New Zealand’s 38 EB games stores are gearing up for closure after the business was deemed “no longer viable”. And with it, many dedicated staff will be left unemployed. 

Kiwis are backing the friendly faces behind the tills with messages of support and condolences as they enter the last few weeks of work. 

A NZ Reddit thread asked staff how they felt about the closures, with one anonymous source saying: “I’ve been crying all evening. 10 years I've been with EB.”

A regular customer praised EB workers, writing: “You've always been the friendliest and most helpful staff out there - And that's every branch I've visited!”

“As a gamer in my 30s, I'm really sad to see this news; all of you were super helpful whenever I was buying or asking questions,” said another. “Thank you all for the effort you put in to serve us.”

“Nearly seven years working at EB. I’m upset but not surprised that it’s come to this, but times have changed when it comes to the market.😔,” said another.

The much-loved store selling physical copies of games and licensed merchandise saw a "multi-million dollar loss during the 2024 fiscal year,” Australia & New Zealand managing director Shane Stockwell told RNZ.

In a letter posted to social media on Wednesday, EB Games confirmed that it will close its New Zealand operation on January 31, with all stores shutting up shop for good.

With the end of this era, all stores will participate in a ‘closing down sale’, seeing stock reduced by 50% storewide and retro software marked down to as little as $3. 

With the sale starting today, Kiwis are reminding customers not to add pressure during what has been a difficult time for staff.

“A good time to remind people (especially with the sale) to be EXTRA kind to the employees. All Karens to stay away till further notice,” one person wrote under the Reddit thread. 

“To all EB games staff, thank you for all you have done. Hoping for a better 2026! Will definitely be telling people who are hiring to look out for ex-EB games staff.”

The store's distribution centre will remain open until February 28.