Game fire 46 staff at HQ

GAME has confirmed layoffs at its head office as part of a restructure of the company.

The troubled high street retailer will reduce headcount at its 400-staff strong Basingstoke HQ by 46.

This, GAME said today, “will change the way that we operate and will enable us to be significantly more efficient in our relationships with suppliers and customers”.

“We are giving our full help and support to the colleagues who are affected by these proposed changes.”

Dave Hughes, who oversaw the re-launch of the GAME.co.uk website, will also leave the company.

GAME, which last week won the backing of its lenders after its loss of credit insurance cast doubt on its ability to stock new games, is trying to restructure its head office operation in an attempt to secure its future.

“These changes reflect the growth of our multi-channel operations and the progress of our Dedicated to Gaming strategy,” GAME said in a statement.

“They will also position us better to respond to the current video games market.”

Tricia Brennan is the new Chief Commercial Officer responsible for customer offerings and supplier partnerships. Tom Devine is Channel Director responsible for store and ecommerce operations.

A GAME spokesperson confirmed to Eurogamer this morning that the head office restructure is “the extent of our plans” with regards to layoffs. Announced plans to reduce the number of stores in the UK by 2013 remain unchanged, we were told.

GAME is rumoured to be selling off its overseas business.

Source: Eurogamer