MCV522 January 30th 2009

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THE MARKET FOR COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES

Issue 522 Friday January 30 2009 £3.25

04 Ubisoft’s triumph After a stellar Christmas, CEO Yves Guillemot looks to new signings for 2009

07 Koei: ‘Don’t forget PSP’ Japanese publisher tips Sony format for success with exclusive games

15 MCV AWARDS GUIDE

look A special es tl ti e th t a release Sega will xt e n e th over ths three mon

Everything you need to know about the industry’s biggest night of the year

EVERY BUYER EVERY BRANCH EVERY INDIE EVERY WEEK

INCORPORATING

Sony plots £4m Q1 ad blitz Platform holder throws weight behind PlayStation 3 amidst reports of financial losses and job cuts at parent key titles from last year. We felt that the chaos of Q4 meant there was a good opportunity for re-promoting our games after Christmas. The creative for the campaign focuses on critical accolade and is aimed at gamers still catching up with all those titles that came out before Christmas.

“Additionally the launch of SingStar Queen on both PS2

by Christopher Dring SCE UK has gone on the offensive following last week’s profit warning by its parent company, with a mammoth £4 million Q1 marketing assault.

The firm has set aside £2 million for next month’s tripleA FPS, Killzone 2, while the rest will be split between Sony’s Q1 PSP range, SingStar Queen and the re-promotion of last year’s Q4 titles LittleBigPlanet, Resistance 2 and Motorstorm: Pacific Rift.

“We have two major campaigns running for the PS3,” SCEE marketing director Alan Duncan told MCV. “Firstly, Killzone 2’s February 27th launch will benefit from massive broadcast support across TV and cinema, along with a major online campaign, in-store support and a great deal of PR activity.

“Secondly, we have a campaign to re-promote our

“ Sony is planning a massive marketing blitz for Killzone 2 via TV, cinema, online and in-store support plus a major PR push

Duncan is confident it can match consumers’ sky high expectations: “In the case of Killzone 2 it has become clear to everyone who has seen it that we have a truly great product on our hands, something which is being reflected in the reviews.

“The great thing is it has lived up to that original billing and in doing so it brings a new

Killzone 2 provides a glimpse of what PS3 has to offer as a mature platform.

Alan Duncan, SCEE

and PS3 will be supported in March. And the PSP’s 2009 begins with activity to launch Resistance Retribution, Buzz!

Brain of the UK and new colours added to the range.”

Killzone 2 is the PS3’s first major release of the year, and

”

energy to the most competitive genre. We need to prove that to as many people as possible, hence the massive campaign.

Killzone 2 was always going to be an important title to show a glimpse of what PS3 has to offer as a mature platform.”

GAME plans 20 new store openings in ‘09 Dominant chain still committed to dual brands More store openings Prudent head office consolidation

by Stuart Dinsey GAME GROUP may be centralising its key management and cutting back on overhead, but the good news for the market is that it remains committed to opening more stores this year.

Around 20 sites have been earmarked for launch either as GAME or Gamestation. Some stores may close this year, as per normal housekeeping across the portfolio, but a significant net increase is still expected.

Speaking exclusively to MCV, chief executive Lisa Morgan said: “Everything we are doing is about best positioning for the future. It makes sense to pull

“

“We’re absolutely committed to both our brands. The 20 new stores opening this year will be GAME or Gamestation depending on location.”

It makes sense to seize the right opportunities for new store openings.

Lisa Morgan, GAME

together head office teams, but it also makes sense to seize the right opportunities for new store openings.

”

Suppliers will be delighted to welcome new stores, given the recent collapse of Woolworths and decline of Zavvi.

Meanwhile, GAME has begun its consultation process for 80 staff after opting to move several head office teams from York to Basingstoke.

Gamestation MD Martyn Gibbs will move south, taking the new role of customer and brand director. Basingstoke-based GAME MD Tricia Brennan, meanwhile, becomes commercial and supply chain director.

Both execs will report directly to COO Terry Scicluna.

Repair, warehouse and call centre teams will stay in York.

GAME remains committed to both High Street brands, says Morgan

PERSONNEL 36 RETAIL BIZ 37 NEW RELEASES 46 HIGH STREET 48 CHARTS 50

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NEWS

[LEADER] LEANER GAME MEANS BUSINESS ‘War is over’, we declared back in May 2007, after GAME delivered the incendiary news that it had devoured Gamestation.

Now – after 21 long months that have seen spats with the Competition Commission and a huge amount of speculation over what ‘consolidation’ would mean for the two firms – we can finally say it again.

But this time, the ‘war’ hasn’t been played out on the High Street.

It’s been GAME HQ’s private battle, of how to merge a duo of specialist retail behemoths, whilst keeping two sets of recalcitrant, fiercely brand-loyal consumers happy – and not destroy the core teams that have made both companies such a success. Oh, and to make sure they get it right against the backdrop of a cruel recession. You know, simple stuff.

By and large, it looks as though Lisa Morgan and her team have got it spot on. They are clearly still one of the most (if not the most) robust chains on a wobbly UK retail map, with 701 stores at their disposal.

But now, they’re streamlined, organised – and set up to deal with economic turbulence.

Of course, it’s sad to see 80 jobs put at risk in York, but for those moaning that the company has somehow sullied the Gamestation heritage, remember this: Gamestation has grown from 217 UK stores at acquisition to over 250 outlets.

And it’s brought fresh employment to a whole lot of people on the way.

SONY DIGS DEEP FOR UK It’s not just echoes of GAME’s hunger that link today’s front page to 2007.

Back at Christmas that year, before everyone was squealing about a ‘crunch’ here and a ‘slowdown’ there, we revealed Sony was to spend ‘a whopping £4 million’ on PS3’s extravagant first Christmas.

January 2009 offers a very different picture.

Sony’s parent is slashing jobs, with reports of a severe lack of cash in the business. Of course, all of this means that for Q1 in the UK, SCE UK can only afford to spend… ‘a whopping £4 million’.

I thought Sony was supposed to be skint? With that level of expenditure, they look readier than ever to take on moneybags Microsoft in the UK.

UBISOFT’S SILENT VICTORY Far Cry 2, Shaun White Snowboarding and Rayman TV Party. The consensus amongst the trade is that they perhaps didn’t perform as Ubisoft would have hoped over Christmas.

Looks like Ubisoft didn’t get the memo. Both the company’s core titles and evergreen Imagine range sold steadily into the New Year, generating over e500 million in three months.

Little wonder Yves Guillemot is smiling – and talking about branching out into new areas when the rest are chaining down what little they’ve got. tim.ingham@intentmedia.co.uk

Guillemot: We’re feeling sporty after Xmas Ubisoft looking to add to Shaun White franchise in sports portfolio Firm on the prowl for studios

by Tim Ingham UBISOFT CEO Yves Guillemot has told MCV that the publisher has its sights set on claiming a greater chunk of the sports games market during 2009.

“

title in the United States and recorded 2.3 million unit sales worldwide.

And now Guillemot has his sights set on doing battle with the likes of Electronic Arts and 2K in the wider sports games market – and hasn’t ruled out

Shaun White Snowboarding was our first tie-in with a professional athlete and it has been a huge success.

Yves Guillemot, Ubisoft

The firm’s Shaun White Snowboarding title helped it generate over €500 million in the three months to December 31st – a 12 per cent year-onyear rise. The game was the quarter’s number two sports

”

the acquisition of a development specialist to help him do so.

He told MCV: “[Sports] is a difficult genre to break into and I am extremely pleased with the results; Shaun White

Snowboarding was our first tie-in with a professional athlete and it has been a huge success worldwide.

“Working with Shaun White has been great and I think that shows in the fun and excitement of the game when you play it. This is definitely an area in which we plan to grow our presence.”

He added that Ubisoft was “always on the lookout” for studios or brands that will “help us to continue our strategic growth.”

Ubisoft: 01932 578000

Paramount targets iPod Touch PARAMOUNT is set to shake up the industry by selfpublishing its first movie licence in Europe – on the Apple iPod. The movie giant will publish Days Of Thunder – a game based on the 1990 auto-racing film starring Tom Cruise, Robert Duval and Nicole Kidman – later this year through Apple’s App Store.

The title has been developed

by US studio Freeserve, which has also been commissioned to create more titles for Paramount in the future.

Freeserve producer Bruce Morrison told MCV: “The iPhone and iPod Touch are already outperforming the

FREESERVE: Days of Thunder dev is excited by Apple’s iPod

Nintendo DS and Sony PSP, if you look at the track record and adoption rate based on where the DS and PSP were six months into their lives.

“Then there’s the App store, a single point of delivery that puts the giants like Electronic Arts on the same ground as the one-man studios. A guy can decide to try a very different and experimental game and not have to deal with publishers saying no, board members saying no, and well anyone saying no. The surface to creating original games on the iPhone hasn’t even been scratched. There’s so much opportunity.”

In July last year, Paramount announced it would release DS game adaptations of its movie licences Mean Girls, Pretty In Pink and Clueless in the US through Legacy Publishing.

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NEWS

PlayV on the hunt for new UK boss MD David Hope exits firm’s Luton office

GUILLEMOT ON UBISOFT’S Q3 RESULTS “I think everyone was holding their breath a little going into the holiday season but in the end the video games industry did well, showing software sales growth in the UK. At Ubisoft, our results show the solidity of our line-up. We came out of the season with 17 per cent growth at a constant exchange rate over last year, and we are pleased that we were able to outperform our targets.”

PLAYV IS looking for a new UK boss to increase the firm’s sales, after UK MD David Hope left the company.

Hope joined PlayV when it set up its UK office in June last year. The company, a joint venture between Spanish label Virgin Play and Dutch publisher Playlogic, has seen recent releases underperform in a crowded market.

Sales manager Luiz Ferreira will act as interim MD until a replacement is found.

Playlogic executive VP Rogier Smit told MCV: “We have let David go and we’re looking for a suitable replacement. We are speaking to a couple of candidates. We have a big line-up on the horizon and want the right person in place to get the sales up.

They’ve not been at the level we expected they would be.

It’s unfortunate that David had to go, but we’re confident Luiz will do a good job in the interim.”

the US. The firm also owns a production company, which has produced a series of TV programmes including The Baby-sitters Club.

The company’s Elastic label was set up to expand Scholastic Interactive’s entertainment portfolio, and future games will feature content based on Scholastic IP as well as original and third-party licensed properties.

Goosebumps HorrorLand is an adventure game set in a fright-themed amusement park, while Ultimate I Spy is a 3D puzzle game. Both titles were developed by UK-based studio Gusto Games.

Elastic: 001 212 689 6360

TOP 10 KILLZONE 2 PS3 SONY

2. SOCOM: CONFRONTATION PS3 ..................................................SONY

3. RESIDENT EVIL 5 PS3 ..............................................CAPCOM

4. STREET FIGHTER IV HOPE DEPARTS: David Hope joined PlayV in June last year

The Luton-based subdistributor’s upcoming titles include Hello Pocoyo, B Team: Metal Cartoon Squad, Lola and Virginia, and its Mind Your Language range.

All are due for release on the DS this quarter. The firm is also set to release Real Madrid: The Game on Wii, DS and PSP. In addition to publishing, the firm also provides national PR and account management alongside financial management and administrative office support.

PlayV: 01582 436040

Scholastic sniffs out UK expansion BOOK PUBLISHER Schoolastic is eyeing up the UK market with its video games label, Elastic.

Elastic released Ultimate I Spy on Wii and Goosebumps Horrorland on Wii, DS and PS2 in the US last year. And now the publisher is targeting the UK sector, by seeking out potential distributors.

“At this time we are not currently distributed in the UK but hope to be in the near future,” a Scholastic spokesperson told MCV. Scholastic is a North America book publisher, famed for its Goosebumps franchise and for publishing the Harry Potter book series in

[PRE ORDERS]

PS3 ..............................................CAPCOM

5. RESIDENT EVIL 5 360 ..............................................CAPCOM

6. STREET FIGHTER IV 360 ..............................................CAPCOM

7. RACE PRO 360 ..................................................ATARI

8. ALIENS: COLONIAL MARINES 360 ..................................................SEGA

9. THE SIMS 3 PC ........................................................EA

10. HALO WARS: LIMITED EDITION 360 ..........................................MICROSOFT Week ending January 24th Source: SHOPTO.COM

[MARKET VALUE]

£28.9m 35

30

25

20

15

10

5

£34.8m

£29.2m

£28.9m

1,547,306 Units

1,247,905 Units

1,353,433 Units

Week Ending January 10th

Week Ending January 17th

Week Ending January 23rd

0

Total UK Software Sales Source: ELSPA/ChartTrack and Intent Media

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NEWS

Warner Bros to Terminate rivals with cross-media IP promotion Publisher ready to flex marketing muscle for new F.E.A.R, Wanted, Watchmen and Terminator titles

by Michael French WARNER unveiled its line-up for the first half of 2009 last week – and made no secret of plans to grab market share using big licences.

The publisher, fresh from the success of family-oriented products LEGO Batman and Guinness World Records last year, is planning to target massmarket consumers with a sequel to F.E.A.R, a game of last

“

Crossley, the firm is lining up an equally high-profile marketing push to back all of the releases.

“Warner is an entertainment company first and foremost with an eclectic mix of IP and fantastic marketing ability,” he told MCV. “The idea for us is to create a proposition around a brand that says more than just ‘this is a video game’.

“Terminator, Wanted and Watchmen are iconic titles

The idea for us is to create a proposition around a brand that says more than just ‘this is a video game’.

Spencer Crossley, Warner

year’s box office hit Wanted and hotly-tipped new movies Watchmen and Terminator: Salvation. All will be available by the end of June.

And according to Warner’s UK head of games Spencer

”

from a mass-market point of view – and the games are not just licensed spin-offs, they are great titles in their own right as well,” added Crossley.

“And when it comes to the games accompanying theatrical

WARNER BOOSTS MARKETING TEAM TERMINATOR: Warner’s Spencer Crossley (above) is aiming for a mass-market audience

releases, our buying spend is even greater as we can amortise the marketing cost as the buzz builds for the movie releases.”

Warner: 020 7984 6389

The publisher has also boosted its marketing team with the appointment of Paul Rundle, who hails from outside the games industry.

Rundle has worked for the likes of Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson, and is senior national account manager at Warner.

“Experiences from my previous roles will help Warner Brothers develop their video games department into a major revenue and growth driver for the WB business,” he told MCV.

Expanding Exspect makes staff changes GEM’S PERIPHERALS subsidiary Exspect has created eight new vacancies as its plan for expansion gathers pace.

The positions have been created in the company’s UK and Hong Kong offices, as it makes changes to its executive staff in Europe.

The firm has promoted general manager Neil Meredith to the newly-created position of commercial director, focusing on product development and building relationships with key retailers.

“Our existing partnerships with hardware brands and winning retailers are something we feel is fundamental to the ongoing success of Exspect, said Meredith.

My primary focus will be to develop this strategy further and help the team implement that effectively.

“This will be achieved through a combination of investment in the brand, product development and some strategic collaborations or acquisitions.”

Meanwhile, Martin Green has re-joined Exspect and will assume the vacant general manager role.

The firm is set to move into new, much larger offices in Stoke-on-Trent later this year in order to provide the capacity it requires for planned future growth.

Chris Peacock, managing director of Gem added: “The

MOVING UP: Exspect’s general manager Neil Meredith has been promoted to the new role of commercial director

growth in Exspect has been fantastic. Neil and the team have taken the brand to number one in the iPod accessories market and have gained a significant share of the video game accessories market.

“Martin Green will take over the day-to-day responsibility for running the business while Neil will focus on strategic customer and supplier relationships, European expansion and brand acquisitions.

“Since completing a successful launch with Gem’s French subsidiary, Banque Magnetique, distribution agreements are now in place for the majority of Europe and the Middle East.”

Exspect: 01279 822 800

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NEWS

Koei: ‘Don’t ignore PSP’

TRADE BULLETIN

Japanese publisher prepares to release Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce for Sony system Sega, there are high budget PSP titles coming.

“When I’ve been speaking to retailers about our own games for PSP I have been trying to deliver the message that it’s not only us, but a raft of products coming from publishers which support the platform. And it’s exclusive content too, not ports as we

by Michael French RETAILERS MUST not overlook the PSP as key format exclusives arrive for the device in 2009, Koei has warned.

The Japanese publisher is preparing to release a new title for the handheld, Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce, later this year. And the firm says the

“

PSP has sold consistently well at retail. But we need to get the message out about quality software.

Will Curley, Koei

release is just one in a key lineup from fellow publishers including Capcom, Sega and Square Enix which prove its viability.

“There’s no secret that retailers are seeing less and less PSP product coming through,” Koei’s VP of sales and marketing Will Curley told MCV. “But I know internally from our own teams, and also amongst companies like Capcom, Square Enix and

Out 20th February 2009 Wii

The first ever 2 in 1 Nerf blaster. Fire real Nerf darts or swap in the Wii remote to use in game. Wreak havoc and perfect your blasting skills or challenge friends to clashes.

CURLEY: Koei sales and marketing boss has urged retailers to take note of ‘quality’ new PSP games

”

saw on the machine in the past.”

Dynasty Warriors Strikeforce arrives in April, with a new version of Capcom’s Monster Hunter plus Sega’s Phantasy Star Portable and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Dissida also all due later this year too.

Sony is also lining up a Resistance and new Buzz title for PSP as well.

“There is a vibrant market for PSP titles aimed at the core gamer,” Curley added. “In many ways all these titles represent the next-gen of PSP. That’s the message we are trying to get out there, both

around our game Strikeforce and also about PSP content from other publishers. No retailer ever complains that they are struggling to sell the hardware – it has been a consistent success. But in software terms we have to get the message out that quality, exclusive titles are there and coming in the future.”

Koei: 01462 476 130

DSGi combines brands for new trial store DSG INTERNATIONAL has launched a new store combining both PC World and Currys.

The trial store covers approximately 15,000 square feet and is based in Weybridge, Surrey, offering a mixture of products from both retailers’ portfolios.

“The trial combining Currys and PC World store forms part of the company’s ‘renewal and transformation plan’ announced last year, a key element of which is refitted stores offering easier, better shopping for customers,” said DSGi’s head of media relations David Poulter.

“We’re delighted with all the new formats, which are clearly delivering for customers. The

COMBINED MIGHT: DSGi says that the new hybrid Currys and PC World store will ‘offer easier, better shopping’ to consumers

stores have reported sales on average 15 to 25 per cent ahead of their respective chains. We are also receiving extremely positive feedback to our new customer service and

product knowledge training, the first phase of which has been delivered to some 20,000 store colleagues.

“Weybridge was chosen for the trial because there is no PC

World in close proximity.

Generally, when a Currys and PC World store trade on the same retail park, both stores benefit, as they have different customer bases.”

Poulter said that DSGi hopes the trial store will continue to deliver strong results, creating “another string to our bow” alongside the successful refitted stores.

“The customer focus that the renewal plan is delivering to the business is vitally important to us,” he added. “We are delighted that the trial combined store is also proving successful, but we would need to conduct further trials before announcing any specific plans.”

OUT 6TH MARCH 2009 Xbox 360, PS3, PC-DVD

On the eve of the Cuban revolution, a major mob meeting in Havana takes a bloody turn. The Don of your family is killed, and you must take the reigns and lead your battered organization. Build up your arsenal, forge alliances, and make whatever deals you need to as you fight off attacks and strike back at your rivals. There’ll be a price on your head and a target on your back, but don’t take it personally.

After all, it’s only business.

OUT 13th MARCH 2009 Wii and Nintendo DS

MySims Party lets you and your friends throw down with the MySims! Up to 4 players can test their wits, quickness and skill in 40+ minigames, each hosted by a different MySim! Outwit friends by selecting the right team who will carry the day in contests based on strength, endurance, speed and luck.

DSGi: 0844 800 2030

ea.com

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GTA IV DLC points card will provide a boost to retailers Microsoft plots further exclusive downloadable content, too

by Christopher Dring RETAIL WON’T miss out on the buzz surrounding GTA IV’s downloadable content – Microsoft has created a specially-branded Xbox Live points card to support the digital-only release.

The expansion pack has received extensive press coverage over the last week ahead of its February 17th launch. And now Microsoft is hoping the DLC will also significantly boost sales of the original GTA IV in its boxed format, as well as drive sales of the points card.

“GTA IV has garnered unprecedented praise and acclaim worldwide and I’m very excited about having a whole new story to experience,” Microsoft UK’s head of gaming and entertainment Stephen McGill told MCV. “The release of The Lost and Damned on Xbox Live means the masses of people who already have the original game should be very excited, plus it’s the perfect opportunity

GTA IV expansion The Lost and The Damned may be download-only but retailers will still benefit from its release

for those who haven’t yet experienced the greatness of Grand Theft Auto IV to jump in.

“You can also expect to see The Lost and The Damned branded Xbox Live Points cards at retail as we know many gamers love to go to retail to buy the points for premium DLC.” Along with the two Xbox Live-exclusive DLC packs,

www.risingstargames.com

Microsoft has also secured exclusive content for Fallout 3 and Tomb Raider. And the firm is looking to grab more exclusives moving forward.

“Although we have no details to share right now, we see third party content as a critical factor in driving the success of the console,” continued McGill. “So we will be making investments to ensure we’ve got some great, exclusive premium DLC to support it.”

Microsoft: 0870 601 0100

Wrapstar’s ‘Pod play WRAPSTER has announced it will soon be producing bespoke corporate skins for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

The company has already developed good working relationships with a number of publishers, creating skins for both consoles and handhelds featuring artwork from the likes of Atari, Namco, Capcom and EA. “We’re expanding our remit to offer publishing clients the chance to make their brand stand out from the crowd with bespoke promotional skins that can be used for sales and marketing activities,” said Wrapster’s MD Max

Haddow.

“With the big players such as Sega, Atari and Apple producing quality games that are set to position the Apple’s devices as key gaming units, having titles specific skins produced allows publishers an effective way to market to the core user.”

Wrapster has already released its first skin for the device, with a Roadrunner Records-skinned iPod Touch given away through Kerrang! to celebrate the release of Roadrunner United: The Concert.

Wrapster: 020 7240 2645

Pre-owned demand sparks repair boom TOTAL DISC Repair has announced a steady rise in demand for its products, thanks to the popularity of secondhand games.

The company is Europe’s largest supplier of disc repair machines, selling products such as the popular Disc-Go-Devil to businesses and retailers that specialise in selling or renting pre-owned games and DVDs. “Even in times of recession, sales of traditional entertainment stay healthy,” said Total Disc Repair’s UK sales manager Anthony

Golden. “Specifically, the public are now renting DVDs rather than dining out, or buying and trading preowned games to save money, which really illustrates to retailers the value and profitability of disc repair and disc maintenance.”

The Disc-Go-Devil is the firm’s most successful product, having sold over 1,000 units in the UK in the last year. It is capable of repairing up to 50 discs a day, fixing heavy damage to a variety of media types, including Blu-ray.

TDR: 01202 489 500

For independent sales, please contact Advantage Distribution on 0121 506 9585

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NEWS

Sponsored by

Recession means better games, says man who ‘founded’ industry Atari founder claims publishers should choose low-cost innovations over big budgets

by Michael French THE ‘FOUNDING FATHER’ of video games’ reckons the recession can encourage innovation – by forcing publishers to stop overspending on games production.

Nolan Bushnell, who founded Atari, told MCV that

“

“When we were designing games at Atari, everything we did was about costs – but unlike today, where the stakes are so high for games development, we did everything to keep the budgets small,” he told MCV. “The world’s most innovative game is still to be discovered – the next Tetris or Pong is still

The industry should focus more on better, cheaper innovations rather than pricey copycat shooters.

‘big budget, me too’ games are holding the industry back.

Speaking as he is named BAFTA’s 2009 Fellow, he said that spending less on making games – as he did when designing the likes of Pong – would kill “copycat products”.

Nolan Bushnell

Atari founder Nolan Bushnell says spending less encourages innovation

”

‘tunnel vision’ single-player games that are played “sitting at home alone”.

Although he sold Atari in the late 1970s, Bushnell has backed a number of new video game startups, including a restaurant chain that offers

out there. The industry should focus on that instead of another zombie FPS game.”

He added that publishers and developers should keep encouraging gamers to play socially with lower-cost titles, rather than giving them

the first edition of a companion title could achieve,” said UK marketing director Paul Ken. “Launching a book into the games market was always a slightly brave step. So we were thrilled with both the sales and feedback from readers.

“For the second edition, our expectations are that we’ll extend the Gamer’s

HMV: HMV has denied ever being refused credit insurance, after a source told MCV the firm faced difficulty getting cover in 2007. A spokesperson clarified: “In last week’s MCV, a source suggested that in Christmas 2007 suppliers were not extending insurance to HMV. This statement is completely inaccurate, and we have experienced no such issues.”

TIGA: The trade association has secured £56,000 to help UK games firms who want to attend GDC. The funds are part of UKT&I’s Tradeshow Access scheme, which is open to small and mediumsized enterprises.

casual games alongside food, an in-game advertising firm, and a service where online gamers can bet against each other.

“As technology moves forward there are still plenty of avenues that the industry has yet to fully explore,” he added.

Guinness guns for the mainstream THE GUINNESS World Records is targeting both casual and core consumers for its 2009 Gamer’s Edition.

Last year’s title topped the non-fiction bestsellers list, and this year GWR has been listening to readers in order to create an even-stronger offering.

“Our main Guinness World Records book has been around for 55 years and sells millions of copies every year, and we were careful to manage our own expectations about what

[IN BRIEF]

Edition brand into both the games community and the broader mainstream.

We were careful to listen to the feedback to the first edition, and to create a book that responded to their areas of interest – and that means both casual and hardcore gamers.”

The firm also encourages games companies to get involved in the book,

highlighting the PR value in running World Record events.

“We’ve found from our experience at the big events that there’s strong PR value for gaming companies in recordsetting,” adds Ken. “The media pick-up is hugely increased when an event is seen as an official Guinness World Record attempt.

Plus, if the record attempt is visual and successful, it stands a great chance of getting into the next edition of the book.” www.guinnessworldrecords.com

EIDOS: The UK publisher has closed its Manchester studio. 14 staff have been made redundant. The company said the move came as it looks to “focus on highquality titles that deliver long-term franchise value”.

MICROSOFT: Further job cuts were revealed as the head of Games For Windows Chris Early was made redundant. Meanwhile ACES, the studio behind the Flight and Train Simulator series has been closed.

WHSMITH: The retailer reported that like-for-like sales from its High Street stores had fallen seven per cent for the 20 weeks ending January 17th, while overall like-for-like sales including online fell by five per cent.

MIDWAY: Midway has shipped approximately 1.8 million units of Mortal Kombat Vs DC Universe worldwide. The company is already working on the next Mortal Kombat title.

Rising Star Games Authentic, cutting edge, Japanese.

For Harvest Moon, please contact Koch on 0870 027 0985

For national account enquiries, please contact Mastertronic on 0845 234 4242

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NEWS

New Retail Advisory Board unveiled The cream of UK retail sign up to keep MCV informed of the latest goings on and trends on the High Street KEY PERSONNEL from Morrisons, DSGi and The Hut have joined MCV’s Retail Advisory Board for 2009.

The Retail Advisory Board is an elite group of the trade’s top games buyers, which ensures MCV keeps close to the burning issues and trends on the High Street.

The members of the board are also responsible for picking the winner of the Special Recognition accolade at the MCV Awards 2009.

New members of the RAB in 2009 includes Jon Biggs, games buyer at supermarket giant Morrisons, David Poulter, trading manager for gaming at DSGi, and Caroline Austen, head of marketing at rising online retailer The Hut. The new recruits join RAB luminaries such as GAME CEO Lisa Morgan, Gamestation MD Martyn Gibbs, Asda’s head of games Duncan Cross and HMV’s head of games Tim Ellis, and will now become regular contributors to the magazine.

Lisa Morgan

Duncan Cross

Martyn Gibbs

Don McCabe

Tim Ellis

Gian Luzio

Caroline Austen

Jon Biggs

Debbie O’Neill

Graham Chambers

David Poulter

Igor Cipolletta

Anthony Stocker

Stephen Staley

“We are delighted to welcome Jon, Caroline and Dave to our Retail Advisory Board,” said MCV editor-inchief Michael French.

“The Retail Advisory Board members have already become an integral part of MCV’s editorial offering, and

are vital in keeping us up-todate on the latest developments at retail.”

Other new members of the board are to be revealed over the coming weeks, including a key games exec from the new team at Best Buy UK. MCV: 01992 535 646

RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

ON THE RADAR: DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS Our new weekly feature looks at the upcoming release schedules for leading publishers. This week: Disney…

"In 2009 Disney will continue to create compelling IP and innovative franchises.

“We are kicking the new year off with a bang. Bolt, based on the hit movie, is coming to consoles on the February 13th. Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals, sequel to the hit DS game, follows on February 27th.

“Meanwhile, Club Penguin, the online phenomenon for kids, waddles on to DS in March. April then sees the release of Ultimate Band on Wii and DS, which offers the chance to become a rock star without pricey peripherals."

Keely Brenner UK & Ireland Head of Marketing,

[RELEASESCHEDULE] February 6th

HSM 3: Senior Year Dance (Special Ed)

360

February 13th Disney's Bolt Wii, DS, 360, PS3, PS2 Disney’s latest CG film has already topped the US Box Office and will undoubtedly do the same in the UK. Expect sales of the game to match.

February 27th Spectrobes: Beyond The Portals DS The Spectrobes series first arrived in 2007 and has since become a key orinal IP franchise for Disney. The sequel makes use of the company’s DGamer social networking technology for online games.

March 13th Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force DS This spin-off of the very popular Disney-owned kids’ virtual world gives players the chance to take their penguin characters on secret agent missions - and even unlock other gameplay functions by logging on to the MMO via Nintendo WiFi Connect.

March 27th

Phineas and Ferb

DS

April 10th Ultimate Band Wii, DS Disney makes a bold step into the music game genre with this title. Like Wii Music, the game lets younger players make all kinds of sounds with no extra peripherals needed.

May 8th

Hannah Montana: The Movie Game

Wii, DS, 360, PS3, PS2

BOLT

IN CINEMAS EVERYWHERE AND AVAILABLE ON MAJOR PLATFORMS

13TH FEBRUARY

Scooter not in game

ŠDisney. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. " " , "PlayStation", "PS3" and "PLAYSTATION" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved. NINTENDO DS, Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO. Product names and/or visuals shown are of product currently in development and may be subject to change.

Bolt_TradeAd_DPS.indd 1

23/1/09 11:36:16

GET READY TO BOLT! 3 week TV campaign targeting Kids’ Programming (plus tagging on Bolt film advertising campaign, runs 13 Feb - 6 Mar) 1 week cinema campaign with 2.1m admissions 4 week online campaign on MSN 3 month print advertising campaign in leading Kids’ magazines Postcard competition in schools with Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures Promotions in VUE magazine and on Odeon website Promotional activity with Cineworld, Odeon and Vue cinemas during film release

Join Bolt and Penny in an international spy adventure filled with mystery, combat, action and fun! www.disneyvideogames.co.uk

For stock orders please call Clair Radford at Centresoft on 0121 625 2893.

Bolt_TradeAd_DPS.indd 2

23/1/09 11:36:22

Pizza the action Ad ART.pdf

26/1/09

09:34:22

a z z i p a b a r g ! n o i t the ac a h t i w k c a Mama’s b w recipes! e n f o d l r o w

Ma FU ma for LL ’s tim th 3Din e Ee fir VE st R!

The whole world’s cooking with Mama.

Take snapshots of your favourite recipes to admire Create the look you want with character customization Take control of Mama in all new mini games – Mama will fix it!

! y r a u r b e F Out 6th Sales: 0121 506 9585 or sales@advantagedistribution.co.uk "Cooking Mama" is a trademark of COOKING MAMA LIMITED. "Cooking Mama 2 World Kitchen" © 2006, 2008 COOKING MAMA LIMITED. All rights reserved. Published by 505 Games S.r.l. Published and distributed by 505 Games. Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.

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MCV 30/01/09 15

MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

HOW TO WIN AN

D R A W A V C M s The MCV Industry Excellence Award And this return on Thursday April 23rd. aked year the categories have been twe and ned slightly. Lobbying has now ope for a you have less than a month to try next few position on the shortlist. Over the each of pages we explain the criteria for ut the categories and how to go abo … rds winning one of the coveted awa

MCV AWARD CATEGORIES

2009 RETAIL

Retail Innovation the Year Store Manager of r ile ta Re et High Stre r ile ta Re Online Star Store

PEOPLE & INDUSTRY

Sales Team Team UK Development Distribution Team Sales Triumph Games Publisher

ETING PR & MARK d New Games Bran PR Team Game Campaign tion Marketing Innova am Te g in et Mark

ADVISORY MCV RETAIL D: SPECIAL AR ADVISORY BO RECOGNITION AWARD GRAND PRIX award Finalists for each V on MC in d ce un will be anno 27th Friday February

when the UK IT’S THAT time of the year again, performed at games industry decides who has t 12 months – the very highest level over the pas and too much thus deserving applause, acclaim champagne. rds return to The MCV Industry Excellence Awa wery in their popular location at The Bre d.

23r il Apr y rsda Chiswell Street, London on Thu ionals have fess pro stry indu es All companies and all gam n more than most by the chance to enjoy their night eve picking up an award. ple that get right The MCV Awards are about the peo make the UK such a behind this industry’s products to biggest outside of the US vibrant games marketplace – the and Japan. and, should someone else They are about your colleagues giving some respect to be victorious, they are also about your rivals.

lleagues “These awards are about your co ious, and, should someone else be victor giving respect to your rivals.” ud that, notwithstanding This industry should be very pro e rhetoric, previous years the odd burst of enjoyable on-stag s those enjoying their have seen genuine warmth toward moment of glory. the games market, There are many awards events for stry status and media indu ive ress several of which boast imp Excellence Awards look profile. But only the MCV Industry and recognise the behind the products themselves tivity of the people making crea teamwork, commitment and it all happen in the UK. stry, reaching 10,000 MCV is at the very heart of the indu y more every day online. print readers every week and man ry buyer, every branch, Importantly, only MCV reaches eve at trade level. every indie and every distributor ns and is proud to have isio dec MCV influences stocking ilers and suppliers for its such huge support from both reta weekly efforts. it’s time to reward you Thank you for supporting us. Now for your sterling work. and criteria. And get Check out the awards categories lobbying…

Stuart Dinsey, Publisher, MCV

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MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

RETAIL AWARDS

Who is eligible for this award?

This new award is open to the manager of a single branch of any retailer of computer and video games products – inclusive of independents and chains, specialist and non-specialist.

RETAIL INNOVATION Who is eligible for this award?

This new award is open to any retailer of computer and video games products, inclusive of independents and chains.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

STORE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Judges will consider the following criteria: Window and in-store merchandising Above-the-line marketing PR and events-based promotions Direct marketing How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Sales performance Product knowledge Customer service In-store merchandising and compliance Commitment to street dates and an orderly market How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

STAR STORE Who is eligible for this award?

This award is open to a single branch of any retailer of computer and video games products – inclusive of independents and chains.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Sales performance Product knowledge Customer service In-store merchandising and compliance Marketing activity How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

ERS PREVIOUS WINN w Street n Birmingham Ne 2007: Gamestatio ford Street 2008: Zavvi, Ox

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MCV 30/01/09 17

MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009 ONLINE RETAILER Who is eligible for this award?

This award is open to any retailer which has a significant online offering of computer and video games.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Customer service and delivery Product knowledge and range Commitment to streetdates and an orderly market Games-specific marketing activity Sales growth How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 2003: Gameplay 2004: Amazon 2005: Amazon 2006 Play.com 2007: Play.com 2008: Play.com

HIGH STREET RETAILER Who is eligible for this award?

This award is open to any retailer – a chain or independent store – which stocks computer and video games.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Customer service Product knowledge Range Window and in-store merchandising Commitment to street dates and an orderly market Marketing activity How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

ERS PREVIOUS WINN ers of ard. Previous winn This is a new aw were: similar categories r Games ler 2008: Grainge Independent Retai ME GA : 08 20 Specialist Retailer V tailer 2008: HM Entertainment Re

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MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

PEOPLE AND INDUSTRY AWARDS UK DEVELOPMENT TEAM SALES TEAM Who is eligible for this award?

Any UK-based sales team or specialist sales force, including inhouse staff and outsourced service companies.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Product knowledge Depth of advance information Telesales customer care Field sales reliability Sales performance How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular sales team simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Who is eligible for this award?

The Development Team award looks to recognise and celebrate British games development talent. It is open to any UK-based team or studio irrespective of any international ownership.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Gem 2003: Microsoft/ soft tre en /C ny So : 2004 on isi 2005: Activ 2006: THQ 2007: THQ 2008: Ubisoft

Judges will consider the following criteria: Consistency of product quality Sales performance Critical acclaim Innovation How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular studio simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS North 2003: Rockstar on Studios nd Lo ny So 2004: rth No r 2005: Rocksta eations Cr rre za Bi : 06 20 Tales 2007: Traveller’s rs 2008: Codemaste

DISTRIBUTION TEAM Who is eligible for this award?

Any distributor active within the interactive entertainment industry.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Speed of service Order fulfillment Customer service Product condition Commitment to an orderly market How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular distribution team simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 2004: Gem ft 2005: Centreso ft so re nt Ce : 06 20 2007: Koch Media ft 2008: Centreso

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MCV 30/01/09 19

MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

SALES TRIUMPH Who is eligible for this award?

Any publisher – from the biggest corporation to the smallest start-up – has the chance to snap up this award, which will highlight the product that has achieved better-than-expected sales at UK retail. Whether an original software title, a new style of gaming controller or a ‘quirky’ new game that attained surprise hit status, the award will celebrate the over-achiever of the past year.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Sales performance Product expectations Over-achievement How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular candidate simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

ERS PREVIOUS WINN rd) Warcraft (Blizza 2007: World of Games) 5 (50 ma Ma 2008: Cooking

GAMES PUBLISHER Who is eligible for this award?

Any company publishing interactive entertainment software in the UK market which has achieved notable commercial or critical success and generally high levels of performance over the last 12 months.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Sales development Product quality Trade relations Customer service Marketing agility

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular company simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 2006: EA 2007: Nintendo 2008: Nintendo

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MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

PR & MARKETING AWARDS NEW GAME BRAND Who is eligible for this award?

Any company that has introduced a new game brand over the past 12 months that has made a signficant impact at consumer level within the UK marketplace.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Commercial success Long-term brand potential Innovation and creativity Marketing support and impact

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular brand simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 2004: EyeToy DS 2005: Nintendo gs do en nt Ni : 2006 ro 2007: Guitar He s Creed in’ ss sa As : 08 20

PR TEAM Who is eligible for this award?

The PR team is open to all press and PR staff who worked on UK games industry campaigns during the past 12 months. Inclusive of in-house departments and retained or projectbased agencies.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Originality and imagination in the execution of the campaign Overall success of the camaign in achieving its original objectives Effective use of existing materials and creation of new materials How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular PR team simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS kie Cooper 2003: Sony/Jac Red ft/ 2004: Microso Red ft/ so cro Mi : 2005 2006: Nintendo 2007: Nintendo 2008: Nintendo

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MCV 30/01/09 21

MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

GAME CAMPAIGN Who is eligible for this award?

Any company, whether manufacturer, publisher or retailer, that ran a significant marketing campaign in the UK supporting products or services within the interactive entertainment industry.

Media considered includes TV, online, radio, outdoor and print, plus trade marketing and direct initiatives. Details of any relevant agencies will also be included.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Effective communication of product or brand messages Creativity and execution Influence on sales performance Impact versus budget available Media strategy How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular campaign simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS ion 2 2005: PlayStat DS do en nt Ni : 2006 War 2007: Gears of 2008: Halo 3

MARKETING TEAM Who is eligible for this award?

Any UK-based marketing team or specialist company that has worked on more than one product or project within the interactive entertainment market over the past 12 months.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judgest will consider the following criteria: Effective communication of product or brand messages Creativity Influence on sales performance Impact versus budget and resource level How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular marketing team simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

PREVIOUS WINNERS Arts 2003: Electronic Arts nic tro ec El 2004: 2005: Activision 2006: Nintendo 2007: Nintendo 2008: Nintendo

MARKETING INNOVATION Who is eligible for this award?

Any company, whether manufacturer, publisher or retailer, that ran an innovative marketing campaign in the UK supporting products or services within the interactive entertainment industry.

Media considered includes TV, online, radio, outdoor and print, plus trade marketing and direct initiatives. Details of any relevant agencies will also be included.

How is this award won?

MCV will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday February 27th The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of around 100 highly regarded industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Innovation in creation and execution Influence on sales performance Impact versus budget available How do I make my opinion heard?

All MCV readers can put forward a particular campaign simply by emailing their nomination to Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk by Monday February 16th with a brief sumary of why you think it has had an outstanding 12 months.

RSHIP TICKETS & SPONSO take place on ry Excellence Awards This year’s MCV Indust Street, London. ll swe Chi ry, we The Bre Thursday April 23rd at this end att ry executives Over 550 games indust se tickets or cha pur to d ise adv s are prestigious event. Guest tact Con t. l-ou sel a nt is always tables early, as this eve . .uk r.co Jodie.Holdway@bhp , contact nsorship opportunities For a wide range of spo .uk.

Simon.Harvey@bhpr.co

SPONSORS

Pre-drinks Reception Partner

Pre-drinks Reception Partner

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MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2009

X I R P D N A R G AWARD n?

How is this award wo rd is The winner of this awa V. voted for entirely by MC until ed eal rev be will g Nothin 23rd. il Apr on ht the awards nig

s award?

Who is eligible for thi y active pan com ed bas UKAny within the interactive that has entertainment industry critical and l rcia me com d enjoye hest hig g win sho success, whilst efficiency levels of support and at trade level.

PREVIOUS WINNERS 2003: Microsoft s 2004: Electronic Art 2005: Nintendo 2006: Sony 2007: Nintendo 2008: Nintendo

Y MCV RETAIL ADVISSOR ER MB ME D BOAR

PREVIOUS WINNERS

Caroline Austen

n 2007: Margaret Pearso ly nel Don l Pau 8: 200

Jon Biggs Duncan Cross

RD RETAIL ADVISORY BOA N SPECIAL RECOGNITIO this award?

Who is eligible for y or individual pan com sed Any UK-ba tive rac inte active within the ry that has had ust ind nt me ain ert ent res represented by dealings with the sto ory Board over the the MCV Retail Advis s. nth mo past 12

the following Judges will consider ia: criter Sales performance ncy Attitude and efficie tion Innova getary constraints Success within bud problem-solving Long-term vision and

Tim Ellis David Poulter Martyn Gibbs Gian Luzio Don McCabe Graham Chambers Lisa Morgan Debbie O’Neill Igor Cipolletta Anthony Stocker Stephen Staley

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MCV INTERVIEW LISA MORGAN, CEO, GAME

GAME 2008 was a good year for GAME Group, with further expansion, new staff and impressive Christmas financials. Christopher Dring speaks to CEO Lisa Morgan about a tough year ahead for retail…

With all the gloom surrounding the UK economy, how has GAME managed to triumph yet again?

We had a pleasing performance all throughout last year and Christmas particularly. This was helped by tremendous installed base growth, especially in the UK market, which has now reached 22 million consoles. This gave us huge opportunity to sell more software in the run-up to Christmas.

Publishers did a really terrific job supporting both GAME and Gamestation, and helped in our marketing, which drove footfall not just into our High Street stores but also to our websites too.

What effect did the fall of Woolworths and EUK have on your High Street business?

It is difficult to quantify. There’s no doubt that some of our competitors had supply issues in the run-up to Christmas, while some have ceased trading, and there’s no doubt it had some impact. But the true effect of all of this will become clearer when we can make some direct comparisons.

CAUTIOUS: Lisa Morgan says releases in Q1 2009 are not as strong as they were last year

2009 is predicted to be tough for everyone at retail. But the games market is still looking fairly buoyant. What are your thoughts on how the UK market will perform?

Last year the first half of the year was fantastic for the UK games market. Not only did we see tremendous installedbase growth, but we also saw the release of Grand Theft Auto IV and Wii

You mentioned in your statement that you’re going to adopt a ‘more cautious expansion strategy’. How will this affect the opening of new GAME stores?

GAME Group has previously adopted a fairly aggressive We will adopt a much more expansion policy. Last year cautious approach to we opened over 50 stores in expansion this year. But we the UK and even more in may still open 70 new stores.

Europe, and before that we Lisa Morgan, GAME bought out Gamestation.

This year we will adopt a more measured approach to expansion, as Fit, to name a few. This year the we want to know and understand what software line-up is perhaps not quite as the macro-economic factors are. So we strong, and some formats have lowered will be opening new stores on a case-byin price, such as the Xbox 360. So we case basis, but we may still open up 70 are going to need to sell a few more of more stores this year and we’ll also look to them to see similar returns. As a invest in our online offer. business we’re going to have to work

“

harder to see year-on-year revenue growth, which will be very challenging for us. Upon saying that, we see great opportunity with last year’s installedbase growth.

You mentioned before Christmas that you were worried about heavy price discounting. And there were certainly a lot of price cuts. Are you concerned this could have a lasting affect on video games?

There is no doubt that the UK is the most fiercely contested market in terms of price. Last year we had many great offers of our own, including our half-price deals and bundle promotions, and we will continue to work on our own proposition. We will focus on our offer in 2009, and I expect the UK market this year to be every bit as competitive on price.

”

Your e-commerce sales performance jumped 75 per cent, and you’ve just unveiled the new GAME Rentals service. How key are your online portals to the success of the Group, and how are they likely to evolve?

Our online offer is a real key area for us.

Seeing a 75 per cent growth is really pleasing, and our online sales increased to almost £100 million in the 50 weeks to January 10th. So we’re starting to see serious returns on our e-commerce investment. However, in Europe the room for growth is huge, and we’ll be looking to capitalise on that.

How has your international business performed last year?

It was clear in our financials that the six-week period over Christmas was stronger in the UK for us. Yet we were not disappointed with our international performance at all. Our total sales increased by 28 per cent, and this was a very solid performance for us.

FEAR2_MCV_AD_DPS

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FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2009

F.E.A.R 2: PROJECT ORIGIN software © 2009 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by Monolith Productions, Inc. Monolith and the Monolith Logo are trademarks of Monolith Productions, Inc. F.E.A.R is a trademark of Vivendi Games, Inc. and is used only to identify the product. No sponsorship or endorsement by Vivendi Games should be inferred from the use of that mark. Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Vista Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and ‘Games for Windows’ and the Windows Vista Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft. “ ” and “PLAYSTATION” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PLAYSTATION®3 system – online access requires broadband Internet service and a wireless access point or LAN. Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity.

User is responsible for Internet service fees. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

F.E.A.R 2: PROJECT ORIGIN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. WB SHIELD: ™ & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s09)

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MCV 30/01/09 27

MCV INTERVIEW MICHAEL PATTISON, SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR, CAPCOM

Captivating an audience Capcom’s fanbase is in for a treat this quarter, with new arrivals in the Street Fighter and Resident Evil franchises. Christopher Dring talks to marketing boss Michael Pattison about the firm’s 2009 ambitions…

What was Capcom’s key highlight of 2008?

We started strong with Devil May Cry 4, which was a multi-million seller for us, and we put our first multi-platform Moto GP release on the shelves. We’ve also had record-breaking results with Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, which has smashed day one and week one sales records for digi-download games. That sets a great foundation for Street Fighter IV. We saw very little from Capcom in Q4 2008, but you’ve got some huge titles for Q1 2009. What’s the reason behind this strategy?

It’s certainly true that we’ve had great results in the past by releasing games in the first quarter of the year, but quality at Capcom is paramount. We’re keen to give our developers the time and space to produce the very best games in their fields. And sometimes this means that our timings don’t always align with the traditional retail logic that other iterative franchises abide by. Releasing new IP in Q4 is obviously risky, but we try and follow a philosophy of ‘it’s done when it’s done’.

“

With the likes of Resident Evil, Dead Rising and Street Fighter, Capcom has a very strong line-up this year. What are your expectations?

Resident Evil is definitely our biggest game of the financial year by a huge margin and also one of the greatest games we've ever produced. This

iteration is going to be the biggest Resident Evil title to date, reaching what we believe to be the widest user base in its history.

Dead Rising and Street Fighter are also well-loved series. Even though Street Fighter has been absent for some time, we feel that with Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix’s recent success, we’ve been given a great indication of how fondly remembered and well-loved Ryu and Ken still are.

We’re really keen to also reach new audiences with both of these IP, whilst remaining faithful to our fans.

How concerned are you with the current economic climate?

The games industry isn’t immune from what’s happening in the economy, although history has shown it’s certainly very resilient in the face of a downturn.

We believe Capcom offers the quality games are going to be looking for. Core games are perhaps better placed than those targeting a more casual audience, as core gamers will obviously still purchase more games than a casual gamer.

Resident Evil 5 is the biggest game in the series – reaching the widest user base in the franchise’s history.

Michael Pattison, Capcom

What is Capcom’s overall plan for the UK and Europe?

Capcom as a group has continued to invest time and resource on building its

PATTISON: Capcom Marketing boss says Resident Evil 5 will be the franchise’s biggest title to date

operation in Europe, as well as addressing consumers’ needs with our line-up. We continue to work with our developers in Japan, as well as the US/Europe, to support our growth plan. Europe represents over 38 per cent of the global software market. In 2006 this was only 34 per cent, so not only is the European market commanding a greater share of the worldwide business, it’s growing.

”

How important is digital distribution to Capcom’s overall model?

Capcom has been one of the leaders on PSN and XBLA. We’ve been bringing existing IP to both platforms, but we have also been introducing new IP. With our PC line-up, we’ve set up some relationships with digital distribution outlets. It’s still a relatively small part of our business, but as we gain more experience in this discipline we’ll continue to learn what works.

CAPCOM’S Q1 LINE-UP STREET FIGHTER IV Xbox 360, PS3 February 20th The latest in the acclaimed Street Fighter franchise is just weeks away from hitting consoles.

Head on over to page 38 of this week’s MCV for a rundown of what to expect from this sure-fire hit.

DEAD RISING: CHOP TILL YOU DROP Wii February 27th The popular Xbox 360 zombie fest shuffles on to Nintendo Wii next month, and takes advantage of the same technology that successfully brought Resident Evil 4 to the console.

NEOPETS PUZZLE ADVENTURE PC, DS, Wii February 27th The Neopets phenomenon comes to Wii, DS and PC in this Reversi and Gostyle puzzler. Fans are invited to play, unlock codes and redeem them in the Neopets.com virtual world.

RESIDENT EVIL 5 PS3, PC, Xbox 360 March 13th Hype for Capcom’s biggest release of 2009 is reaching fever pitch. Set in Africa, Resident Evil 5 boasts stunning graphics, terrifying new enemies and co-op inspired gameplay.

BIONIC COMMANDO 360, PS3 and PC Q2 2009 The first true sequel to the 1988 2D NES classic comes to modern consoles. Developer GRIN has been tasked with bringing Bionic’s classic swing-and-shoot gameplay into the third dimension.

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FRANCHISE FOCUS: POPULOUS A HISTORY OF POP 1989: Populous is released on Amiga, PC and Atari ST, produced by Peter Molyneux’s Bullfrog studio. It would later be released on SNES, Master System and Mega Drive. The seminal ‘God-sim’ has officially arrived.

1990: Molyneux and Bullfrog win the ‘Best Programmer’ award for the title at the industry’s INDIN. Although Molyneux reportedly can’t actually play it. The isometric view gives him motion sickness.

1991: Populous wins the Origins Award for Best Military or Strategy Computer Game, as well as Game of the Year in US magazine Video Games & Computer Entertainment.

1991: Molyneux and Bullfrog release a sequel, Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods, which becomes another critical smash.

1998: After a seven-year gap, Bullfrog and Molyneux team up once more for Populous: The Beginning for PC and PlayStation, the first title in the series to use true 3D graphics.

The Beginning cast the player as a shaman, who directly leads her tribe against opponents.

Waiting for God BEFORE POPULOUS arrived, those offering the rest of us the chance to with an unwavering desire to ‘play God’ battle one of the most fiendishly would have been forced into real-life addictive franchises that Man’s fair nefariousness; a touch of despotism hands has ever borne. here, a sprinkle of tyranny there.

“The Populous name carries a Sure, they would have the thrill and significant amount of weight behind it power they craved, but people would and many older gamers will have fond suffer. Just look at Simon Cowell.

We’re targeting old Populous Of course, MCV can’t enthusiasts with our new DS guarantee that getting version. But we’re not Populous into the hands excluding new gamers. of these individuals while they were young would Yen Hau, Rising Star Games have saved countries from genocidal maniacs – or even rescued memories of playing it for the first empty-headed, Mariah-worshipping time,” explains Rising Star Games’ warblers from the tongue of ITV’s tightproduct marketing assistant Yen Hau. trousered egotist. But no-one can tell “Although this new DS version is a you it definitely wouldn’t have. thoroughly modern iteration of the So it’s just as well Rising Star Games franchise, it also contains several of the is bringing the game back on DS – more popular maps from the original giving a whole new generation of game implemented specifically for would-be slavedrivers the opportunity to Populous enthusiasts. exhaust their megalomaniacal instincts “It is these enthusiasts we are without hurting anyone. Oh, and primarily targeting our marketing and

“

20 years after it first revolutionised strategy gaming, Populous returns next month – courtesy of Rising Star Games.

Tim Ingham comes face to face with a legend…

PR at, but of course this doesn’t mean that we are excluding the current generation of gamers out there. We believe every fan of God-sims should experience the franchise that started a genre and will be heavily communicating its release across the relevant channels.”

The Rising Star update of the title has been developed specifically for the Nintendo DS by respected Japanese studio Genki. As you’d expect, it contains a few modern twists, but Rising Star has been at pains to ensure the ‘feel’ of the original remains intact.

The timing couldn’t be better: Populous hasn’t seen a new retail iteration since Populous: The Beginning on PlayStation in 1999, a full decade ago. And 2009 is also the 20th anniversary of the release of Peter Molyneux’s original classic.

“The DS version allows players to experience Populous on the move, and

”

accurately replicates the classic pointer gameplay of the original,” explains Hau. “When you add to this the possibility of playing as any one of five gods or five demons, as well as against up to four players in unique battles, Populous DS becomes not just a port of an old game – but a complete reworking.”

TILL WE MEET AGAIN Rising Star is expecting a popular time for Populous DS at retail, as a combination of old and new fans are drawn to the title.

Rising Star’s Yen Hau says: “We expect Populous DS to perform well at retail. This is not a new IP trying to break into a competitive market – this is the handheld version of a franchise whose brand name carries a significant amount of nostalgia and reverence for a lot of gamers.

Consumers will instantly recognise what type of game they are purchasing and store buyers know what they are ordering.”

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COMPANY PROFILE: KALYPSO

The Grand Age of Kalypso Tropico 3, Ceville and Grand Ages: Rome headline a promising 2009 for expanding publisher Kalypso.

Christopher Dring asks commercial director Andrew Johnson about the firm’s strategy for 2009…

How was 2008 for Kalypso?

We started very well last year with a lot of success, which included Sins of Solar Empire performing extremely well across Europe. In fact, it was announced as the 13th best title of 2008 in Edge.

The latter part of 2008 was a lot tougher; but we signed a distribution deal with Advantage who will deal directly with Amazon, Play and independent retailers. We will look after everyone else directly.

You’ve acquired Realmforge Studios as well as IP from Take Two. Is acquisition key to your strategy?

Like every other publisher out there, we are keen to secure strong titles for our release schedule over the next year – and we see the acquisition of the studio as a natural progression in our growth.

We will continue to search for good games and licences going forward to help strengthen the Kalypso brand, to manage both internally and externally. If there is a good opportunity to get hold of a good brand going forward, we will take it – but we also remain focused on

“

chasing us for marketing materials for one thing, which is always a good sign.

We also have the add-on to Sins of Solar Empire later in the year, along with a really entertaining point and click title: Ceville. In addition, we have the muchanticipated Grand Ages: Rome, which will be out during this quarter.

Ceville is being worked on by Realmforge. Are there any other titles in the works from the studio?

Yes, Realmforge is in the pre-production stage of a new management sim title that will be released in Q4.

How can you best battle the economic downturn?

It’s going to be a challenging year, but we will be focusing our efforts on existing and new business. I already feel like banning the phrase ‘credit crunch’.

Will you be looking to invest further over the next 12 months?

We are looking to increase the size of our current organisation, but only in

We see the aquisition of Realmforge as a natural progression. We will continue to search for licences.

Andrew Johnson, Kalypso

our own brands such as Imperium Romanum and Ceville.

What has prompted both of these two moves?

We all know if you purchase a studio you own the IP outright. Given the changes in the industry at this moment we thought it was a positive move, giving us more to offer our partners.

You secured the Tropico series from Take Two. What can you tell us about the new game?

Tropico 3 is a very strong title that’s due for release later this year. Early signs from all of our partners is that they can’t wait for it to be released. They are

GOOD BUY: Kalypso’s Andrew Johnson says recently-acquired studio Realmforge is already hard at work on new titles

”

line with our performance and market forces. We need to secure our current distribution in larger territories first.

You’ve remained focused on the PC market as other publishers have shifted focus to consoles. Why? The PC market is still healthy and from a new business point of view, it’s the best risk-adverse format. We have and will continue to look at other formats, in particular where we own the IP. To have a strong offering on consoles you need to have a big licence or game, and consequently a bigger slice of market share with an overall much bigger investment. We are gearing ourselves up for these challenges in the year to come.

DIGITAL EXPANSION Another key development for Kalypso has been its move into the digital market, with back catalogue and future software available to download via Steam, Impulse, Gamersgate, WildTangent and Nexway.

“Our business strategy to enter the digital business category is based on consumer demand and emerging technologies such as broadband,” explains Kalypso’s development director Charlie Barrett (pictured, left).

“Currently our electronic software downloading (ESD) business is tracking ten per cent above business forecast on a global basis and this business will only grow by working with our existing and future partners in the ESD category.

“We would be delighted to see our ESD category working alongside our retail business and for our established bricks and mortar retailers to embrace the ESD category either by working direct with publishers or working via a white label solution with the established ESD players.”

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“The professional’s choice of racing game” “Closer to the reality of driving a racing car than any game before.”

8 out of 10 Official Xbox Magazine

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by Atari Interactive, Inc. Aston Martin Racing is a trademark used under license from Aston Martin Lagonda Limited. Trademarks, design patents and copyrights are used with the approval of the owner AUDI AG. The BMW logo, the BMW name and the model designations Z4 and M3 are trademarks of BMW AG and are used under license. Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, Corvette C6-R, all related Emblems, and vehicle body designs are General motors Trademarks used under license to SimBin Studios AB. Dodge is a trademark of Chrysler LLC. Dodge Viper and its trade dress are used under license by SimBin © Chrysler LLC 2008. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used under license.

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Marketing Highlights include: • 12-month PR campaign red-lining around launch • Presence at key consumer shows including Top Gear Live • Advertising and advertorial campaign across leading Xbox and motoring magazines

For Sales information, contact: Nationals / Atari UK Sales: Indies / Advantage:

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PERSONNEL

Nuttall joins nDreams Board Guildford studio grows Campbell joins City Best Buy team takes shape Amazon games director hired NDREAMS CHRIS NUTTALL has joined the board of UK development studio nDreams after his promotion to business development director.

Nuttall has previously been in change of game audio at Air Studios, and has worked on over 50 major games, films and TV shows. His appointment marks the start of a recruitment drive which nDreams hopes will see its workforce expand to 30 staff within the next nine months. nDreams CEO PATRICK O’LUNAIGH said: “We’re delighted to have Chris join

NUTTALL: Has worked on over 50 games, films and TV shows

the board, and I personally look forward to working more closely with Chris to take nDreams to the next level.

There is a great deal happening here at the moment, and Chris is playing a key role in this growth.”

CITY INTERACTIVE The DS and PC publisher has hired former THQ UK managing director ROY CAMPBELL as vice president of global sales and marketing. City Interactive’s CEO MAREK TYMINSKI said: “Roy has an impressive background in the games industry, leading sales and marketing teams to increase the company’s revenue. His experience with successful global sales will be invaluable to our company as we continue to develop products.”

BEST BUY The US electronics retailer continues to prepare its UK invasion as several key personnel are appointed to its games team.

Former GAME Group managing director and DSGi group buying director MARC SPENCE joins Best Buy Europe as head of domain for entertainment, giving him responsibility over all consoles and software. Spence moves over from being head of strategic development at the Home Retail Group.

RENE WRIGHT, previously head of trading for entertainment at DSGi, has

been recruited as head of domain for IT products. She will control IT hardware, peripherals, PC games and nongaming software.

Finally, TOM GUY takes up a role as group head of product and category development.

Guy was previously DSGi’s trading manager.

AMAZON Amazon.co.uk has appointed CHRIS POAD as director of video games and software. He was previously head of e-commerce at the UK subsidiary of German company OTTO and spent three years at Ask Jeeves.

Marketing and PR

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RETAILBIZ RECOMMENDED GAMES PRICE CHECK CHARTS NEW RELEASES

SONIC & THE STORMRISE

GHT BLACK KNI

L WAR EMPIRE: TOTA

THE HOUSE OF RKILL DEAD: OVE

ROUND 4, FIGHT! The most ambitious Street Fighter yet hits PS3 and 360. P38

LD WORLD MADWOR

23/1/09 11 46 47

WITH THIS ISSUE We round up Sega’s impressive Q1 games line-up in this week’s Recommended Extra

ALSO THIS WEEK...

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE P40 Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 sensation gets its second D3-published release F.E.A.R. 2 P42 The terrifying horror series gets its second outing on Friday February 13th THE GODFATHER II P43 The movie-based sandbox sequel arrives courtesy of EA DAWN OF WAR 2 P44 The war-torn 41st millenium gets the RTS treatment in THQ’s highly anticipated sequel DESTROY ALL HUMANS: PATH OF FURON P45 The Destroy All Humans franchise crash lands on 360 and PlayStation 3 HIGH STREET P48 This week MCV investigates prices in Doncaster, while X Electrical tells its tale from the frontline

OUT 27TH FeBRuARy ON NINTENDO DS

SO Many PeTs. SO MuCh Fun.

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© TAITO CORPORATION 2007, 2009 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. NINTENDO DS IS A TRADEMARK OF NINTENDO.

DEVELOPED BY

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RETAILBIZ: STREET FIGHTER IV 38 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

The legendary beat-‘em-up series finally returns to consoles, as Capcom’s Street Fighter IV prepares to stun the franchise’s fans once more. James Batchelor brushes up on his button-mashing…

IN MUCH THE same way the one-onone sword duels of old maintained a degree of honour, so too has the fighting genre of video games held on to an impressive level of dignity. Unlike other veins of gaming, the market has not become oversaturated with innumerable franchises competing for the crown and confusing consumers. Instead, a handful of trusted names emerged, guaranteeing satisfaction for their loyal fans with each subsequent release.

One of these is Street Fighter, the classic beat-‘em-up that first appeared in 1987 and delighted the genre’s aficionados in arcades and on home consoles for more than a decade. Shortly after the turn of the millennium, the series seemed to fade away with fewer and fewer new releases. The last numbered entry in the series, Street Fighter III, was released in the late ‘90s.

RETURN OF THE KING

ULTRA MARKETING COMBO Hype for the game has been building since its unveiling last year, but to ensure Street Fighter IV has truly captured the public’s attention, Capcom has planned a range of marketing initiatives, including: Nationwide stores tour to begin in early February. This will see SFIV arcade cabinets appearing in flagship GameStation, HMV and Tesco stores, allowing people to try out the game for themselves, as well as win some exclusive merchandise.

Massive online campaign focussing on the more recognisable characters and showing the game’s high def beauty. There will be a number of site takeovers, such as The Sun and Sky Sports Network, as well as a notable presence on FHM and Nuts.

A long-tail TV campaign will run promotions throughout 2009, heavily targeting 12 to 34 year-old males.

Billboards featuring Ken and Ryu will appear in five major UK cities.

A full range of point of sale material is also available from Centresoft.

But next month marks its comeback.

Street Fighter IV is everything fans remember and more. Refusing to succumb to the trend of completely updating its appearance for a new generation of hardware, the game retains the classic art style of its 2D predecessors while still taking advantage of the third dimension to give the action added flourish. It looks nothing short of unique when compared to its more contemporary rivals.

But Street Fighter has never been about how it looks – it’s all about how it plays.

Veterans are already counting the seconds until the game’s release as Street Fighter IV promises to recreate the experience of earlier titles perfectly, from the roster of familiar fighters to the traditional sixbutton gameplay.

“Street Fighter IV has the perfect blend and balance of gameplay that allows all people to play and enjoy the game regardless of whether they can pull of a Super Focus Cancel move or just choose to bash the buttons,” says Capcom’s head of UK marketing Stuart Turner.

“There really are no barriers for anyone that wants to join in and have fun.”

Everything that made the games such cherished classics has been perfectly

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MCV 30/01/09 39

preserved, with additional features that will provide a challenge for long-time players and entice new ones.

As well as new characters and locations, every brawler has a range of new special moves, such as Focus Attacks, Super Combos and the Ultra Combo. Multiplayer, the game’s most popular feature has also been expanded.

“We’ve already seen the massive popularity of online fighting thanks to the phenomenal sales of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix via Xbox Live,” says Turner.

“With Street Fighter IV, we’re taking this even further with online competitions, tournaments and rankings, which should see good sales continuing throughout the product’s lifestyle.

“Expectations are extremely high for Street Fighter IV and growing by the day as we get closer to launch,” adds Turner. “When word got out we had a couple of imported SFIV arcade cabinets in the office, we were inundated with

“

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legendary series to a whole new generation of players.

NEW GENERATION

“Street Fighter IV will be perfect for those who used to bunk off school in the early ‘90s to shovel 20ps into the Street Fighter II machines in chip stores and cab offices up and down the country,” Turner elaborates.

“It’ll be even better for those too young to really remember but want their chance to get their hands on one of the must have games of 2009 as well as be a part of genuine gaming culture.

With promotion of the title throughout 2009, we expect a consistent stream of sales from day one.

Stuart Turner, Capcom UK

journalists, retailers, celebrities, agencies and even other publishers wanting ‘meetings’ at our office.”

Press coverage for the game has been universally positive with the first reviews around the 95 to 100 per cent range.

According to Turner, Capcom has already had to increase the production run significantly to meet the demand indicated by soaring pre-orders, and the publisher remains hopeful it will be able to sufficiently supply retailers at launch.

“By now pre-orders should hint at what’s to come. Given that promotion of the title beyond the first few weeks on sale and throughout 2009 is backed up by the online gameplay elements we expect a consistent stream of sales from day one. The research and feedback we’ve received so far is that the emotional response to Ken, Ryu, Chun Li and friends opens it up to an audience – and potential sales – that other fighters have struggled to reach in the past.”

While the game holds obvious appeal for long-time fans, Capcom is confident Street Fighter IV will introduce the

”

“In 1992, Gladiators was the most popular TV show, Take That were riding high in the charts and Street Fighter II was a gaming phenomenon. Now in 2009, Take That are back and better while Sky are no doubt delighted with the new improved Gladiators formula so it’s only right that a new improved Street Fighter be the game of choice for the latest generation of console owners.”

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RETAILBIZ: BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 40 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

RELEASED: DS, WII, PS2, PSP FORMATS: FEBRUARY 13 PUBLISHER: D3 PUBLISHER DEVELOPER: MONKEY BAR GAMES, 1ST PLAYABLE PRODUCTIONS (DS) PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 6253818

The Ben 10 phenomenon continues in 2009, with the arrival of the long-awaited second series and two movies.

Christopher Dring twiddles his watch and turns into a hideous alien creature…

THE BEN 10 juggernaut doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The Cartoon Network-owned animated series is aired in over 160 different countries; Ben 10 toys top the best selling lists around the world; and its game, Ben 10: Protector of the Earth, sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, and was a mainstay in the UK charts throughout 2008.

And so, with the series’ sequel just weeks away, D3 Publisher is set to unleash its video game tie-in, and expectations are high.

TOP BEN SUCCESS

“The Ben 10 franchise goes from strength-to-strength and is as hot as ever,” enthuses European marketing and PR manager Suzanne Sutton.

“Alien Force follows on from the tremendously successful inaugural game, Protector of Earth, which launched in November 2007 and has sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide.

“In 2008, Ben 10 featured in the Top Ten Entertainment All Formats Budget Chart and was in the Top 30 Entertainment All Formats Chart too.

And we want more of the same for Ben 10: Alien Force.

“Cartoon Network has really got behind Alien Force; the show has been green lit for 52 episodes, an animated

movie and a live action film. They have huge marketing plans for on-air, offchannel and online plus a massive launch event on February 15th where 2,000 lucky children will get to see the first episode of Alien Force before anyone else.”

Despite the success of the brand, D3P and developers Monkey Bar Games and 1st Playable are not relying on the name to shift copies of the game. Ben 10: Alien Force boasts a series of features and modes that is sure to delight long-term fans of the series.

“The game is a fast-paced 3D action adventure, offering an unlimited combo system with puzzles and challenges that will engage players of all levels for hours at a time,” adds Sutton.

“Children get to play as their hero, Ben Tennyson, who can turn into loads of aliens with incredible superpowers, which is really cool.

“The game begins five years after Ben put away the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix, but now Grandpa Max has gone missing and the planet Earth is in grave danger. Gamers must master the all-new Omnitrix and lead eight

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RETAILBIZ: BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE WWW.MCVUK.COM

SUPERGALATIC SALES: The original Ben 10 game has sold in excess of 2.5 million copies, and expectations are sky high for its sequel

MCV 30/01/09 41

different playable characters, including cousin Gwen, Kevin E Levin and brand new alien forms – Swampfire, Jet Ray, Humungousaur, Spidermonkey and Big Chill – to use their new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders.

“Gamers will experience plenty of all-new story content on all platforms, and can even adventure as additional alien forms Echo Echo, Chromastone and Goop exclusively with the Nintendo

“

its dedicated PR and marketing push (see ‘Marketing Force’, below).

PROTECTING SALES

However, it’s not all about Alien Force.

Although D3P has high expectations for its new release, the firm hasn’t given up on Protector of Earth, which continues to sell to this day.

“We are confident that Alien Force will be bigger and better than Ben 10 Protector of Earth,” concludes Sutton.

We are confident that Alien Force will be a bigger and better game than Ben 10: Protector of Earth Suzanne Sutton, D3P

DS version. On Wii and PS2 there’s a co-operative mode so kids can play with their parents to promote interactive family gaming.”

If the success of the original game is anything to go by, Ben 10: Alien Force is certain to fly off retail shelves and become one of the year’s biggest sellers.

But D3P won’t be taking it easy, as the publisher is already well underway with

”

“We are looking to support retail at launch to give it a huge initial impact, then onwards to ensure Alien Force has the longevity in store and in the charts.

“It’s not over for Ben 10: Protector of Earth, though. We are still actively promoting and the show is being aired on Cartoon Network and GMTV throughout 2009, so we expect strong sales to continue.”

MARKETING FORCE D3 Publisher is fully backing Ben 10: Alien Force with a mainstream marketing and PR campaign, as European PR and marketing manager Suzanne Sutton explains: “The show is popular with both boys and girls. In fact, the first game had quite a high proportion of girl players. So we will be targeting both genders and their parents through our marketing and PR activities.”

PRINT D3P is set to run a mainstream print campaign in kids press.

ONLINE A mainstream online campaign is in the works with Cartoon Network and other key kids sites.

TV The publisher has a heavyweight TV campaign coming that targets kids and their parents. There is also an Alien Force programme sponsorship, along with other TV promotions with Cartoon Network.

PR AND OUTDOOR Game pods and goodie bags will be available at the Ben 10: Alien Force launch event. There will also be reviews, features and competitions in various specialist, kids and mainstream media.

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RETAILBIZ: F.E.A.R 2 PROJECT ORIGIN 42 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

The horror-cum-FPS brand F.E.A.R. returns to market in a sequel to 2005’s smash hit courtesy of Warner.

James Batchelor goes on a ghost hunt…

YOU WOULD think that a highly trained, well equipped platoon of military soldiers would be able to handle one teenage girl, but as players of the original F.E.A.R. will testify, iconic enemy Alma was more than capable of fending for herself.

Personifying the terror inherent to similar characters in Japanese horror films like The Ring, this antagonist was unlike anything FPS fans had faced before, driving cold shivers down many a spine when the original game debuted in 2005.

F.E.A.R.’s use of the first-person perspective and spectacular set-pieces created some genuinely scary moments, earning the release both critical and commercial success. An additional duo of expansion packs continued the story, satisfied demand from the game’s fanbase, and kept the brand relevant.

But now the time has come for a true sequel to the original.

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 13 FORMATS: 360/PS3/PC PUBLISHER: WARNER BROS. DEVELOPER: MONOLITH PRODUCTIONS PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388

FEEL THE F.E.A.R

This new title picks up where the original left off – 30 minutes before the climax of the first game, infact – as the city of Auburn is devastated by a supernatural explosion. Combining her immense power with a thirst for revenge, supernatural enemy Alma unleashes her wrath on the city. It’s up to players to lead their ‘First Encounter Assault Recon’ squad (that’s what the acronym means, see) through the chaos.

“

“F.E.A.R. 2 is the first big launch of 2009 and it’s received a great reception with press and consumers so far,” Warner’s UK head of games Spencer Crossley tells us.

“It’s very advanced in terms of gameplay and AI and enhances developer Monolith’s position as industry leaders in

Due to the changing nature of the marketplace the content will also appeal to a wider consumer base.

Spencer Crossley, Warner Bros

Built on the same technology as the original, F.E.A.R. 2 enhances the experience with advanced AI, a newly tweaked graphics engine and all-new weapons and enemies. The game plays to the strengths of its predecessor, whilst introducing enough new ideas and features to win over fans once again.

”

the survival horror genre, being a game that is genuinely terrifying.”

BACK WITH A BANG

Crossley says no expense is being spared in returning the brand to prominence, either. In terms of marketing, the game will be backed by

above the line activity that focuses around a heavyweight online campaign.

This will include site takeovers, a variety of viral activities and community-generated content and PR. Explains Crossley: “As a kick-start to the campaign and to take advantage of high traffic at Christmas we implemented a three-day takeover with reskins on CVG, GamesRadar and Gamespot.

“We also have planned a tease and reveal print campaign in key national, specialist and men’s lifestyle media that will effectively reach over seven million gaming consumers. This will be backed up by an equally heavy TV campaign across terrestrial and satellite channels to target our core 18 to 35 year-old male audience.

“F.E.A.R. 2 will a major release for us in 2009,” Crossley adds. “And due to the changing demographic of the marketplace the content of the game will also appeal to a much wider consumer base.”

BLOODY GOOD FUN: Like its predecessor, F.E.A.R 2 doesn’t skimp on the gore

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RETAILBIZ: THE GODFATHER II WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 30/01/09 43

Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime trilogy continues its successful transition to the world of video games next month. Christopher Dring discovers that Electronic Arts has made him yet another offer he can’t refuse…

“

We found the hierarchical culture of organised crime intriguing. We felt we could introduce a new strategic element with the Don’s View.

Hunter Smith, EA

”

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 27 FORMATS: PC/PS3/360 PUBLISHER: EA DEVELOPER: EA REDWOOD SHORES PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388

HELD IN SIMILAR high regard as the Star Wars and Lord of The Rings movies, The Godfather is largely considered one of the greatest film trilogies of all time.

The original movie was last year voted the best film of all time in Empire’s Top 500 Films Ever, and The Godfather and The Godfather Part II reached number two in Channel 4's 100 Greatest Films poll.

So it’s surely a surprise that – aside from a DOS-based Amiga game released in 1991 – it took so long for a publisher to fully exploit on the popularity of The Godfather trilogy.

DON AND ON

EA was the firm to do it, capitalising on the popularity of GTA-style sandbox titles with the original Godfather game in 2006. The title was a critical success, averaging a highly respectable 77 per cent on Metacritic, and it soon became a multi-platinum smash, with versions released on Xbox, PS2, Wii, PSP, Xbox 360, PS3, PC and mobile platforms.

On course to follow the original’s success, The Godfather II takes players out of the film’s narrative and into the world of organised crime in 1960s Florida, Cuba and New York.

Having been promoted by Michael Corleone to Don of New York City, gamers are required to extort business, build up their families, defeat rivals and control illegal crime rings in new locations so they can become the biggest and most powerful mob in America.

The game features the innovative Black Hand control system from the original, plus

the new ‘Don’s View’ system, which allows gamers to defend and expand their crime rings, while keeping a close eye on the movements of rivals. Gamers are also encouraged to master their business by building up their family, hiring crew, sending them on missions and promoting the best employees up the ranks.

“In the 1960s, a mafia Don was only as strong as his family,” said The Godfather II executive producer Hunter Smith.

FATHER FIGURES

“We found the hierarchical culture of organised crime intriguing. A world defined by family loyalty is something that we felt could introduce a new strategic element to the genre. That’s what the Don’s View is all about - laying out a strategy to pick off the competition one-by-one. The Don’s View is so unique, it could fundamentally change the rules of open-world games by blending action and strategy to create something entirely new.”

The Godfather II is ideally suited to lovers of Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row, as well as those fans of the films. And EA has already notched up plenty of press for the game, with coverage on leading specialist websites and magazines. The Godfather site has also been running with competitions, a newsletter and blog, whilst Facebook users can play a Godfather II social strategy game.

Considering the success of the original game, plus the popularity of the groundbreaking movies, expect The Godfather II to shoot its way off shelves upon its release.

AIMING HIGH: EA’s last Godfather game earnt a very respectful 77 per cent on Metacritic – and it’s looking for the sequel to be similarly critically lauded

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RETAILBIZ: DAWN OF WAR II 44 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

THQ takes gamers to the 41st millennium, into a universe where there is only war. Christopher Dring grabs his trusty bolt gun and hunts some orks…

IF THE THOUGHT of sending an army of Tyranids to face down a squad of Howling Banshees doesn’t get your blood racing, then clearly you’re unfamiliar with Games Workshop’s epic tabletop strategy game.

The Warhammer 40,000 franchise has gripped players since 1987, spawning a host of spin-off war games, novels, comic books and even clothing lines. Its unique universe of alien races, strange religions and futuristic gunplay make it a perfect match for the world of video games.

And with 2004’s real time strategy hit, Dawn of War, publisher THQ released the pinnacle of Warhammer 40,000 video games. It averaged 86 per cent on Metacritic (its user rating was even higher, with an average of 9.4/10), and even the game’s multiple expansion packs enjoyed critical acclaim.

“

The title also boasts an ever-changing story, which is driven by the players’ actions, and incorporates all things that made the original Dawn of War so popular, along with Company of Heroes’ cover-based combat system, destructible environments and advanced troop reactions.

RTS 2.0

In an attempt to revolutionise the real time strategy, Relic has taken on board several complaints about the genre, which they hope to fix with Dawn of War II and bring the RTS into the next generation.

The developer has done away with base building, so there’s no need to spend hours collecting resources.

They’ve also incorporated an improved reward system, which allows players to see their squad improve over time. And

THQ looks to have another commercial hit on its hands.

Not to mention one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year.

The game’s popularity has resulted in a huge internet following, with fansites and forums buzzing with anticipation for the game’s long-awaited sequel.

A NEW DAWN

Dawn of War II is set to follow in the original’s critically adored footsteps by combining elements of Relic’s other award winning RTS, Company of Heroes (which achieved a whopping 93 per cent Metacritic rating).

In Dawn of War II’s single player mode, gamers command an elite force of Space Marines, who grow better with every shot fired and can be customised to suit individual player’s needs. These attributes also carry over from missionto-mission, which means players can watch their young recruits become the strongest warriors in the galaxy.

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 20 FORMATS: PC PUBLISHER: THQ DEVELOPER: RELIC PRICE: £34.99 DISTRIBUTOR: ADVANTAGE CONTACT: 0121 506 9585

”

finally, Relic hopes that during the game players will become more emotionally invested in their individual units.

Of course a major part of Dawn of War was its multiplayer, and Relic hasn’t forgotten that for the game’s sequel.

Dawn of War II boasts four playable races (including the horrific Tyranids), one-on-one and team-based threeagainst-three competitive modes, 240 ranks, 110 unlockable visuals, 90 pieces of gear and a full co-op mode.

Hype for Dawn of War II has been building for some time, but THQ isn’t skimping on the marketing with plenty of activity planned around launch. A heavyweight online campaign went live this week, while a strong four-month print promotion, running across specialist and lifestyle press, kicked off earlier this month. THQ is also planning a series of retail-specific pre-order initiatives and future downloadable content.

Combine this with the fact that the original Dawn of War sold three quarters of a million in the UK, and THQ looks to have another commercial hit on its hands. Not to mention one of the most anticipated PC games of the year.

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RETAILBIZ: DESTROY ALL HUMANS! PATH OF FURON WWW.MCVUK.COM

The Destroy All Humans franchise arrives on Xbox 360 and PS3 next month, with its unique mix of humour and action.

Christopher Dring gets abducted by a gang of comedy aliens…

MCV 30/01/09 45

EVER SINCE the Roswell Daily Record “The Destroy All Humans franchise declared the capture of a flying saucer has consistently delivered a unique back in 1947, aliens have become a combination of fun and original significant part of pop culture. gameplay, delivering irreverent humor From Close Encounters of the Third and over the top destruction that has Kind and ET to X-Files and Doctor Who, garnered worldwide critical acclaim aliens have always managed to pique and commercial success,” explains the interest of the general public. Yet if THQ’s senior VP of worldwide there’s one thing that the likes of marketing Bob Aniello.

Futurama, Mars Attacks, Men In Black, DESTROYING THE ‘70S Alf and even Marvin the Martian have The latest in the series, Destroy All taught us, it’s the real money is to be Humans: Path of Furon, has been had with those comedy extraterrestrials.

And that is exactly what The Destroy All Humans publisher THQ has franchise has always realised with its action, delivered unique gameplay comedy game series and irreverent humour.

Destroy All Humans.

Pandemic Studios came Bob Aniello, THQ up with the Destroy All developed by the talented folk at Humans concept back in 2005, when it Sandblast Games for Xbox 360 and PS3. released the title for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The game went on to sell millions The title puts players once again in control of self-retired comedy alien of units, leading to the release of three Crypto during the ‘funked out’ 1970s, equally-successful sequels, including last when a mysterious new enemy attacks year’s Wii hit Big Willy Unleashed. the earth, threatening the survival of Indeed, the series’ unique appeal even Crypto’s race. The extraterrestrial now attracted the attention of Fox, who must gain new powers from an alien snapped up the rights with a view to Kung Fu Master, and defeat his most create a computer-animated TV show dangerous enemy yet. based on the property.

“

GRAPHICAL BOOST: The 360 and PS3 has brought the Destroy All Humans franchise into the world of high definition

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 13 FORMATS: PS3, 360 PUBLISHER: THQ DEVELOPER: SANDBLAST GAMES PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: ADVANTAGE CONTACT: 0121 506 9585

For Path of Furon, publisher THQ is promising a huge next generation upgrade for the Destroy All Humans franchise. Alongside a visual facelift, the title also boasts an increase in the size and scale of Crypto’s destructive and mental capabilities, complete with a whole new arsenal of customisable alien weaponry. All these new abilities enable gamers to create ‘disaster movie’ style destruction, and players can also battle with or against each other in the game’s multiplayer modes.

Path of Furon is certain to please existing fans, but is set to entice new gamers into the series, too, with its new high-definition polish. The PS3 edition is also set for a European and UK release, despite being cancelled in the US. So expect the game to entertain all humans come its February 13th landing.

”

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RETAILBIZ: NEW RELEASES 46 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

Check out MCVUK.COM/RELEASE-DATES for more

Zombies and Aliens strike UK D3P’s Ben 10: Alien Force and Sega’s House Of The Dead: Overkill may cover different demographics, but they’re sure to lead sales as February’s release schedule shapes up to cater for every type of gamer...

TITLE

FORMAT

GENRE

PUBLISHER

TELEPHONE

DISTRIBUTOR

DS DS XBOX 360 / PS3 DS DS DS DS XBOX 360 Wii / PC / DS DS Wii DS DS Wii Wii DS Wii DS DS Wii Wii DS

RTS RPG Action/Adventure Action Platformer RPG Chess Music Children's Imagine Imagine Kids RPG RPG Action/Platform Mystery Strategy Puzzle RPG Action Party Game XG! Blast

THQ V.2 Play 505 Games Konami Konami Square Enix Deep Silver Disney Interactive 505 Games Ubisoft Ubisoft Blast Konami Konami Blast Nintendo Nintendo Atari Konami Zoo Digital 505 Games Rising Star Games

0121 506 9585 0121 625 3388 0121 506 9590 020 8987 5730 020 8987 5730 0121 625 3388 0870 027 0985 0121 625 3388 0121 506 9590 0845 456 6400 0845 456 6400 0845 234 4242 020 8987 5730 020 8987 5730 0845 234 4242 0870 027 0985 0870 027 0985 0121 506 9590 020 8987 5730 01279 822 800 0121 506 9590 01582 433700

Advantage Centresoft Advantage Open Open Centresoft Koch Centresoft Advantage Trilogy Trilogy Mastertronic Open Open Mastertronic Koch Koch Advantage Open Gem Advantage Mastertronic

PSP / DS / Wii / PS2 DS DS / Wii / PS3 / PS2 / XBOX 360 Wii PS3 / XBOX 360 PS3 XBOX 360 / PS3 / PC Wii Wii DS DS DS DS DS Wii Wii Wii DS DS Wii Wii Wii / DS XBOX 360 DS DS Wii

Action Action Action Action Action Action/Adventure Horror Horror/ Light Gun Sports Self-Improvement Self-Improvement Self-Improvement Self-Improvement Self-Improvement Mini Game Action Petz Petz Petz Mini Game Adventure Puzzle Racing Farming Puzzle Sports

D3Publisher South Peak Disney Interactive THQ THQ Atari Warner Games Sega Activision Blizzard V.2 Play V.2 Play V.2 Play V.2 Play V.2 Play Activision Blizzard Nintendo Ubisoft Ubisoft Ubisoft Activision Blizzard Activision Blizzard Deep Silver Atari Rising Star Games Ubisoft Activision Blizzard

0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 506 9585 0121 506 9585 0121 506 9590 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0870 027 0985 0845 456 6400 0845 456 6400 0845 456 6400 0121 625 3388 0121 625 3388 0870 027 0985 0121 506 9590 01582 433700 0845 456 6400 0121 625 3388

Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Advantage Advantage Advantage Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Centresoft Koch Trilogy Trilogy Trilogy Centresoft Centresoft Koch Advantage Mastertronic Trilogy Centresoft

PS3 / XBOX 360 DS DS

Action Military Air Combat Action

THQ Ghostlight V.2 Play

0121 506 9585 01376 555333 0121 625 3388

Advantage Open Centresoft

FEBRUARY 6th Age Of Empires: Mythologies Away: Shuffle Dungeon Battle Fantasia Bomberman 2 Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia Chrono Trigger Fritz & Chesster HSM3: Senior Year Dance + Dance Mat (Special Edition) Hotel for Dogs Imagine Ballet Dancer Imagine Fashion Idol Johnny Bravo Lost In Blue 3 Lost In Blue: Shipwrecked Mr. Bean's Wacky World Of Wii Mystery Case Files: Millionheir New Play Control! Pikmin The Times Crossword Challenge Time Hollow Twin Strike: Operation Thunder We Cheer XG Blast!

FEBRUARY 13th Ben 10: Alien Force Big Bang Mini Bolt Deadly Creatures Destroy All Humans: Path Of The Furon Eternal Sonata F.E.A.R 2 Project Origin House of the Dead: Overkill Little League World Series Baseball 2008 Mind Your Language: Learn English Mind Your Language: Learn French Mind Your Language: Learn German Mind Your Language: Learn Japanese Mind Your Language: Learn Spanish Monkey Mischief Naruto Clash Of Ninja Revolution 2 Petz: Monkey Madness Petz: My Kitty Family Petz: My Monkey Family Pirate Hunt for Black Beard's Booty Pitfall The Big Adventure Professor Heinz Wolff's Gravity Race Pro Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon Scrabble 2009 World Championship Sports

FEBRUARY 20th 50 Cent: Blood On The Sand Allied Ace Pilots B Team: Metal Cartoon Squad

MUSTSTOCK ........NEW PLAY CONTROL! PIKMIN

MUSTSTOCK ...........................SCRABBLE 2009

Released: February 6th Format: Wii Publisher: Nintendo Distributor: Koch Contact: 0870 027 098

Released: February 13th Format: DS Publisher: Ubisoft Distributor: Trilogy Contact: 0845 456 6400

The first in a new range of titles in which Nintendo updates classic GameCube titles for the Wii. Preserving the charm and strategy-based gameplay of the original Pikmin perfectly, this release adds Wii controls to make the game even more accesible.

The classic family board game arrives on DS, and all without the hassle of losing letter tiles.

The appeal of Scrabble 2009 will be both obvious and universal. Whether on the go or relaxing at home, players must battle to get to those elusive Triple Word Score squares.

MCV Pub Einstein2_working:Layout 1

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RETAILBIZ: HIGH STREET 48 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

Sponsored by

INDIE CHARTS - ALL FORMATS THIS WEEK

LAST WEEK

1

TITLE/FORMAT

PUBLISHER

LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST FORMAT: 360

DEVELOPER: PANDEMIC PUBLISHER: EA

2

15

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR 360

3

NEW

LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST PS3

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD EA

4

4

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR PS3

5

2

WII FIT Wii

6

14

NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER 360

EA

7

5

FIFA 09 360

EA

8

RE

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE DS

NINTENDO

9

1

MARIO KART WII Wii

NINTENDO

10

3

LEFT 4 DEAD 360

EA

11

10

FIFA 09 PS3

EA

12

RE

CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE 360

13

RE

DR KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING DS

14

RE

RESISTANCE 2 PS3

15

RE

GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK 360

16

RE

SAINTS ROW 2 360

17

11

GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR BUNDLE 360

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD NINTENDO

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD NINTENDO SONY ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THQ

18

16

WORLD OF WARCRAFT: WRATH OF LICH KING PC

19

RE

RESIDENT EVIL 4 Wii

20

RE

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR FINAL FRONTS PS2

CAPCOM ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

Charts compiled by Game Guide/Complete EPOS Solutions. For more information about Complete EPOS Solutions call 01543 370002. For more information about the Game Guide call 01606 836347.

EA’S LATEST IS THE ONE GAME TO RULE THEM ALL THE LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST has conquered this week’s Indie Charts, taking two of the top three spots on its first week of release.

EA’s latest use of the Tolkien licence takes No.1 and No.3 positions, benefiting from the lack of other major new releases in the traditional January lull.

Between them is the Xbox 360 version of Call Of Duty: World At War, leaping back into the chart after a week below the Top 20. The game is just the first of a series of re-entries this week, as a total of eight titles return to the upper end of the chart.

“The surprise return of Resident Evil 4: Wii was presumably driven by excitment for Resident Evil 5, which arrives in March.”

Also making a return is popular DS title Professor Layton and the Curious Village, rising to No.8, as well as the evergreen Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training, which settles in at No.13. Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock also reappears at No.15, outperforming its successor World Tour by two places.

The rest of the re-entries are all notably lead-flavoured as trigger-happy consumers send Resistance 2 back up to No.14, Saints Row 2 to No.16, and the PS2’s Call Of Duty: World At War Final Fronts at No.20.

The surprise return is Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, which jumps to No.19, presumably driven by excitement for the upcoming Resident Evil 5 and the recently released movie Degeneration.

James.Batchelor@intentmedia.co.uk

week, MCV speaks to Richie McCoy from FROM THE FRONTLINE This games, anime and electrical retailer X Electrical…

How was 2008 for you?

It was pretty quiet at first sales-wise.

Fortunately, it picked up considerably at the time Pro Evo and FIFA were released, and from there it built up well for Christmas. The Wii and Wii Play have been selling well throughout the year.

What does your store offer that others don’t?

Since we’re not a normal store like GAME, we can do our own prices – if someone buys a lot of games, we can knock a bit of money off. We also offer good prices on console bundles. We know a lot about games – product knowledge is very important. A lot of people ask a lot of weird questions, even about retro titles, but we all know loads so we can

offer them everything they need. Plus, we’re one of the only UK indies that sells anime models, DVDs and books.

What's been selling well for you at the moment?

Generally it’s the consoles and hardware people are after, but there are plenty of games in demand too. We have loads of customers that want things like Naruto but those products are quite hard to get hold of at the moment.

Has any product been performing below expectation at the moment?

Mostly anime DVDs. We thought they’d do really well because not many people stock them, but there doesn’t seem the demand we expected.

ble at a l i a v All A

For more information contact sales - 01256 385 251

Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.

TO TAKE PART PLEASE CONTACT: JAMES.BATCHELOR@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

48,49 MCV522_FINAL

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RETAILBIZ: HIGH STREET WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 30/01/09 49 Sponsored by

Check out RETAILBIZ at WWW.MCVUK.COM

PRICE CHECK

LOTR: Conquest

PES 2009

PoP: The Fallen King

Call of Duty: World at War

Shaun White Snowboarding

360, EA

PS3, Konami

DS, Ubisoft

PC, Activision Blizzard

Wii, Ubisoft

IN STORE: DONCASTER N/A

£37.99

N/A

N/A

N/A

£39.99

£39.99

£29.35

£29.99

£34.99

£39.99

£24.99

£29.99

£29.99

£39.99

£40

£40

£29.99

£34.99

£34.99

£37.99

£32.95

£26.35

£32.95

£32.95

N/A

N/A

£19.99

N/A

£34.25

£39.99

£26.99

£24.99

£29.99

£19.99

£39.99

£24.99

£24.99

£29.99

£37.99

ONLINE

RETAIL PROMOTIONS

Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.

For £39.99, the pre-ordered Empire: Total War Special Forces Edition includes six additional in-game units, plus GAME’s exclusive Death’s Head Hussars.

The DSGiowned retailer is offering a Wii bundle that includes the console, Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii and a four-piece sports accessories pack for £289.99.

MARGIN MAKER

Online customers who pre-order the eagerly awaited Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on DS will save £5.00 with the reduced price of £24.99.

There’s only so much you can do with a controller to make it fresh and appealing to a console’s userbase this late in its lifespan.

Nevertheless, Antigrav Media’s Dragon Quest Slime Controller for PS2 is certain to turn the heads of fans and non-fans alike.

Bearing the official license of Square Enix’s long-running RPG franchise, the controller is shaped like the familiar Slime character that appears through the series, such as the PS2-exclusive Dragon Quest VII. The controls are built into the underside of the Slime, and the display stand that comes included allows fans to treat the controller as a souvenir when not in use.

Antigrav Media: 01785 816858

50,51 MCV522_final:46-47 MCV405

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RETAILBIZ: RETAIL CHARTS 50 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

Check out RETAILBIZ at WWW.MCVUK.COM

OFFICIALUKCHARTS NINTENDO DS THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 4 3 6 7 5 8 9

[1] [FULL PRICE]

TITLE

PROFESSOR LAYTON DEVELOPER: NINTENDO PUBLISHER: NINTENDO

PLAYSTATION 2 THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

TITLE

PUBLISHER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD FIFA ‘09 EA PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2009 KONAMI NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA LEG0 BATMAN WARNER BROS. WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2009 THQ GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD STAR WARS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED LUCASARTS MERCENARIES 2: WORLD IN FLAMES EA

PSP THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

TITLE

DEVELOPER: EA CANADA PUBLISHER: EA

2

2

3

NEW

SKATE 2 360, PS3

EA

4

4

FIFA ‘09 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PSP, DS, PC

EA

5

3

LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST 360, PS3, PC

6

5

WII PLAY Wii

TITLE

PUBLISHER

COD: WORLD AT WAR 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, DS, PC

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

EA NINTENDO

7

NEW

MY FITNESS COACH WII

8

13

MARIO KART WII Wii

UBISOFT NINTENDO

9

33

TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, 360 EIDOS

10

RE

PROFESSOR LAYTON DS

11

8

GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR

12

7

MARIO & SONIC: OLYMPIC GAMES Wii, DS

NINTENDO PS3, Wii, 360, PS2 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

13

6

NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER

14

10

DR KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING DS

15

9

CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES Wii, DS

16

15

LEGO BATMAN DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360

SEGA

DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, 360

EA

NINTENDO 2K PLAY WARNER BROS.

17

14

LEGO INDIANA JONES DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, 360, PSP

18

21

PRO EVO 2009 PS3, PS2, PSP, PC, 360

19

17

COD4: MODERN WARFARE 360, PS3, PC, DS ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

20

11

FALLOUT 3 PS3, 360, PC

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

[5]

DEVELOPER: NINTENDO PUBLISHER: NINTENDO

LAST WEEK

[4]

PUBLISHER

NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 SEGA PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2009 KONAMI LEGO BATMAN WARNER BROS. LEGO INDIANA JONES LUCASARTS WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2009 THQ STAR WARS: THE FORCE UNLEASHED LUCASARTS CRISIS CORE: FINAL FANTASY VII SQUARE ENIX TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 2009 EA

RE

FORMAT: WII

PC CD-ROM

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RE

WII FIT

THIS WEEK

[3]

[FULL PRICE]

FIFA ‘09

6 7 9

1

DEVELOPER: BUZZ MONKEY PUBLISHER: EIDOS

1 2 4 3 5

[2]

[FULL PRICE]

TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD

3 1 4 2 5 6 7 9 12

TOP 40ALL

PUBLISHER

DR KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO MORE BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO MARIO KART DS NINTENDO NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO 42 ALL-TIME CLASSICS NINTENDO BIG BRAIN ACADEMY NINTENDO 100 CLASSIC BOOK COLLECTION NINTENDO NINTENDOGS: LABRADOR & FRIENDS NINTENDO MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA

[ENTERTAINMENT - ALL PRICES]

LUCASARTS KONAMI

BETHESDA

[FULL PRICE]

TITLE

PUBLISHER

1

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WOW: WRATH OF THE LICH KING ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THE SIMS 2: DOUBLE DELUXE EA C&C: RED ALERT 3 EA CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD GRAND THEFT AUTO IV ROCKSTAR FALLOUT 3 BETHESDA SPORE EA FOOTBALL MANAGER LIVE SEGA LEFT 4 DEAD EA

2 4 3 5 7 6 8 NEW

9

DEVELOPER: SPORTS INTERACTIVE PUBLISHER: SEGA

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RETAILBIZ: RETAIL CHARTS WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 30/01/09 51

NINTENDO’S GAMING FITNESS phenomenon grabs

flips its way into third place this week, making it

21 per cent leap in sales.

three EA titles in the Top Five. However, Activision Blizzard holds firm in second place, with Call of

retain the top position after a week, with stock shortages usually causing the title to drop down the charts. There was also replenished stock of Nintendo’s DS hit Professor Layton And The Curious Village, which re-enters the chart in tenth place.

PS3

L FORMATS

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

Highest Top 40 Climber

21

19

GEARS OF WAR 2 360

22

24

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 MAC, PSP, PC

23

18

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV 360, PS3, PC

MICROSOFT SEGA ROCKSTAR

24

RE

BIG BRAIN ACADEMY: WII DEGREE WII

25

26

LITTLEBIGPLANET PS3

26

12

QUANTUM OF SOLACE PS2, PS3, 360, Wii, PC, DS ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

27

16

GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS

28

28

SHAUN WHITE SNOWBOARDING

NINTENDO

360, PS3, Wii, PS2 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD DS, PS2, PS3, PSP, 360, Wii, PC UBISOFT

23

SONIC UNLEASHED 360, Wii, PS3, PS2

30

25

MORE BRAIN TRAINING DS

31

RE

RAYMAN RAVING RABBIDS TV PARTY DS, WII UBISOFT

32

32

MARIO KART DS DS

20

FAR CRY 2 PC, PS3, 360

34

30

NEW SUPER MARIO BROS DS

SEGA NINTENDO

NINTENDO UBISOFT NINTENDO

35

22

WALL E DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, 360, PSP

36

31

KUNG FU PANDA PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, 360, DS

37

RE

SAINTS ROW 2 XBOX 360, PS3

38

RE

LEGO STAR WARS SAGA DS, PS3, 360, WII

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

39

RE

OFF ROAD PSP, WII, PC

EMPIRE INTERACTIVE

40

36

THQ ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THQ

LEFT 4 DEAD 360, PS3, PC

PC CD-ROM THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

EA

TITLE

PUBLISHER

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11

LITTLEBIGPLANET SKATE 2 FIFA ‘09 LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST RESISTANCE 2 FALLOUT 3 NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER GRAND THEFT AUTO IV GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR

3 4 2 6 5 7 8 10

DEVELOPER: TREYARCH PUBLISHER: ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

TITLE

WII THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

SONY EA EA EA SONY BETHESDA EA ROCKSTAR ACTIVISSION BLIZZARD

[FULL PRICE] TITLE

PUBLISHER

WORLD OF WARCRAFT

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

THE SIMS 2: MANSION & GARDEN EA WOW: BURNING CRUSADE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THE SIMS 2: FREETIME EA THE SIMS 2: OPEN FOR BUSINESS EA THE SIMS 2: UNIVERSITY EA THE SIMS 2: SEASONS EA THE SIMS 2: PETS EA AGE OF EMPIRES III MICROSOFT THE SIMS 2: BON VOYAGE EA

DEVELOPER: BLIZZARD PUBLISHER: ACTVISION BLIZZARD

PUBLISHER

1

WII FIT

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

MARIO KART WII MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES RAYMAN RAVING RABBIDS TV PARTY GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR LEGO BATMAN ANIMAL CROSSING: LET’S GO TO THE CITY SHAUN WHITE SNOWBOARDING SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL SONIC UNLEASHED

2 3 7 4 5 8 16 11 9

DEVELOPER: NINTENDO PUBLISHER: NINTENDO

XBOX 360

[BUDGET PRICE]

1 2 5 3 7 9 4 8 11 6

[FULL PRICE]

SONY

29

33

Duty: World At War sales rising three per cent.

Finally, Ubisoft got in on the fitness act this week, reducing the waistlines of a nation with Wii budget release, My Fitness Coach in seventh place.

Christopher Dring

1 NEW

WEEK ENDING 24/01/09

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

NINTENDO SEGA UBISOFT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD WARNER BROS. NINTENDO UBISOFT NINTENDO SEGA

[FULL PRICE]

TITLE

1

SKATE 2

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 10

CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR LORD OF THE RINGS: CONQUEST GEARS OF WAR 2 FIFA ‘09 CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE FABLE II GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR LEFT 4 DEAD SAINTS ROW 2

2 1 3 4 5 12 8 9 17

(c) ELSPA, Compiled by ChartTrack

It marks the first time Wii Fit has managed to

Highest New Entry

Electronic Arts’ Tony Hawks-beater Skate 2 kick-

its sixth Top 40 number one spot this week, with a

PUBLISHER

DEVELOPER: EA BLACK BOX PUBLISHER: EA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD EA MICROSOFT EA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD MICROSOFT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD EA THQ

[SOURCE]

[ANALYSIS]

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR DISTRIBUTION

DIRECTORY KEY CONTACTS

CREATIVE & PROMOTIONAL SERVICES Wrapstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)7778 204970 DISTRIBUTION Creative Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8664 3456 Gem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01279 822800 Ideal Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01767 689 720 Logic3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01923 471 000 Meroncourt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01462 680060

Gem Creative Get your message out Gem Creative offer retail specific design and production support including trade & consumer advertising campaigns, Point of Sale, marketing collateral, repackaging, bundling and concept solutions.

Contact Neil Handa Gem Distribution Ltd St George House Parkway Harlow Business Park Harlow Essex CM19 5QF 01279 822822 www.gem.co.uk POS

Packaging

Publishing

One integrated solution Flyers

Brochures

Trade PR

Media Buying

GEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01279 822800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.gem.co.uk

GAMES CONSOLE REPAIR Total Console Repair Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 087 19 18 17 21

DISTRIBUTION

LOCALISATION Absolute Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0141 220 5600 Partnertrans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01753 247731 Testronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01753 653 722 Universally Speaking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01480 210621 STORE FITTINGS AMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01924 507 217 DISC REPAIR TDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01202 489 500 Perfect Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8778 5164 RTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01895 252 191

IDEAL SOFTWARE . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1767 689720 . . . . . . . . . . www.idealsoftware.net CREATIVE & PROMOTIONAL SERVICES

DISTRIBUTION

WRAPSTAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 7778 204970 . . . . . . . . www.wrapstar-skins.com

CREATIVE DISTRIBUTION. . . . 0208 6643456 . . . . www.creativedistribution.co.uk

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ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK DISTRIBUTION

EDITORIAL PLANNER Some of the special issues coming up in MCV, the only trade publication that covers all sectors of the market...

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 6th

IN-GAME ADVERTISING MCV investigates one of the most lucrative, but misunderstood sectors in the modern industry. With expert advice and case studies from the leading companies in the market, we’ll take a look at the state of play, both in terms of online and boxed games – and discuss where the business is expected to move in the future.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 20th

GAMES MEDIA FOCUS With the release of the Audit Bureau of Circulation’s 2008 statistics, MCV takes a look at the UK’s games media, highlighting the highs and lows of the year. We also look to see what trends are emerging as print battles to keep up in an online-focused world.

MOVIES IN VIDEO GAMES As the stars take a stroll down the red carpet for the 2009 Oscars, we deliver a full round-up of the Hollywood-infused games heading to retail this year, from adaptations of the summer’s blockbusters to original projects under familiar licences. With more and more companies employing tinseltown talent to improve their titles, has the line between games and movies vanished?

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27th

TERRITORY REPORT: EASTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE On the other side of our home continent, the Eastern and Central areas are home to unique cultures of their own. Where there are people, there are gamers, and MCV investigates how they are supplied, speaking with the major retailers and publishers in these regions to find out how different things are for those on the other side of Europe.

FRIDAY MARCH 6th

MCV AWARDS FINALISTS SUPPLEMENT Prepare for the MCV Awards with this comprehensive guide to the potential winners. Get the lowdown on each of the finalists for every category, as we explore each nominee’s history and their chances at securing victory when the awards are finally handed out on the evening of April 23rd.

FRIDAY MARCH 13th

DUPLICATION AND COPY PROTECTION MCV takes a look at the process between the end of a game’s development and its release, whereby the discs are protected against piracy and replicated ready for distribution. We speak to the key players in this sector in order to shed some light on this crucial, but often overlooked segment of the industry.

FRIDAY MARCH 27th

TERRITORY REPORT: AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND Australia is regularly in the gaming press, with many of the biggest adult games having to be edited before they can be released down under due to the lack of an 18 certificate. MCV investigates the state of the Australian and New Zealand video game markets, speaking to suppliers, key industry personnel and analysts.

FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT:

CHRIS.DRING@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK LOGIC 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01923 471000 . . . . . . . . . . . www.uksales@logic3.com

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR

SUPPORT YOUR PRINT ADVERTISING WITH AN

Develop is the only dedicated publication for the UK and European games development community. It reaches over 8,000 request-only subscribers every month.

STUDIOS 7 Seas Technologies ......................................www.7seastech.com Atomic Planet...........................................+44 (0) 1642 871 100 Blitz Games Studios..................................+44 (0) 1926 880 000 Broadsword Interactive ..............................+44 (0) 1970 626299 Denki ................................................................www.denki.co.uk Fuse Games ..........................................careers@fusegames.com Oxygen ....................................................+44 (0) 1933 446437 Realtime Worlds.......................................+44 (0) 1382 202 821 Rebellion .................................................+44 (0) 1865 792 201 Stainless Games...................................jobs@stainlessgames.com Strawdog Studio.......................................+44 (0) 1332 258 862 TOOLS bluegfx ....................................................+44 (0) 1483 467 200 Epic Games ....................................................+1 919 870 1516 Fork Particle ...............................................00 (1) 925 417 1785 Natural Motion ..........................................+44 (0)1865 250575

ONLINE PRESENCE £450 PER MONTH SITE WIDE BUTTON Size: 300x100 pixels File type: Animated Flash swf or animated gif

£550 PER MONTH TOP 4 BUTTON PLUS EMAIL NEWSFLASH Size: 140x120 pixels File type: Static jpeg or animated gif

SERVICES 3D Creation Studio ..................................+44 (0) 151 236 9992 Absolute Quality .......................................+44 (0)141 220 5600 Air Studios ...............................................+44 (0) 207 794 0660 GAMEINDUSTRYJOBS.eu .............................+31 3110 7504580 High Score...............................................+44 (0) 1295 738 337 Partnertrans .........................................................01753 247731 Philips amBX .......................................................www.ambx.com Testronic Labs ...........................................+44 (0)1753 653 722 Tsunami Sounds.......................................+44 (0) 207 350 2828 Universally Speaking ................................+44 (0) 1480 210 621 To be included in the Develop Directory (which appears every month in Develop and every week in MCV) contact jaspreet.kandola@intentmedia.co.uk.

All subscription requests should go to mcv.subscriptions@c-cms.com

DISTRIBUTION

For further online advertising information please contact

Lesley.Blumson@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647

MCVUK.COM March ‘08 Page Views 471,735 Sessions served 304,870 Unique Visitors 215,754

Feb ‘08 404,964 242,537 163,712

www.mcvuk.com MERONCOURT . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1462 680060 . . . http://trade.meroncourt.co.uk

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ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK GAMES CONSOLE REPAIR

Insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s | Guide

TOTAL CONSOLE REPAIR . . . . . . 087 19 18 17 21. . . . . www.totalconsolerepair.co.uk LOCALISATION

MCV speaks to Tim Bartlett from audio outsourcing company The Audio Guys...

Tell us a little about The Audio Guys.

The Audio Guys serves game developers and publishers all over the world, providing a complete audio solution, including design, consultancy, assets and a lot more besides.

ABSOLUTE QUALITY . . . . . . +44 (0)141 220 5600 . . . . . www.absolutequality.co.uk LOCALISATION

PARTNERTRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . 01753 247731 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.partnertrans.com

Could you tell us about your services?

We can be looked at in a similar way to a developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal audio department. We now provide exactly the same service, but remotely to any developer who would like to speak to us.

Our main function is usually sound design work, creating the sound effects, and advising on the systems required to play them back in-game. We can design the audio systems required to play the sounds, we can source music, organise the dialogue, localisation, bespoke recordings.

If it is audio related, we can do it, and to a high standard.

How was 2008 for The Audio Guys?

It was our best year so far. Early in the year we were finishing off the audio for Sega Superstars Tennis and finished the audio on the brand new Sega Rally arcade machine, which was a real honour for us.

We also started on some really big projects for 2009, such as Overlord 2, and other as yet unannounced titles. We have expanded our customer base, and this now stretches beyond the UK and even Europe, as we have started to work with studios in the US and Australia.

How is your compay developing?

The company is growing. When we started in 2006, we were pretty much a two man show, whereas there are now four of us, rising to five or six when needed. During 2009, we are looking to grow the team.

52-57 MCV522_final:Layout 1

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR LOCALISATION

DISC REPAIR

TESTRONIC LABORATORIES . . . +44 (0) 1753 653 722. . . . www.testroniclabs.com

PERFECTPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8778 5164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.perfectplay.co.uk

LOCALISATION

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We’ll make sure your disc repair is up to scratch All the disc repair options you need, from entry level machines to state-of-the-art electronic systems.

Call or visit our website to find out more.

Venmill Buffer from £1595

01202 489 500

www.totaldiscrepair.co.uk

UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING . . . . . . . 01480 210621 . . . . . . . . . . . www.usspeaking.com STORE FITTINGS

TOTAL DISC REPAIR. . . . . . . . . . 01202 489500 . . . . . . . . . www.totaldiscrepair.co.uk DISC REPAIR

HIGH PERFORMANCE OPTICAL DISC REPAIR SYSTEMS Eco Senior Fully Automatic Repair System

Eco Smart

Entry Level Repair System

Call 01895 252191 for Introductory Offers Eco Master

50 disc Automatic Repair System

AMA DISPLAYS . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1924 507217 . . . . . . . . . www.ama-displays.co.uk

www.rtico.com RTI-inbox@rtiuk.co.uk

High Speed Optical Disc Inspection System

RTI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01895 252191 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rtico.com

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ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK DISC REPAIR

DIARY DATES ‘09 From the MCV Industry Pub Quiz to the PC Retail Awards, here are all the essential industry dates to get in your diary…

FEBRUARY 2009 D.I.C.E. SUMMIT Wednesday, February 18th Friday, February 20th Las Vegas, USA www.dicesummit.org

MARCH BAFTA 09 Tuesday, March 10th Park Lane Hilton, London www.bafta.org/awards/video-games PC RETAIL AWARDS 2009 Thursday, March 19th Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington katie.rawlings@intentmedia.co.uk GDC 09 Monday, March 23rd – Friday, March 27th San Francisco, USA www.gdconf.com

APRIL MULTIPLAY M FESTIVAL Friday, April 10th Monday, April 13th Stoneleigh Park, Southampton www.mfestival.com.

MCV/XBOX 360 PUB QUIZ Thursday, February 19th Sway Bar, London dave.roberts@ intentmedia.co.uk The MCV/Xbox 360 Pub Quiz gives retailers, suppliers and the media the chance to show off their general knowledge skills in an appropriate arena for our industry – the local pub.

There will be thousands of pounds’ worth of prizes up for grabs to the best performers on the night, as well as loads of topnotch booze and food.

JUNE E3 Tuesday, June 2nd – Thursday, June 4th LA Convention Centre, LA www.e3expo.com

JULY DEVELOP CONFERENCE 2009 Tuesday, July 14th – Saturday, July 16th Brighton, UK www.develop-conference.com

AUGUST GAMESCOM Wednesday, August 19th Sunday, August 23rd Cologne, Germany www.gamescom-cologne.com LEIPZIG GAMES CONVENTION Wednesday, August 19th Sunday, August 23rd Leipzig, Germany www.gc-germany.com

TOTAL DISC REPAIR. . . . . . . . . . 01202 489500 . . . . . . . . . www.totaldiscrepair.co.uk

MCV INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS Thursday, April 23rd The Brewery, London jodie.holdway@ bhpr.co.uk The biggest night in the games industry calendar returns to the Brewery and will feature awards split across three categories; Retail, PR and Marketing, and People and Industry.

A whopping 650 representatives from all corners of the UK games trade will be attending this essential industry event.

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INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION 58 MCV 30/01/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

International Distribution Guide AUSTRALIA

DENMARK

All Interactive.................Helensvale Town Centre

Otto Group ...................................................Hamburg Playcom Software Vertriebs .......................Erfurt

ENTERTAINMENT TRADING APS AFA INTERACTIVE

Stenholm 1, 9400,

66 Hughes Street, Mile End,

Norresundby, Denmark

South Australia 5031

Phone: +45 70277640

Tel: +61 8823 41355

Fax: +45 70277650 email: sales@entertainment-trading.com Web www.entertainment-trading.com

GATEWAY DISTRIBUTION APS

Asia Pacific HQ - Level 8/606 St.Kilda Rd,

Gateway Distribution ApS

Melbourne, Vic, Australia, 3004

+44 1279 408 665 (UK)

Web: asiapac-sales@thq.com

+45 7026 0870 (DK)

Tel: +6139573.9203

dt@gatewaydistribution.dk www.gatewaydistribution.dk

Gamewizz..........................................................Albany

Vitrex Multimedia Großhandel.....................Erfurt

NORWAY

GREECE

Pan Vision Norway.....................................Trollasen

Centric ...............................................................Athens Nortec Multimedia.........................................Athens Zegetron S.A....................................................Athens

HUNGARY Antec .............................................................Budapest

1042 Budapest, Arpad UT 112, Hungary Tel: +36 1 369 2686

MPX.no .......................................................Sandefjord Platekompaniet....................................................Oslo Massemedia AS...........................................Notteroy Pan Vision Norway..............................................Oslo

POLAND CD Projekt Sp. z o.o......................................Warsaw

ESTONIA Andrico ..............................................................Tallinn

Fax: +36 1 272 0109

Poland

Email: bzsolt@576.hu

Email: business@techland.pl

Web: www.576.hu

Web: www.techland.pl Tel: +48 71 341 76 95

ICELAND

Fax: +48 71 343 98 96

PORTUGAL

INDIA

Koch Media GmbH...............................Rottenmann

TECHLAND Sp. z.o.o.

Kazmierza Wlk 27, 50-077 Wroclaw,

Sena ................................................................Reykavik

Red Ant...................................Baulkham Hills, NSW

Play Art Multimedia Handels GmbH....Rankweil

NEW ZEALAND

COMGAME 576 LTD

THQ AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND & ASIA.

AUSTRIA

Groß Electronic .......................................Rohrnbach

ecofilmes...............................Sao Joao Da Madeira TM

FINLAND Panvision Oy.......................................................Turku

BELGIUM

FRANCE

Horelec S.A. ...........................................Bruxelles

EMC GROUPE CASINO..........Croissy Beaubourg

CLD Distribution S.A. .........................Fernelmont

MILESTONE INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE LIMITED Pramukh Plaza, 2nd Floor, Cardinal Gracious Road, Chakala, Andheri East, Mumbai 400 099, INDIA.

BENELUX

Tel: +91 22 28203319

INNELEC MULTIMEDIA 45 rue Delizy, 93692 PANTIN Cedex

Fax: +91 22 28203334

PLANETA DEAGOSTINI INTERACTIVE Diagonal, 662-664, 3ª planta D, 08034, Barcelona, Spain, Tel: +34 93 492 08 89 distributioninteractive@planetadeagostini.es www.planetadeagostini.net

email: distribution@milestoneinteractive.com website: www.milestoneinteractive.com

GAMEWORLD

France

v.2 PLAY. LDA

Cornusbaan 1, 2908 KB Capelle A/D IJssel

Email purchase: f_alglave@innelec.com

Studio Office Marquês de Pombal –

Tel: +31 10 298 3838

Email export sales: g_armspach@innelec.com

Web: rishi@gameworld.nl

Tel: 00.33.1.48.10.55.55

CYPRUS Gibareio.............................................................Nicosia

ISRAEL Hed-Arzi......................................................Or-Yehuda

ITALY GERMANY

Cidiverte Spa ...............................................Gallarate Coop Italia..........................................Sesto F.NO (FI) Digital Bros spa................................................Milano

Avenida de Loulé nº 123 1069-152 Lisbon, Portugal Tel. 00351 21 31 46 51 0 Fax 00351 21 31 61 12 5

RUSSIA

Leader Spa.................................Gazzada Schianno

DTP ENTERTAINMENT AG GOODTONES GREAT GAMES LTD

Goldbekplatz 3-5, 22303

1 Alkaiou Street / Office 1 /

Tel: +49 (0)40 66 99 10 0

Engomi / Nicosia 2404 / Cyprus

Fax: +49 (0)40 66 99 10 10

tel. +357 22 666612

email: s.lass@dtp-entertainment.com

www.greatgames.com.cy

Web: www.dtp-entertainment.com

Hamburg, Germany

Newave Italia...................................................Firenze Promovideo SRL ...........................................Senago

NETHERLANDS Gameworld BV............................Capelle A/D Ijssel Micromedia BV...........................................Nijmegen Favour Games..................................................Tilburg Rigu Sound B.V................2153 GB Nieuw Vennep

AKELLA 12/1 Bolshaya Novodmitrovskaya st., 127015, Moscow, Russia Phone: +7 (495) 363-4612 Fax: +7 (495) 363-4615 http://en.akella.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION GUIDE

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INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 30/01/09 59

The International Distribution Guide is dedicated to promoting companies outside of the UK. If you are looking for new customers overseas, then look no further...

INTERNATIONALNEWS UNITED STATES

Hitzona.............................................................Moscow

ABC Software GmbH.......................................Buchs

Noviy Disk .......................................................Moscow Soft Club..........................................................Moscow

TURKEY

Vellod...................................................................Mitishi

ARAL Import..................................................Istanbul Nortec Eurasia...............................................Istanbul

SINGAPORE Replay Interactive....................................Singapore

UNITED STATES

SOUTH AFRICA Midigital ..............................................Johannesburg

BASCO, INC.

Nu Metro Interactive ......................Johannesburg

VIDEO GAMES DISTRIBUTOR Tel: 1-917-627-3000

SPAIN

Fax: 1-718-228-4401

Ardistel. S.L..................................................Zaragoza

Email: sales@bascodistribution.com

Distribuciones Videográficas Digitales ....MADRID

Web: www.bascodistribution.com

Lamee Software S.L. .....................................Madrid

BRAZIL

FRIENDWARE

DREAMGEAR, LLC

Marques de Monteagudo 18,

20001 S. Western Ave.

28028 Madrid, Spain`

Torrance, CA 90501

email: juan.bustamante@friendware.es

Phone: 310-222-5522 x 111

www.friendware.es

Fax: 310-222-5577 Contact: Moris Mirzadeh

CANADA

Email: moris@dreamgear.net

PLANETA DEAGOSTINI INTERACTIVE Diagonal, 662-664, 3ª planta D, 08034, Barcelona, Spain,

U.S. GAMES DISTRIBUTION, INC.

Tel: +34 93 492 08 89

16700 Schoenborn St.

distributioninteractive@planetadeagostini.es

#2 North Hills, CA. 91343

www.planetadeagostini.net

Tel: +1 818 920 9393

AUSTRALIA

info@usgamesdist.com www.usgamesdist.com

VIRGIN PLAY Paseo de la Castellana 9 – 11,

UAE Red Entertainment Distribution ..................Dubai

28046 Madrid, Spain Tel: +34 91 789 35 50 Web: www.virginplay.es

DistribucionesVideográficas Digitales ....Madrid

PLUTO GAMES

Distribuye Palmera................................Las Palmas

PO Box 10705, Office 103-104

JC Distribuciones .............................................Getxo

Emirates Islamic Bank Building,Dubai, UAE.

Shine Star, S.A...........................................Barcelona

www.pluto-games.com Tel: +971 4261 8111

SWEDEN

Fax: +971 4261 8112

Bergsala AB............................................Kungsbacka Panvision....................................................Stockholm SIBA AB ...................................................Gothenburg

Modern Pluto Trading LLC...............Saudi Arabia NXT Global LLC .................................................Dubai

SWITZERLAND

Pluto Derinton Games LLC............................Egypt

JAPAN

Sega of America has made around 30 employees redundant. A Sega spokesperson said in a statement: “Sega of America has grown at pace with the booming video game industry, but at this time of economic recession, harsh retail landscape, and the reality of business challenges to profitability, we must take steps to reduce our cost structure and ensure our longterm success.”

Elsewhere, US electronics retailer Circuit City is to liquidate its remaining 567 US stores after a judge agreed the firm could go into bankruptcy.

Circuit City was second-biggest consumer electronics retailer in the US. It will lay off more than 30,000 workers and has already begun close-out sales.

Ubisoft has acquired Brazil’s longest-standing independent video game developer, Southlogic Studios. The studio has worked for various publishers and most recently developed Imagine: Wedding Designer on DS. Sales of consoles, games and accessories in Canada totalled $2.09bn in 2008, 23 per cent up on the year before, with Nintendo’s Wii once again proving the dominant force by claiming 44.1 per cent of total home console sales. Xbox 360 accounted for 25.5 per cent of the market’s sales, while the PS3 represented 21.7 per cent.

The video game market reached AUD 1.96bn ($1.3bn) last year, up 47 per cent on 2007. Overall software sales climbed 57 per cent, with console sales climbing 43 per cent and peripheral sales 68 per cent. Driving the success was the booming popularity of the casual and family games genres, with that sector jumping 137 per cent in value.

Sega’s MadWorld has survived its submission with the strict Australian OFLC, being granted an MA 15+ rating. However, the Atari published Silent Hill: Homecoming had to be edited before the game was granted release in the territory.

Enterbrain, the publisher behind Japanese games bible Famitsu and the leading authority on the Japanese games market, has released its 2008 report – and it shows that the Japanese market shrank by 15.3 per cent in 2008.

The 2008 market value hit YEN 582.61bn, down on the YEN 687.95bn seen in 2007.

Hardware was the steepest decliner, dropping 23.5 per cent to YEN 250.5bn, whilst the software market dipped 7.9 per cent to YEN 332.12bn.

PLEASE CONTACT ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

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sourcebo YEAR-ROUND PRINT & ONLINE PROMOTION FOR ALL INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SERVICE COMPANIES

ACCESS SOURCEBOOK ONLINE AT: WWW.INTENTMEDIA

CREATIVE AND PROMOTIONAL SERVICES 3DI Tel: 0845 4582898 www.threedi.net

an.x Tel: 0207 785 7156 www.anxagency.com

Ark VFX Tel: 0114 268 4999 www.arkvfx.net

Barrington Harvey Tel: +44 (0)1462 456780 www.barringtonharvey.co.uk

Bastion Tel: +44 (0)20 7421 7600 www.bastion.co.uk

Candy Lab Tel: +44 (0)20 7031 0888 www.candylab.co.uk

Dilute Recordings Tel: +44 (0)1483 306834 www.diluterecordings.com

DKPM Tel: 0845 111 0312 www.dkpm.co.uk

Game Frontier Tel: 0870 420 2424 www.gamefrontier.com

Gem Creative Tel: 01279 822800 www.gem.co.uk

Frontroom Tel: 020 7384 5400 www.frontroom.com

Head First Tel: 0161 228 6699 www.head-first.co.uk

IGA Worldwide Tel: +44 (0)20 7250 4340 www.igaworldwide.com

Indigo Pearl Tel: 0208 964 4545 www.indigopearl.com

infinite Field Marketing Solutions Tel: 01793 829196 www.infinitefms.com

Intent Media Tel: 01992 535647 www.intentmedia.co.uk

Root Tel: 0207 739 2277 www.thisisroot.co.uk Sarsen Software Tel: +44 (0)845 8679685 www.sarsensoft.co.uk

Side UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7631 4800 www.side.com

Skyscraper Tel: +44 (0)20 7631 5308 www.skyskraper.net

Studio CO2 Tel: +44 (0)1483 414415 www.studioco2.com

The Audio Guys Tel: +44 (0) 1926 813546 www.theaudioguys.co.uk

The Pixel Tel: 01275 831676 www.thepixel.com

Ă&#x153;ber Tel: 0114 278 7100 www.uberagency.com

RECRUITMENT

Media Safari PR Tel: +44 (0) 1225 731 388 www.mediasafari.co.uk

Aardvark Swift Recruitment Tel: 01709 876877 www.aswift.com

ELSPA Tel: 0207 534 0580 www.elspa.com

Outsource Media Tel: +44 (0)207 713 9000 www.omuk.com

Amiqus Tel: 01925 252588 www.amiqus.com

Eye-D Creative Tel: +44 (0)20 7407 1440 www.eye-dcreative.co.uk

Peppermint P Tel: +44 (0)207 240 2645 www.peppermintp.com

Datascope Recruitment Tel: +44 (0)20 758 06018 www.datascope.co.uk

Feref Tel: +44 (0) 20 7292 6300 www.feref.com

RealtimeUK Tel: 01772 682363 www.realtimeuk.com

Game Options Tel: +44 (0)1382 731909 www.gameops.co.uk

Fluid Tel: +44 (0)121 212 0121 www.fluidesign.co.uk

Rocketbox Tel: +49-511-8984384 www.rocketbox.de

Lis Welsh Search and Selection Tel: +44 (0)1858 545355 www.liswelsh.co.uk

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ok

In association with

Tel: +44 1 480 210621 www.usspeaking.com

.CO.UK/SOURCEBOOK Specialmove Consultancy Tel: +44 (0) 141 585 6491 www.specialmove.com

Orange Studio Tel: +39 051 588 04 50 www.orangestudio.it

Volt Europe Tel: +44 (0)1737 774100 www.volteurope.com

Serco Games Research Tel: 020 74216487 www.sercogamesresearch.com

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Harbottle & Lewis LLP Tel: 020 7667 5000 www.harbottle.com Sheridans Tel: 0207 079 0103 www.sheridans.co.uk

LOCALISATION, QA AND TESTING 4-Real Intermedia Tel: +49 (0)69 80 90 88-0 www.4-real.com

Arvato Digital Services Tel: 0121 502 7800 www.arvatodigitalservices.com

Dischromatics Tel: 01495 243222 www.dischromatics.co.uk

Scaleform Tel: +1 301 446 3200 www.scaleform.com

BRIFFA Tel: 0207 288 6003 www.briffa.com

MANUFACTURING SERVICES UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING Tel: +44 1 480 210621 www.usspeaking.com

Creative North Studios Tel: +44 (0)1484 487904 www.creativenorth.co.uk

LEGAL SERVICES

Trilogy Logistics Tel: 0845 456 6400 www.trilogy-uk.com

U-Trax Tel: +31 30 293 2098 www.utrax.com

UK DISTRIBUTION AND LOGISTICS Games Without Frontiers Tel: +44 (0) 845 430 8735 www.gameswithout.com Gem Distribution Tel: 01279 822822 www.gem.co.uk

OK Media Tel: +44 (0)20 7688 6789 www.okmedia.biz Technicolor Home Entertainment Services Tel: 0208 987 7829 www.technicolor.com Total Console Repair Tel: 0871 9181721 www.totalconsolerepair.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AFA Interactive Tel: +618 8234 1355 www.afainteractive.com.au

Interactive Ideas Tel: 020 8805 1000 www.interactiveideas.com dtp entertainment AG Tel: +49 (0) 40 66 99 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 0 www.dtp-entertainment.com

Absolute Quality Tel: +44 (0)141 220 5600 www.absolutequality.com Meroncourt Tel: +44 (0)1462 680060 http://trade.meroncourt.co.uk Babel Tel: 01273 764 100 www.babelmedia.com

Cenega Service Team Tel: +48 22 574 2578 www.cenega.com

Enzyme Labs Tel: +1 (450) 229 9999 ext. 312 www.enzyme.org Localsoft Tel: +34 952 92 93 94 www.localsoftgames.com

Pinnacle Software Tel: 020 8309 3934 www.pinnacle-software.co.uk

PlayV Email: dhope@playv.co.uk www.playv.co.uk

Scratch Busters Tel: 01992 535701 www.scratchbusters.co.uk

Entertainment Trading Tel: +45 70277640 www.entertainment-trading.com

Funtastic Tel: 61 3 9535 5888 www.funtastic.com.au

THQ Asia Pacific Tel: +613 9573 9200 www.thq-games.com/au Virgin PLAY Tel: +34 91 789 35 50 www.v2play.com

GBL_MCV print adver_v2

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19th-20th March The Brewery, Barbican, London

Video Games, Social Media and Learning. learn through play, 99% of boys and ❛97%People of girls age 12-17 play video games ❜

Among the speakers

BBC FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT

❛

The power of collaboration between the games industry and the world of education has the potential not only to raise the bar but to move the game industry into an area that is more financially secure LORD DAVID PUTTNUM

❜

integrate games within learning across the curriculum ❛ If we can we can make education the proper competition for our children’s minds ❜

2009

NOLAN BUSHNELL, FATHER OF THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY

Tom Watson MP Minister for Transformational Government

Our best teachers can look at children ❛ playing games and can draw out of it a whole lot of learning outcomes and that’s what’s happening. ❜

Nolan Bushnell Father of the video game industry Ian Livingstone Co-founder of Eidos

PROFESSOR STEPHEN HEPPELL

Do not miss the opportunity to attend the inaugural Game Based Learning Conference being held in London at The Brewery, EC1 on March 19th-20th.

Game Based Learning Conference 2009

Here you will join other thought leaders, policy makers, innovators, key practitioners, developers and publishers from the worlds of education, entertainment software and consumer electronics in a vital conversation about how video games and social media are having a profound impact on the quality of learning and teaching practice whilst creating a whole new marketplace.

www.GameBasedLearning2009.com

Terry Deary Author, Horrible Histories Derek Robertson Learning & Teaching Scotland Sean Dromgoole CEO, Some Research

10%

Sponsorship and exhibition enquiries please contact Isabel Fernandes on +44 20 7511 8773 or isabel@handheldlearning.co.uk

Associates

Alice Taylor Commissioning Editor, Education, Channel 4

special reader

Register now at

Media sponsors

Chris Deering Chairman of Codemasters

discount

use code: intentgbl09

Trade sponsor

Official airline carrier

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MCV 30/01/09 63

MATT HOLLAND: A TRIBUTE

Matthew Holland 1974 – 2008 I am naturally devastated about the loss of my husband as he was a wonderful man and father to our daughter. Matt was very focused, driven and dynamic in his approach to business – the eternal optimist.

His loss has affected a wide range of people – not just his family, but his friends, work associates and everyone that he came into contact with. This just goes to prove what a good man he was.

Vanessa Holland

What can I say? Matt was simply the best, a diamond in the rough, one in a million. I could go on. Matt brought a wealth of experience to CHIPS

“

Matt loved the video games industry and the industry loved him. A business partner, a gentleman, a legend but, most of all, someone that I called a true friend.

Mike Sale, PDP

I first met Matt when he worked at Logitech and we hit it off straight away. He was a very likeable guy and very easy to get on with too.

With AntiGrav I will always remember how enthusiastic he was when showing me the products he was selling. He would zoom round to our warehouse with a big grin on his face and show us all his latest gadget from a suitcase in

His loss has affected a wide range of people – not just his family, but his friends and work associates as well.

Vanessa Holland

and really helped us source some great products.

Business aside, the thing I will miss the most is our daily conversations, as Matt said: “All we need is a garden fence and we’d be like two old women!” The industry lost a valuable player and I lost a great friend.

Nik Agar, CHIPS

Matt was a pleasure to work with, an all round nice guy, who will be remembered for his wealth of industry knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. He had tremendous sales ability and was opening doors that were set to make AntiGrav a force to be reckoned with. He clearly adored his family and will be greatly missed.

Sue Dawson, Venom

The games industry pays tribute to AntiGrav’s Matthew Holland, who tragically passed away before Christmas...

”

the back of his car. Proper Del Boy! We had a good laugh together and he will be sadly missed. It was obvious he was a hard working and very successful guy.

Stephen Staley, Gameseek

Matt had the courage to get off his backside and do something he believed in. His tenacity and determination was an inspiration to all those who worked with him and he had a cracking sense of humour. He will be sorely missed.

Gian Luzio, Play.com

MATTHEW HOLLAND: The AntiGrav boss was a popular figure in the games industry

games industry and beyond, and his attitude always made the time we spent working together enjoyable. He was a class act whose loss has been felt by many.

Dan Miles, Venom

I worked quite closely with Matt during 2008. Matt’s drive and enthusiasm rubbed off on all who knew him. He was able to integrate this into his business to great effect. He was well respected within the

It was with great sadness that MCV learnt of the tragic death of Matthew Holland.

Matt was a regular contributor to MCV, initially as a member of our Retail

Advisory Board with his online retailer TGrav, and then with his peripherals outfit, AntiGrav.

He will be remembered here for his enthusiastic and friendly nature, his dancing at the MCV Awards, and for joining us for a swift pint after the CHIPS conference.

He was a friend to MCV, a friend to retail and a friend to the games industry as a whole.

He will be missed.

The MCV Team

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OFF THE RECORD This week, we catch up with 505 and its trio of cheerleading ladies, whilst an unnamed Zoo insider thinks boss Ian Stewart is a dead ringer for Gorgeous George. Elsewhere, IGA’s Ed Bartlett stars in Readers’ Lives...

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING!?

The unbelievable truth is that someone, somewhere thought these visionary gems were going to end up being a classic: No.9: Bubsy 3D YEAR: 1996 FORMAT: PSOne Thank the Lord the days of “let’s just chuck any old cuddly muppet on a box and we’ll do a Sonic/Mario/Crash” are over. Actually, thank Bubsy 3D. The Accolade title – carrying the ‘hilarious’ tagline Furbitten Planet – handled like Michelle McManus on hexagonal wheels and looked like it was drawn by a two-fingered infant.

Thankfully, long forgotten.

IT HAS TO BE STEW

An anonymous Zoo insider sent in the above snap of chairman Ian Stewart, clutching a Mickey Mouse accolade back in the day. The scamp reckoned Ian was a dead ringer for Faith-era George Michael, but we’re plumping for Wet Wet Wet crooner Marti Pellow. These days, he’s more of a silver fox/Roy Walker type – but he hasn’t lost any of his dapper credentials.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “It is kind of like going from an Xbox to an Atari.”

Barack Obama’s spokesperson Bill Burton tells The Washington Post what it’s been like for The US President moving into a White House previously occupied by technophobe George W Bush.

PIC OF THE WEEK God bless 505 Games. If it wasn’t for the publisher’s promotion for its ‘We Cheer’ cheerleading game on Wii, Off The Record wouldn’t have featured any gratuitous eye candy for ten weeks. Thanks for your kind wishes and touching letters of concern, but normal service has now been resumed. Gawp, then go about your day.

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MCV 30/01/09 65

Readers’

lives HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK?

I often get asked whether I technically ever relax! When I’m not working you can usually find me passionately pursuing one of my hobbies, be it throwing myself down a mountain on a bike, flying around a racetrack on a bike or in a car, hunting for an art bargain at auction or lugging my camera gear around. My one sanctuary is soaking in a hot bath!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE GAME, FILM AND ALBUM OF ALL TIME? GAME: If I had to pick one at gunpoint regardless of genre, it would probably have to be Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. It has to be one of the most perfect games ever made, to the extent that it would be unfair to pick out any specific highlights. ICO also deserves a special mention.

FILM: I can’t say I have a particular favourite, however the most affecting film I have seen for a long time is The Wrestler. I am a huge Darren Aronofsky fan anyway, but I had to sit and compose myself for ten minutes afterwards while the credits ran. It will be a sin if people miss it in the mistaken belief it’s actually about wrestling.

MUSIC: Probably Interpol’s Antics, although Radiohead’s In Rainbows comes a close second. Album of 2008 for me was Wild Beasts’ Limbo, Panto. Totally unique, and amazing live.

In our regular column, we show you the more ‘human’ side of those leading execs you see spouting hyperbole about their new games (and ranting about industry issues) elsewhere in MCV. This week, we grill IGA founder Ed Bartlett...

WHAT’S YOUR FONDEST MEMORY OF WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY?

Wow, tricky question!

Probably quite a recent one, which was standing in the office of French developer Nadeo hours after the online launch of the new version of Trackmania Nations Forever (which is made free to users through revenues from our ad system) and watching a huge plasma screen showing new users accumulating in real-time.

The numbers were quite astonishing and everybody was just so happy and I just sat quietly and proudly, watching them celebrate.

WHO’S THE FUNNIEST PERSON YOU’VE EVER MET? Probably a guy called Oliver who was a concept artist at the first developer I worked for.

He was like a living, breathing cartoon character.

“I can remember literally co ming up with game ideas and drawing th em on the back of a cigarette packet. ”

WHO WAS YOUR INSPIRATION WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG – BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?

endless games of pool with Gary Penn. We’d have design documents written in days, prototypes within weeks and contracts executed not much later. It was an amazing feeling being able to work so freely and dynamically in such a rapidly evolving landscape.

My entire drive, inspiration and ethics come 100 per cent from my mother. My parents split when I was very young, and my mum sacrificed everything for herself to raise me to the best of her ability. She then built herself a fantastic career from scratch once I was old enough to look after myself. She is an amazing woman.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LAUGHED UNTIL YOU WERE RED IN THE FACE?

WHEN WERE THE ‘GOOD OLD DAYS’?

Probably my very earliest days in game development. I can remember coming up with game ideas literally on the back of a cigarette packet over

s a big PEANUT NUTTER: Ed’ fan of Matt Lucas and Shooting Stars

I often chuckle at the fanboys who are convinced Xbox 360 is still going to win the console war. Otherwise, probably the recent Shooting Stars retrospective, and in particular the Matt Lucas ‘Peanuts’ sketch. Type ‘Matt Lucas peanuts’ into YouYube to see what I mean. It gets funnier every time I watch it!

PLEASE EMAIL US YOUR FUNNIEST INDUSTRY PICTURES AT

OFFTHERECORD@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

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You thought Christmas was over? Think again.

Actually, don’t. Christmas is over. But, for one of you at least, the best present is yet to come. All you have to do is answer the following question and you’ll be in with a chance of getting Sega’s stunning New Year line-up delivered straight to your door. That’s House of the Dead: Overkill, Madworld, Empire: Total War, Stormrise and Sonic and the Black Knight. But, first...

THE STAR OF HOUSE OF THE DEAD: OVERKILL IS? A. Agent G B. Agent Orange C. Agent Provocateur Email your answers to

SEGA@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

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SAXON HOUSE, 6A ST. ANDREW STREET, HERTFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND SG14 1JA Intent Media specialises in trade titles for entertainment and leisure markets. As well as MCV, Intent publishes PC Retail for retailers and suppliers to the computer trade, Develop Magazine for games programmers, producers and artists, ToyNews for all sectors of the toy industry and Mobile Entertainment.

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ISSN: 1469-4832 Copyright 2008

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