Reports from Eurogamer indicate that UK retailer GAME will no longer accept physical video game trade-ins starting February 2024. Staff members from multiple branches of the largest video game retailer in the country have confirmed this news.
While an official announcement from GAME is yet to be made, employees have revealed that the trade-in service will cease on February 16th. This gives customers a one-month window to trade in their physical games for store credit.
However, there’s no mention of any changes to the trade-in policy for consoles. Following the end of the video game trade-in service, GAME will continue to sell pre-owned stock until it’s depleted. As a result, players in the UK will have fewer options for trading in older games, with CEX being the most prevalent alternative where games can be exchanged for in-store credit or cash.
Online reactions to this news have been largely negative, with many expressing that they may no longer visit GAME after the trade-in service is discontinued. Some have even stated that they feel the retailer is taking a step in the wrong direction.
Johnathon (@jashton22) – “This is mad, I stopped buying from them years ago because of the prices and the delivery costs but this seems like a step in the wrong direction although when you walk into a store now maybe 50% of it or over isn’t even games it’s just merch and stuff.”
Eurogamer has contacted GAME for a statement, and this article will be updated once the company responds. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you still engage in physical media trade-ins for new consoles and games? Share your opinions with us in the comments section.