GameStop begins 2026 by permanently closing hundreds of stores. The sudden move surprised many GameStop customers and employees, who are now venting their frustration and confusion online.
GameStop's funding and success have seen significant shifts in recent years. The company has tried several times to turn around and improve its situation, bringing in new board members, focusing on non-video game products such as Pokemon TCG cards and various collectibles, and so on. The company has also closed a number of branches in the past, but now more are being added to the list in 2026.
GameStop is closing around 300 stores
Now, GameStop has revealed to employees and customers that many of its locations are closing. The news appears to have arrived without any warning to many of its employees, with some claiming to have found out their workplace would be shut down the same way as customers: through a sign taped to the front door. Some of the GameStops have already closed, but the closures are expected to continue through January 14. The sign above informs customers where their nearest GameStop location is, with a 20% bonus on trade-ins for games and accessories for the rest of the month at an alternate store. Those who pre-ordered products through GameStop locations that are closed or are closing can usually pick them up at their nearest GameStop, though shoppers will want to check with their individual stores.
Lots of people came out of the woodwork to decry the store closures. Many have criticized the way the announcement was handled, with some complaining about the lack of advance notice, while others are more upset at the idea of sticking a coupon on a store closing sign while employees struggle with job losses. Some were also enraged by the change because GameStop's current CEO, Ryan Cohen, could potentially earn a $35 billion pay package in stock options.
GameStop location closures
According to a community page chronicling GameStop closures, there are 296 locations confirmed to be closing and another 58 unconfirmed at this time.
Game stores keep disappearing
Another common sentiment among those commenting on this development is that they now completely miss nearby game stores. The closest GameStop listed for some locations is more than half an hour away, which isn't feasible for some fans, especially when a player has digital distribution and online shopping at their fingertips. GameStop is likely closing stores that were underperforming or costing too much money to operate due to issues like high rent, but as more gamers end up in video game store wastelands, the trend toward buying physical games — especially at brick-and-mortar locations — may continue to decline.
For many, buying games in store is a long-standing tradition and something they have fond memories of. Many gamers have found games they might not have discovered if they weren't for example randomly on a store shelf, while others fondly remember standing in line in the middle of the night to pick up a new console or game at midnight. Of course, buying games from brick-and-mortar stores also has its drawbacks, such as not being able to find what you're looking for or waiting in long lines to complete your purchase. There are pros and cons to both sides, but without in-game stores, players lose the ability to make that choice for themselves.
