@ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH 2015 DAY ONE
Visit dovetail games at HALL 2.1 AISLE A NO: 041
@ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5TH 2015 DAY ONE
Xbox opens Gamescom with star-studded Quantum Break TV talent leads impressive cast list O Quantum breaks cover April 5th by Christopher Dring QUANTUM BREAK will launch on April 5th worldwide, joining the likes of The Division, Uncharted, Mirror’s Edge, Deus Ex, Dark Souls, Street Fighter, Doom and Dishonored in an exciting first half of 2016. The Xbox-exclusive scifi action game opened Microsoft’s pre-Gamescom press conference last night, with Sam Lake, creative director of developer Remedy, unveiling a starstudded cast for the title. Actors include Dominic Monaghan (Lost), Lance Reddick (The Wire), Sean Ashmore (X-Men) as hero Jack Joyce and Aidan Gillen (Game of Thrones) as villain Paul Serene.
X-Men actor Sean Ashmore will play hero Jack Joyce (left)
Quantum Break features live-action TV episodes, around 22 minutes in length, in-between its chapters. It’s the most ambitious game Remedy has ever created, Lake told MCV @ Gamescom, and he’s already eyeing future titles. “It is a lot of effort when you build a new thing in getting the right tools and
technology,” he said. “What we have with things like time powers, and the storyline... a lot of effort goes into building the foundation. You can never get everything into that first experience. There is a lot more where that came from. We do this work always thinking that there will be more games. But it depends on how well it does.”
NEWS
Team17 rocks Gamescom with biggest-ever showing The Escapists makes $10m O ‘We’re having to reject 99.999% of games’ by Christopher Dring RAPIDLY-rising UK games publisher Team17 says it is on course to double its revenue in 2015. The firm has just helped indie hit The Escapists pass $10m and almost 1m in unit sales. It also recently signed Yooka-Laylee, the new platformer from former Rare developers, and is creating two new Worms games - Worms WMD for Xbox One and PC, and Worms 4 for iOS. The company is also helping launch indie games Beyond Eyes - which featured on-stage at Microsoft’s
E3 press conference – Sheltered, Penarium, Deadwood, Strength of the Sword and The Escapists: The Walking Dead. But CEO Debbie Bestwick admitted the firm is almost at capacity. “Personally, I’d love to sign more, lots more, as I know what we are doing is super beneficial for the long term sustainability of our games developers,” she told MCV @ Gamescom. “The reality is we are now having to say no to 99.999 per cent of pitches we receive.” Bestwick added that the company is looking to sign games from more established
creators, but will continue to take risks on new talent. “Production values are rising fast and anyone who’s looking at sales data for indie games knows the problems in the market, so we need to make sure we are using our resources wisely to help the teams on our label reach their potential,” she said. “I love taking risks on completely unknown IP and working with raw development talent, but the reality is that these titles are very resource-intensive. This means that you will be seeing a few more experienced teams joining the label.”
Beyond Eyes was shown on-stage during Microsoft’s E3 show
04
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
NEWS
Revolution Software: If it wasn’t for Apple, we would be dead by now ‘It felt like there was nowhere to go before the iPhone,’ says founder Cecil
Revolution is showing the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Broken Sword 5 at Gamescom
by Christopher Dring BROKEN SWORD developer Revolution is celebrating its 25th birthday at Gamescom, but it almost didn’t make it this far. Founder and industry luminary Charles Cecil says that working with publishers and retailers forced the firm to borrow money to survive, and that it was Apple’s decision to enter the games market that changed the studio’s fortunes. “Our lowest moment came around about 2006, Wednesday, August 5th 2015
2007 and 2008, where the recoupment model was just not working for us at all,” Cecil told MCV @ Gamescom. “Retailers were making millions of dollars from the games that we wrote, publishers were making millions, but we were having to borrow money to help finish the game off. It kind of felt like there was nowhere to go. “Then Apple launched the iPhone. It contacted us pretty early on and invited us to write our games for its 05
platform. And while it was not able to give us any sort of advance, the team there said that they would do their best to support the game. “Apple has been a fantastic advocate and ally, and I’m very grateful to it, because if that hadn’t happened, then Revolution would not have been able to survive.” Revolution is at Gamescom this week promoting the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse, which arrives on September 4th.
NEWS
Watch out Hot Wheels, Skylanders wants a cut of your market by Christopher Dring ACTIVISION says its new Skylanders game will compete with the likes of Hot Wheels and Corgi. Skylanders Superchargers introduces planes, cars, submarines and boats to the toys-to-life franchise, which will see it move into the ‘vehicle’ category of toys. It’s an important move, says VP of Skylanders Josh Taub, because it is this that will help Skylanders stay competitive in the face of fierce competition – namely the Star Wars-imbued Disney Infinity 3.0 and LEGO Dimensions. “We are thrilled to have created a category that is now
$4bn over the last almost four years – we represent north of $3bn of that,” Taub told MCV @ Gamescom. “We have a responsibility in quality of gameplay, toy and experience that is unmatched anywhere in the market, and that is why we think our fans stay with us – along with
the fact that each year we create original, innovative experiences with new character sets. “This year, we have an entirely new toy category with vehicles. The vehicle segment is as big as the action figure segment in the toy world, and we are going to take that category by storm.”
Skylanders Superchargers introduces cars, planes and boats to the series
Mafia III to be unveiled today 2K Games will fully reveal a new entry in its Mafia series today. The publisher announced the existence of Mafia III last week and that a full trailer would be shown
today during Gamescom, at 2pm (CET). Press and retailers will also receive an extensive behind-closed-doors demo of the game at 2K’s business booth. 06
The title is being developed by newly-formed 2K Games studio Hangar 13, based in San Francisco. The last entry in the series was Mafia II, which came out in 2010. Wednesday, August 5th 2015
NEWS
Forza 6 ‘the biggest and most realistic’ yet by Craig Chapple FORZA Motorsport 6 will be the biggest and most realistic entry in the series yet, says Turn 10 Studios content director John Wendl. Unveiled at Microsoft’s press event last night, the developer revealed that the series will now include night-time racing and wet weather conditions that significantly impact gameplay. This will all run at a consistent 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, Wendl claimed. The game also boasts 450 cars, 26 track environments and 24 simultaneous racers. Rain is a key feature of the new Forza, and Wendl pledged that it won’t just be a superficial addition. There are over 148 unique wet surfaces that will affect how the surface looks when soaked and how slippery it is. “When you see a driver that wins a race in the wet, it typically means they’re the most talented driver on that day,” he explained. “Players want to experience that in our simulation as well: what it means to race Wednesday, August 5th 2015
Life-like rain will play a major part in Forza 6
on wet surfaces and with puddles, and to feel the car hydroplane across those puddles – and do it in a way that’s realistic.” Wendl said high quality graphics are hugely important to Turn 10, adding that visual realism was an 07
unavoidable expectation for a racing simulation title like Forza. “It really revolves around three things: it has to look real, it has to sound real, and it has to feel real,” he said. “But it doesn’t matter how real your physics are, or how awesome your audio is – if it doesn’t look real, people aren’t going to believe it’s real. “If you took a game like Mario Kart, for example, and put our physics engine on it, I bet nobody would believe it drives real – just because of the way it looks.”
GAMESCOM HINTS AND TIPS
How to survive Gamescom Want some pointers for this year’s show? Look no further than MCV @ Gamescom’s survival guide
WHAT ARE YOUR SURVIVAL TIPS FOR THIS YEAR’S GAMESCOM? Add an extra ten minutes to your travel time to account for the sea of cosplayers. (Andy Tudor, Slightly Mad)
If you’re running late for your appointment then please be nice and let the PR know. (Laura Skelly, Capcom UK )
As you will be hungover every single day do not book anything before 10am. (Stefano Petrullo, Renaissance PR)
Don’t mock the people who decided to bring skateboards. You’ll all be jealous when you see me rolling past Hall 6 on my PS Access-branded heelys. (Hollie Bennett, PlayStation)
Get your important meetings scheduled for the trade-only days. Travelling is impossible once the consumer show starts. (Harvey Eagle, Xbox UK)
Make sure you have perfume/ deodorant on you at all times. (Kat Osman, Lick PR )
OUR PANEL...
Andy Robinson Writer, Playtonic Games
Andy Tudor Creative Director, Slightly Mad
Ben Lawrence Account Director, Brown Betty
08
Caroline Miller Director, Indigo Pearl
Dan Kilby Gareth Williams Marketing Manager, Snr Account Director, IGN Premier PR
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
GAMESCOM HINTS AND TIPS
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR DRINKING?
WHERE IS GOOD TO EAT IN COLOGNE?
Go to the Irish Pub. Don’t drink the absinthe. Repeat. (Andy Robinson, Playtonic)
It’s a taxi ride away, but Osman 30 has amazing views and great food. Book in advance, because it’s popular. (Gareth Williams, Premier PR)
There’s a small beer hall down that small alleyway in the centre of town. You get a whole pig leg and bucket of beer for a fiver. It’s full of Germans and the staff are rude as hell. (Ben Lawrence, Brown Betty)
For pork knuckle and a metre of Kölsch, there’s nowhere better than the Haxenhaus. (Lucy James, GameSpot) Gilden im Zims does a ‘Butchers plate’ and that’s all you need to know. But, I’ll be so mad if I can’t get a table this year because you all read this. (Hollie Bennett, PlayStation)
Don’t forget that bars don’t have normal closing hours so don’t ‘accidentally’ drink until 6am, you’ve got a show to do. (Caroline Miller, Indigo Pearl) There’s a small Skip the queues at The Corkonian by walking to any of the other bars nearby, and bringing your drink back with you. (Joel Gregory, PCGamesN)
It should be a legal requirement when visiting Cologne to eat at Haxenhaus – it’s the best pork. For a great night out head to Friesenstrasse. There’s loads there so you can just see where the night takes you... usually to a horrendous hangover. (Dan Kilby, IGN) Haxenhaus is a great little place for a traditional German evening with lots of sausage and beer. (Laura Skelly, Capcom UK)
Harvey Eagle Marketing Boss, Xbox UK
Hollie Bennett Kat Osman Community Manager, Team Director, PlayStation UK Lick PR
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
Laura Skelly PR Manager, Capcom UK
09
Lucy James Senior Producer, GameSpot
Joel Gregory Editor, PCGamesN
CONTACT DETAILS
CONTACTS Christopher Dring, Editor
Michael French, Publisher
CDring@nbmedia.com
MFrench@nbmedia.com
Ben Parfitt, Associate Editor
Laura West, Business Development Consultant
BParfitt@nbmedia.com
LWest@nbmedia.com
Alex Calvin, Staff Writer
Conor Tallon, Account Manager
ACalvin@nbmedia.com
CTallon@nbmedia.com
Matt Jarvis, Staff Writer
Sam Richwood, Designer
MJarvis@nbmedia.com
SRichwood@nbmedia.com
Nikki Hargreaves Designer NHargreaves@nbmedia.com
James Batchelor, Editor
Dan Bennett Designer
JBatchelor@nbmedia.com
DBennett@nbmedia.com
Craig Chapple, Deputy Editor
Kelly Sambridge Head of Design and Production
CChapple@nbmedia.com
KSambridge@nbmedia.com
Head of Operations: Stuart Moody
Production Executive: James Marinos
SMoody@nbmedia.com
JMarinos@nbmedia.com
Newbay Media specialises in trade-dedicated print and digital publishing for entertainment and leisure markets. As well as MCV, Newbay publishes Develop, PCR, ToyNews, Music Week, MI Pro, Audio Pro International and BikeBiz. It also has two online-only brands: Licensing.biz, for everyone in the global licensing industry. It also runs a number of events including the MCV Industry Excellence Awards, the London Games Conference and the Games Media Awards.
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
© NewbayMedia 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of MCV are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Please address all enquiries to: Newbay Media, MCV, Saxon House, 6a St. Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA.
11
ISSN: 1469-4832 Copyright 2015
MCV has an exclusive media partnership with Famitsu – Japan’s leading video games analyst and news source
INTERVIEW JIM RYAN, SONY INTERVIEW
PlayStation’s battle for Christmas It didn’t hold a pre-Gamescom press conference, and its first-party release schedule is looking slight, so can PS4 remain dominant in Europe? Christopher Dring asks European boss Jim Ryan
12
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
JIM RYAN, SONY INTERVIEW At E3 you announced a number of big third-party partnerships. Is it enough to make up for a light first-party line-up? It’s hard to deny that our firstparty slate isn’t the strongest we have ever had in 2015. All I’d submit is that we are halfway through the year and, certainly in Europe, we are very, very happy with the way things are going. Thus far this year, Bloodborne was platformexclusive and The Witcher 3 was a very pleasant surprise in the way it’s been received right across the region – then we had Batman. In the eyes of most gamers, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s first- or third-party. We have strong partnerships and they’ve been carefully tailored to help us in 2015. So far, they’re doing just that. I’m quietly confident that they’ll continue to do so for the rest of the year. One of the big surprises was your deal with Call of Duty... You want to know our greatest achievement from all that? It didn’t leak. It’s almost a no-brainer; it’s a fantastic IP. We are really developing a great relationship with Activision, which started with Destiny at a senior strategic level. It’s taken a while, but it now seems we have a number of new-gen console games to look forward to. Do you feel developers have found their feet? Wednesday, August 5th 2015
Your comment is a fair one but – and I wouldn’t restrict this to just PS4 – developers are now starting to get comfortable and confident with next-gen. Hopefully that’ll manifest itself in some great games this holiday and certainly into next year. How much emphasis are you placing on Morpheus? Can we take much from the fact it was only featured briefly at E3? No, you can’t. It’s very difficult – almost impossible – to do it justice on-stage in a presentation. We had 20 interactive experiences at E3. We took the view that the best thing was just to let the experiences speak for themselves. Hopefully the media got some decent hands-on with them. PlayStation Vue, the new PS4 movie and TV subscription service for the US, looks great. Any plans to bring it to Europe? We talk about it quite a lot internally. As with many of these non-game services, it’s not easy. I’ve said in the past that working with the breadth of different things that you’re exposed to in Europe is a good thing. The flip side is that it’s fragmented when it comes to this and other sorts of nongaming entertainment. We are trying to see if there’s some kind of model that will allow us to do this. 13
A strong thirdparty line-up in 2015 will make up for a lack of first-party games on PS4, says Sony’s Ryan
INTERNATIONAL
Territory Report: UK Almost every area of the UK games market is growing. Christopher Dring shares the data
Population 64,511,000 Capital City London Currency Pounds (£)
THE rapid growth in mobile and PC gaming has seen the UK games market value (for all consumer spending) reach almost £4bn (€5.6bn) in 2014. Sales of digital console and PC games rose 17.6 per cent in 2014 (according to IHS) to rise over £1bn for the first time. Meanwhile, mobile games rose an even more impressive 21.2 per cent to £548m (again, IHS estimates). But the UK remains a retailfriendly market. Sales of consoles - particularly the PS4 and Xbox One - rose 46.2 per cent to £915m, while accessories sales increased 4.3 per cent to £288m. All this data is courtesy of GfK Chart-Track.
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
15
Unfortunately, the revenue generated by boxed game sales dipped 6.3 per cent to £935m. 2014 was also a notable year for UK games development, with the introduction of UK tax breaks. 67 games have been approved for tax relief in its first year. As for 2015 so far, there is currently no data around digital markets, so we currently do not have estimates on the growth of mobile and PC. In the retail arena, the amount of money generated by game software is currently flat (with just over £300m made so far). However, the number of games sold is down - just over 10m games have been sold this year so far (according to Chart-Track). Of course, retail sales are heavily dependent on Christmas. And with a stronger line-up of games this Q4 compared with last year, it is expected even sales of boxed games will finish up in 2015. In terms of development, UK-created games in 2015 include Batman: Arkham Knight, LEGO Dimensions, Fable Legends, Rare Replay, GTA V on PC, F1 2015, Project CARS and Guitar Hero Live.
VR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
@ GAMESCOM SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
Virtual insanity? Billions of dollars have been invested in VR technology. But is it destined for failure? Christopher Dring asks the industry
16
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
VR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION LAST month MCV introduced a new section into our weekly magazine. It’s called: ‘Is VR a fad this week or not?’ It was a frivolous section designed to show just how divisive opinions are around virtual reality. Sony, Ubisoft, Amazon... they’ve all told us how VR will change the world. But Id Software, Warren Spector and Nintendo have warned against the VR hype train. Billions have been invested in VR. There are now studios entirely dedicated to making VR projects. And the reason for this investment is due to how impressive the tech is. “VR is such a step-change in terms of immersion,” says David Ranyard, the head of Sony London, which is developing VR products.
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
“This is not another 3D gaming; fundamentally, you are taking people to another place, and that is something huge.” But there are a lot of poor VR experiences out there, warns Gears of War creator and now indie developer Cliff Bleszinski and that could hold things back. “One of the enemies of VR is that a lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon and some folks are coming out with some mediocre VR titles,” he says. “But if you play some of the really good experiences, using the latest Oculus stuff or the new Valve kit... that’s pretty magical. And anyone who hasn’t seen it, and is criticising VR, needs to see it and re-evaluate.”
17
Sony’s Ryan (below) and Ranyard (bottom) say VR will transform video games.
Crytek is one studio investing in VR with its dinosaur game
VR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
EA’s Peter Moore (top) says the firm will jump into VR when it’s ready. Ubisoft and its Euro boss Alain Corre are already on-board (above)
TAKING TIME One of the criticisms of the VR movement is that, although there are a huge number of indie studios making VR projects, the big publishers have steered clear. EA is interested, for instance, but it’s waiting to see if it catches on first. “Well, that’s fair enough,” says EA COO Peter Moore. “There is a lot of work to be done to commercialise VR, and to make it at a competitive price, to get it through launch and develop longterm strategies. We are looking at it very closely, and all the teams want to experiment with it. “Everybody has to get this right; it is still a ways away, but when it is there, EA will be ready.” Jim Ryan, European head of PlayStation, is sympathetic towards nervous publishers: “It’s an unproven area. The unfortunate commercial realities of a publisher mean it needs to get comfortable in terms of business model and install base and all of these things. And how do they make money for their shareholders? “It will take a little time. One of the roles of a first-party is to have our studios driving that process in terms of demonstrating what a great VR experience looks like. We are confident that any publisher with an eye on what’s next can see this is going to be part of the future – and anybody who gets left behind does so at their peril.” One big firm that has bought into the future of VR is Ubisoft. 18
The business announced it has multiple VR projects in development at E3 in June. “It’s a real investment from our part, in terms of time and focus and research,” explains Alain Corre, Ubisoft’s EMEA executive director. “We are still at the beginning of the VR adventure. But we are dedicating some of our best talent to develop for it.” WHY IT MIGHT FAIL There are numerous barriers for VR to overcome. The cost of the product will likely be high, and will involve users owning a PS4 or high-end PC. Then there are medical issues around prolonged use of the product – with headaches a common complaint.
Anybody who gets left behind with VR does so at their peril. Jim Ryan, PlayStation
There’s also social challenges as well. Will people sit around their homes with a big headset on? “There’re a lot of speed bumps we’re going to encounter,” admits Neil Young, mobile games veteran who owns Network. “These devices are incredibly cool - I can see myself buying one, but I can’t see myself using it very frequently,” Wednesday, August 5th 2015
VR SPECIAL INVESTIGATION
“That means the times I am going to use it are going to be for really big moments, like a killer concert or an amazing sporting event I want to go to... or a pinnacle game. That is actually going to mean that VR will be even more a hit-driven business.” Ranyard adds: “I agree that if we look at the first three to five years, there are various things that could go this way or that way. But if you look at cinema when it went from silent movies to talkies – it is not exactly the same but it was a similar transformation – it took ten years for the theatres in America to change over. There were a lot of films that were dual-authored for silent and speech.” Wednesday, August 5th 2015
This is perhaps the biggest issue around VR. The technology is good, but it still feels like it is in its infancy. The headsets are set to launch over the next 12 months, but if it is not ready to hit the mainstream... what does that mean for all these companies that are building VR projects? Could these early investors in VR end up in trouble? “That’s the risk and potentially the most likely outcome,” concludes Young. “This is often the cycle of the industry, where we get a little ahead of ourselves. It is good and bad; by doing this, we keep pushing things forward, but we can sometimes get into difficulties as an industry.” 19
Cliff Bleszinski (below) and Neil Young (bottom) believe VR is ‘cool’, but faces serious obstacles
Games Partner with Facebook to reach a global gaming audience
Reach 445 million gamers worldwide Drive awareness & engagement with 4 billion video views daily Target gamers with custom Console, PC and esports solutions Find new players, with 1 new PS4 connected to Facebook every 10 seconds
Wishing all of our partners a great Gamescom!
Activision
Gaijin Games
Playstation
Bandai Namco
Gameforge
Riot Games
Bethesda
Glispa
Rockstar
Bigpoint
Imperia Online
Soccer Manager
Blizzard
Innogames
Square Enix
Capcom
Jagex
Take-Two
CCP Games
Konami
Travian
Deep Silver
NCSoft
Ubisoft
Electronic Arts
Nexon
Wargaming
ESL
Nintendo
Warner Bros
To ďŹ nd out more about our ad solutions, go to:
www.facebook.com/business
GAMEDIA INSIGHT
The automation of wholesale games Gamedia’s chief marketing officer Fatih Parlayan explains how the firm’s CodesWholesale.com retail portal works SALES automation systems are becoming increasingly popular. Millions of people around the world make purchases via the internet every day, without the need to contact the seller. Among B2B sales this model is rarely used. CodesWholesale.com (pictured left) was created to make a change in this. We have been a part of the games industry for many years and are aware of all the challanges that may lie ahead of the companies in this market. The platform is a solution – a tool they need to catch up with the development and innovations. PLAYING THE SYSTEM From the user’s point of view, our platform looks as follows: A seller logged into CodesWholesale uploads codes to the system and sets the price at which they want to sell them. Keys can be added in bulk, in form of a text or an image. The whole process is easy and allows you to add thousands of keys in just a few minutes. Adding the keys to the system, the Wednesday, August 5th 2015
vendor provides its offer for over 6,000 users from all around the world. From that moment, the user can sell their keys 24/7. Sold keys are sent to the buyer and the money goes to your account.
No minimum order is required – great for resellers who do not want to buy huge quantities. After logging into the system, the buyer receives access to a list of more than 900 digital games. Purchased keys are immediately available for download. There is no 23
required minimum order. This is a huge convenience for resellers who do not want to buy big quantities in advance. And from July 20th, CodesWholesale is going to provide the White Label option. Each vendor can become an owner of their own wholesale platform for selling games. It is based on an already-proven system, which retains all of the advantages of traditional sales where the vendor has total control over prices and to whom the codes are going to be sold. The owner may invite all their customers to sign up, so that each and every one of them will have permanent access to the current product range and prices.
CLICK ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW
Around the world in a Click MCV asks Click Entertainment’s Jake Wright about the impact of PS4 and Xbox One on the state of global games distribution What are the big changes currently affecting game distribution services? The biggest changes are not within the games industry, but with the volatility of the currency market. A year ago the Euro was around 1.20, and now trades around 1.40 – giving us more purchasing power, but certainly changing our customers’ positions. Another big change is the migration to PS4 and Xbox One. As more consumers switch, the demand for each platform changes, meaning we need to keep an eye on our customers’ needs.
What trends in the industry are you keeping an eye on? eSports has an evergrowing following and will heavily influence trends in merchandise and licensed products.
There is a huge amount of online content surrounding eSports, creating a social platform for gamers to interact with each other – which in turn sparks trends for manufacturers and publishers to follow.
eSports will influence trends in merchandise and licensed products.
What is the importance of Gamescom in comparison to events such as E3? The key difference is distance; our international customers and suppliers will travel to one or the other – sometimes both – so each show is equally important for us to attend.
Jake Wright, Click Entertainment
Find Click in Hall 2.1. B-010
How has the games distribution sector evolved over the last few years? We have seen a few big changes over the years from the 3DS to PS4 and Xbox One. By expanding our services to developing markets we have spread our risks in consumer demand and currency fluctuation. The demands of retail are changing constantly, either through new products and platforms or worldwide economic stability. Wednesday, August 5th 2015
25
INSIGHT POLE TO WIN
The role of QA in customer service Pole To Win’s customer support operations manager Laney Mann explains how QA can be used in customer service ENGAGING your player base with all of the service disciplines will enhance your product community, keep your players happy, and keep them playing your game for longer. Ultimately the longer you keep players playing, the more they will spend. Wouldn’t you want increasing revenues? How can we make customer service and QA work together? How can we remove the Customer Support Cost Sink while engaging QA in live projects? It is true that in the past customer service was just a cost sink and QA didn’t support live projects; however it isn’t like that anymore; we work together providing end to end support using a powerful feedback loop. This not only improves customer service but over the course of your live delivery, it will increase your revenue. We have researched and studied this ideology of using this feedback loop and we’ve cracked it, we now deliver this service in the fast paced world of live titles.
How do we do it? Using the three contact points with the player base – customer support, community management, and QA – we create a fast and effective
How can we make customer service and QA work together? feedback loop. Bugs and gameplay issues can be identified, triaged and prioritised quickly by QA and passed onto development for fixing. Patches will be tested by QA before being released. Customer service and community management 26
keep the player base informed of what the next patch fixes and when it will be released. We are all looking for high player retention, how to do you get it? Simple - make your players happy; happier players equals longer retention; longer retention means more spend, which also means happier developer and publisher. Using this loop, nothing is a cost sink; • Customer support get real support for issues coming out of the userbase • Customer support can offer real insights and answers to customers • Overall a significantly improved customer experience. Wednesday, August 5th 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE
WHO’S WHERE? There are a huge number of companies at this year’s show. MCV @ Gamescom has compiled a guide on where to find everyone this year
DON’T FORGET!
THE layout of this year’s show is a bit different as the business areas have moved from Halls 4 and 5 to Halls 2, 3 and 4. You can find the maps for these halls on the below pages: Page 28, 29.....................................Hall 2.1 and 2.2 Page 34, 35.....................................................Hall 3.2 Page 38................................................................Hall 4.1 Page 40..............................................................Hall 4.2
VIDEO GAMES LIVE @ gamescom Hall 11.3 7.-8.8.2015: Einlass 18:30, Beginn 20:00 entrance 18:30, start 20:00 9.8.2015: Einlass 16:30, Beginn 18:00 entrance 16:30, start 18:00
entertainment area · entertainment area fanshop arena, table top family & friends event level · event level business area · business area
COMPANY 10Tons Ltd. 2Awesome Studio 4-Real Intermedia GmbH 5d lab GmbH 6waves Limited Abbey Games B.V. Abrakam SA Acronis Germany GmbH Activision Blizzard GmbH Ad2games GmbH Adcash OÜ Adia Entertainment Ltd. admitad GmbH Adobe Systems GmbH Advanced Micro Devices Gmbh AMD GmbH Adyen B.V.
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
HALL BOOTH NO. 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 4.1 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2
COMPANY
A015g B010g/C011g C030g B020g/C021g D025g A086 D010g A015g B010 D080 D012 D016g D052 A015g B010a D041
Aeria Games Europe GmbH Aerosoft GmbH AESVI Afeel Aktronic Software & Service GmbH Akamai Alienware Corp. Allbrary Alpha Studois Software Altagram GmbH Amiqus Limited Amplitude Studios AMS Neue Medien GmbH Anthony Stark Merchandising GmbH Anuman Interactive SA Apelab sàrl
27
HALL BOOTH NO. 2.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.1 4.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2
C050 C030g A036g D031a/C030a B015/C016 C020a B071/A070 D021b B010g/C011g B020g/C021g D011g/C010g A014 A015g D035a C024/C024a D035g/C034g
EXHIBITOR GUIDE HALL 2.1
28
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE HALL 2.2
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
29
EXHIBITOR GUIDE COMPANY App Annie Europe Ltd. AppLift GmbH Ar-Fer arte ferro s.r.l. Areson Technology Corp. Konsulat der Republik Argentinien Artefacts Studio Artik Games Application Systems Heidelberg Software GmbH Astragon Entertainment GmbH Ateo GmbH Avanquest Deutschland GmbH Bad Jokes Studio Srls Bad Seed SRL Badland Games SL Ballistix - Micron Consumer Products Group Bandai Namco Entertainment Germany GmbH Be2Bill Rentabiliweb Europe Bee7000 Limited Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce Beijing Pixel Software Technology Joint-Stock Co., Ltd. Beiten Burkhardt Rechtsanwaltgesellschaft mbH Beta Service GmbH Bethesda Zenimax Germany GmbH Bigkazan Dyun Satis VE Dazarlama A.S. Bigpoint GmbH BitHuffel (sole proprietorhip) BIU Black Forest Games GmbH Blazin Griffin Blindflug Studios AG BlitWorks, S.L. BoaCompra UOL Boku, Inc. BoosterMedia BV Boyaa Interactive Braun Handels GmbH British Embassy Germany Laboratories Bug-Tracker Inc. Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency Busch Entertainment Media GmbH Busidol Business France BVBA Sileni Studios
HALL BOOTH NO.
COMPANY
2.1 A040 2.2 D080 2.1 C043 3.2 B039g 3.2 D014 3.2 D021d 3.2 D014g 3.2 B020g/C021g 2.1 B030 3.2 D035g/C034g 2.1 A013 3.2 A036g 3.2 A036g 3.2 B037g 2.1 B033 .2 B020/C021 2.2 D033 2.1 D055 3.2 D043g/C042g 2.1 A045g 2.2 B008 2.2 D013 2.2 C041/B040 3.2 D043g/B040g 2.1 B041/C040 3.2 B010g/C011g 2.1 A010/B013/C014 3.2 B020g/C021g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 D035g/C034g 3.2 B037g 2.1 A032 2.1 C010 3.2 B010g/C011g 3.2 D043g/C042g 2.1 A015g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 B036g/C041g 3.2 D031a/C030a 3.2 D030 3.2 D031a/C030a 3.2 C026/D023/C022 3.2 D010g
3.2 3.2 2.1 2.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1
B036gC041g D031a/C030a D015 B020g/C021g A015g A015g A088 D043g/C042g A050 B034 B010 D032a D032a D082 A011
CODEWHOLESALE HALL 2.1 BOOTH N0. A011 Do you sell games? You should automate your sales and purchases. With us, you don’t have to waste your time searching for distributors and wholesale customers. You can find all you need on CodesWholesale.com. It doesn’t matter whether you are a publisher, a wholesaler or an online store. We will make trading a simple pleasure for you. Sell and buy game keys and prepaid cards in a much easier way. 24/7. Come to our stand and ask us how to get to a higher level of sales. Computec Media GmbH Corsair Cosmocover SARL Cowana GmbH Crazy Monkey Studios bvba Creative Distribution Ltd. Reef Entertainment Ltd. Croatian Chamber of Economy Crobo GmbH Crytek GmbH CtrlMovie AG Cubic Motion Ltd Curse, Inc. Cursor Oy/Playa Curve Digital Cyberith GmbH CyberLink Corp. DAE Studios NV Daedalic Entertainment GmbH Daegu Digital Industry Promotion Agency Dailymotion Daniel Kondermann DaoPay GmbH Datascope Recruitment Ltd Dataspelbrancshen Dau-up Deck13 Interactive GmbH Deep Silver
CLICK HALL 2.1 BOOTH N0. B-010
HALL BOOTH NO.
Canadian Consulate Munich Carrot Caseking GmbH Cash Payment Solutions GmbH CCP hf Character Publishing & Localization Ltd c/o Kontoret Charlie Oscar Lima Tango Interactive Entertainment UAB Chengdu B-Ray Dreamwork Net Info. Co.,Ltd. CI Games S.A. CLD Distribution NV Click Entertainment Ltd Cliffhanger Productions Clockstone Softwareentwicklung GmbH Cloud Imperium Games UK Ltd. Codeswholesale.com (Gamedia)
Wholesaler and distributor of video games, consoles and accessories
Click Entertainment is a leading worldwide distributor of video games, consoles and accessories. Founded in 2009, we have rapidly grown year-onyear, and have been an MCV Award finalist in 2013, 2014 and 2015. We hold over 300,000 pieces in stock at all times and cover all major manufacturers and publishers. We are always looking for new partners – suppliers and customers. Please contact us to arrange a meeting, or visit our booth.
30
2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 4.2
B008 B010a D072 C031g/B030g D010g D013 A013 C030 D061/C060 D035g/C034g D011g/C010g A042 A015g D011g/C010g D050 B039g D010g C030g D031a/C030a B010a B020g/C021g D032a D011g/C010g A015g A043 C030g A040/B041
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
COME AND SEE THE
FUTURE OF SIMULATION HALL 2.1 AISLE A NO: 041
EXHIBITOR GUIDE COMPANY Delasocial GmbH deltaDNA Digital River UK Ltd. The Walt Disney Company GmbH DOGED (Digital Game Developers Association) Dovetail Games
HALL BOOTH NO. 2.1 3.2 2.1 2.1 3.2 2.1
COMPANY
A015g D011g/C010g D040 A015g D043g/B040g A041
HALL BOOTH NO.
Exit Games GmbH Experimental Game GmbH EZ Games Distribution, Inc. F+F Distribution and Publishing GmbH
3.2 2.2 2.1 3.2
A030g/B031g B020g/C021g C051 A010g/B011g
DOVETAIL HALL 2.1 BOOTH N0. A041
Facebook works with console, PC, social and mobile game developers and publishers worldwide to help them get the most out of their Facebook and Instagram activities. Whether they’re collaborating on cross–channel media plans, running creative workshops or simply helping to promote a trailer, the team is focused on assisting publishers with delivering their messages to the 445 million people playing games that are connected with Facebook every month.
Dovetail Games is a multi award-winning publisher and developer of a range of simulation games. Based in Chatham, Kent, Dovetail was established in 2009 and has since created the Train Simulator series, published Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition and is currently developing Dovetail Games Fishing, which will launch later in 2015. The team at Dovetail is also working on the development of a brand new flight simulation product for 2016. Drinkbox Studios Inc. Dryadgames.Co. Dutch Games Association Easars Digital GmbH eco Verband der deutschen Internetwirtschaft e.V. Edge Case Games, Ltd. EA GmbH Elektraglide Ltd Elgato Systems GmbH Enarxis Dynamic Media Limited EntryMedia Sp z.o.o. SK Epay (transact Elektronische Zahlungssysteme GmbH) EpicGear ESET Deutschland GmbH Etter Studio European Games Group AG EuroVideo Medien GmbH EVGA Exiin
Fabulous Clan Brand Hohhot Songtop Culture Media Fat Pebble Ltd First Wise Media GmbH Fishing Cactus Fix Games Flaregames GmbH Flashpoint AG Flazm Interactive Entertainment UAB Focus Home Interactive Focus Multimedia Ltd (Bundle Stars) Foofa Studios s.n.c. Forge Reply SRL Forgame International Co., Ltd. Fortumo Limited Franzis Verlag GmbH Freaks4U Gaming Frigatebird Co., Ltd. Frontier Developments plc Funship Entertainment Ltd Fyber GmbH G2A.com Limited G4M3 STUDIOS Gaijun Network Ltd. GAME (Bundesverband der deutschen Games-Branche) Game Outlet Europe AB Game-Hosting GH AB Gameberry Inc. GameForge 4D GmbH GameGenetics GmbH Gamemag Interactive Inc. Gamepires (Pandora Studio d.o.o.) Gamer Network Limited GameRefinery Ltd. Games Academy GmbH Games Bavaria Werk1.Bayern GmbH Games Capital Berlin-Brandeburg GameSessions Gamesparks technologies Ltd. Gamespipe GmbH
3.2 B036g/C041g 3.2 D031a/C030a 3.2 B010/C011 2.1 B055g 2.1 C030g 3.2 D011g/C010g 4.1 A010/A010a/A010d 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 A010g/B011g 2.1 C011 2.1 A012 2.2 D051a 2.2 B010a 2.1 A015g 3.2 D035g/C034g 3.2 A010g/B011g 2.1 B040 4.2 C020a 3.2 D010g
EXEQUO
Exequo is a multilingual localisation services provider for the games industry. We have contributed to the success of more than 1,800 titles, including Mass Effect, Halo, Batman and LEGO games. With offices and production sites in Paris, Berlin, Seattle, Tokyo and Taipei, we support up to 30 languages. Whether you need translation, voice recording, or localisation testing, we can provide proven services. Want to meet us? We will come to you. If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch with Gabriel at gkarandysovsky@exequo.com/+33 695484283 or Irene at isantulli@anakan.de/+49 17699837049.
32
3.2 D043g/C042g 3.2 D011g/C010g 2.2 B071/A070 3.2 D010g 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 C030g 4.2 B030/C031/C031x 2.2 A088g 3.2 D023g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 A036g 3.2 A036g 3.2 B039g 2.2 D009 2.1 A015g 2.2 B010a 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.2 C031g/B030g 3.2 D043g/C042g 2.2 D006 2.1 A030 3.2 B037g 2.2 B071/A070 2.1 C030 C030g 2.1 A043 3.2 A015g 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 C014g/B013g 2.2 B020g/C021g 3.2 B039g 3.2 A013g 2.1 A021 3.2 A015g 2.2 B020g/C021g 3.2 A010/B011 2.2 B020g/C021g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 A030g/B031g
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE COMPANY
HALL BOOTH NO.
GameUS Inc. Gamewave Group Gamigo Advertising GmbH Gamious B.V. Garlic Games Media UG Gaya Entertainment GmbH Gbanga Millform AG Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD - Genève) GIGA Digital AG GL Events Fuarcilik A.S Global Collect Services B.V. GlobalStep LLC GOG LTD Golden Child Good Team Studio Goodgame Studios Google Inc. Gothia Innovation AB Green Man Gaming Ltd. Greener Grass Ltd. Grey Box GSTAR Organization Committee Guillemot GmbH Gyeonggi Content Agency H2 Interactive Co., Ltd. Hamburg@work GFM mbh gamecity: Hamburg Harbin Polarlights Culture Communication Co.,Ltd Haunted Tie Headup Games GmbH & Co. KG Hidden Armada HiPay Hitbox Hori (UK) Limited Hoshin Gigamedia Center HTC Germany GmbH HyperX Ice Iceberg Interactive BV Ico Partners Ltd Iconpeak - Fibermobi PMS GmbH Idiocracy, inc iFunFactory Inc. iLogos Europe UG Image & Form Ltd. Imc Information Multimedia Communication AG IME - Interactive Media & Entertainment GmbH Imperia Mobile Imperia Online Ltd Incomm Europe Indiegala s.r.l. InMobi Pte Ltd Inner Mongolia Jangar Cultural Communications Limited InnoGames GmbH inSocial Media GmbH Intercorona d.o.o. International Business Media Pte.Ltd International Game Developers Association (IGDA) InternetQ Iran National Foundation of Computer Games Ironward Iron Ward j.d.o.o. itreeworks
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 4.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 4.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 4.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2
COMPANY
D031a/C030a D041g/C040g A030g/B031g B010g/C011g A032g C010 D035g/C034g D035g/C034g C031g/B030g D043g/B040g A044 D011g/C010g A090 D031a/C030a D043g/C042g C014g/B013g C040 C015 D011g/C010g A015g A045 A040 C031g/B030g D031a/C030a D031a/C030a A020/A030/B031 D043g/C042g D010g C030g D011g/C010g D031 B010a A080 B039g C042/C042a B010a A036 B010g/C011g D011g/C010g D015 D031a/C030a D031a/C030a D021 A015g D017 A030g/B031g D029 D029 B022 D023 C042 D043g/C042g A030g/B031g A030g/B031g A013g B010/B023 D023 D011 D037/C036 A013g D031a/C030a
HALL BOOTH NO.
Jeonbuk Digital Industry Agency Jietronics Technology Ltd. JSC Games Co., Ltd. Jujubee S.A. K3 Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaftsbüro Stadt Karlsruhe Kalypso Media Group GmbH Kenshoo Kimia Solutions, S.L. Kingstill International Software Services Ltd (Kiss Ltd.) Kinguin.net KKBOX Technologies Limited Koelnmesse, Inc Koelnmesse, Inc Kokonut Studio S. de R.L. de C.V. Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. Koolhaus Games Inc. Korea Creative Content Agency Korea Pavillion Kount Inc. L&K Logic Korea Co., Ltd. La Marque Rose Lab42 Ltd Lager Network Technologies INC. Latis Global Communications, Inc. Latitude 22 LTD GameJam LTD (dba Lazy Bear Games) Leap Leaf Interactive Ltd. LeaseWeb Level 3 Communications GmbH Level9 Inc. Link Distribution (UK) Ltd Lionbridge Technologies Inc. LKA.it di Luca Dalco LocalizeDirect Ltd Logitech GmbH Ludomotion VOF M.I.T. Media Info Transfer GmbH/ payxpert Mad Catz GmbH Magix GmbH Marchsreiter Communications GmbH Marketpoint GmbH Marmalade Technologies Ltd Masangsoft, Inc. Mastertronic Group Ltd MBG International Premium Brands GmbH MCV Media.net berlinbrandenburg e.V. Medialounge GmbH Mediatonic Ltd. Mediencluster NRW GmbH Medion AG/LifeXpress Mental Moustache Oy MFG Innovationsagentur Medien- und Kreativwirtschaft Mgame Corporation Mh Soft Mht Game Co Ltd MianYang Wudao Digital Technology Co.,Ltd. Michael Hartinger Microsoft Mindfield Games Mionix AB
33
3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 D036g 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 D036a 3.2 B020g/C021g 2.1 C013/D014 2.1 C050 3.2 B037g 3.2 D011g/C010g 2.2 D070 3.2 B039g 2.2 A047/B051/B041 3.2 C041/B036 3.2 B033g 4.2 A010/B011 3.2 B036g/C041g 3.2 D031a/C030a 3.2 C030/C032/D031 2.1 D025 3.2 D031a/C030a 3.2 D021g 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 B039g 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 A016 2.2 A088g 3.2 B039g 3.2 B010g/C011g 2.1 C030g 3.2 D031a/C030a 2.1 C023/D024 2.1 C053 3.2 A036g 3.2 D011g/C010g 2.1 A015g 3.2 B010g/C011g 3.2 A030g/B031g 2.2 C031g/B030g 2.2 B020g/C021g 2.1 C030g 2.1 A015/B016 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 D033a/C032a 3.2 D011g/C010g 8.1 B011/C010 2.2 D008 2.2 C021/B020 2.2 B030a/C031/B030 3.2 D011g/C010g 3.2 B030/C031 2.1 D059 3.2 A015g 3.2 B020/C021 3.2 D033a/C032a 3.2 D033a/C032a 3.2 D043g/C042g 3.2 D043g/C042g 3.2 D032a 4.2 A021/A031/B031 3.2 A015g 2.2 B010a
EXHIBITOR GUIDE HALL 3.2
34
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
35
EXHIBITOR GUIDE COMPANY Mixamo, Inc MixedBag Srl Moazio MobileBits GmbH MobUpps Mode4 MoGi SA Mokylin Group Monogon BV Monster Smile Inc. Moregeek Entertainment, Inc. Mothership-free2play Agency GmbH Motiga, Inc. Mr. Whale’s Game Service mSeed Co., Ltd. N-Dream AG N3Game inc. N3XT Technology GmbH NadiaSoft Inc. Native Prime NBG EDV Handels- und Verlags GmbH nDreams Ltd. Neo Legend SARL NeocoreGames Neodau GmbH & Co. KG Neogames Finland Association Nordic Pavillion Nero AG NetEase (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. Netsize, a Gemalto Company AB Neurodigital Technologies SL New Planet Group Distribution GmbH NGD Studios S.A. Ngelgames Co., Ltd. Nineis Nintendo of Europe GmbH Nordic Game Institute (NGI) Nordic Game Supply GmbH Nordic Games GmbH Nordmedia Northern Ireland Screen Novobox France Proficient City Ltd. NVIDIA GmbH NXP Semiconductors Germany GmbH Oasis Games Limited Oculus VR Inc. Odtü Teknokent Yönetim A.S. Okam Studio Okta, UAB Old Skull Games Omnyex E Commerce DMCC Onebip Online Fussballmanager GmbH Ontario International Marketing Centre OPM Response Ltd Opqam Overwolf Ltd. OysterWorld Ltd. Packagemedia ild PagBrasil Pagamentos Electrónicos Ltda. Paladin Studios
HALL BOOTH NO. 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.1 2.1 2.2 3.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 4.2 3.2 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 4.2 3.2 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 2.1 2.1 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2
COMPANY
D035 A036g D033a/C032a A032g D034 D010g A084 D043g/C042g B010g/C011g D033a/C032a B039g B020g/C021g D074 D035g/C034g D033a/C032a D035g/C034g D033a/C032a B020g/C021g D033a/C032a D021f A015g D011g/C010g D021 D011 C031g/B030g A015g A015g D049 A015g B037g B032 D014g D033a/C032a D033a/C032a A050/A051 A015 A015g B040 A032 D011g/C010g D021j C041 C020a A020g/B021g D018g A060/B061 C043/B040 D014g D037 D021c B053 B051 C031g/B030g B036g/C041g D011g/C010g D014g B010a D011g/C010g A015g D029 B010g/C011g
HALL BOOTH NO.
PaybyMe, Klon Ödeme ve Iletisim Tek. A.S Paymentwall, Inc. Paysafecard.com Wertkarten GmbH Perfect World Co. Ltd. Perfect World Europe B.V. Persona.ly Ltd. Pinewood Games Pipette Inc. S.P.R.L Planetlan GmbH Play 3arabi LLC PlayFab Inc Playfull Oasis (einfache Gesellschaft) Plug In Digital PlusServer AG Pole To Win Glasgow Europe
3.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2
D043g/B040g A020 C013 D041g/C040g B010a A036 D011g/C010g D010g C030g C030g D011g/C010g D035g/C034g D021i D060 D011g/C010g
POLE TO WIN HALL 3.2 BOOTH N0. D011G/C010G Since 1994, Pole To Win has modernised with the ever-changing technology market. Supported by a talented workforce of over 4,000 innovators, we are a global leader in product lifecycle support. Our inclusive approach to support revolves around: QA, Quality Engineering and Automation, Customer Experience, Localisation and Translation. Our 23 studios globally span the US, UK, India, Singapore, Korea, China and Japan. Our team has established us as the number one provider of services offering flexible solutions that deliver unmatched results in a timely and cost-effective manner. Polk Audio Sound United PreviewLabs bvba Producentforeningen Produsentforeningen Norway Promexico Public enterprise Invest in Lithuania Purplebeard Ltd PuttoEntertainment Co., Ltd., Pyralis SPRL QB9 S.A. Qlab Quantumfrog GmbH Ram Rom Games S.L. Rarebyte OG Raw Fury Ltd. Razer (Europe) GmbH Red Meat Games Inc. ReignBros Ltd. Remote Control Productions GmbH Revolution Software Ltd. Rimlight Studios srl Ripstone Ltd. Robo Pixel Games Ltd Roccat GmbH Rondomedia Marketing & Vertriebs GmbH SAD GmbH
36
2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 4.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 2.1
D004 D010g A015g A015g B033 A088g D011g/C010g D033a/C032a D010g D014g D033a/C032a A032g D010 D032a A015g C020a B036g/C041g A015g C030g D011g/C010g A036g D011g/C010g D011g/C010g A075/B071/A070 B030 C030g
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
Meet us at Gamescom, Hall 2.1, B-010 5th–7th August 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE HALL 4.1
38
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
EXHIBITOR GUIDE COMPANY SafeCharge Technologies LTD Sandbox Interactive GmbH SassyBot Studio Saturn Techno-Electro Handelsges. mbH Seasun Holdings Ltd Sega Europe Senscape S.R.L. Seoul Business Agency Septeni Europe Noriyuki Suenaga Serienjunkies GmbH & Co. KG Serious Games Solutions GmbH Seti Media SevenGames Network GmbH Shanda Games Limited Shanghai Greenshore Network Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai The9 Information Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai Uzone Network Technology Co., Ltd. Shanxi Bough Animation Company Shanxi sunshine three pole technology company Shenzhen New Lemon Science&Technology Co., LTD Shenzhen Soulgame Technologies Co., Ltd ShenZhen The Seventh Road Technology Co., Ltd. Skrill Services GmbH Smartions AG Smilegate Europe GmbH Smilegate Holdings SNSPlus Inc. Soedesco B.V. Sofort GmbH Softon Entertainment Sold Out Sales and Marketing Limited Sony Computer Entertainment Deutschland GmbH Soulpix Spain ICEX Spain Trade and Investment Sparpweed VOF Speelbaars VOF Split Polygon Sproing Interactive Media GmbH Startups.be Steel Media Ltd SteelSeries ApS Stillfront Group / DOG Bytro, Coldwood Stompy Bot Productions, inc. Streamline Media Group, Inc. Studio DOMA Studio Evil S.R.L. Sunset International BV (Bioworld Europe) Supersonic Inc. SwissGames - Pro Helvetia Swrve Inc Synthesis Deutschland GmbH Tag Games Limited TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) Take-Two Interactive GmbH Takeoff Taleworlds Entertainment LTD Tapjoy Limited Target Media Ltd Taylor Wessing Partnerschaftsgesellschaft mbB Taipei Computer Association Team 17 Digital Ltd.
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
HALL BOOTH NO. 2.2 2.2 3.2 F3 2.1 4.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 4.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 4.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1
COMPANY
C020 B020g/C021g B010g/C011g D020 D022g A040/B041 D014g D033a/C032a D007 C031g/B030g B020g/C021g D043g/B040g C050 D041g/C040g D041g/C040g D041g/C040g D041g/C040g D043g/C042g D043g/C042g D043g/C042g D043g/C042g D043g/C042g D019 B020g/C021g B020g/C021g A039 A038g B010g/C011g A071 D033a/C032a D011g/C010g A041 A032g B037 B010g/C011g B010g/C011g B010g/C011g D032a D010 D011g/C010g B010a A015g B036g/C041g B023a D033a/C032a A036g D050 B012 D035/C034 C040 A020g/B021g D011g/C010g A038/B039 A020/B021 D021e D043g/B040g B020 D011g/C010g A030g/B031g A038g D035
TeamSpeak Systems GmbH Techland Sp z o.o. Tecmo Koei Europe Ltd. TEGAsoft Texyon Games S.L. The Farm 51 Group SA The Sidekicks Tilmann Hars & Georg Hobmeier Causa Creations GbR Timecity Tingly Games B.V. Tiny Bull Studios s.r.l. Tivola Publishing GmbH Tobii Technology AB toorock Tourmaline Tower Offense Toy’s Myth Inc. Travian Games GmbH Tripeaks Tritonesoft Inc. TS Information Technology Ltd TU Dortmund TUNE, Inc. Turtle Beach UK Twin Tech Ubisoft GmbH UKIE Umbra Software Oy Unalis Tech Co., Ltd. UNAmedia di Benegiamo Daniele Unity Technologies ApS Universally Speaking Ltd Epic Games Inc. Untref Media Upjers GmbH UzBrainNet Inc. Vae Victis SRL Velia.net Internetdienste GmbH Verein FH Technikum Wien Versus Evil LLC Vertigo Games B.V. Vinyl Lab Virtualni koncepti d.o.o. Vivid Games S.A. Vivoxie S. de R.L. de C.V. Wald (Shenzhen) Technology Incorporate Wargaming Europe S.A.S Warner Bros Warning Up Web Media Publishing AG WebZen Inc. WeGames Corporation Werkmeister & Company West Coast Software Limited White Laser Games SA Wing Racers Sportgames GmbH Winking Tree Entertainment Corporation Wipl Games Inc. Wirecard Technologies GmbH Wired Productions Wirtschaftskammer Österreich Wispfire VOF
39
HALL BOOTH NO. 3.2 2.2 4.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 2.1 3.2 4.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 4.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2 3.2 2.1 3.2 3.2 3.2
A010g/B011g D076 A040/B041 D033a/C032a B037g A042 D021h B020g/C021g D027 B010g/C011g A036g A020g/B021g D032 D033a/C032a D035g/C034g D035g/C034g D033a/C032a A010g/B011g D033a/C032a D033a/C032a D011g/C010g A047a A015g D033a/C032a C051 D011g/D012/C010g D033 A038g A036g B031/A030 D011g/C010g B051a D014g C014g/B013g D033a/C032a A036g B020g/C021g D032a B041g B010g/C011g D033a/C032a A013g D084 B033g D043g/C042g D071/C070 B040/C041 D021a C031g/B030g D033a/C032a A038g C031g/B030g D011g/C010g D010g C031g/B030g A038g D033a/C032a D017 D011g/C010g D032 B010g/C011g
EXHIBITOR GUIDE HALL 4.2
COMPANY Wolff Interactive GmbH Woobi (registered “Social Tokens Ltd.) Wooga GmbH Xform v.o.f. XMG Schenker Technologies GmbH XPEC Entertainment Inc.
HALL BOOTH NO. 3.2 2.1 2.1 3.2 2.1 3.2
COMPANY
A032g B037 C014g/B013g B010g/C011g B033 A038g
Xsolla Inc. Youcanstar Zeroweb Zoink Ltd Zotac International (MCO) Ltd. Zurich University of the Arts
40
HALL BOOTH NO. 2.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 2.2 3.2
A040g D033a/C032a D033a/C032a A015g B010a D035g/C034g
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
THE FIRST RALLY VIDEOGAME
EXCLUSIVELY FOR NEXT GENERATION CONSOLES AND STEAMTM
EXCLUSIVE PREO LEGENDARY PIKE RDER AVAILABLE WITH: S PEAK PACK
SUZUKI ES
20 Km gravel Pik CUDO PP es Peak ‘88 trac k
PEUGEOUT 405 T16 PP 20 Km gravel Pikes Pea k ‘88
track
EARLY 2016 SEBASTIENLOEBRALLYEVO.COM #SEBASTIENLOEBRALLYEVO
PROVISIONAL
Sébastien Loeb Rally EVO © 2015 Published and Developed by Milestone S.r.l. All rights reserved. All manufacturers, accessory suppliers, names, tracks, sponsors, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners
e ic F Li und G ve in Pi am -st g a Ex tch es ag nd po m sh e & in ee ow c ve tin ca on stm gs se fer e en nt c e ad v
The UK’s only interactive content marketplace is back
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH 2015 ST MARY’S CHURCH, MARYLEBONE, LONDON
www.interface.events
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CONOR TALLON ON 01992 535647 OR EMAIL CTALLON@NBMEDIA.COM
TRAIN SIMULATOR 2016 PREVIEW
Train Simulator 2016 Rapidly-rising sim specialist Dovetail Games delivers the latest in its popular rail simulation series. MCV @ Gamescom gets on track
This year’s Train Simulator is focused on offering players ‘extreme challenges’
Castle Class in the Golden Age of Steam (the game goes through different ages of rail). Fans can even try and beat the clock in a challenge on the West Rhine Mainland. Dovetail is pushing the game with handson opportunities at consumer events (including this one) and an advertising push that features print and digital campaigns, with different ads aimed at PC gamers, simulation fans and rail enthusiasts. Best of all, the firm is introducing trainsimulator.com, a new community hub aimed at both first-time players and existing users. The new portal will include reviews and user-written articles, and will also be backed by Facebook and YouTube activity.
BEFORE Dovetail Games started experimenting with fishing, and before it signed the rights to Microsoft Flight Simulator, the firm was entirely dedicated to one franchise. Train Simulator is a lucrative and wellloved IP, and its developer was so devoted to the series that it even went by the name of RailSimulator for some time. Dovetail is now about much more than just locomotives, but it remains committed to Train Simulator in a big way. The game is present here at Gamescom, and the hook this year is ‘extreme challenges’. Players can perform feats such as hauling thousands of tons of cargo over Sherman Hill Summit, or commanding the Wednesday, August 5th 2015
43
PREVIEW BLAZBLUE CHRONOPHANTASMA
BlazBlue Chronophantasma Extend The next instalment in the fast-paced fighting game IP is headed to Europe. MCV @ Gamescom takes a look at BlazBlue’s PS4 and Xbox One debut
Chronophantasma Extend is the first BlazBlue to come to PS4 and Xbox One
from original BlazBlue title Calamity Trigger, as well as that from its 2009 sequel, Continuum Shift. New players can learn the ropes thanks to improved tutorials and training tools, helping them to perfect their combos. There are also completely original Remix Heart scenarios, expanding on the stories of BlazBlue’s female characters. Between the story, Arcade Mode, the RPG-like Abyss Mode and the super-hard Unlimited Mars challenge, Extend has more than 30 hours of single-player gameplay. This is accompanied by online multiplayer functionality, including the My Room feature, which allows players to make lobbies for up to 64 players.
IN news sure to please fighting fan devotees, the first BlazBlue for PS4 and Xbox One is coming to Europe in 2015. BlazBlue Chronophantasma Extend boasts a roster of 28 playable fighters – including newcomer Celica A Mercury and existing fan favourites, such as Lambda. Like the rest of the franchise, which has sold over 1.7 million units worldwide, Extend will feature Arc System Works’ iconic visuals and audio, with thousands of frames of animation and a thumping new soundtrack. THE STORY SO FAR Luckily for players yet to experience Arc’s fighting series, Extend includes the story 44
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
PREVIEW JUST CAUSE 3
Just Cause 3 Avalanche Studios’ high-octane, skydiving, helicopter-grappling, dictatortoppling action game is back. James Batchelor embraces the chaos
Just Cause 3 introduces a new physics engine and abilities to maximise the chaos
SPY HIGH Gamers have complete freedom as they roam the 400 square miles of Medici, traversing road, sea and air in a wide range of vehicles. Rico can pilot aircraft and then skydive into the action, either with the series’ hallmark parachute or the new wingsuit. The grapple mechanic also returns and, building on the additions of Just Cause 2, enables players to not only zip towards their target but also shackle vehicles, objects and enemies together. Rico is also able to dispatch multiple grapple lines, with the physics engine opening new possibilities for destruction. The pressure of multiple lines between the ground and a radio antenna, for example, will see the structure crumble and collapse. Add in the ability to fire weapons at any time – even when wing-walking or free falling – plus unlimited explosives, and Just Cause 3 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed releases this Q4.
OPEN-WORLD games fill the shelves these days, but few can compete with Just Cause when it comes to scope and freeform mayhem. Grappling onto shelves December 1st, Just Cause 3 is the franchise’s first outing on Xbox One and PS4, arriving alongside the inevitable PC version. Series fans will know just what to expect, but the accessible nature of the gameplay means Just Cause 3 could welcome a whole new audience. Once again putting players in the jumpsuit of secret agent Rico Rodriguez, the object of the game is to topple yet another evil dictator: in this case, General DiRavello. This time, the villain has decided to set up shop in Rico’s homeland, the fictional Mediterranean island of Medici. In addition to the campaign, liberating the region will require players to explore and cause chaos wherever they can, destroying military facilities and tearing down DiRavello’s statues and propaganda. 46
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
SKYLANDERS SUPERCHARGERS PREVIEW
Skylanders Superchargers The Skylanders franchise returns for a fifth entry. But can it compete with LEGO and Disney? MCV @ Gamescom investigates special vehicles, including submarines, cars and planes, which unlock new areas.
THE toys-to-life sector is a war zone. First Skylanders emerged, making a billion dollars in less than two years, and then came the rivals. The first was Disney with its Infinity franchise, introducing Pixar and Marvel Avengers to the medium (and this year we will see Star Wars). Now LEGO is joining the party with Dimensions, which features Batman, The Hobbit, Doctor Who, Ghostbusters and more. Skylanders has suffered in the face of this competition. But head of Skylanders Josh Taub feels it will continue to lead the market. “We are thrilled to have created a category that is now $4bn over the last almost four years; we represent north of $3bn of that,” he said. “We have a quality of gameplay and quality of toy that is unmatched anywhere in the market, and that is why our fans stay with us.” This year’s game, Superchargers, introduces vehicles for the first time. Players can place their Skylanders into
ENTER NINTENDO Another new concept with Skylanders this year comes via a partnership with Nintendo. Skylanders-cum-Amiibo hybrids are being developed, featuring Bowser and Donkey Kong. These characters can be used in the Nintendo platform versions of the game and, with a flick of the switch, double as Amiibo. “We have wanted to collaborate with Nintendo for some time, but it needed to be the right opportunity,” said Karthik Bala, CTO of the developer Vicarious Visions. “We had a story that really lends itself to bringing in characters from another universe, and the type of game is a natural fit for Bowser and Donkey Kong, as well.” Although it faces stiff competition from some of the biggest entertainment giants in the world, Activision is still determined to have the best toys-to-life product in the market.
Superchargers is the first Skylanders game to feature drivable vehicles
Wednesday, August 5th 2015
47
OFF THE RECORD
WHAT’S ON AT GAMESCOM? It’s Wednesday which means that Gamescom is fully underway. Here is MCV @ Gamescom’s handy guide to some of today’s events EA PRES SS BRIEFING 09:3 30 - 11:00 0 Hall 6, C-60 The firm will be showing off its upcoming liine-u up in n Ha all Six. Expect more details about Battlefron nt, Mirror’s Edge and FIFA.
sharing the latest announcements from its roster of games at this event. UK OFFICIAL GAMESCOM PRESS CONFERENCE 13:45 – 14:45 Hall 3.2, D-012 Representatives from the UK games industry including the legendary Ian Livingstone, as well as UKTI’s Tony Sims, Tony Hughes and UKIE’s Dr Jo Twist will be taking to the stage.
BLIZ ZZAR RD MEDIA BRIEFING 12:00 0 – 13:00 0 Konrad-Adenauer-Sall, Cong gresss Ce entre, North The Worlld off Warcraft company will be
LAST YEAR
At last year’s show, Microsoft revealed that Rise of the Tomb Raider was an Xbox exclusive (well...) and provided more details about (actual) Xbox-exclusive, Halo 5: Guardians.
48
Then PlayStation European boss Jim Ryan announced that 10m PS4s had been sold globally, before sharing the stage with a number of indies including Mike Bithell.
Wednesday, August 6th 2015
OFF THE RECORD
YOUR SCHEDULE 09.00
UK INVESTMENT SEMINAR 16:45 - 17:45 Hall 3.2, D-012 Some of the biggest names in the UK games industry explore the innovation ecosystem and how to secure funds for your game.
10.00
UKIE DRINKS RECEPTION 17:30 - 20:00 Hall 3.2, C-010 - D-011 The UK trade body has a networking drinks reception at its stand. The event is open to all.
12.00
11.00
13.00
14.00
15.00
16.00
17.00
18.00
19.00 Meanwhile, as Gamescom opened its doors to the public (after a few days of quiet bliss) these guys were hanging around the entrance. We’re still not sure if they were cosplayers.
Wednesday, August 6th 2015
49
20.00
greenman
gaming asks...
Every day during Gamescom, @greenmangaming will be probing Twitter for answers and opinion about the show’s biggest topics. Tag your reply with #GMGasks to have your say!
Many things - But in particular Amplitude’s stuff. :)
IT’S GAMESCOM 2015 WEEK – WHAT ARE YOU HYPED FOR? #GMGASKS
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate and Battlefront.
Chris Tk @lvl39nerd
Rainbow Six: Siege.
Jonathan R Lundkvist @JonathanRL
Mansen @Mansen
New gameplay trailer of Metal Gear Solid V.
No One Lives Forever 3. Not happening, I know. Or a new game from Novalogic. What happened to them anyway...
Tweet tweet
Scorcher24
PJ LEFEBVRE
@GothSeiDank
@Bhaal42
0D¿ D ,,,
COME SAY HI!
My biggest wish is Blizzard announces a WoW expansion which makes up for the disappointment of Warlords of Draenor.
Dejan
Nzall
@dex3108
@Realnzall
Mirror’s Edge gameplay.
Visit the UK Industry Stand #C010 - D011, Hall 3.2
0D¿ D ,,,
Legend Michael Foti
@iTzLegend7s
@FichaelMoti
www.greenmangaming.com
Visit dovetail games at HALL 2.1 AISLE A NO: 041
HALL 2.1 AISLE A NO: 041