Physical video game sales face yet another blow. GameStop is shutting down all 69 of its stores in Germany, leaving 500 employees without jobs as of January 31, 2025. This move highlights the ongoing shift toward digital gaming formats, which has drastically transformed the video game market over the last decade. 

The video game market has seen a massive transformation in recent years as digital formats continue to rise, overshadowing physical game sales. GameStop, a significant player in the industry, has faced similar challenges in various European territories. By January 1, 2025, 69 GameStop stores in Germany will close their doors, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic and declining demand for physical games have heavily impacted the U.S.-based retailer. 

According to German broadcaster NTV, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen previously indicated plans to downsize the company’s operations. While GameStop still operates over 4,000 stores worldwide, the closure in Germany signals a significant loss of revenue from physical game sales. Although stores in Italy and France remain operational, their long-term future appears increasingly uncertain. 

Farewell to Game Informer Magazine 

One of the saddest chapters in GameStop’s decline is the closure of Game Informer magazine. This iconic publication in video game journalism ceased operations unexpectedly in August 2023 due to financial difficulties and shifting consumer habits toward digital formats. The decision has deeply impacted both employees and the loyal readers who followed its interviews and articles for decades. 

Source: 3djuegos