Game Store Closures: 5 KwaZulu-Natal Branches Reportedly at Risk as Massmart Reviews 20 Sites

• Massmart confirmed it was considering closing around 20 Game stores across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal
• Several KZN branches are reportedly among the affected stores, raising concerns about job losses in the retail sector
• South Africans online are divided on whether the closures signal the end of an era or simply a Walmart rebrand

Game stores are closing their doors across South Africa, and shoppers are taking notice. Massmart, the retail group that owns the Game chain, confirmed in February 2026 that it was weighing up the closure of approximately 20 stores in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.

By October 2026, the group's South African footprint had shrunk to 96 stores, down sharply from 150 in 2019. Branches reportedly in the firing line include Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and The Pavilion.

For consumers, store closures typically bring closing-down sales with steep discounts, much like those seen during the 2022 round of closures. Shoppers holding gift cards or vouchers are being urged to use them while they still can. The broader impact is fewer retail options in affected areas.

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The job picture is more complicated. The 2022 closures put roughly 700 positions at risk. This time around, some staff could be transferred as certain locations are converted to Walmart-branded stores, since Walmart owns Massmart. The company has stated it continues to invest in its remaining Game locations.

Mzansi remembers Game fondly

For many South Africans, the news stirs a mix of nostalgia and pragmatism. Whether the Game name disappears from mall directories or simply gets repainted in Walmart blue, the change marks the end of a retail chapter many grew up with.

Enock Vachiteck Phiri wrote:

"The Game is simple, someone will pop up and sell the same product and name it Mega Stores."

Thulas Maphumulo said:

"I've heard that all Game stores will be rebranded. They will become Walmart."

Chilidzi Matodzi shared:

"The game continues. This is life, not some movie 🍿, things get rebranded."

Christelle Buys noted:

"Means nothing... Walmart will absorb some of the workers, although of course there will be work losses, and open areas in malls."

Samuel Blue Bodibe explained:

"Walmart owns Massmart, which owns Game. They will be absorbed into that entity 🫰🏽 It's not that deep."

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Rajhan Dhoopraj offered a nostalgic take:

"Those days Game adverts came out on a Sunday. Everyone looked forward to this. Sundays had long queues before opening. There were just two branches in KZN, West Street and Game City."

Other Briefly News stories about South African job market trends

• Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey data revealed a sharp drop in household employment, with approximately 10,000 domestic worker positions lost nationwide in early 2026.
• Parliamentary Chair Makhi Feni dismissed reports claiming that the departure of over 60,000 foreign workers created labour shortages across delivery services, domestic work, and textile factories.
• A detailed economic review revealed that inflation, reduced consumer spending, budget cuts, and automation caused significant job cuts across five major South African industries in 2025.

Source: Briefly News