Diablo III is still available for pre-order from GAME despite its announcement. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied
- GAME enters voluntary administration
- Retailer's 92 stores in limbo
- Diablo III won't be stocked despite pre-orders
THE fate of more than 500 employees of one of Australia's largest video game retailers, GAME, hangs in the balance as the company announced it would be entering voluntary administration today.
Pricewaterhouse Coopers announced it had been appointed company partners to handle the transition.
The auditing firm said it would continue to run GAME?s 92 stores around the country while it "considers a solution for the future".
The news comes as a shock to many consumers, as this afternoon the company was still advertising out the front of its Sydney city store that it was the last day to pre-order the Diablo III game.
Some customers who pre-ordered the game claimed the company refused to give them their money back when they applied for refunds upon hearing the company had entered voluntary administration.
"I preordered a CE 5-6 months ago and my store (innaloo, WA) apparently is getting no stock at all," wrote on Facbeook user.
"Thanks for taking my money Game, I can see why you went broke."
GAME Australia reportedly texted customers today informing them that they will not be stocking Diablo III and anyone who pre-ordered the game will not receive a refund, The Verge reported.
"Due to the appointment of an administrator to our business this morning, it is with regret that I inform you all that our stores will not be receiving any stock of diablo 3 (sic)," the message read.
"Because of this, we regrettably will be unable to fulfill any pre-orders. Also, we will be unable to refund any deposits paid towards a pre-order of diablo 3. If you need any more info, please email customerrelations@game.com.au."
A company under administration is not legally required to provide refunds.
Customers that pre-ordered Diablo III can register with Pricewaterhouse Coopers as an unsecured creditor but they will only be paid after outstanding lenders such as banks get what they're owed.
Often employees with outstanding leave, superannuation and expenses will take precedent over customer refunds.
If GAME becomes insolvent and goes into liquidation, customers will not be able to take any legal action without permission from the Supreme Court.
The news comes just two months after GAME's UK parent company, Game Group PLC filed for administration, stating there was "no equity value left in the Group".
Australia's managing director Paul Yardley responded by issuing a statement claiming the UK branch's decision did not "necessarily impact us here".
But less than two months after Mr Yardley issued the statement, the Australian subsidiary has followed suit.
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