As part of sweeping changes going on over at UK retailer GAME, Microsoft's Xbox All Access program will soon lose a major distributor. Starting June 26, new customers will not be able to sign up for the program at GAME, which allows users to pay for an Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass in monthly instalments.
Once GAME pulls out of the program, just Smyths and 4Gadgets will offer Xbox All Access here in the UK, while a selection of other retailers still offer the program in other regions.
Here's what GAME had to say about the decision, via Eurogamer:
"GAME is simplifying its credit offering and, as of 26th June, will no longer be offering Xbox All Access,
This decision will not impact any of our existing Xbox All Access customers."
The retailer went on to tell the outlet that other financing options will still be available through 'Frasers Plus', another hint that GAME is fast becoming just another arm of UK retail giant Frasers Group.
In response to all of this, Microsoft reassured fans that Xbox All Access will still be available in the UK region, but didn't make any mention of GAME specifically in its statement to Eurogamer:
"Xbox All Access - which allows players to purchase Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass for a monthly price - will continue to be available at participating retailers throughout the UK,"
This year alone, GAME has stopped accepting trade-ins at all of its UK stores, and we've also heard reports that employees have recently been switched to zero-hour contracts if they sit below the management threshold.
What do you make of this latest move from GAME? Tell us your thoughts down below.
[source eurogamer.net]
Comments 15
Game is definitely on its last legs, most of the shelf space in store is taken up with board games and collectables with small shelves dedicated to each console.
I've hardly been in one since they stopped doing midnight releases years ago.
it think its more of a sign that Game is going down the drain
They are also stopping the Game rewards program don't see them being about much longer tbh.
@Chaotic_Neutral my local Game is in Sports Direct. Just a counter with a few games behind it.
This is the beginning of the end of physical gaming purchases on the high street.
Game is just in dire straights right now.
I stopped visiting Game once my local one went into a Sports Direct and is crammed in the very top corner with more toys and merch on display than anything else. I can imagine they won't be doing this either as hardly anyone is probably buying a new Xbox this way now.
They're also shutting down their Game Reward and Game Elite programmes; defo on their last legs. My local one closed down completely and the one in the next town moved into Sports Direct. As others have said, it's mostly toys, collectibles and card games now like Magic or Pokemon. My kids love it, but it's a far cry from the Game of old.
I can’t remember the last time I went into a Game. Maybe to pick up my GBA SP at launch. I used to spend so much time in there when it was still Electronics Boutique.
Isn’t GAME just the UK version of GameStop? A lot of what the comments above me are saying, particularly when it comes to the store being mostly not about video games anymore, is very true of GameStop here in the US.
I have so many fond memories of GAME, and they were a big part of the UK gaming scene, but after going into one the other week the place is 75% gaming adjacent merchandise, and one wall of new games.
It makes sense to stop selling All Access as it's a long term commitment, and also now inflation is raising prices it's more of a risky thing to give people 2 years to pay off something that could go up in price rather than down. I got my Xbox through All Access, and thought it was a good deal.
GAMEs failure can only be down to mis- management of their business practices.
It's just a shame that the staff suffer.
As usual the suits suck the life out of a business
One of the most egregious things GAME was doing was charging £5 to deliver something to you. If you chose to collect it from the local store instead they still charged £5 then gave you a £5 GAME voucher upon collection.
They should revert to an online only business model and start discounting games like Hit.co.uk and Amazon.
I bought 3 Series X consoles thru the All Access Program here in the US. One for myself and my 2 sons. It is a pretty good way to get one if money is a little tight.
Game over charge on things and for delivery nowadays.
Just go to Currys or Smyths toys.
GAME used to be top dog compared to other video game stores in the UK, although I always used to prefer Grainger Games or GameStation myself.
Last time I actually bought something from GAME was GTA IV at a midnight launch. I’ve never been in since as they were a lot more expensive, even pre-owned games were only around £5 less than a brand new copy. Also charging for collection was a joke, I’ve never seen any other business do this. No wonder they were hated by many, so I say good riddance once they fully shutdown. I honestly don’t see any reason to keep them open these days since they are mostly selling tat that have nothing to do with gaming.
As others have said Game are disappearing. This is just a sign of that. Bought up as part of the house of frazer/sports direct group and rapidly just becoming an in store shelf space and nothing more. Gone are the days of old EB/Game and browsing shelves for second hand games (and to be honest it's been gone since before covid).
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