GAME has tonight confirmed it intends to close 40 stores throughout the UK.

The sudden announcement comes after a series of closures last year which saw the once-popular gaming outlet begin to disappear from UK high streets.

Thirteen sites recently had notice served including larger GAME stores in Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester.

Yesterday, notice was served on a further 14 sites impacting outlets owned mostly by Intu and New River. The sites include Derby, Norwich Chapelfield, Lakeside, Bexleyheath and Carmarthen.

GAME says it intends to serve notice on the additional sites in the near future.

A spokesperson for GAME suggested its high street business model was being impacted by online sales.

“We are working closely with landlords throughout the UK to ensure that we do not have to vacate the 40 locations which could lead to a number of job losses,” the spokesman said.

“However, we are facing a challenging retail market and GAME with its extensive retail footprint, needs to restructure and landlords need to work with us in setting realistic, fair rents.”