Sales and profit rocket
Game revealed sales soared 24 per cent to£801 million for the 52 weeks to January 31, with like-for-likes up 16 per cent, following a drive to enhance its product range and broaden appeal.

Group operating profit was£33 million, compared with£8.2 million last year and international operating profit more than trebled to£6.1 million. International sales also rocketed 40 per cent, with like-for-likes up 13 per cent.

Online operating profit more than doubled during the year, from£700,000 to£1.5 million. Pre-tax profits soared to£29.5 million, compared with£5.4 million the previous year.

The company expanded its store portfolio during the period and now operates in nine countries from 834 stores.

Game chairman Peter Lewis said: 'This good set of results demonstrates the appeal of Game's specialist proposition and enhanced customer offering. We have seen a strong start to the year, in what is traditionally a quiet sales period for Game, thanks to the PS3 launch and hope to continue to build on our success throughout the year.'

Like-for-like sales rose 44 per cent in the 12 weeks to April 21 and, excluding the lift from the PS3, were up 16 per cent. The company plans to open an additional 80 stores during the year.

Seymour Pierce analyst Andrew Wade said: 'With PS3, XBox and Wii ensuring a strong pipeline in the console cycle, gaming increasingly targeting a wider market and the growth prospects the business has to offer, we look to upgrade our forecast for next year. We do see scope for further upgrades from here, but worry about the inevitably cyclical nature of the sector.'