The recent collapse of UK chain Fopp sums up the tricky trading situation faced by music retailers. The combined onslaught of downloads, piracy, supermarkets and a misguided purchase of a rival all did for Fopp . But what about game retail? Consolidation and closure is rife here too, with Game's recent purchase of main competitor Gamestation and independent stores fighting to stay in play. The Indies that survive generally rely heavily on the money made from trade-ins.
So why go to a games shop in 2007? While there is still some nostalgic joy flicking through a CD/vinyl rack - and Fopp was the perfect "take a punt for a fiver" store - the same can't be said of most game shops. Accelerated shelf life means games - particularly anything vaguely leftfield - often disappear within weeks of release, occasionally resurfacing years later on a budget label. The pre-owned market may upset publishers and give stores the unpleasant feel of a jumble sale, but at least it offers the chance of finding something beyond the latest stuff. But why bother when you can find it on eBay? Supermarket, indie, chain (Game, HMV) or internet - where do you buy your games?
