Reports indicate that GAME is expected to cease accepting in-store pre-orders starting next month

UK's GAME retail chain is reducing its services further and will stop accepting in-store pre-orders for future game releases, according to recent reports.

Eurogamer, a partner of GamesIndustry.biz, revealed that several GAME employees have confirmed this change is set to begin on August 1. Nevertheless, online pre-orders will still be available.

Pre-orders for games launching by January 31, 2025, will be fulfilled, but those scheduled for release after that date will likely be refunded.

GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Frasers Group, GAME's parent company, for their input on the matter.

Eurogamer's sources suggest that the retailer’s unique till systems—in contrast to those used by other Frasers Group stores like Sports Direct—are behind these adjustments. GAME now mostly operates as concessions within Sports Direct locations.

An employee mentioned to Eurogamer that the tills will soon "only be able to sell and return products," explaining the halt on in-store pre-orders.

This is also cited as the reason behind GAME discontinuing its membership program, terminating Xbox All Access, and ceasing its pre-owned business, which was once central to the retailer.

Last month, rumors emerged about Frasers Group planning to end physical game sales in stores, which the company has since refuted.