The retailer Game, which can be seen on most High Streets in the UK, called in administrators today and is set to become the second biggest casualty of the past few years after Woolworths.

The retailer, which has 1,300 shops worldwide, 600 of which are in the UK, is on the verge of collapsing unless someone steps in to buy the company from its administrators. Even then, it will probably shed many of its staff and stores in an attempt to become more profitable.

Game has struggled to survive over the years with supermarkets and discount retailers selling video games and was recently refused stock by many of its suppliers who are owed £40m.

This will be another blow for the commercial property market, especially investors who own shops let to Game and who now face losing their tenant and income. Properties let to Game will fall in value, if the retailer vacates, and some landlords will be forced to sell at knock-down prices.