UK games industry to HMV: Stick with us

Leading UK publishers will meet HMV this week with one clear message: Don’t give up on games.

The entertainment giant emerged from administration last week with 132 stores, plus nine Fopp outlets. 79 HMV shops closed in total – fewer than originally feared.

But there’s still uncertainty around video games at the chain. Administrators Deloitte dismissed much of HMV’s games team, including department heads Ewan and Andy Pinder. Meanwhile, new owners Hilco UK have exited games before when it bought HMV Canada in 2011.

HMV was unable to comment at the time of press, but sources within the retailer told MCV that games are still ‘part of the plan’.

However, it’s still unclear what level of support the industry can expect.

It’s good news they are still around. But what happened to HMV’s games team doesn’t fill me with confidence,” said one sales boss at a major publisher.

We definitely want HMV to hang around in games. They help us reach a broader audience, and add gravitas for game launches.”

MCV understands major publishers and platform holders are meeting HMV this week to discuss support.