GAME: EA problems "temporary", future launch discussions ongoing
Retailer acknowledges inconvenience to customers; hopes "situation does not occur again"
The GAME Group has updated shareholders on its current supplier issues, claiming that its dispute with Electronic Arts is "temporary" and the two companies are already engaged in active discussions for future launches.
Earlier today it emerged that GAME would not be selling any Electronic Arts games in the immediate future, including blockbuster Mass Effect 3 and sports favourites like Tiger Woods 13.
"Today the Group confirmed that it will not be stocking a small number of titles from one supplier, Electronic Arts, during March and notes that this has caused speculation in the market.
"This situation, which is a result of ongoing discussions between the Group and EA, is a temporary one and indeed both businesses are already engaged in discussions about future launches together. It is always a matter of regret when customers are inconvenienced, and both the Group and EA are committed to ensuring that this situation does not occur again," added the company.
GAME is not stocking Nintendo's Mario Party 6, and earlier in the month did not stock Namco's latest Tekken title for the 3DS, nor Ubisoft's launch titles for the PlayStation Vita.
"As part of the strategic plan development process which it announced on February 3, the Group has been working closely with its suppliers, as well as other stakeholders. In particular, the Group has been discussing with its suppliers the level of support and engagement it needs from them over the coming months. There have, during that process, been isolated instances where it has not been possible to agree launch plans for individual game titles," added the company.
Since the news broke, GAME's stock has dropped over 15 per cent today.