The Future - October 2012 by Exertis

store.gem.co.uk October 2012

THE WAKE-UP WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR OXM

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I ONCE AGAIN FEEL JUSTIFIED in making this one of my most anticipated games of the year THE ESCAPIST

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CONTENTS 05 EDITOR’S COMMENT

Faye le Duc introduces the biggest issue of the year

07 GEM NEWS

Date and bundles announced for the Wii U launch

11 Q&A

Get to know Gem’s very own Head of Marketing Katie Rawlings

13 WE WANT ONE

CineMobile puts whole movie collections into the palm of a hand

14 GEM LOGISTICS

The Future explores Gem’s 250,000 sq ft. Logistics facility in Raunds

17 KASPERSKY

Kaspersky showcase their 2013 security software range

19 COREL

Masters of design Corel launch a fantastic competition

25 ROXIO

Roxio show us how to capture every gaming moment in HD

27 PLANTRONICS

Plantronics takes us through their range of GameCom headsets

28 UBISOFT

Ubisoft present the latest in their adventure series, set in the American Revolution

30 MICROSOFT

Halo 4 marks the return the Spartan hero Master Chief

32 MICROSOFT

Forza’s all new rubber burning race title takes to the open road

38 2K GAMES

2K’s Sci-Fi Strategy is reborn with XCOM: Enemy Unknown

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COMEDITOR’S editor’s comment

The Christmas countdown has ofﬁcially started, and with only 12 weeks to go and an abundance of new products hitting the shelves, we’re hopeful that this is going to be one of the best in a while. Nintendo has ﬁnally announced that the Wii U Console will be out next month in time for the Christmas rush with some great titles available at launch, from third-party blockbusters to Nintendo classics there will be a game to suit every taste. Early viewings and reviews have delivered a promising start and we’re delighted to be part of the parade.

Faye Le Duc PR & Marketing Manager

Microsoft has launched 3 new limited Christmas bundles to provide your customers with money saving gift ideas at outstanding prices. The Xbox 360 250GB Console Holiday Bundle includes Skyrim, Forza 4 Essentials Edition & 1 Month of Xbox LIVE Gold, whilst the Xbox 360 4GB Console and Kinect Holiday Bundle features two hit family games, Kinect Disneyland Adventures & Kinect Adventures with 1 Month of LIVE Gold, a 4GB Xbox 360 Console and Kinect Sensor. The Xbox 360 250GB Console with Kinect Holiday Bundle features a total of three amazing Kinect Games, Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures; as well as 1 Month of Xbox LIVE Gold free for a limited time this Christmas. As always, we have an abundance of promotions and competitions coming to you throughout October. For the launch of the new PaintShop X5 range and Roxio Game Capture HD Pro, Gem is delighted to introduce 2 exclusive competitions, giving you the chance to get your hands on a new laptop with PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate or two tickets to London Excel’s Gadget Show with an overnight stay! I’m thrilled to let you all know that, since the new Future launched in February, this is our biggest edition with the largest circulation, so I wanted to say a big thank you to our readers and customers. Suggestions and feedback are always welcome so feel free to get in touch – fayel@gem.co.uk

Faye

Managing Editor Faye Le Duc

Publisher Gem Creative

Editorial Assistant Brendan Adams

Gem Distribution Ltd St. George House, Parkway Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QF

Web Executive Peter Cox Design Sophie Hammond Amber-sky Watts Gaming Editor Kristan Reed

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Head of Marketing Katie Rawlings

Contact Details Telephone Office: +44 01279 822800 Sales: +44 01279 822822 Facsimile Office: +44 01279 416228 Sales: +44 01279 412604 To place an order please call 01279 822822 between 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, or visit store.gem.co.uk to buy online* To open an account please visit ww.gem.co.uk or call our new accounts team on 01279 822800. *Trade account required. Printed in the uk by Cadmium Multimedia www.cadmiummultimedia.co.uk

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p07_GemNews v8_Front Cover 05/10/2012 17:17 Page 1

EDITOR’S gem news

Gem News

Win a luxury skiing holiday to Chamonix with Norton Symantec launch their 2013 reseller promotion with Gem We’re partnering with Norton to provide the coolest reseller promotion yet. Order the latest Norton security software through your Gem account manager for the chance to win a luxury ski trip for four to Chamonix, France (worth €10,000) and other great prizes, including Salomon ski jackets, Oakley sunglasses and The North Face outdoor packs.

Nintendo Announce Wii U Launch New console to reach the UK before Japan in November

On 1st October 2012 the race is on, so prepare to put your sales skills to the test. Simply log in to register at www.nortonportal.com/promo and order Norton products to increase your chances of winning.

Following a year of build-up, last month Nintendo announced that their highly anticipated new home console, Wii U, will be hitting the shelves across Europe on the 30th November 2012, an impressive 8 days ahead of the Japanese launch. Wii U is a HD console that offers more choice and variety of gameplay than ever before, with brand new gaming experiences enabled by the innovative Wii U GamePad controller, whether playing alone or together with friends. The Wii U GamePad offers an integrated second screen and can also be used independently of the TV set with certain software. Available from Gem, two launch hardware packs have been confirmed along with the strongest line-up of launch software in Nintendo history including third-party heavy hitters such as FIFA 13, Call Of Duty®: Black Ops II,

ZombiU™ and RAYMAN® LEGENDS as well as in-house titles like Nintendo Land and New Super Mario Bros. U. Of the two new launch bundles, the Wii U Basic Pack features a Wii U console with 8GB internal storage and a Wii U GamePad, both in white, whilst the Wii U Premium Pack contains a black Wii U console and Wii U GamePad, and with 32GB of internal storage provides more space for downloadable digital content. The Premium Pack also contains a stand for the GamePad and console, a charging cradle for the GamePad, a sensor bar and the Nintendo Land software. Both packs also feature a HDMI cable and AC adapters for console and GamePad. For more information on Nintendo’s Wii U and the launch titles coming to Gem, please contact your Gem account manager.

UKWA recognise Gem Logistics as contender for ‘Best New Member 2013’ Northamptonshire-based Gem Logistics has been nominated for an award in a prestigious national competition which recognizes excellence in the UK logistics and warehousing industry. Gem Logistics, which operates a 250,000 sq ft storage facility in Raunds, Northamptonshire, is in the running to be named the United Kingdom Warehousing Association’s Best New Member 2013. With nearly 700 members, the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) is the leading trade body for the logistics sector and its awards are highly coveted within the industry that the association represents.

Gem bolster Creative department

Gem joined UKWA in the summer. Before being accepted into the Association the company had to demonstrate that its facilities, service offering and business model met a number of key criteria laid down by UKWA.

Gem Creative hires Production Coordinator to meet increasing demands Suzanne joins Gem from leading independent publisher Intent Media who is well known for its business publications and websites such as MCV, PCR and Toynews plus many dedicated trade events including London Games Conference, PCR Bootcamp and a host of awards ceremonies. Suzanne has a wealth of experience in production and project management having also spent several years as Production Manager at EMAP. In this newly-created, broader production role, Suzanne will help to develop and maintain Gem Creative’s solid and trustworthy reputation as a standalone media and creative agency whilst also functioning as a marketing department, supporting the wider divisions within Gem, streamlining the projects that come to the team on a daily basis. This new appointment is aimed at further building Gem Creative’s presence and assuring it provides its customers with a wide, multi-service offering. Suzanne will play a vital part within the POS creation element of Gem Creative, assisting the designers to speed up the production and delivery of projects as demand for in-store solutions grow.

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

Gem Logistics nominated for National Award

The company not only passed the UKWA entry test, but so impressed the Association with the quality of its operation that Gem Logistics were immediately put forward as a potential winner of the Association’s Best New Member Award. Frank Ring, Gem’s Business Development Manager, commented: We are delighted to have been recognized in this way. To be nominated for this award reflects very well on our company and, of course, our staff. We are delighted to receive this accolade. The winner will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Dorchester Hotel in July 2013.

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

The Complete Creative Kit

Design & Marketing services for all industry sectors

Contact Gem Creative on: (T) +44 (0)1279 822800 | (W) www.gem.co.uk/gemcreative | (E) katier@gem.co.uk

new to us

Microsoft Holiday Value Bundles Give the gift of games Brand new and for a limited time only, Microsoft has created three fantastic bundles crammed with free games and content to hit the shelves in time for Christmas.

250GB HOLIDAY BUNDLE ERP: £199.99 Webcode: R9G-00152

4GB KINECT HOLIDAY BUNDLE ERP: £249.99 Webcode: S4G-00150

250GB KINECT HOLIDAY BUNDLE ERP: £299.99 Webcode: S7G-00082

As well as an Xbox 360 S 250GB Console, this unique limited bundle contains value added content worth over £90 (ERP) including:

Better with Kinect: this Xbox 360 S 4GB Console bundle includes a Kinect sensor to bring games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, plus over £40 (ERP) worth of added value items including:

The ultimate bundle to get families moving this Christmas: the new 250GB Kinect Holiday Bundle contains everything to entertain festive families everywhere, including the Xbox 360 S 250GB Console and Kinect Sensor plus £80 (ERP) of additional items including:

• Forza 4 ‘Essentials Edition’ A genre deﬁning racing game, delivering stunningly beautiful graphics with the majority of cars, tracks and challenges from the original game included. (Full Packaged Product)

• Kinect Disneyland Adventures: A ticket to the magical world of Disneyland through Kinect. Allowing kids and Disney fans of all ages to explore the park and enjoy immersive adventures based on popular attractions. (Full Packaged Product)

• Skyrim: Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, the game that revolutionises the open-world fantasy epic and is now even Better with Kinect! (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand Download Token)

• Kinect Adventures: Another family favourite requiring skill and speed in order to jump, dodge, and kick through 20 pulse-pounding fun adventures. (Full Packaged Product)

• 1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership: Opens a whole world of online entertainment possibilities, spanning the very best in games, TV, movies & music.

For more information on the Microsoft Holiday Bundles, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

• Xbox 360 S 250GB Console: Sleek and quiet, with built in wi-ﬁ and a huge 250GB hard drive for content storage. Plus the Kinect Sensor which continues to bring games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways. • Kinect Sports: The biggest selling Kinect title of all time, harnessing the power of Kinect to turn living rooms into world-class sports arenas. Featuring soccer, beach volleyball, bowling, table tennis, track & ﬁeld, and boxing. (Full Packaged Product) • Dance Central 2: The best-selling dance game on Kinect. With another killer soundtrack, the best routines and all-new multiplayer features. (Xbox LIVE Games on Demand Download Token) • 1 Month Xbox LIVE Gold Membership: Opens a whole world of online entertainment possibilities, spanning the very best in games, TV, movies & music.

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Q&A

Follow Gem for the latest news & updates

Katie Rawlings

Head of Marketing takes to the hot seat Nearly 2 years under your reign and Gem Creative and Gem’s marketing team are thriving, what’s your secret? It’s been a challenging 2 years, but my secret? I haven’t got one, which is probably the key. I give my team complete transparency to what’s going on and what is expected to help us progress as a service provider, which in turn builds trust and morale. A happy team is a proactive team and that certainly shows through the quality of work we’re producing for our clients. How has Gem Creative’s services evolved since joining the team? Since launching as a creative agency in 2008 whilst continuing to serve Gem as it’s dedicated marketing department, Gem Creative has added additional resource to the team which in turn has meant a wide variety of skill sets, our list of services as a creative agency vary from traditional print design, in-store display solutions, bundling to social media management and web design. We also welcome companies who aren’t currently working with Gem to utilise the services we offer, as they’ll ﬁnd that we are far more cost effective than most traditional creative agencies out there.

Digital services are more in demand than ever before, how do you and your team keep up? We constantly research and listen to the needs of clients to keep up with the demands for new ways in which to promote and sell products. We benefit from working with Ztorm, who are also owned by Gem and can offer many different digital opportunities, specifically to enhance the physical product. Along with this, we are also looking into augmented reality which is booming right now and if set up correctly, is a great way to support traditional marketing & PR. Print or Online? Print for me I’m afraid, I’m an old fashioned kind of girl and like to feel I’ve really purchased something. I own a kindle and iPad (lucky me) but would never think to download a book or paper onto it. I like a good rummage in a library or to buy a brand new book off the shelf, open it up, give it a good sniff (love newly printed paper) and flip through the pages. How do you relax away from work? Being with friends (and lots of red wine). Plus kidding myself that I will go for ‘that run’.

2012: An exciting year for Corel

We talk to Daniel Bastone, Corel Channel Manager for UK, Ireland and Africa who explains why… 2012 started with a bang for Corel with the acquisition of the Roxio portfolio from Rovi Corporation which was great news for us. Roxio Game Capture SD joined the Corel portfolio so for the ﬁrst time we had a product that played in the fast-moving gaming market, a growth sector with a great deal of social media buzz. Indeed Corel has continued to invest in the popular Game Capture brand with the recent launch of Roxio Game Capture HD Pro, a premium SKU that encapsulates gamers’ desire to record and share their high deﬁnition game play in HD. Roxio Game Capture HD Pro lets users capture real-time game play from Xbox 360 or PS3 while still playing in full HD, as well as live streaming; you can even add voice-over or webcam commentary and edit further on PC with the powerful video editing software that is included.

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

At the start of the summer Corel also acquired the market-leading Pinnacle Studio range of products and at the end of August the latest versions - Pinnacle Studio 16, Pinnacle Studio 16 Plus and Pinnacle Studio 16 Ultimate-launched in the UK. Pinnacle Studio 16 is the fastest, easiest, and most accurate video-editing software available for creating incredible home movie memories in HD or stereoscopic 3D. It ﬁts perfectly within the Corel digital media portfolio, but we’ve also been very busy launching new versions of ﬂagship design package CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X6 and full-power photo-editing suite Corel PaintShop Pro X5. For further information on Corel, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822 822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

Daniel Bastone Channel Manager for UK, Ireland and Africa

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

we want one

cineMobile Plus Keeping your media on the move

With an incredible array of mobile devices now available on the market, cineMobile Plus provides an excellent solution to consumers wanting to take their movie and audio collection where ever they go. Packed with outstanding new exclusive, features cineMobile Plus offers Video and Audio copying, converting, compilation and creation tools. In three easy steps consumers can download files from popular websites including YouTube, Facebook and Google video or transfer files straight from a DVD. cineMobile Plus makes it simple to keep a large media collection in the correct format, and has a range of options to convert and optimize video and audio files ready for playback on a computer, game console, phone, tablet or other media device. The software is available in 6 different packages; cineMobile Plus is our top pick. Although it misses out on the Blueray copying and burning options available on the Ultimate HD, it features absolutely everything else as well as a super-efficient true 1:1 DVD copier.

i TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

For more information on cineMobile Plus, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Your flexible and highly secure outsourced logistics partner G

em Logistics are rapidly establishing a reputation as an outsourced warehousing and logistics service provider to retailers, resellers and other businesses, with Amazon, Argos, M&S, Tesco, Comet, and DSG among the growing list of grocery and retail clients.

“Immaculate”, “Impressive” and “The site is extremely clean and tidy both inside and out,” were how Weetabix’s Quality Assurance Team described Gem Logistics' state of the art, fully owned 250,000 square foot, £15m grade 1 distribution centre at Raunds, Northants. Gem Logistics began life as the distribution operation of Gem, the home entertainment and consumer products distributor that has acted exclusively on behalf of Microsoft UK since 1988. Gem Group also represents Xbox, Codemasters, Take Two, Ubisoft and Essential music. Gem are the largest distributor for Logitech in Europe and have over 25 years’ experience in providing “best in class” distribution solutions,

Visit www.gem.co.uk/gemlogistics

expanding the business where necessary to support the growing requirements of retail, and in 2011/12 processed a total of 65 million units a year to pick and pack. In 2011/12 Gem despatched in excess of 2.9M units to the end user, up from 1.7M the previous year, and assembled over 6.6M units of promotional and bundled items. Having proved their dexterity in developing logistical solutions for these discerning clients, Gem Logistics are keen to extend further by branching out into new product sectors for the third party logistics industry and further widening their client base and the market areas they cover. The approach is paying off, with Gem being a nominee for Best Newcomer in the 2013 UKWA Awards, to be presented at the Dorchester next July. Gem continues to win new clients, including recently awarded contracts for Dr Martens and Simplehuman UK.

enquiries@gemlogistics.co.uk

Q&A

gem logistics

WHEN WAS THE RAUNDS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE SET UP? Raunds opened in September 2010. HOW BIG IS RAUNDS? Raunds has 250,000 square foot of total space. The ﬁrst phase of racking has 35,000 pallet positions. There are six level access doors and 23 dock levellers, and it can accommodate all short, medium and long term secure storage requirements. We offer a variety of different types of racked storage, including open bulk areas, for maximum accessibility. We have six ﬂoor level doors to our loading bays, with covered canopies for all weather working.

FRANK RING

Business Development Manager, Gem Logistics WHEN WAS GEM LOGISTICS AS A BUSINESS SET UP? The Gem Group started in 1984 with two very important guys selling video games on market stalls in Harlow, and was bought by DCC in 1995. Gem Logistics has been operating since 2009 and also has another 150,000 sq.ft DC near Blackburn, Lancashire. Since then it has been an outsourced logistics provider to video games publishers, DVD & music studios and retailers, and the European supply chain provider for Codemasters, Essential Music, Take Two and Ubisoft. WHO OWNS GEM GROUP? Gem is backed by DCC plc, a €10.7 billion procurement, sales, marketing, distribution and business support services group employing around 9,000 people, which is listed under Support Services on the Irish and London stock exchanges, and has five divisions - DCC Energy, DCC Sercom, covering IT, communications and home entertainment, DCC Healthcare, DCC Environmental and DCC Food & Beverage. DCC Sercom, the division which includes Gem Group, comprises SerCom Distribution, a leading distributor of IT, communications and home entertainment products in Britain, Ireland and France, and SerCom Solutions, which provides outsourced procurement and supply chain management services in Ireland, Poland, China, Mexico and the USA. WHAT DIFFERENT CLIENT SERVICES DOES GEM LOGISTICS OFFER? We provide a multi channel, national and international offering, from store distribution and RDC deliveries to end user fulfilment. We also offer extensive value-add propositions returns and quality control on site flow wrap machinery to enhance service, value and profit delivery. HOW ARE YOU SET UP TO SERVICE CLIENTS, IN TERMS OF ACCOUNT HANDLING TEAMS? We offer a dedicated client service team and IT systems integration, with real-time stock and service level reporting. WE'RE GOING TO FOCUS THIS CONVERSATION ON THE RAUNDS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE, BUT HOW MANY OTHER DISTRIBUTION CENTRES DO YOU HAVE IN THE UK? WHAT ABOUT EUROPE? We have one other UK distribution centre in Altham, near Blackburn, Lancashire and two distribution centres in France.

SPEAKING OF ALL WEATHER WORKING, HOW IS YOUR WAREHOUSE SET UP TO DEAL WITH SNOW? HAVE THE TRUCKS GOT IN AND OUT SUCCESSFULLY OVER THE LAST FEW WINTERS? Snow has never been an issue in our 50 metres wide yard area. GEM plans ahead with snowplough attachments for our all-weather fork trucks, and grit spreading attachments. We even have an on site emergency generator, and can easily last for seven days without support from outside power sources. The aircon units in the server room are constantly monitored, and have separate power supplies to the back up equipment and text alarms to mobile phones for any temperature variances. DOES RAUNDS WORK 24/7? We do so when required, and are very ﬂexible to our clients’ needs and such things as product launch schedules. We fully understand the need to meet their expectations and market deadlines. WITH HIGH VALUE GOODS PASSING THROUGH YOUR DOORS DAY IN DAY OUT, SECURITY IS HIGH PRIORITY. WHAT SECURITY DO YOU HAVE? You're right, with so much at stake, protecting our clients’ assets is our top priority. Raunds and our other sites at Altham, near Blackburn, have state of the art technology to protect our clients’ goods, multiple modern digital colour cameras, perimeter beam detection system, hard drive recording/saving of footage, infrared cameras, swipe control access on all doors, manned security, aircraft style standard security, full body searching and walk through scanners with 100% security checks on all staff leaving the warehouse areas. No mobiles, drinks, bags or food are permitted in the warehouse at any time. WHAT IT SYSTEMS DO YOU HAVE? We have an integrated solution, which encompasses ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), EDI (Electronic Data Interchange), APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling), New Warehouse Management, ﬁnancials, E-commerce, and the Warehouse Management System we purchased in 2004. We have invested £180,000 in upgrades to keep the system current and meet the ever-changing client needs and markets. WHAT DIFFERENT CLIENTS IS RAUNDS SERVING AT THE MOMENT? We are currently serving Simplehuman, who recently signed a four-year contract, Weetabix, Dr Martens, Codemasters, Essential Music, Union Square Music, RSK Entertainment, Ubisoft, Take Two Interactive and 505 Games, to name a few.

DO YOU OFFER CLIENTS WEB-BASED INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR ACCOUNT? Yes, we do. Gem Logistics' on-line web portal provides access to live information relating to clients’ product sales and inventory via a secure password protected web browser. The system allows authorised client personnel to query and run reports from live data using the same product, customer and order references as those used on their in-house system. It provides access to real-time purchase order status, returns authorisation requests, sales order status and inventory enquiries with a full stock movement audit trail without the need to wait for end of period reporting or the double handling of data importing. This is all done using data screens and reports, which can also be automated and delivered via email or FTP. DO YOU WORK WITH RETAILERS? Yes, we do. Gem Group supply products to a large majority of the UK retail sector, from Amazon to Tesco. Our sales team boast strong relationships with buyers to support their supply needs and sales objectives. Gem Group supply a comprehensive range of products from many of the leading entertainment and technology suppliers, enabling us to provide a compelling product proposition, of which the logistics service is a key part. Gem Group have been Microsoft’s sole UK distributor since 1988 and are the exclusive UK distributors for Codemasters, Take Two, Ubisoft and Xbox. They are the largest UK distributors for Logitech in Europe, and also act for McAfee and Symantec. We bring these relationships and experience to the table when we offer clients an outsourced logistics service through Gem Logistics. WHAT OTHER PRODUCT SECTORS ARE YOU LOOKING AT? We are looking at moving into healthcare, consumer goods/FMCG, food & drink, garments and the public sector. WHAT ABOUT CLIENTS FROM OUTSIDE THE UK? Yes, we are happy to work with overseas companies wanting to establish businesses here. We have had recent approaches from Canadian companies wanting to branch into UK markets. HOW ARE YOU PLACED TO HELP COMPANIES MAKE THE MOST OF THE CURRENT SLOW ECONOMY? We help reduce costs and provide a shared user beneﬁt and economies of scale. We are close to Felixstowe Port and Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the train container port. HOW GREEN ARE YOU AS A COMPANY? Our green credentials include a low Carbon foot print, intelligent lighting, recycling of our heating, dedicated doors to plastic and cardboard recycling compactors. FINALLY, WHERE DO YOU SEE GEM LOGISTICS GOING FROM HERE? ANY PLANS TO OPEN SIMILAR DISTRIBUTION CENTRES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY? Yes indeed, Gem will consider every commercial proposition on any scale or size and will look to continue to forge long term ﬂexible working partnership strategy, with our current clients and any new potential clients.

GEM LOGISTICS - 0845 456 6400 www.dcc.ie

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

T E N R ITY E T IN CUR SE

NOW F ROM G EM AVAILABLE A VAILABLE NOW FROM GEM THE NEW NEW KASPERSKY K ASPERSKY 2013 2013 RANGE R AN G E THE Your Your ccustomers ustomer s don’t don’t want want hackers hacker s to to ssteal teal their their banking banking details d et ail s and and online online identity. identit y. And And with with K Kaspersky asper sk y Internet Internet Security Securit y on on their their laptop, laptop, they they can’t. can’t. www.gem.co.uk/kaspersky w w w.gem.co.uk /kasper sk y

The New Kaspersky 2013 Range The next generation of security software Kaspersky ® Anti-Virus 2013 Essential PC Protection

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 delivers the essential security elements for a PC system. The installation has been made incredibly easy, with a web installer and automatic product activation it’s quick and simple to get protected. The internet is dynamic and ever changing so it’s important to keep security software up to date, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 runs in the background and frequently updates definitions so the protection is as comprehensive as possible without effecting performance. A computer can become infected with Viruses, Trojans and other harmful files by the simple act of downloading a contaminated file or entering a website. To make sure consumers are safe, websites are automatically scanned alerting users about phishing scams or malicious content before entering. These safety checks are performed instantly on files and websites to deal with treats in real-time. But threats don’t just come from websites, exploits in popular applications are a common way for a computer to become infected or attacked. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 scans and controls the actions of programs with vulnerabilities to prevent a compromise. With Free technical support via phone, email or live chat, getting help for whatever reason won’t be a taxing ordeal and if a computer does become infected beyond use there’s an extremely useful rescue CD that cleans your system. Webcode KL1149UBAFS - KAV 2013 1 User 1 Year SRP £29.99 Webcode KL1149UBCFS - KAV 2013 3 Users 1 Year SRP £39.99

Kaspersky® Internet Security 2013 Premium PC Protection

Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 provides complete and total protection for PC users. It includes all the features available on Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013, but goes further, providing an all-encompassing range of tools that goes far beyond malicious software. Having personnel information stolen is one of the biggest growing threats to online users. Having the right tools to protect data is vital, and with features like Secure Keyboard, which is automatically activated to prevent key logging and Safe Money which verifies that websites are genuine and have security certificates to avoid fakes, Internet Security 2013 makes purchasing from an online store or making transactions on internet banking sites safe and secure. People around the world are constantly plagued with unsolicited emails, typically built-in email filters tend to do a pretty useless job at removing unwanted junk mail from inboxes. Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 leads an effective assault on spam with its enhanced Anti-Spam feature, facilitating reliable spam detection as well as reporting on unwanted mail, and most importantly, keeping the inboxes clear of junk. One of the most important concerns for a parent is the safety of their child; using the Parental Control module parents can take responsibility and determine what category of websites should be checked to prevent access to undesirable content. Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 is the perfect all-rounder benefiting from premium features like the 2 way firewall and network attack blocker, surfing online is a comforting experience with the knowledge that the systems are secure. Webcode KL1849UBAFS - KIS 2013 1 User 1 Year SRP £39.99 Webcode KL1849UBCFS - KIS 2013 3 Users 1 Year SRP £49.99

For more information and to buy today contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Get creative with Corel Win the NEW PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate and a laptop ®

To celebrate the launch of Corel’s new PaintShop® Pro X5 range, one lucky customer will have a chance to win a copy of Corel® PaintShop® Pro X5 Ultimate and a laptop to go with it. PaintShop Pro X5 Ultimate is the latest and premium edition to Corel’s image editing software range. With spectacular performance, it provides an extensive range of tools to produce high-end graphic designs and photo editing. With a sophisticated interface but familiar workflow and layout to other graphic tools, there’s so much that makes this software unique from its ease of use to its rapid response. Organising images is simple and it offers brilliant tools including award-winning NIK® Color Efex Pro™ 3.0 photographic filters, REALLUSION® FaceFilter Studio 2 for outstanding portrait retouching, and a creative collection of royalty-free backgrounds, brushes and textures. Using its integrated tools, images can be tagged for people and places and once the user’s finished with an image it can be instantly shared on Facebook, Flickr and Google+. It’s everything a designer would want in their photo-editing armoury but with superior speed and more power than ever before, it’s unparalleled.

BE IN W

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A FANT HANCE TO WIN ASTIC PRIZE

FOR MO RE DET AILS CO NTACT YOUR

GEM AC COUNT MANAG ER

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic price, all you need to do is buy 5 or more units from the PaintShop range i.e. PaintShop® Pro X5, Corel® PaintShop® Pro X5 Ultimate or Corel® Photo & Video Suite X5 through your Gem account manager or online at store.gem.co.uk before 26th October 2012. One lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by us as well as an announcement made through our website and social media platforms.

For more information contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Hardcover skin & folio stand for iPad Mini visit store.gem.co.uk to view the full Trust range

Perfect pricing for presents

Trust introduces a stylish new selection of seasonal peripherals

Trust ®

Vivy Wireless Mini Mouse The Vivy Wireless Mini Mouse has a sleek ambidextrous design, making it delightfully comfortable in either hand. The Plug and Start feature means this mouse can be used without installing drivers and works on demand, wherever and whatever device it’s needed for. The wireless model is extremely precise using 2.4GHZ technology, giving it an impressive range of 8 metre signal strength. The wireless receiver is a micro USB, which can be stored inside the mouse to keep it compact on the move. The Vivy Wireless Mini Mouse uses BlueSpot technology that works on almost any surface whether it is wood, stone, carpet, black or white, being much less sensitive to dust or uneven planes whilst using less energy. It’s a responsive portable mouse but what’s so signiﬁcant about it is it has one of the most competitive prices on the market.

Trust Headsets

Trust

Trust’s products are renowned for their contemporary designs, coupled up with exceptional value. We take a look at 3 head-sets all very different but with one thing in common, they are extremely attractive.

Eleno Premium Headset The Eleno Premium Headsets look remarkably sophisticated with an ultra-modern style. The fittings are finished with a brushed metal look surrounded by a glossy piano black finish, leatherette luxury ear cups and trim around the head band. The headsets are fitted with a detachable microphone, giving the headset flexibility to be used for web-calls, gaming or just as a high quality set of head phones. These premium quality headsets can be used on a notebook, tablet, smartphone or any device capable of supporting the 3.5mm headphone and microphone inputs, and with an inline remote control fitted adjusting the volume is simple.

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

Trust ®

The Magnus Deluxes has to be one of the most comfortable headsets available. With its “essence of retro”, and its cream coloured padding elegantly stitched and banded by a rich mulberry, it looks stunning.

Urban is certainly how these headsets look, the Urban Revolt features smooth, clean lines, dashed with striking red boarder surrounding the cups.

Magnus Deluxe Headset

Urban Revolt Headset - Bazz

This headset has extra-large ear cups which are designed to completely cover the ears to making them satisfying soft however long they’re worn. With features including a call pick up button and inline microphone it makes these perfect for a smartphone or PC, and more than a set of headphones for music.

With an extraordinary dynamic range, the acoustics are balanced perfectly with deep bass harmonised with rich mids and trebles, it provides top quality audio. The Urban Revolt are compatible with most devices, making these fashionable headsets ideal for an on-the-go active lifestyle where customers can listen to music, chat and take calls.

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

• Works with virtually any TV

Roku LT Streaming Player

• Connects to your wireless network • 720p HD video**

SRP

£49.99

Webcode 2400EU@IND ** 720p HD streaming not available from all content partners

ROKU to host NOW TV

Brand new internet TV from Sky soon to be available on ROKU

Building on the increasing popularity of watching TV over the internet, NOW TV will offer access to Sky Movies – the UK’s most popular subscription movies service – in a new way. It is easy, ﬂexible and great value with no contract, set-up costs or installation. Available to anyone in the UK with an internet connection, NOW TV is available on PC, Mac and selected Android smartphones; on iPhone, iPad within the next few weeks, on Xbox later this summer and YouView when it launches. NOW TV will continue to develop for other platforms and devices, including ROKU later this year.

Clive Hudson, European Vice President of ROKU,comments; “We are delighted that NOW TV will be available on ROKU. Many channels have been added onto our service since we launched in January, and Now TV is a pointer to the quality of content we are now able to attract. The availability of NOW TV on ROKU is yet to be announced, but we will make sure The Future readers are amongst the ﬁrst to hear the date.”

2 Connect to Network

1 Plug it in

More great Sky content will also be added in the coming months, with Sky Sports due to launch on NOW TV before the end of the year. This will enable NOW TV customers to enjoy live action from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, England Test cricket, Heineken Cup rugby, ATP tennis, the Masters from Augusta and much more. The introduction of Sky Sports will be followed on NOW TV by must-see shows from Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts and Sky Living, including home-grown drama, original comedy and US shows.

3 Enjoy

OR WI-FI

ETHERNET® XS only

For more information on the ROKU range, contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Webcode RGCHDPR1EFEU SRP ÂŁ129.99 For more information contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or go online at store.gem.co.uk

ÂŠ 2012, Corel Corporation. All rights reserved. The Roxio Logo and Roxio Game Capture Logo are trademarks of Corel Corporation. All other logos are the property of their respective owners. PC required for video capture and editing.

Win a trip to London’s Gadget Show with Roxio’s new Game Capture HD Pro

An overnight stay in the capital city with passes to the Gadget Show is up for grabs

We are thrilled to announce that Roxio® will be giving one lucky customer the chance to win two tickets to the Gadget Show Live at London’s Excel centre, as well as an overnight stay in London for two! Game Capture HD Pro extends Roxio’s already ground-breaking technology to the next level. Now record video and audio in full HD, capture real-time footage from an Xbox® 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii and showcase those great moments of gameplay in stunning high deﬁnition quality. Gamers can get creative with the extensive editing tools. The software allows users to mix, blend, add transitions, crop, create picture-in-picture, add special effects, text, audio and voiceovers. Stream directly to TwitchTV with live commentary or upload footage on a favourite sharing site like YouTube or Facebook. Roxio not only provides gamers one of the best game capturing kits on the market but continues to offer great competitions. To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, all you need to do is buy 5 or more units of Roxio® Game Capture HD Pro through your Gem account manager or online at store.gem.co.uk. You will receive one entry into the competition for every 5 units ordered, so the more you buy, the greater your chance of winning. But this competition is only live for a limited period of time so make sure you order before 31st October 2012. One lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by us as well as an announcement made through our website and social media platforms.

For more details on the Roxio competition contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

Gaming has never sounded so good Plantronics offer a range of headsets to suit every type of gamer. GameCom 307 + Farcry ®

Tried and tested, the GameCom 307 pushes the standards of what entry level head-sets should be. Representing a combination of astonishing value with an RRP of under £25, an excellent sound quality, they are perfect for any new or budget conscious gamer unwilling to compromise. While the GameCom 307 may not offer the seek style of the GameCom 380 and 780, they certainly do provide a great set of stereo head phones with a decent microphone that deliver exactly what gamers need to hit the ground running. The GameCom 307 headset is an absolute bargain and is now bundled with the visually stunning sand-box ﬁrst person shooter FryCry2. Webcode 85750-16 SRP £24.99

GameCom 380 + Trackmania(2) Canyon ®

Aimed at gamers looking for a decent headset but not wanting to pay that premium price tag, the GameCom 380 delivers a set of elegant headphones at amazing value. The mid-range headsets offer a high quality sound with a crisp mids, tight treble, and a deep resonating bass as well as a noise-cancelling microphone. With all the controls on the headset, adjusting the volume mid-game is simple and gamers will never need to take their eyes off the action. The production quality is exceptional, and with strong cords it’s built to last. Using a 3.5mm audio and headphone jack it’s compatible with PCs and sound cards. The large pads swivel and fold ﬂat and do an excellent job of isolating external sounds, keeping gamers focused on the action without any distractions. Now bundled with the Arcade racing title: Trackmania(2) Canyon. Webcode 86050-15 SRP £39.99

GameCom 780 + 1 Game ®

(-Assassins Creed Revelations - Driver: San Francisco Might & Magic Heroes VI -Anno 2070)

The GameCom 780 is an incredible stylish and light weight Gaming headset. These premium headsets offer an immersive 7.1 surround sound provided by Dolby Headphone and Pro Logic LLX technology. It has a lengthy 2 metre USB cable and the controls are mounted on the earpiece instead of an in-line controller. The surround sound features can be toggled on and off by the touch of a button and includes PC software allowing users to get the right sound with a selection of preset audio profiles. The speakers are stereo 40mm studio quality pods delivering a rich punchy sound. Its fold down microphone has built in noise cancelling technology, keeping the voice channel perfectly clear. Long gaming sessions can be enjoyed in comfort with its fitted cushions and with the ability to rotate flat on spin joints when its times for a break or they need to be stored. Now bundled with a choice of 1 game. Webcode 86051-15 SRP £89.99

For more information and to buy today contact your Gem account manager on 01279 822822 or visit store.gem.co.uk TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

ASSASSIN’S CREED III UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £54.99 | PC - £39.99 | 31st OCTOBER 2012

• • •

he 40-million selling Assassin's Creed franchise returns this month, with a game that promises to be the most compelling in the celebrated action-adventure series yet. The result of four long years of development at Ubisoft's world class studio in Montreal, Assassin's Creed III will provide players a masterclass in single and multiplayer gaming. In this latest edition to the series, Assassin's Creed III has a new central star in Connor Kenway, a fierce warrior born of both Mohawk and British blood. Set in the American Revolution era of 1753 to 1783, an incredible adventure unfolds as players journey from the untamed frontier, to bustling colonial towns and the chaotic battlefields where George Washington's Continental Army fought the British Army. With revolution in the air, Connor fights tyranny for the freedom of his clan, and his actions ultimately help prompt a bloody crusade. Players will find themselves immersed in a variety of epic locations and scenarios; fighting through blood-soaked battlefields and crowded city streets, to perilous wilderness and beyond. Assassin's Creed III will, Ubisoft says, offer

the most stylised and fluid combat experiences in the franchise to date. 28

REASONS TO STOCK

Guaranteed big seller Revitalised gameplay Comprehensive marketing campaign

As ever, stealth and crowd combat remains right at the heart of the gameplay, and players will engage in battle armed with lethal new skills. True assassins will be able to stalk enemies and take them out quietly and effectively, with an expanded arsenal of weapons that includes tomahawks, rope darts, ﬁrearms, and, of course, the signature blade of the Assassin's Order. Meanwhile, an improved combat system will deliver more intense, gut-wrenching battles than ever before. Thanks to Ubisoft's new 'Anvil Next' game engine, players will experience a breathtakingly realistic world that redeﬁnes gaming - one that

delivers the brutality and beauty of a nation caught in an epic war for independence. The games is said to boast revolutionary physics that take the title to the next level. With improved animation and new weather systems, Assassin's Creed 3 looks positively next generation. Fully featured multiplayer is also a big part of the package, with new maps and more than 12 modes included, including Domination. All-new characters make it into the mix, including females assassins.

Via a series of challenges every month, players will be able to access new ﬁles and videos that shed new light on proceedings. New content will be made available over the course of the year.

The game's storyline will also be an important factor in multiplayer this time, with "a persistent, evolving storyline, running parallel to the game's modern day plot."

All told, Assassin's Creed III is the complete package, and is guaranteed to ﬂy off the shelves. Get your orders in for one of this must-have title.

Visit the Ubisoft microsite www.gem.co.uk/ubisoft

This feels like Ubisoft has created a next-generation game and by some form of wizardry T3

One of my most anticipated games of the year THE ESCAPIST

The wake-up we've been waiting for OXM

Looks as if Assassin's has found the revolution it needed EUROGAMER

This game is going to be something special IGN

Feels like a perfect ‘revolution’ STRATEGY INFORMER

EXCLUSIVE PS VITA VERSION

ASSASSIN'S CREED III:

LIBERATION TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

MICROSOFT | XBOX 360 - £49.99 | 6TH NOVEMBER 2012

EXCLUSIVE

TO GEM

But whatever mode players choose during their multiplayer career, they will always be in control of their own custom built Spartan-IV super soldier.

Boasting fresh ideas and a new developer in 343 Industries, the ﬁrst part of the 'Reclaimer Trilogy' once again centres on the adventures of John 117, a.k.a. the heroic Master Chief.

Microsoft has pledged that the multiplayer experience will be embedded in the ﬁction of Halo...

ive years on from the release of Halo 3, the legendary Master Chief returns in an epic new trilogy.

like never before.

When an ancient evil threatens to destroy humanity, the cybernetically-enhanced super soldier is once again pressed into action to avert disaster.

Player choices will affect not only have an inﬂuence over the appearance of their Spartan, but the weapon loadout and their role on the battleﬁeld.

Accompanied by his long-time AI companion Cortana, the pair venture into a mysterious new world known as Requiem, with the fate of the entire universe in jeopardy.

Put simply, Halo 4 is one of 2012's true blockbusters. Call your Gem account manager now for more information about this future classic.

With 343 Industries now ﬁrmly in control of the series' creative destiny, fans can look forward to a fresh approach for the acclaimed sci-ﬁ shooter. Mystery, exploration and discovery will be key elements of this epic adventure, with the developer promising the kind of grand scope and scale that will wow series veterans and newcomers alike. It will be, the team says, "a game that reaches beyond the series' traditional FPS roots to offer a more diverse gameplay experience that incorporates elements of exploration and discovery." Unlike the original trilogy, Halo 4 has been designed from the ground up as a three game arc, meaning that players can expect...

a more complete connectivity between all of their future media than ever before.

Of course, these deep, narrative rich modes will also be complemented by world class multiplayer features, including an all-new mode known as Halo Infinity Multiplayer. The multiplayer component takes place in a hub-like environment of the UNSC Infinity - said to be the largest starship in the UNSC fleet.

As players strap on the boots of the Master Chief, a massive array of futuristic human and alien weaponry, abilities, and vehicles await.

With its expanded suite of multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles and armour abilities, a new loadout and player progression system, and a new armour modiﬁcation system, Halo 4 represents huge step forward for the brand.

Players will ultimately wage war against the Prometheans, a deadly new class of technologically advanced foes that will require innovative new combat tactics to defeat.

Players can look forward to reimagined Capture the Flag and Oddball modes, as well as the addition of a community-created mode known as Grifball. On top of that will be the an array of familiar classic modes.

In addition to the game's campaign mode, Halo 4 will also boast a new, separate story-driven mode called Spartan Ops. Here, the story of the UNSC Infinity links with the Halo 4 campaign, and then continues on in an episodic adventure. Season 1 is said to offer five objective-based missions and cinematics over the first ten weeks, and, like the campaign mode, can be played either solo or cooperatively with up to three other players. In short, Spartan Ops promises to blend immersive storytelling, high-quality cinematics and action-packed gameplay to deliver...

an unprecedented serialised experience.

A Brief History of Halo 1999 2001 2003 2004 2007 2007 2009 2009 2010 2011

2012

Steve Jobs announces at Macworld that Halo will be released on PC and Mac. Halo: Combat Evolved released on Xbox as a launch title. Halo: Combat Evolved released on PC. Halo 2 released on Xbox, bringing online multiplayer to the series for the first time. Halo 2 finally comes to PC. Halo 3 released on Xbox 360. Halo Wars, an RTS spin-off released on Xbox 360. Halo ODST released on Xbox 360. Halo Reach released on Xbox 360, a prequel to the Halo trilogy. Halo Anniversary released on Xbox 360 - a 10th anniversary HD remake of the original Combat Evolved. Halo 4 released on Xbox 360 - the start of the 'Reclaimer Trilogy'.

Halo 4

LIMITED EDITION INCLUDES For true fans of the series, a Limited Edition version provides prestigious extras.

The series seems to be in good hands WORTHPLAYING It's still Halo - and for now that should tell you everything you need to know EUROGAMER Halo fans shouldn't worry. 343 Industries has made sure that multiplayer is very familiar, and the campaign has magnificent production values GAME REVOLUTION

Over 200 of the world’s most hardcore Halo fans are making Halo 4 and, so far, it shows NOWGAMER Sit down with Halo 4 and pick up the controller and it feels new, but crucially, it feels like Halo - no rails, no scripting, no quicktime events, and no need to worry CVG

With 9 maps available to download post-launch, early access to 6 specialisations at launch, used to achieve higher ranks and unlock new customisation options, an extended version of Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn the live-action digital series, unique Spartan armour and Assault Rifle skins, an exclusive in-game emblem, Xbox-LIVE Avatar prop and Avatar Spartan IV armour set, and UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet the Limited Edition of Halo 4 is not just for aimed at collectors, but any gamer wanting to get the fullest possible experience from the Halo series.

• • •

REASONS TO STOCK

Return of a blockbuster brand One of 2012's biggest titles Triple A marketing backing

EXCLUSIVE

TO GEM

INCLUDES

Custom Designed Console with sounds, 2 Custom Wireless Controllers with D-Pad and Blue Led Lights, 320GB Hard Disc Drive, Standard Halo 4 Game, Exclusive Downloadable Content & Wired Headset

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

MICROSOFT | XBOX 360 - £49.99 | 26th OCTOBER 2012

EXCLUSIVE

TO GEM

heel-spinning motorsport action returns to the Xbox 360 this Autumn, with the release of Forza Horizon.

Developed by Brit studio Playground Games, this openworld spin-off promises to bring a vibrant festival atmosphere to the action-racing scene. The setting for this year's Forza is the ﬁctitious Horizon Festival, a central hub

where music and cars collide, a place where competition meets culture. Set to a pumping, diverse multi-genre soundtrack curated by Radio 1 DJ Rob da Bank, Forza Horizon will deliver "visceral moment-to-moment gameplay" and "an immersive pick-up-and-play experience". This exciting new title dares drivers to explore the idyllic Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and pull-off daring driving manoeuvres.

Released exclusively on Xbox 360, the game offers on-road, off-road and dirt road driving, and players will experience all of them bathed in

dramatic 24 hour lighting. The new action-based gameplay tasks players with showing their skills behind the wheel in a series of festival events. Alternatively, they can compete in instant street race challenges where pink slip events put their reputations on the line. To make progress in the game, players must collect 'Wristbands' by winning races, destroying property and displaying their driving prowess on an expansive open road. Players can also prove themselves on the world stage online and compete with rivals in a variety of intense challenges. With its top-tier visuals, authentic physics, realistic handling, and a diverse line-up of cars to drive, Forza Horizon promises to be an essential arcade driving experience in the run-up to the all-important Christmas sales period.

• • •

REASONS TO STOCK

Latest in the 10-million selling series Exciting openworld spin-off of Forza Exclusive to Xbox 360

Forza Horizon is a pleasant surprise. Its vehicle handling feels immediately accessible, yet it can be tweaked for extra doses of both challenge and reward... this looks like a racer that's worthy of your attention. GAMES RADAR

Forza Horizon is shaping up to be the perfect spinoff: it still feels like Forza, but in a new, fun way... A casual cruise that can still get intensely serious if you want it to. IGN

A driving model that's pleasing without ever being patronising. OXM

Blasting down the freeway, hitting an offramp, feathering off the gas, giving the e-brake just a tap, and then flicking the stick to slide into a drift I held with the gas all the way through - that's it right there. SHACKNEWS

Forza Horizon already looks like a quality game. And if it'll let me roar through Colorado canyons under a night sky, with the radio turned up loud, the engine echoing off walls of red rock and the headlamps washing across dusty tarmac, I'm sold. EUROGAMER

PLAYGROUND GAMES

THE TEAM BEHIND FORZA HORIZON The UK-based studio that has co-developed Forza Horizon with Turn 10 might be releasing its debut title, but some of the key team members have been making top-selling racing games for more than 20 years. Based in Leamington Spa in the heart of the Midlands county of Warwickshire, Playground Games started up in 2009, with veterans from some of the best developers in Britain, including Bizarre Creations (Project Gotham Racing, Blur), Codemasters (Colin McRae Rally, DiRT, Race Driver), Black Rock (Pure, Split Second) and Criterion (Burnout/Need For Speed). Three years down the line, the company now has over 100 full-time staff, and looks poised to deliver an international blockbuster hit at the ďŹ rst time of asking. Playground Games is sure to be a name we're going to become familiar with over the coming years.

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

5.10.12

NBA 2K13

• • •

2K GAMES | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £44.99 | PC - £19.99 | Wii - £29.99 | PSP - £14.99 5th OCTOBER 2012

he Worlds favourite basketball simulation returns for some more top-level slam-dunking action.

Produced by multiplatinum recording artist and hip-hop mogul Jay Z in conjunction with 2K games; this year’s instalment of the top-rated NBA video game and the follow-up to the award-winning NBA 2K12 will feature a raft of refinements including new, immersive, pick-up-and-play mechanics that give gamers more control than ever before. The big news this year is the new Control Stick functionality. Essentially, the shot stick has been switched from the default right stick to the control stick, which allows players to have far more ball control than ever. For example, if a player moves the stick to the left, the ball will move to the left, while rolling the stick in a circle pulls off a spin move. Via a series of intuitive button combos, players will be able to weave through opponents, take to the air and skilfully unleash devastatingly accurate slam dunks.

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

Player movement physics have also been tweaked, meaning that fast changes of direction and foot-planting now feels truer, and more authentic than ever. In tandem with that is an improved animation system. In fact, over 4000 animations have been shot for the game, which will help the game look even more convincing. But it doesn't end there. Players can totally customise their player's look, playing style and career path as you rise up the ranks from rookie to megastar in the all new MYCAREER mode. Players will also now look more realistic, with 'Wrinkle maps' utilised to simulate the actual muscles in the face, ensuring that realistic expressions can be seen throughout the game. Numerous exciting modes will be present in 2K Sports' latest offering, including the likes of Past Vs. Present, Rising Stars Challenge, NBA All Star Game, Three-Point Contest and more. Past Vs. Present mode taps into the rich history of NBA, and allows gamers to settle the arguments about which

Perennial best-seller Exec Produced by Jay-Z An authentic but accessible game featuring the all time biggest stars of basketball

EXCLUSIVE

TO GEM

player would have been the better dunker. With legends past and present all included in the glittering line-up, players can face off the likes of Michael Jordan against Blake Griffin or Derrick Rose against Kevin Durrant. With all the superb features that gamers expect, including online multiplayer and an array of brilliantly fun modes, NBA 2K13 is certain to take the series to new heights.

PRE – ORDER

RECEIVE BUMPER BONUS PACK Fans that pre-order NBA 2K13 will receive a new downloadable NBA All-Star content package. This add-on content will be set in Houston, the site of the 2013 NBA All-Star Game and will allow fans to stage their own NBA All-Star Game, including three NBA All-Star events: the Foot Locker, Three Point Shootout BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, and the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest featuring all-new intuitive, pick-up-and-play controls!.

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

UBISOFT | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £39.99 | PC - £29.99 | Wii - £29.99 | 2nd OCTOBER 2012 Wii U - £TBC & RELEASE DATE TBC

Visit the Ubisoft microsite www.gem.co.uk/ubisoft

t's time to take the party to another level, with the return of Ubisoft's all-conquering dance franchise.

Due for release in October, Just Dance 4 is set to crank up the fun factor even further, with brand new features and over 40 hot new hits for dancers to strut their stuff to. Billed as "the perfect catalyst for the best parties, no matter what the occasion," Just Dance 4 boasts innovative ways to play like the all-new Battle mode, an upgraded Just Sweat mode, as well as fun, irreverent dances. Everything players know and love about Just Dance has been honed and reﬁned with Just Dance 4, with the best new music promised from a variety of top artists from a variety of popular genres old and new.

As Ubisoft proudly proclaims;

With Just Dance 4, the party never ends! Case in point: the all-new Battle mode invites players to challenge their friends across 6 rounds of dance battles.

JUST DANCE 4

Tracks from legendary artists such as Barry White and The B-52's feature prominently too, to make sure everyone gets up to dance. And if that's not quite enough, players can also download from the expanding catalogue of new songs on the in-game store.

KEY FACTS

Hot recent hits like "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida, and "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera head up the feelgood tracklist, but Ubisoft promises there's plenty to suit all tastes.

• Just Dance 3 was the second best-selling title of 2011 with over seven million units sold • Since debuted on the Wii in 2009, the Just Dance franchise has sold over 25 million units worldwide • Spin-offs from the series include: Just Dance Summer Party, Just Dance Kids, Dance Juniors, Just Dance Disney Party, Abba: You Can Dance, The Smurfs Dance Party, Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience and Dance On Broadway • Gamers spend 23 million minutes a day playing Just Dance • 7.5 million songs are danced to per day

Elsewhere, players can team up and form a dance crew and enjoy songs that feature four concurrent dance routines.Each player gets their moment in the spotlight with unique choreographies and moves for each member. And for players who want to get ﬁt while they dance, the popular Just Sweat mode has received a major overhaul. Brand new workout sessions, personalised programs, and a real calorie counter have all been added to the mix, to ensure players get a proper workout. The real fans, meanwhile, have plenty of extra content to unlock to keep them going. With alternative choreographies to discover for their favourite tracks, players can enjoy ultra-challenging and outlandish routines to really test themselves. Just Dance 4's Dance Quests allow players to discover and win up to six challenges per song, with more rewards to unlock for advanced players. And if that wasn't exciting enough already, all the favourite modes from previous versions like Duet Mode and Dance Mash-up Mode return, with more than 45 mash-up choreographies featured. For that personal touch, players also have the chance to create and personalise their own dancer card. On each, players can also check out all their awesome dance stats, such as their favourite tracks, best scores, and challenges. With versions available on all console platforms, Just Dance 4 is set to be another essential game to stock for the all-important festive period.

• • •

ARE YOU READY FOR WII U? Be the ultimate party host with the Wii U GamePad™ Create your playlist, choose the next song, write live messages on screen, take pictures and videos of your best moments, and share them with your friends. Puppet master mode Change the choreography in real time by selecting your friends’ next dance move on the Wii U GamePad™ touch screen!

REASONS TO STOCK

Latest in the best-selling dance series Features 40 of the best new tracks, and legendary classics All-new Battle mode, and upgraded Sweat mode

TO BUY ONLINE store.gem.co.uk

Somebody wants to watch TV? Take the Wii U GamePad™ with you to another room and use it as a standalone system to keep on dancing.

TEL 01279 822822 FAX 01279 412604 WEB WWW.GEM.CO.UK

XCOM:

ENEMY UNKNOWN 2K GAMES | XBOX 360 & PS3 - £49.99 | PC - £29.99 | 12th OCTOBER 2012

COM: Enemy Unknown takes the classic real-time strategy series right back to its turn-based roots this month, with the release of a reimagining of the 1994 classic.

The game also features intense multiplayer gameplay for one-on-one tactical deathmatch battles. Players are allocated a limited amount of resources to put together a squad of up to six humans, aliens or a mixture of the two.

Developed by legendary Civilization developer Firaxis Games, the game puts players in control of the XCOM Project, the most secret elite paramilitary organisation in the history of mankind.

Unlike previous console versions of strategy titles, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions will not be streamlined or 'watered down' versions of the PC edition. Instead, Firaxis has optimised each version's user interface accordingly rather than scale down the game's ambition or remove features.

As the XCOM commander, your goal is to defend against a terrifying global alien invasion. Faced with aggressors with far superior technology and capabilities, the task seems hopeless. Faced with such overwhelming odds, players must carefully gather and utilise resources, research, develop and advance technologies at their operational base, as well as recruit, grow and marshall units in battle with appropriate combat strategies. XCOM: Enemy Unknown expands on the legacy of Mythos' renowned original in every sense. Not only will the game feature a rich new story, new enemies and technologies, but couples tactical turn-based gameplay with incredible action sequences and on-the-ground combat. In what promises to be a truly tactical affair, players will direct soldier squads in turn-based ground battles and deploy air units such as the Interceptor and Skyranger. The game's central campaign mode will span the globe, and the XCOM team will engage in over 70 unique missions, and be expected to interact and negotiate with governments around the world.

Firaxis Games' latest will be right at the top of strategy gamers' must-have lists.

PRE-ORDER NOW to guarantee your Elite Soldier Pack DLC, free in limited launch copies of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Elite pack includes: •

Classic X-COM Soldier: Players will instantly receive a new recruit in their Barracks inspired by the original X-COM: UFO Defence. The khaki jumpsuit and blonde, flattop hairstyle will return in its full glory, modernised with the rest of the XCOM universe

•

Soldier Deco Packs: Players can customise their soldier with several aesthetic upgrades to armour suits including the new Hyperion and Reaper soldier armour kits

•

Complete Colour Customisation: A variety of colours and tints for all armour sets in the game allow players complete control to customise their squad’s look

• • •

The return of an all-time classic Latest title from strategy experts Firaxis Optimised for console or PC

EXCLUSIVE

TO GEM