Game Group warns of profit fall

Game Group has 698 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland

Shares in computer games retailer Game Group have fallen 13.4% after it warned half-year profits may be 64% lower.

Game said like-for-like sales - which excludes the impact of new store openings - were down 15% in the six months to 27 June from a year before.

It blamed the fall on a lack of big-name game releases compared with a year ago, when Wii Fit and Grand Theft Auto IV proved best sellers.

As a result it said profits may only hit £13m, compared with £36m last year.

Shares in the firm ended Thursday trading down 13.4% or 22 pence to 142p.

The retailer has 1,367 outlets, with 698 in the UK and Republic of Ireland.