech Republic.
In the UK, the group continues to trade on the high street as both GAME and Gamestation. The company plans to maintain and grow Gamestation as a separate brand,[17] as its image is that of a store for "gamers".[18]
Online operations within the UK are GAME.co.uk, directed at the general consumer, as well Gamestation.co.uk and Gameplay.co.uk for more "dedicated gamers".[19] All 3 websites are managed by Gameplay (GB) ltd. and follow a similar pricing structure, however maintain a very different corporate identity.
Game currently has operations in ten European countries including the Republic of Ireland, Iceland, Portugal, Spain, Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and France.[20] In recent years its operations have expanded in Australia.[21] In Europe, Game is a market leader in Ireland, Spain, the Nordic Countries and the Czech Republic. While in France it is the fourth most successful gaming brand in its market.[20]
On 21 April 2010, there was a management change at GAME Group. Lisa Morgan stepped down as CEO to pursue other opportunities. [22] and Chris Bell, former CEO of Ladbrokes, was made interim CEO.[23]
On 17 June 2010, it was announced that a new CEO had been appointed by the name of Ian Shepherd,[24] who joined on the company on 28 June.
On 9 March 2011, GAME shut down 19 of its branches in the UK and Ireland. [citation needed]
On 29 February 2012 it was announced that both Game and Gamestation would no longer stock new titles from Electronic Arts. This is due to the major games distributor refusing to give the company reduced rates and fairer supplier terms. This affected the pre-orders of Mass Effect 3, due out the following week.[25][26]
The company had 1,275 stores worldwide as of 1 November 2011[update].[27]
Loyalty card
Game operates a loyalty card scheme (the Game Reward Card) whereby members earn points when they purchase items in stores or online.[28]
Game awards 10 points for every £1 spent in store or online.[29] Every 1000 points earned, allows the member a discount of £2.50 on any console, accessory or game. This can also be used to pay for downloads and gift cards.
References
- ^ a b c Annual Report 2011
- ^ City File: Bev Ripley The Independent, 18 October 1991
- ^ "Our History". Game Group plc. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
- ^ Good at Games The Independent, 13 June 2009
- ^ Electronic Boutique
- ^ Barrie, Chris (13 April 1990). "Software retailer raises its Game with takeover". London: The Guardian. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
- ^ Electronic Boutique buys BarrysWorld
- ^ Games takeover
- ^ UK Business Park
- ^ "Game loses EB royalty case". The Register. 28 February 2003.
- ^ GAME acquires Gameplay (GB) Ltd
- ^ Gameplay (GB) Ltd. trading as Game.co.uk (Copyright notice)
- ^ Games Wizards sold to UK company
- ^ Game buys GameStation for £74m
- ^ Gamestop used games revenue to be $2bn
- ^ GAME store locations
- ^ Gamestation development plans announced
- ^ Gamestation's "About Us"
- ^ Targeted online retailing - identified by interim report.
- ^ a b http://www.gamegroup.plc.uk/gmg_plc/about/markets/
- ^ Game: locations
- ^ Wearden, Graeme (21 April 2010). "Game Group chief executive Lisa Morgan departs". The Guardian. London.
- ^ Management Changes at GAME Group plc
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-news/9113300/Game-falls-out-with-EA.html
- ^ http://www.game.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArticleView?articleId=137297&catalogId=10201&langId=44&storeId=10151
- ^ GAME store locations 2011
- ^ Game: Reward Program
- ^ Game: Online Store