RETAIL group Game yesterday said half-year profits would be much lower after figures last year were boosted by blockbuster releases.

In an update on first-half trading, Game said like-for-like sales in the 21 weeks to Saturday were down by 15.8 per cent.

It said performance was in line with expectations after sales in the same period a year ago were boosted by demand for games such as Wii Fit and Grand Theft Auto IV.

The firm expects profits for the half year of between £13m and £16m, compared with £36.4m a year earlier.