A further push by Game into multichannel retail was welcomed by analysts, but the City wants to see the games specialist to “dramatically” reduce its store numbers.
The retailer has struck an exclusive partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe to sell the latter’s digital games in Game stores across Europe.
Arden analyst Nick Bubb said: “Game’s digital strategy seems to be unfolding well, but the physical market remains difficult.”
Bubb said Game’s store base is “increasingly seen as a huge liability in this digital age”.
Seymour Pierce analyst Kate Calvert said: “While management is starting to deliver a more multichannel offer, we continue to believe that the disintermediation of the gaming market away from the physical box market is a structural risk to its business model.”
Game revealed earlier this year that it would cut its store base to 550 from 620 at present.
Game will sell more than 50 Sony digital titles in all UK stores by mid-September.
Game chief executive Ian Shepherd said: “This is a step forward in our digital strategy.”
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