The loss of GAME

The loss of GAME is another kick in the nuts for the high street. However, this one was seen from a long way off. The problem is largely the same as it is for most companies that fail. There has been a lack of diversification within the industry and a failure to adapt changes within the wider markets. Actually I think what brought it home for me was a conversation with two different young people, from different parts of Bradford.

Both said, “I’d much rather be down the park playing football, consoles are boring.”

I totally agree with them, there are much more entertaining things in the world than playing computer games all day. Even things like the Kinect have failed to draw in younger gamers. They are interesting for a time, but the reality is, when the sun is shining, there is nothing better than kicking a football about in a park, having a bbq or lounging round on the grass.

There is also a second problem, mobile gaming has taken over. Modern Combat Three, a recent purchase of mine. The sheer volume of “bloody Hells,” I got for the graphics were astounding. It is pretty decent, and apparently the online play is good too. Here is a video of it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Grut2xr1Q . Just to clarify I have a Sony Xperia Play, so this game is even better for me as I have a joypad, and not a fiddly touch screen. So far it has meant hours of fun for me. And did it cost me hundreds of pounds? No–it cost me three quid, and I downloaded it straight onto my phone. We will see more of these games as the software and phones get better. In the mean time, the consoles are aging badly, and if they don’t start appealing to younger audiences, pretty soon the online world of gaming will just be a bunch of middle aged, over weight gamers ripping on each other’s mothers.