UK retailer Game closing 35 stores, sister retail website

Troubled UK video game retailer Game Group has selected 35 of its stores to close as part of its "strategic plan" to survive and operate in the future, while also closing one of its main retail websites. The move comes as Game was saved from going under by its stakeholders and lenders, and must operate its business "within lower limits" than it was previously. This includes closing at least 60 of its stores in the UK by 2013. A spokesperson for the company has now told trade website MCV that 35 stores have been informed of their impending closures, and that staff at these stores will be reassigned to different stores where possible. Game is also closing down Gameplay.co.uk at the end of this month, and merging its customers and stock with sister website Gamestation.co.uk. The news comes as Game was forced to lay off around 46 employees from its central support centre in Basingstoke earlier this month, as part of a restructuring effort.