Buyers eye Gamerbase swoop should HMV fall

HMV’s Gamerbase concessions could be rescued even if the retail giant closes.

The tournament zones – which can be found located besides HMV stores in London, Manchester, Glasgow or Edinburgh – has already attracted attention from at least one prospective buyer, MCV has been told. Although no official approach has been made.

However, sources close to the Gamerbase team told MCV that the firm is confident HMV will be rescued out of administration.

Gamerbase is wholly-owned by HMV.

Unlike other areas of HMV, Gamerbase is a profitable business, and has attracted significant sponsorship support from the likes of EA, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, which have utilised the tournament areas (plus in-store departments) to promote its upcoming titles and hardware.

It could be an attractive proposition to a rival games or PC retailer.

Gamerbase won an MCV Award in 2009 for retail innovation.