This generation of consoles is arguably the most heated arena for competition yet, in both hardware and software. However, only a short period into the life cycles of all three consoles that make up this gen, should we be asking if we want another one hit the market? One analyst believes so. I disagree, but then I'm not an analyst. At any rate, read what the analyst has to say in the full article.

Since GameStation was picked up by GAME for £ 74 million, a lot of people have been talking about a possible investigation by the Competition Commission over its larger market share and possible monopoly. GAME is unfazed by this talk and isn't worried about it. Why?

GAME's chief executive Lisa Morgan spoke to MCV regarding this, and stated that the company believes everything is in order with regards to their purchase of the franchise.

Blockbuster would not accept an offer that had any potential conditions attached to it. The deal will be subject to a regulatory review process and that will be an ongoing process during the first ten weeks. We have taken considerable advice in this area and we are confident and comfortable to proceed.

So given this new information, we have to wonder what the mega retailer has planned for their new acquisition. While some have speculated that a massive closing of stores will happen, Morgan assured that this wouldn't happen. In typical PR fashion, she stated that "we are looking forward to putting new GAME and Gamestation stores into the market. This transaction is not about store closures – this is about bringing a second brand into the fold and serving more customers."

All well and good if it pushes through. Now, what if an investigation is held and the Competition Commission finds Game to be holding too much of the market, what happens then?

Lisa Morgan, CEO of The Game Group, recently stated that the acquisition of Gamestation was necessary for market growth. Following their purchase of their one other rival in games retail, GAME has now over 1000 stores all over Europe and the UK - putting their game retail specialty second to none.

But because it seems that the news of the acquisition sent out vibes that GAME was trying to hose down specialist competition, Morgan defended GAME, stating, "Ultimately this is a strategic acquisition by GAME to develop a second brand on the High Street and ultimately appeal to more customers with a specialist offer."

Morgan is hoping that the Group's suppliers will still continue to work with The Game Group and share in the Group's aims to further develop the region's market. "We've been a key partner, as has Gamestation, with our suppliers for some time now and we played an important part in developing and growing the marketplace," Morgan explained.

GAME continues to reiterate that they aren't trying to gobble up competition and close down stores. "We've always actively managed our store portfolio and we'll continue to do that. But this deal is not about closing stores. This deal is about enhancing our customer reach," reassured finance director David Thomas.

But because of the huge leverage gained from the acquisition, there are speculations that now GAME has grown big enough to take on the likes of international game retail specialists GameStop. And it appears that they have no fear of entering the larger market.

Thomas hinted, "We would take a three to five year view in terms of our future investment and we're very confident that we've got the capability to continue to make investment both internationally and in our home market." What this means for the local European gamer, we have yet to speculate. Farewell to one of the most decent of European game retail outlets, we say.