MCV534 April 24th 2009 by Intent Media (now Newbay Media Europe)

THE INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Friday April 24 2009 £3.25

97 B0&9B:5$3B SOD\HU LQGG

“Everything you love about tennis except the strawberries!” “… on whichever console... one of the highlights of the gaming summer.”

The No.1 tennis series in the world returns for 2009! The No.1 player line up, including Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic in the same game for the ﬁrst time ever. The No.1 tennis game for online rankings and prize tournaments. The No.1 to market – all consoles released in time for 'tennis fever' and 'Murray mania'. TM

The No.1 tennis series DEBUTS on Wii with all the features of the Xbox 360 and PS3. ®

The No.1 to market with Wii MotionPlus controls!

97 B0&9B:5$3B SOD\HU LQGG

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THE MARKET FOR COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES

International Media Partner

Issue 534 Friday April 24 2009 £3.25

04 Winning Formula

16 Para trooper

Codemasters details the formats and dates for its hotly tipped new F1 title

Hollywood studio reveals the full strategy for its new games division

05 THQ thinks Big

21 Majesco marches in

The publisher plans to release a new chart-topping Wii minigame collection

Jason Dutton explains why Majesco has started to go direct in Europe

13 Credit where it’s due

31 Reeves’ greatest hits

Xbox’s David Gosen discusses mainstream views of the industry

With SCEE’s David Reeves retiring, we collate some of his best soundbytes

EVERY BUYER EVERY BRANCH EVERY INDIE EVERY WEEK

INCORPORATING

UK trade applauds very best Another good night for Nintendo, but MCV Awards also picks out success for GAME, Centresoft, Bethesda, Sega, Activision Blizzard, Play.com, Rockstar and Sony Grand Prix goes to EA Sports after mammoth year by Stuart Dinsey THE £4 billion UK games industry applauded its best performers last night. Over 600 retailers, media, publishers, developers, analysts and distributors jammed into The Brewery in London to see over 40 different companies fight it out for the ultimate recognition from customers, rivals and partners. Nintendo was once again the biggest winner on the night, picking up four awards, but EA Sports won the super prestigious Grand Prix.

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Other retail winners included HMV Gamerbase (Retail Innovation), Mike Barnes and Pearl Robinson (Store Managers of the Year) and Gamestation Birmingham New Street (Star Store). EA Sports global president Peter Moore flew to London specifically for the MCV Awards and to collect the Grand Prix. EA Sports hasn’t just wowed the industry in the past 12 months with the outstanding success of FIFA 09 – it has created hit after hit for retail during the label’s 16 years.

These awards once again celebrated the hard work that makes the UK such a vibrant and creative market. Peter Moore, EA Sports

There were also highly impressive wins for Sega (Sales Team of the Year), Activision Blizzard (Publisher of the Year) and Bethesda (Sales Triumph). Nintendo won PR Team, Marketing Team and Game Campaign (for Wii Fit), whilst long-serving UK sales director Andy Yates was presented with the MCV Retail Advisory Board Special Recognition award. Rockstar North won UK Development Team, Sony’s LittleBigPlanet picked up New Games Brand and Microsoft’s New Xbox Live Experience won Marketing Innovation. Centresoft won Distribution Team for the fourth time in seven years, whilst GAME was awarded High Street Retailer and Play.Com won Online Retailer.

”

“These trade awards once again celebrated the hard work and creativity that makes the UK such a successful, vibrant and competitive marketplace,” commented Moore. “To win the MCV Grand Prix is very special. It is a tremendously prestigious trade award that vindicates the effort we have put into EA Sports over the past year and many years prior to that. “This is one for our team all over the world. We are very proud indeed.” A Judging Panel of 87 senior industry executives from across the entire market chose the winners from a set of Finalists per category. A full list of judges is published under this week’s comment on page 4.

RETAIL

PR & MARKETING

PEOPLE & INDUSTRY

Star Store: Gamestation: Birmingham New Street

PR Team: Nintendo

UK Development Team: Rockstar North

Retail Innovation: HMV Gamerbase

Games Campaign: Wii Fit

Distribution Team: Centresoft

Store Manager: Mike Barnes & Pearl Robinson (GAME Oxford Street)

New Games Brand: LittleBigPlanet

Sales Triumph: Fallout 3 - Bethesda

Online Retailer: Play.com

Marketing Team: Nintendo

Sales Team: Sega

High Street Retailer: GAME

Marketing Innovation: New Xbox Live Experience

Games Publisher: Activision Blizzard

SPECIAL AWARDS GRAND PRIX: EA Sports

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

Andy Yates (Nintendo)

PERSONNEL 38 RETAIL BIZ 41 NEW RELEASES 49 HIGH STREET 50 CHARTS 52

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[LEADER] WINNING SMILES Nintendo, EA Sports, Activision, GAME, Sega, Bethesda... take a bow. These were just five of the big winners at last night’s MCV Industry Excellence Awards in London. In the interests of fairness, we should also invite Microsoft, Gamestation Birmingham New Street, Rockstar North, HMV, Centresoft, Sony, Play.com and the managers of GAME Oxford Street to take a few bouquets. Winning at the MCV Awards is a huge achievement. Fighting through to become a Finalist and then gain more votes than anyone else from our 87-strong panel of judges is not easy at all (just ask the many companies who have yet to triumph despite seven years of trying). And even if there has been consolidation in some parts of the business over the past year, competition remains immense. Recognition by customers, rivals and suppliers hopefully makes all the hard work worth it. For a night at least.

Codemasters’ F1 line-up British publisher confirms fully licensed 2009 and 2010 titles for by Christopher Dring F1 WORLD Champion Lewis Hamilton will make his video game debut this autumn, MCV can reveal. Codemasters will launch F1 2009 for PSP and Wii this year, which will feature official tracks, cars, teams and drivers, including Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel – and UK world champion Hamilton.

“

said Codemasters chief executive Rod Cousens. “We are producing a series of games that will deliver the passion, glamour and exhilaration that fans deserve and we know how to do that. “F1 2009 is the start of something very special for Codemasters and will set the standard for the high definition versions that will follow in spring 2010.

Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games. We’re very impressed with the titles.

Bernie Ecclestone, F1 Management

SPORTS FOR ALL Nintendo again dominated the MCV Awards, winning PR Team, Marketing Team and Games Campaign, whilst our Retail Advisory Board gave a special recognition award to sales director Andy Yates. But this year it was EA Sports that won the Grand Prix, accepted by global president Peter Moore. This follows a tremendous performance over the past year, but is also in recognition of EA Sports’ success in the UK through a decade or more. FIFA has been the best-selling game of the year four years running. Last year, Tiger Woods went straight in at number one for the first time. And the brand has continued to evolve, enlivening the boxing genre with Fight Night, whilst the tennis and fitness markets will be challenged this year. EA Sports is one of the strongest brands in the games industry and has been managed brilliantly in the UK year after year. Peter Moore rightly dedicated the Grand Prix to everyone who has played their part to date and MCV echoes that dedication to everyone who has worked on EA Sports past and present. Stuart.Dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk MCV AWARDS 2009: JUDGING PANEL There were 87 judges in all this year, taken from every sector of the business. No judge was allowed to vote for his own company. MCV thanks them all for their participation: Adam Doree (Kikizo); Adam Roberts (D3P); Alan Duncan (Sony Computer Entertainment); Alison Mitchell (505 Games); Andy Payne (Mastertronic); Andy Yates (Nintendo); Anthony Stocker (Argos); Ben Parfitt (CasualGaming.Biz); Bob Burridge (Eidos); Chris Dring (MCV); Chris Lewis (Microsoft); Chris Peacock (Gem); Colin Campbell (GameBiz); Spencer Crossley (Warner Bros); Darren Bowman (Ubisoft); Darryl Still (1C); Dave Roberts (MCV); David Braben (Frontier); David Neal (Centresoft); David Reeves (Sony Computer Entertainment Europe); David Tyler (Activision); David Yarnton (Nintendo); Dean Barrett (Bastion); Don McCabe (CHIPS); Emma Parkinson (Future); Geoff Heath (Ncsoft); Graham Chambers (Amazon); Penny Humphrey (Electronic Arts); Ian Baverstock (Kuju); Ian Curran (THQ); Ian Howe (505 Games); Ian Livingstone (Eidos); Ian Stewart (Zushi Games); Igor Cipolletta (Shopto.net); Iris Ludolf (Partnertrans); James Batchelor (MCV); Jeremy Wigmore (Codemasters); John Clark (Sega); Jonathan Grimes (Microsoft); Jonathan Hales (Southpeak Interactive); Jonathan Weinberg (The Sun); Keith Ramsdale (Electronic Arts); Kim Adcock (OPM Response); Serhad Koro (Take 2 Interactive); Larry Sparks (Square Enix); Lisa Foster (MCV): Lisa Morgan (GAME), Margaret Pearson (Centresoft); Martin Defries (Rising Star Games); Martyn Gibbs (Gamestation); Matt Carroll (Disney Interactive); Michael Breeze (Interactive Ideas); Michael French (MCV); Michael Rawlinson (ELSPA); Mike Sherlock (Square Enix); Mike Hayes (Sega); Neil Long (Future): Neil Ralley (2K Games); Neil Stephen (Rockstar); Neil Thompson (Microsoft); Nick Parker (Parker Consulting); Paul Nicholls (Koch Media); Patrick Melchior (Eidos); Pete Stone (Konami); Peter Bilotta (IGA); Peter Willis (DSG); Alan Pritchard (Sega); Ray Maguire (Sony Computer Entertainment); Rob Cooper (Ubisoft); Rob Gross (Blackbean); Robert Price (Future); Rod Cousens (Codemasters); Rosemary Dalton (Konami); Roy Campbell (City Interactive); Sam Collins (Midas): Sean Brennan (Bethesda): Sean Dromgoole (Some Research); Simon Byron (Barrington Harvey); Simon Lee (Gem); Steve Hill (Journalist); Steve Boxer (Journalist); Stuart Dinsey (MCV); Stuart Lang (Electronic Arts); Stuart Turner (Capcom); Tim Ellis (HMV); Tim Ingham (MCV); and Tim Smith (Spong).

This will be followed by the high definition F1 2010, which will hit shelves in spring next year for PS3, PC and Xbox 360. This title boasts an ‘authentic’ F1 experience, and makes use of Codemasters’ EGO Engine technology, which powered the BAFTA awardwinning Race Driver: GRID. “Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport,”

”

“Our studios are working extremely closely with Formula One Management Limited and the teams to produce the most authentic and thrilling experience possible. “We are delighted with the level of support and access afforded to us so far, enabling us to get as close to the sport as possible.” Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone added:

NEW GAMES BOSS AT PLAY PLOTS SALES GROWTH EX-ZAVVI head of games Patrick Kelly joined Play.com this week, and is already planning new ways to grow the firm’s games offer. Prior to joining Zavvi, Kelly had worked in games for Virgin Retail, and now replaces Gian Luzio at Play.com. Luzio joined The Hut as product director earlier this month. “I’m really excited by the incredible opportunity the head of games role brings,” Kelly told MCV. “I can’t wait to build upon of the successes that the team have achieved so far, particularly where my bricks and mortar experience can deliver new ideas and opportunities to generate customer and revenue growth for Play.com and the games industry as a whole.”

“Codemasters has a great heritage when it comes to racing games and their reputation is second to none. We’re working very closely together on the upcoming titles and are very impressed with what we have seen.” Codemasters: 01926 814132

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roars into view Wii, PSP, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360

START YOUR ENGINES: Codemasters will release two F1 games in the next year

Xbox concerned by Q4-addicted trade MICROSOFT’S European marketing boss for Xbox has questioned the continued concentration on Q4 and Christmas by publishers. David Gosen told MCV that he was concerned by the “seasonality” of the UK trade – and called on suppliers to take more risks when choosing release dates for major titles. “We still have a very seasonally-focussed business,” he said. “You only need look at last Christmas, when nearly 200 titles were released in the space of three or four weeks. There was that crazy week, third week of November. The big brands reached the top and everything else was left by the wayside. It’s becoming harder and harder to establish new IP in that environment. You have to ask if that’s sustainable.” Gosen pointed to Capcom’s success with its release of Resident Evil 5 last month. According to GfK-ChartTrack/ELSPA data, the title was the

A source close to Midway told MCV: “Warner is pretty confident that they will get Midway – which will be an immediate boost to their portfolio. The deal isn’t done yet. Midway is still open to offers from other potential buyers – but Warner looks to be favourite to wrap it up. They look ready to put the money on the table.” A key employee incentive plan means that 28 key Midway members will receive a number of financial rewards if Midway’s $30 million target price is met. The bonus plan has been approved by owner Mark

TOP 10 inFAMOUS PS3 SONY

2. UFC 2009 UNDISPUTED PS3 ....................................................THQ

3. THE SIMS 3 GOSEN: Jammed Q4 schedule “not sustainable”

second biggest-selling game in March and Xbox 360’s most successful game in Q1. He added: “Of course Christmas is still the key selling period, but we need to look at de-seasonalising. We launched GTA IV at this time last year, and Capcom’s Resident Evil has shown that you can be successful. As more publishers do this, we’ll create a second or third release window, and that will be great news for the industry.” David Gosen writes exclusively for MCV this week. To read his piece on the credibility of the industry, turn to page 13

Warner Bros in for Midway? RELIABLE trade sources have informed MCV that Warner Bros is readying a potential bid for Midway Games. It is thought that the LEGO publisher is particularly keen to acquire Midway’s flagship Mortal Kombat and Stranglehold franchises, as well as its retro IP such as Gauntlet, Joust and Galaga – and a modern casual game roster including Game Party and Touchmaster. MCV understands that Midway is keen for Warner to match its target sale price of $30m (£20.6m) – but that it may yet sell off its owned IP and studios separately.

[PRE ORDERS]

DESIRABLE: Midway’s Mortal Kombat games continue to sell millions

PC ........................................................EA

4. RIDDICK: ASSAULT ON DARK ATHENA 360 ..................................................ATARI

5. UFC 2009 UNDISPUTED 360 ....................................................THQ

6. TEKKEN 6 PS3 ..................................................ATARI

7. WII SPORTS RESORT WII ............................................NINTENDO

8. OPERATION FLASHPOINT 2: DRAGON 360 ......................................CODEMASTERS

9. GHOSTBUSTERS 360 ..................................................ATARI

10. GHOSTBUSTERS PS3 ..................................................ATARI Week ending April 18th Source: SHOPTO.COM

[MARKET VALUE]

£24.8m 35

Thomas, as well as the courts, Midway management, and the company’s various creditors. Media mogul and former Midway owner Sumner Redstone sold his 87 per cent

controlling stake in the publisher to Mark Thomas for just $100,000 in December. Midway could not comment on the story when contacted by MCV.

£24.8m

£31.8m

£24.8m

1,116,196 Units

1,306,014 Units

1,118,632 Units

Week Ending April 3rd

Week Ending April 11th

Week Ending April 18th

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

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Wii availability reaches new high UK retailers are finally able to order consoles freely after more than 29 months of intense stock shortages by Ben Parfitt OVER TWO years after its UK debut and after no end of shortages, Nintendo’s Wii has now reached a level of open availability for UK retailers. Koch has told Nindie.com retailers that Wii hardware, which includes Wii Sports, is now freely available and will no longer be restricted to purchase on an allocation basis.

“

“We also urge customers to remember that Wii console purchases count towards the allocation of DSi, Wii Fit and forthcoming new releases.” A Nintendo spokesperson added: “We now expect Wii availability to be improved over previous levels.” Meanwhile, despite the increase in the Wii’s trade price coming into effect at the beginning of the month, there

Whilst stock is in better supply than ever, we still have to carefully manage it to avoid unbalanced stocking. Craig McNicol, Koch

“Whilst stock is in better supply than ever, we still have to carefully manage our customer base so that unbalanced stocking is avoided,” Koch MD Craig McNicol told MCV. “We urge our customers to plan their requirements for the next eight weeks, giving us upfront purchase orders week by week if necessary.

”

seems to be little indication of retailers adjusting their price. CHIPS’ joint MD Don McCabe stated: “We haven’t put our prices up yet as we’re still able to access stock sourced at the original value. However, this supply is drying up, so we’ll have to see what happens with the extra cost.” Koch: 0870 027 0985

MOTION PLUS PRICE STILL A MYSTERY Nintendo has announced that it will be releasing the Wii Motion Plus add-on on Friday June 12th, and UK retailers have this week finally been contacted regarding trade prices and availability. The peripheral has appeared on some online portals at £24.99 – more than the expected $20 retail price that has been touted for North America – but MCV understands that the final High Street price is more likely to be £19.99. The upcoming Wii Sports Resort, which will come bundled with the Motion Plus, will retail for around £49.99. Joint MD of CHIPS Don McCabe told MCV: “I personally think the increase to the Wii trade price was made to take the eventual inclusion of Wii Motion Plus in the hardware bundle into account. It might sound like a lot of money but it’s a complicated bit of kit.”

A4T launches official PlayStation accessories ACCESSORIES 4 Technology is set to release a range of officially licensed accessory kits for PSP, under the firm’s 4Gamers label. The new packs are due to hit shelves on Friday May 1st, and the company has told MCV that this is part of a three-phase strategy introducing licensed accessories for PSP and PS3 leading up to Christmas. “We have been working with SCEE for over two years now and it is a very exciting time for all of us here at A4T as we near the initial launch date,” said A4T’s sales and marketing director Bill Stirling. “The objective moving forward is to launch a range of

officially licensed products under our 4Gamers brand for the PSP and PS3 formats. “The 4Gamers brand will now only represent those formats with officially licensed products, and we firmly believe that we will add genuine value, quality and innovation to the video game accessory space in store and online with our key retail partners.” The PSP packs due this May include the Customise Kit, which features PSP stickers, wrist strap and screen protector for a retail price of £9.99, The Clean and Protect Kit, which consists of a wrist strap, PSP case, anti-static cleaning cloth and a screen protector for

CUSTOMISE: A4T’s new packs are due to hit shelves on May 1st

£12.99, and the Premium Travel Kit, which includes a genuine leather slip case, a leather wrist strap, and a soft touch UMD and two Memory Stick duo case, priced at £19.99. A4T: 01204 369220

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THQ reveals plan to eclipse Big Beach Sports success Publisher believes next iteration in expanding franchise can outsell 2008’s bestseller to-date unit sales of 560,000, becoming the third biggest selling third party game on Wii last year,” said THQ’s UK head of marketing Jon Rooke. “We believe that the key factors to that success were the snack-sized gaming that Big Beach Sports offered, a compelling £19.99 price point,

by Tim Ingham THQ IS plotting to become the king of Wii mini-game collections with the follow-up to last year’s mass-selling BIG Beach Sports. Like its predecessor, BIG Family Games will retail for £19.99, and bis backed by a

“

This can outsell Big Beach Sports. We are focused on the market segment. Jon Rooke, THQ

large-scale above-the-line and TV marketing campaign throughout the summer. But it will have its work cut out if it wants to outdo the performance of Big Beach Sports – last year’s 16th bestselling video game, according to GfKChartTrack/ELSPA data. “Big Beach Sports was a phenomenal success with life-

”

heavy ATL and TV support coupled with a sustained presence at retail. “We have taken that successful model for Big Beach Sports to the next level with four times as many games included in Big Family Games. With the continued growth in the Wii install base we hope to see Big Family Games eclipse the sales of Big Beach Sports.”

UNCA AGE OLVE ERINE E WO BIG Family Games features 24 mini-challenges including golf, tennis, ladder golf, lawn darts, horseshoes, bowles and more. The game is due for release on May 22nd.

THQ couldn’t confirm if it will release more games in the Big series in the next 12 months, but told MCV it was “focused on the market segment.”

MA AY 1, 2009 9

THQ: 01483 767656

Computer Exchange Ward in at Warner in new stores blitz SECOND-HAND specialist Computer Exchange has opened seven new stores, including one in Spain. In March, the retailer opened stores in Andover, Redditch, Tooting and Valencia, and earlier this month opened outlets in Bolton, Warrington and Portsmouth. The company’s Leeds shop has also moved to a new location. “We're chuffed to continue the mission to roll-out CEX to new areas,” said Computer Exchange’s brand and communications manager Jonathan Cronin.

“All three stores buy, sell and exchange our full range of products including music CDs. Portsmouth will grow later this month when the basement opens, packed with zillions more DVDs and CDs.” The new openings follow reports last summer that the retailer was on the verge of financial collapse, which the company refuted. Since then the firm has gone on to open four stores in New York, and shops in Maidstone, Stevenage, Exeter, Uxbridge, Coleraine, St. Albans and Cheltenham – many of which are franchise stores. www.cex.co.uk

WARNER BROS Interactive has snapped up erstwhile Bastion exec Mark Ward as UK PR manager. Ward left Bastion after 13 years earlier this month. Head of games at WBIE UK Spencer Crossley said: “We are delighted to have Mark on board. He brings an unrivalled wealth of PR experience to Warner Bros Interactive UK. He’s a very prestigious catch, with a great reputation in the games industry.” Ward added: “This is a really exciting time to be joining Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and with titles like Terminator Salvation, Scooby Doo, The

WWW W .UNCAGED D .C COM

activision.com

WARD: Ex-Bastion exec boosts Warner’s ambitions in games

Clique and LEGO Battles, 2009 is going to be a huge year. They’re a great team and I’m very much looking forward to playing my part.”

MARVEL and all related Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and are used with permission. Copyright © 2009 Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries.Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. All rights reserved. Super Heroes is a co-owned registered trademark. Game © 2009 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. ‘2’, ‘PLAYSTATION’, ‘PlayStation’ and ‘PSP’ are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo DS and Wii are trademarks of Nintendo. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.

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Rising Star: Trade relationships now more important than ever Niche publisher attributes success of its Home Of Japanese Games campaign to support from the High Street by James Batchelor RISING STAR GAMES has highlighted the importance of retail in making its Home Of Japanese Games campaign a success. “Our relationship with retail is more important than ever,”

“

a trial of our Golden Week initiative, modelled on the idea of Japanese holidays, so consumers get a little bit of Japan when they shop.” Alty went on to say the publisher has seen support from “all corners of retail”, pointing out that independent

The campaign has had a brilliant impact at retail. All of the major retailers have supported what we’re doing. Simon Alty, Rising Star Games

Rising Star’s head of brand Simon Alty told MCV. “Because we have a story, we have found people are listening. All of the main retailers have supported what we’re doing. “We’ve been able to build Japanese hubs on their websites and the launch of Little King’s Story is being accompanied by

”

retailers had been particularly big supporters of the campaign. Now the firm is working to deliver the same message to gamers themselves. “The campaign has had a brilliant impact at retail and within the trade, but consumers are only now starting to feel the effect of that,” he said.

ALTY: “Our campaign has had a brilliant impact at retail and within the trade”

“We’ve got our sushi bar ads that have only entered print and digital media over the last five weeks, and we’ve seen a massive increase in traffic to our site. It’s all coming together really nicely.”

Rising Star is also expanding its scope beyond the Japan enthusiasts that have traditionally formed the publisher’s loyal following. The signing of the rights to Angel Cat Sugar enables the company to appeal to a much wider audience.

“With Angel Cat Sugar arriving this summer and Hello Kitty coming later on in the year, we have games that not only appeal to fans of all things Japanese but also appeal to mainstream girl gamers.” RSG: 01582 433700

Koch upgrades Nindie site to aid retailers FOLLOWING its previous announcement last month that it has invested in expanding its Nintendo market position, Koch Media today announces a number of key upgrades to its Nindie.com site. Six months after launching its Nindie live chat tool to a beta group of customers, Koch is pleased to announce the formal roll out of the software. Designed to allow indies to real-time chat to Koch’s Nindie sales, customer services and credit control teams, it has been used by every customer that has downloaded it. Boasting additional features such as real-time stock lookup, news feeds and accounts

information it sits on the desktop allowing users to gain crucial information without having to log-on to the web. In addition to recent key trade initiatives such as

“

request that Koch delivers consumer orders ‘white label’, the company is continuing to strive to offer the independent sectors as much online support as it can.

As the champion of Nintendo, we will continue to conceive and deliver any idea we feel will benefit our customers. Craig McNicol, Koch Media

bespoke point of sale assets that can be given away to loyal customers, pavement A-boards advertising upcoming products and a pre-order delivery system that allows independents to

”

Craig McNicol told MCV: “As the champion of Nintendo we will continue to conceive and deliver any idea that we feel will benefit our customers.” KOCH: 0870 027 0985

MCNICOL: “We will continue to conceive and deliver any ideas that we feel will benefit our customers”

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Sponsored by

Industry site at last for US market GameBiz provides neglected North American games business with news and opinions by Tim Ingham THE NEW online news and opinion site GameBiz will thrive off a US audience desperate for its own trade resource. That’s according to founder and editor-in-chief Colin

“

A daily news and opinions destination dedicated to the US games industry is something sorely needed. Colin Campbell, GameBiz

Campbell, who has already drawn mass interest to the site, despite only launching a fortnight ago. GameBizBlog.com offers breaking news and in-depth analysis of US games industry issues, as well as daily updated vacancies for new jobs across the country. And former Edge Online boss Campbell believes the format has been craved by the US industry for some time. “A daily news and opinions destination dedicated to the US games industry is something

[IN BRIEF]

that is sorely needed,” Campbell told MCV. “GameBiz covers the business of games in an entertaining, culturally relevant style. It also aims to offer a complete digest of the latest game industry jobs every day.”

BLAZE: The Stealth Controller has been added to Blaze’s range of PS3 joypads. The peripheral boasts rumble functionality, a sleek black finish and a sleep/wake switch. The controller works wirelessly up to seven metres away from the PS3. EIDOS: A Collector’s Edition of Batman: Arkham Asylum has been revealed, which will include the game, a behindthe-scenes DVD, a code for additional downloable maps, and a full-size replica of the Batarang.

”

Former UK Edge Online editor Rob Crossley is also contributing to the blog, along with ex-Forbes journo Mary Jane Irwin. MCV understands that GameBizBlog.com plans to begin hosting advertising in the next few weeks. “GameBiz is a very simple format platform for the writers’ ideas and opinions about the game industry,” added Campbell. “I love the fact that anyone can communicate with audiences via easy-to-produce

UBISOFT: Assassin’s Creed II was officially announced last week. It will be available this Christmas and is currently being developed for all current-generation platforms. The game will be set in Renaissance Italy.

GameBizBlog offers news and opinions from key industry figures and caters specifically for the US games industry

blogs. But you’ll be seeing a lot more in the months ahead.” The site has already interviewed industry bigwigs such as Stardock CEO Brad Wardell and former CEO of

Infinium Labs, Kevin Bachus. Additionally, a weekly opinion piece entitled The Media Column is posted on the site every Wednesday. www.gamebizblog.com

GamesAid boosted Argos signs 505 deal by new donation INDUSTRY charity GamesAid has been given a major boost from a philanthropic PlayStation news site – which has handed over its entire operating profit to the cause. The running costs of PS3 Attitude (www.PS3attitude.com) are funded privately, meaning all revenue generated through its advertising, clickthroughs and affiliate sales is pure profit – all of which is donated to charity. The site is run by an army of collaborators who donate their time without charge. It

will continue to support GamesAid throughout 2009. “We’re delighted that the PS3 Attitude team has decided to support GamesAid this year,” offered Rupert Loman, trustee, GamesAid. “Their selfless approach to running the website will result in many disadvantaged young people given opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had.” GamesAid distributes funds to a diverse range of charities; it is a means of giving something back on behalf of the industry. www.ps3attitude.com

ARGOS HAS signed a special deal with 505 Games to promote the release of new DS title Gardening Mama. The general retailer will display standing units promoting the game throughout its release window – the first time Argos has offered this kind of POS to a software publisher. “We’re proud to announce a groundbreaking new initiative with Argos,” said 505’s product manager Juliette Fielder. “We are the first publisher to place FSDUs in Argos stores across the UK, so the game will have better presence than ever – the huge footfall instore gives the brand a great focus with customers.”

EA: The Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition Premium Bundle has been detailed and priced. With an RRP of £179.99 for the UK, the bundle will include the game, a Höfner Bass guitar controller, a Beatles-inspired drum set, a microphone with stand and additional special content. SONY: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has struck a deal with Target Entertainment which will see the latter developing a range of PlayStation apparel, accessories, toys, stationary and gifts.

MAKING A STAND: Argos strikes first games FSDU deal

Gardening Mama is due for release on May 1st, and will be promoted with TV ads planned to air for three weeks after it hits shelves. 505: 01908 607772

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NEWS

Supermarket giants join the MCV Retail Advisory Board Key Tesco and Sainsbury’s games execs sign up to keep MCV updated on latest issues affecting the trade by Christopher Dring RETAIL EXPERTS from Tesco and Sainsbury’s have joined the MCV Retail Advisory Board. Tesco’s games buying manager Joanna Hunt has joined the board following the recent expansion of the supermarket’s dedicated games buying team. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s games manager Gurdeep Hunjan has signed up as the retailer looks to increase its offer. Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been active in the video game space in 2009, with EUK’s Nik Arran joining Sainsbury’s

earlier in the year, while Tesco has snapped up John Stanhope and Mark Burgess,mnfx also of EUK fame. “Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s have shown real ambition in the games sector this year, so we’re naturally delighted to have Joanna and Gurdeep join our Retail Advisory Board,” said MCV’s editor-in-chief Michael French. “The Retail Advisory Board has become an integral part of MCV’s editorial offering. The RAB helps to keep us up-to-date on the latest issues affecting retail, and provides us with

BOARD BOOST: Hunjan and Hunt join the Retail Advisory Board, bringing with them key knowledge and experience in games retail

regular comments on the latest developments happening at retail today.”

The Retail Advisory Board is an elite group of the top games buyers, which keeps MCV up-

to-date on the latest happenings in the trade. Hunt and Hunjan join a variety of 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. Their appointments come after news that Play.com’s marketing manager Richard Chapple and DSGi’s games category manager Peter Willis have also joined the board. MCV: 01992 535646

"Gardening Mama" is a trademark of COOKING MAMA LIMITED. "Gardening Mama" ÂŠ2008 COOKING MAMA LIMITED. All rights reserved. Published by 505 Games S.r.l. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo.

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MCV 24/04/09 13

IN MY OPINION

‘Let’s demand more respect’ As David Gosen, Xbox’s head of European marketing, celebrates a year back in the industry, he tells MCV that video games firms need to work harder to attain the prestige and credibility they deserve…

DAVID GOSEN - CV Vice President Xbox Europe 2008 to date CEO & President I-play Mobile Entertainment 2004-2008 Managing Director Nintendo of Europe 1999-2004 Marketing & Distribution Director BSkyB 1996-1999 General Manager Direct Sales & Marketing - Mercury One2One 1994-1996 European Marketing Director - Pizza Hut International 1989-1994 Trade Marketing Manager - Coca-Cola & Schweppes 1987-1989

I MOVED OUT of the core games industry five years ago, into the mobile space with iPlay – and I returned in 2008 with Microsoft. It’s been very interesting to see what’s changed. The industry’s enjoyed tremendous growth across Europe – we’re at about $15 billion revenue depending on whose research you believe. In ’08 the market grew about 30 per cent year on year. That’s truly fantastic. And that growth has been driven by broadening, which is even more outstanding. All credit to my old friends at Nintendo – they’ve done a fantastic job and the rest of the industry has seen the opportunity to break out of the niche. Microsoft is creating more social experiences and getting teenagers to play with their parents for the first time in decades. This industry keeps reinventing itself. It’s young – still only 30 years-old – and dynamic, and keeps reinventing itself. It’s great to see.

“

‘BARRIER OF ACCEPTANCE’ But it frustrates me that from a public standpoint, the industry still hasn’t got the stature, credibility and cut through that we all deserve. I still get the sense we’re sandwiched somewhere between corporate bankers and taxmen in terms of society’s general perception. Ask people about what the industry provides, and they’d probably say: “I

don’t really know.” Or they’ll think we just stand for shooter boxes. There’s been improvement, but not the quantum leap there should have been. We should be as loved as Hollywood is or the music industry is. Yet we are not. That’s not because people aren’t trying. But there seems to be a barrier of acceptance. When we’re saving the High Street and bringing families back together again, we should be recognised for that.

We need to talk to schools, and talk to non-governmental organisations. If we all gave one per cent of our time to do so, all of a sudden you have tens of thousands of advocates promoting the contribution this industry makes to society. We have to stand up proud, work with the media, NGOs and the Government to make a difference. Live has been Xbox’s best kept secret in this regard – and we’re really going to sing about it this year. Three and a half million music downloads happen every month. It’s the ultimate in terms of a social experience. I sit and play Guitar Hero with my teenage daughter. That’s a great example of bringing families and generations together.

We’re still sandwiched somewhere between the bankers and taxmen in terms of society’s perception. More specifically, we should be rewarded by Government organisations giving us incentives to drive development within the region. It’s that creativity that will continue to drive the success of the business. We’re not taken as seriously as we should be. Tens of thousands of people work in this industry across Europe. Around 40,000 outlets around the region sell the product. It’s expensive to make games today – we’re talking $20 million dollars. ISFE is doing a great job, but the whole industry must work much harder together to improve our credibility.

”

‘LET’S KILL PREHISTORIC VIEW’ Live is the most social network that exists on console today. We have a hugely engaged user base. Our job now is to publicise the fact. The launch of NXE last year was the start of that. We’ve just released a new TV ad that talks about downloading music on Xbox 360. I don’t want to get involved in the issues surrounding this year’s [Change4Life] ad – it’s in the past. But that picture is a stereotypical, prehistoric view of the industry, yet it still for some people represents what the industry stands for. We all need to work on changing that fact – together.

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MCV INTERVIEW JOHN KAVANAGH, SVP VIDEO GAMES, PARAMOUNT

Of Paramount As MCV revealed last week, Hollywood studio Paramount is launching a new game assault with an online tie-in of its new Star Trek movie. Tim Ingham speaks to the head of its interactive entertainment division… What’s the story behind Paramount’s move into games? We started with iPhone publishing, and we’ve had five iPhone games out now. They’re all legacy titles, like Days Of Thunder and Top Gun. Days Of Thunder and Shooter did really well, so well in fact that we’re exploring other platforms. Our next step is into XBLA and PSN. We’ve done a game based on the new Star Trek movie for both of those and we’re taking our legacy titles onto XBLA and PSN as well, including Top Gun and a remake of The Warriors.

Do you have any retail strategy going forward? We’re also looking at DSiWare and PSP’s download service, but you won’t be seeing Paramount’s name alone on a box at anytime soon. We recently developed some female-skewed casual games based on our licences including Mean Girls, Pretty In Pink and Clueless, which were distributed by 505 Games in Europe. Boxed products require sophisticated sales infrastructure especially with complexities surrounding inventory and more – that we don’t currently have. My hat goes off to anyone that follows this path, but it’s not something we’re actively pursuing at the moment.

What’s the thinking behind releasing the Star Trek game as download only? Why not go the traditional route of getting a copublisher on board? Will we see boxed products with We’re not doing any retail at this point the Paramount logo on in the future? as a standalone publisher. We’re only I couldn’t say because that would be a going with digital distribution. As we’re very big corporate decision to put that all seeing, downloadable is playing an kind of infrastructure in place. In our increasingly important role in the current form as PDI, I would envisage industry. Downloading movies and interactive The Star Trek game is a light content fits well with Paramount’s strategy. experience that will cost That’s what our group’s around £10. That isn’t a retail focused on. We will title these days. continue to work with our John Kavanagh, Paramount licensing partners on boxed product. us relying on partnerships with third You’re not alone in releasing a parties. If you look as far ahead as to download-only major movie tie-in – when that would be discussed, you’re Warner did so earlier in 2009 with looking at the next generation of Watchmen. Is this a trend you can consoles. Then we start discussing see growing? things that haven’t even happened yet – Yes. I think establishing our presence in the platform holders’ strategy for their that market early on is very key because next hardware, for one thing. As we’ve it gets hard after a while to find your seen with OnLive technology – which products online. We have to set my old friend Mike McGarvey is expectations early. Placing game involved in – things can change pretty downloads to go with our movies is fast. I’ve seen that working – and it good, because being able to associate a seems to run pretty well. But it’s a download with a movie marketing prime example of deal changers that campaign is a very good thing for us. make any predictions in this business

“

difficult. They’re rolling out fibre-optic cables into homes now – that could also have a huge effect. You have to ask how will these things affect the creation of the new Xbox or PlayStation? How will they affect the consumer’s thinking? Because of these new technologies, it’s hard to make predictions. Warner admitted that they didn’t want to risk investing in retail with Watchmen – due to a feared lack of exposure. Is that something you’re aware of? The Star Trek game is a light experience. It was developed in conjunction with the film-makers for that purpose and was designed around tightly focused gameplay. It’s going to be 800 points – around £9.99. And that’s representative of the experience gamers are going to get. That isn’t a retail title these days. It wouldn’t be right for the consumer or in terms of return on investment. Would you be keen on working with other third party publishers? Where there’s interest, we’ll have a discussion. Our primary focus is on digital downloads, but we work with partners in two senses: One where we build the product and someone else does the sales and marketing, and one where we offer a straight licensing deal. For instance The Godfather II is just arriving from EA, which is a straight licensing deal.

”

Will we see you farming out fewer licences than you have in the past – and more of you using your own franchises for downloadable games? I wouldn’t say that. We don’t have a strict percentage or whatever, but we know our limits – building an XBLA or PSN game is much less complicated

than building a triple-A title for retail. Where we think it appropriate, if it’s a big franchise, we might consider doing one of those ourselves online, but we’re still very keen to keep working with partnerships. Certain publishers have a level of expertise we don’t have yet, so on other such titles we’ll call on them. There’s always a commercial decision there, too. But on the partnership side, we’re looking to be involved more and more. We’re very keen to be actively involved in making quality games like The Godfather series – making sure the right design, the right, team, the right budget are all in place. We want to be involved in our licensed games more in the future. Our partners do a good job of generating awareness of our product and we both want to create top-notch games, too. Are you planning on expanding internationally? Will we see a UK HQ for Paramount’s games division any time soon? Not at this time. Things move very quickly, but we don’t have any current plans. That’s in the next 12 months or so, at least. Longer term, it might be something of interest. You recently worked with Freeserve for Days Of Thunder – but they’re a fairly little known outfit. Why did you pick them? Freeserve are very respected on Mac, so it makes sense to get them in for iPhone. They’ve made a product we’re proud of in Days Of Thunder and on Top Gun. We’re working with larger developers for larger products. Would you be working with developers that are well known names in the industry? Yes. We’re working with a bunch of guys that are recognisable names in the

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MCV 24/04/09 17

MCV INTERVIEW JOHN KAVANAGH, SVP VIDEO GAMES, PARAMOUNT

importance business – and will continue to do so. We like to pick the right developers, even for our licensed games. Do you have an internal development resource? All of our development, testing, and QA is external; however, we have an internal production team that oversees all aspects of these processes. Would you be interested in acquiring a studio or building an internal team? We don’t have any plans to build a team and we don’t have any set strategy to go out and find a team to buy. We’re looking at all strategic opportunities on

“

We don’t have any set plans to buy or build a studio. But we’re looking at all strategic opportunities on a caseby-case basis. John Kavanagh, Paramount

”

a case-by-case basis. If there’s synergy that works, maybe that’s something that could affect our decisions. But having managed internal development teams before, it’s a lot of work. It’s hard to focus on that and on publishing.

Source: Harry Lang

Are you interested in working with developers you haven’t yet struck up a relationship with? If I say yes here, I’m going to get ten million phone calls – but of course we are, with certain conditions. We are actively in talks with new studios all the time. We want to work with people who deliver on time and high quality product. When it’s tied into an active movie, it needs to be ready on day and date and top quality.

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MCV 24/04/09 21

MCV INTERVIEW JASON DUTTON, INTERNATIONAL MD, MAJESCO

Majesco’s

DUTTON: Majesco’s European MD says the publisher has readied its best ever line-up

Last week we revealed that Majesco had decided to start publishing and selling titles direct in the UK and Europe. Michael French speaks to MD Jason Dutton to find out more…

March What has led Majesco to go direct? We’ve got the best ever line-up of games in our current portfolio in terms of breadth, quality and potential. We felt it was time for us to be completely responsible for those from day one – I think 100 per cent focus is the only way we can be sure we’re maximising the potential for each and every product. Even though we’ve worked with a number of good partners in the past, we’ve always ultimately wanted to be in charge of our own destiny. Now we have the team in place, and the quality of games to allow us to do that.

“

In this economic climate is that not a risky move? I think even in more pleasant economic times that making a move like this has some naturally associated risk. However with the right personnel,

relationships and right products in place then the risk is far more manageable. It is tough out there at retail right now, but we can be assured by going direct ourselves that we have 100 per cent focus.

We’ve worked with a number of good partners in the past, but we’ve always wanted to control our own destiny. Jason Dutton, Majesco Do you have a distributor confirmed for the new releases? We do – and we’ll be announcing that information shortly. Are you looking to sign up developers for new games? Absolutely. Signing the quality-infused Night At The Museum 2 was a huge coup for us and really does put a stake in the ground.

Working with visionaries like Matsuura-San at Nana-On Sha on Major Minor’s Majestic March shows that the pedigree of people we are working with is very high. We’re always on the look out for great products across all platforms. We’ve got healthy budgets and we’re happy to receive all kinds of submissions and actively encourage them. Our greenlight system is both transparent and efficient – something that should be attractive to potential partners.

”

What have you learnt from your previous relationships with other publishers that will inform how you’ll run the new publishing operation? We’ve worked with a number of well known, reputable partners in the past – allowing us to work with some great

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MCV INTERVIEW JASON DUTTON, INTERNATIONAL MD, MAJESCO personnel and understanding the constantly evolving market. But I think the emphasis should really be on how you learn from yourself. Majesco had the foresight to be an early adopter to the games for mass market strategy, and it’s a shift that paid dividends through the likes of Cooking Mama. But you can never be too complacent, you always have to be ready to react and plan for the constantly evolving market. Are you looking for other business partnerships – if so in what way? We’re always looking for the best possible route to market and focus for our products in Europe. For the same reasons as going direct in the UK, we are implementing a direct to market strategy throughout Europe – working with different distribution and publishing partners in each territory, rather than one pan-European partner. We are currently talking to a number of interested parties and actively

encourage other interested distributors to get in touch as soon as possible. We hope to announce something shortly.

MAJESTIC ARRIVAL

A lot of your focus has been on casually oriented games – will that still be your focus? Mainstream fun, quality and relative value should always be the focus – but we evaluate every single game on their own merits. We recently announced Dawn of Heroes on Nintendo DS from developer Wicked Studios, a tactical RPG game that we realise has a specific audience, but we considered because it is high enough quality to appeal. As time goes on and markets shift we are in a position to react to those movements and continually explore where our focus should be. We do currently have a predominantly Nintendo focus, but we’ve also got 360 titles in the portfolio, iPhone games in development and we’re looking to shortly announce a few

The video game tie-in to the Fox blockbuster movie Night

Majesco Europe is lining up a release schedule of over ten games. Highlights include:

At The Museum 2 starring Ben Stiller out on May 22nd; The classic Sandlot Games property

Cake Mania arrives on to Nintendo Wii in

the form of Cake Mania – In The Mix; Stunt game

Circus Star for Nintendo Wii

Major Minor’s Majestic March on Wii, from the creative team behind PaRappa The Rapper;

Drama Queens on Nintendo DS;

‘Ambidextrous’ DS brain trainer A DS version of the popular

Left Brain Right Brain 2;

WonderWorld Amusement Park;

The return of the classic franchise Tactical DS RPG Animal DS title

A Boy And His Blob on Wii;

Dawn of Heroes;

Puffins: Island Adventure;

DS platform game

Marker Man Adventures;

Two-wheeled DS release Racer

Powerbike;

Home-improvement party game

Our House – Party for the Wii;

Majesco is also planning to announce some more titles at E3, and plans to introduce its Go Play Wii brand to Europe soon.

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MCV 24/04/09 27

TERRITORY REPORT: CHINA AND KOREA

Asian Nation Online games and MMOs are the driving force behind the Chinese and Korean games markets. Christopher Dring speaks to the key players in the territories to find out more about these potentially lucrative sectors…

ACCORDING to Pearl Research, the Despite the difficulties within the Chinese online games market grew by development community, Pearl Research 63 per cent to $2.7 billion in 2008. has predicted that the online games The firm’s report also revealed that market will grow to $5.5 billion by 65 per cent of China’s internet users 2012. However, the firm admits there play games online (179 million gamers) are still challenges to overcome. and that the country’s most popular “One concern is the lack of online game, Netease’s Fantasy diversification with many game operators Westward Journey, achieved 1.8 million relying on a single title for the bulk of peak concurrent users last year. However, despite the huge Chinese developers are potential for gaming in China, isolated from the rest of the the video game community is world. That is very restrictive still largely underdeveloped. to the creative process. “China has been on course Meggan Scavio, GDC to achieve this huge growth, which is why we launched the first GDC event in 2007,” says GDC their revenues,” explains Pearl Research event director Meggan Scavio. MD Allison Luong. “It seems that Chinese developers are “In addition, there is a glut of content isolated from the rest of the world. They with more than 200 games on the don’t have the benefit of learning and market, which makes releasing a sharing with developers who may be breakout hit increasingly difficult.” doing different things. That alone is very Although online games are a huge restrictive to the creative process. But I success in China, the opposite is true of hope to see that changing.”

“

the console games market. Many platforms suffer from piracy problems, and the second hand sector is also rife – particularly in Hong Kong. “In Hong Kong, Wii, PSP, iPhone and DS face the largest piracy problem,” admits Orange See, project manager of Hong Kong-based developer M-Inverse. “Xbox 360 and PS3 less so, But the second hand market is quite active in Hong Kong.” KOREAN CULTURE

Similar to the Chinese sector, the growth seen in the Korean games market comes online. According to the Korean Game White Book, the games market in Korea reached 5.14 trillion Won ($3.9bn) in 2007, with the online games sector accounting for 43.5 per cent of that figure ($1.7bn).

”

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TERRITORY REPORT: CHINA AND KOREA [THE FACTS: CHINA] Population: 1,321,851,888 Capital: Beijing Currency: Yuan GDP (per capita): $3,260

[THE FACTS: SOUTH KOREA] Population: 49,540,367 Capital: Seoul Currency: Won GDP (per capita): $20,015

The sheer quantity of internet users while the MMO sector is being affected in the country has made household by the popularity of bots – programs names of MMOs such as Aion, Lineage that have been built to help players and World of Warcraft. Internet cafés cheat at the games. (known in the territory as PC Bangs), “One of the greatest problems in the are hugely popular, and according to the Korean industry is the weak cognition of National Internet Development Agency, intellectual property rights,” adds Lallier. 77.1 per cent of people over the age of “This becomes a hindrance to the six use the internet, which is around online game industry through illegal 35.3 million people. personal servers, while it affects the “The reason why the Korean games market is The growth of online games different from other has been extraordinary. Korea regions is the popularity has one of the best online of online games, infrastructures in the world. especially MMORPGs,” Véronique Lallier, NCSoft explains Véronique Lallier, European VP of publishing for NCsoft, which is one of console market even more through Korea’s biggest MMO publishers. downloaded titles and illegal copies. “Korea has one of the best online “Business obstruction caused by infrastructures in the world. The success automated gaming programs, called of the Korean games sector is directly bots, is another issue. This affects related to the growth of the online game MMOs by corrupting the cyber market market, to be more precise, the rebirth within the games and also causes the of MMOs within the country.” abnormally fast consumption of game But much like its Chinese contents. In regards to bot issues, NCsoft neighbours, piracy is is concentrating on screening and rife in Korea, blocking the bot distribution websites.” Due to the wide spread use of broadband in Korea, digital downloading has taken

“

precedence over retail boxed products. And, much like China, the second hand market is particularly popular in the country. eBay’s recent offer to purchase Korean auction site Gmarket, will see the firm control 40 per cent of online shopping in Korea – and gives the firm a potential launch pad to become a major player in the other Asian territories too. EAST AND WEST

Despite wildly different markets, it is the desire of Korean and Chinese developers and publishers to work closer with European and American companies. GDC China is one of the many events designed to bring Asian developers closer to the West as, NCsoft aside (which is set to launch Aion in Europe this year), few Korean and Chinese developers have managed to break into the Western market. This is also true in reverse. The multibillion dollar online games markets in Korea and China is attracting the attention of publishers worldwide. Activision Blizzard’s World of Warcraft is one of the few Western IPs to enjoy strong success in Korea and China (in China it has six million active users). And it won’t be long before Western firms begin to make serious in-roads into these rapidly expanding markets.

”

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MCV 24/04/09 31

DAVID REEVES RETIRES

A quote of confidence PlayStation’s European President David Reeves has always guaranteed one thing – great press. Here, we celebrate the man’s retirement with some of his best ever statements to the media…

“I don’t want to be controversial, but I think you’ve been too nice to us. We were looking for something that was perhaps a little bit more direct.” Reeves cuts through the pomposity with a measured criticism of Dr. Tanya Byron’s investigation into age ratings at an ELSPA meet. April, 2008

“The Suez Canal closure has led to this crisis. It’s been closed for two weeks, with 104 boats on it. We’re number 67.” A typically detailed Reeves explains why UK retail might not get PS2 stock at Christmas. December, 2004

“We simply have to suffer a little. Go down in market share and mind-share. It's like Ali v Foreman – go eight or nine rounds and let him punch himself out. We're still standing, we're still profitable and there's a lot of fight in us.” Boxing metaphors know no bounds in an interview with The Guardian. February, 2009

“This is the right uppercut of our one-two punch – the left hook being the price drop.” Yet another pugilism reference, this time as a redesigned PS2 hits the market. September, 2004

“There is a piracy problem on PSP. We know about it, we know how

it’s done. And on balance we are not happy about it.” Reeves offers the Sony DevStation crowd that rare commodity – the truth. June, 2008

"We have a number of things lined up for Leipzig which is real blockbuster stuff for Europe.” Reeves points to Leipzig. He came good on his promise – with announcements of the new PSP and the 160GB PS3. July 2008

“I’d have thought retail would look at [upcoming formats] and be licking its lips – these are harvest years. But frontline titles are going out at £29 not £39. It’s crazy.” Ever one to have his finger on the pulse, Reeves predicts the dawn of ‘crazy’ price cutting. May, 2005

“In a sense, but often you get the impression that for the likes of The Daily Mail and Keith Vaz we’re the whipping boy. There’s always something that characterises games as bad. In Germany it’s worse, in Holland it’s even worse and in Scandinavia it’s worse than all of those.” Keith Vaz gets spanked by a man intellectually in a league of his own. December, 2008

"It is clear to us that the connection between the congregation and the cathedral is a deeply personal and spiritual one. It

is also clear that we have offended the congregation by using the cathedral in our science fiction game.” Handling God’s wrath, following Sony’s Manchester Cathedral ‘scandal’. July, 2007

“I am going to spend my time now trying to repay society for all I have taken from it. If your children are having physics lessons at the local school or wondering why their ski instructor is very elderly, your car mechanic has a bad back, or the social worker keeps bringing you PSP games, then it could just be me.” Reeves signs off from Sony in inimitable style. April, 2009

Former MCV editor Neil Long on Reeves as a unique interviewee:

“David Reeves was clearly a big fan of madcap metaphors - unusual when you’re expecting fairly standard corporate chat. “When asked to describe how powerful PS3 would be in relation to 360, he referred to it as a ‘bucking bronco’ which was so beefed-up developers would have trouble controlling its power. Another favourite of mine was when he offered an incredibly detailed description of a plane coming into land to describe Sony’s preparations for the PS3. You just don’t get that with most industry interviewees – or half of his intelligence.”

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UK SALES ANALYSIS: MARCH

Evil invades the charts Capcom had a noteworthy sales presence last month, largely thanks to Resident Evil 5, whilst all three platform holders also enjoyed success with key software titles. Tim Ingham reports... THIS LAST MONTH MONTH

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 4 2 3 5 7 6 8 9

SALES SHARE BY FORMAT NINTENDO WII XBOX 360 NINTENDO DS PC PLAYSTATION 3 PLAYSTATION 2 PSP APPLE MAC OTHERS

UNITS

20.1% 19.7% 19.5% 17.3% 16.7% 3.3% 3.2% 0.2% 0.0%

NINTENDO’S Wii remains the biggest-selling console in the UK, but lost over four per cent share in March. The major beneficiary was Xbox 360, which gained two places and three per cent. THIS LAST MONTH MONTH

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 2 3 12 9 5 4 6 7 8

SOFTWARE SHARE BY COMPANY

NINTENDO ELECTRONIC ARTS UBISOFT CAPCOM SONY SEGA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD MICROSOFT THQ TAKE 2

UNITS

13.6% 9.4% 9.2% 7.9% 6.8% 6.7% 6.3% 5.6% 4.2% 3.8%

THE top three stayed the same in March, but were propped up by the star performer – Capcom. The publisher jumped eight places, thanks to the release of Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter 4.

THIS LAST MONTH MONTH

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2 5 1 4 3 6 7 8 9

SALES SHARE BY FORMAT

XBOX 360 PLAYSTATION 3 NINTENDO WII PC NINTENDO DS PSP PLAYSTATION 2 APPLE MAC OTHERS

[SOURCE]

VALUE

23.9% 20.9% 19.0% 16.6% 15.2% 2.0% 1.8% 0.5% 0.0%

XBOX 360 took the most money at tills in March, overtaking Wii, which made 5.2 per cent less cash than in February. PS3’s share jumped by a whopping 6.5 per cent in the month. THIS LAST MONTH MONTH

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 11 4 5 2 9 3 6 7 8

SOFTWARE SHARE BY COMPANY

NINTENDO CAPCOM MICROSOFT UBISOFT ELECTRONIC ARTS SONY ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SEGA THQ SYMANTEC

VALUE

14.9% 11.4% 9.6% 8.0% 7.8% 7.6% 6.4% 6.2% 3.9% 3.7%

CAPCOM’S performance is put into perspective here, as it becomes the second biggest publisher in terms of cash generation in March. EA’s share is almost cut in half, down 6.8 per cent.

INDIVIDUAL FORMAT CHART Wii 1

Wii Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

PLAYSTATION 3 1

Killzone 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sony

XBOX 360 1

Resident Evil 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capcom

PC (ALL PRICES) 1

Empire: Total War . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sega

2 Mario Kart Wii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

2 Resident Evil 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capcom

2 Halo Wars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft

2 Football Manager 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sega

3 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games . . . . . Sega

3 Street Fighter IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capcom

3 Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II. . . . . . THQ

4 Mario Power Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

4 Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ubisoft

4 WOW: Lich King . . . . . . . . . . . . Activision Blizzard

5 House of the Dead: Overkill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sega

5 Sega MegaDrive Ultimate Collection . . . . . . Sega

5 Call of Duty: World at War . . . Activision Blizzard

5 The Sims 2: Double Deluxe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

6 Sonic and the Black Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sega

6 LittleBigPlanet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sony

6 Sega MegaDrive Ultimate Collection . . . . . . Sega

6 C&C: Red Alert 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

7 Ben 10 : Alien Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3P

7 FIFA 09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

7 World of Warcraft . . . . . . . . . . Activision Blizzard

8 Family Ski & Snowboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atari

8 Call of Duty: World at War . . . Activision Blizzard

8 GTA IV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rockstar

8 Grand Theft Auto IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take 2

9 Animal Crossing: To The City . . . . . . . . Nintendo

9 WWE Legends of Wrestlemania . . . . . . . . . . THQ

9 COD 4: Modern Warfare . . . . Activision Blizzard

9 F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin . . . . . . . . . Warner Bros.

10 Guitar Hero: World Tour . . . . Activision Blizzard

10 Silent Hill: Homecoming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Konami

10 WWE Legends of Wrestlemania . . . . . . . . . . THQ

10 The Sims 2: Apartment Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

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UK SALES ANALYSIS: MARCH

INDIVIDUAL FORMAT CHART PC (BUDGET PRICE) 1

World of Warcraft . . . . . . . . . . Activision Blizzard

DS 1

Professor Layton & the Curious Village Nintendo

2 WOW: Burning Crusade . . . . . Activision Blizzard

2 Dr Kawashima's Brain Training . . . . . . . Nintendo

PSP 1

FIFA 09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

PS2 1

Ben 10: Alien Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3P

2 Ben 10 : Alien Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3P

2 Call of Duty: World at War . . . Activision Blizzard

3 Mysteryville 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GSP/Avanquest

3 GTA: Chinatown Wars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rockstar

3 Resistance Retribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sony

3 FIFA 09 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

4 Amazing Adventures: Lost Tomb . . . . . . . . Focus

4 Mystery Case Files: Millionheir . . . . . . . Nintendo

4 Football Manager 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sega

4 Persona 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Square Enix

5 Bejeweled 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Focus

5 Club Penguin: Elite Penguin Force . . . . . . Disney

5 Need For Speed: Undercover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

5 Tomb Raider: Underworld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eidos

6 The Orange Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

6 Mario Kart DS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

6 Pro Evolution Soccer 2009. . . . . . . . . . . . Konami

7 The Sims 2: Mansion & Garden Stuff. . . . . . . . EA

7 New Super Mario Bros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

7 Midnight Club: L.A. Remix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Take 2

7 Need for Speed: Undercover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EA

8 Age of Empires II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Microsoft

8 More Brain Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

8 Papaton 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sony

8 WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 . . . . . . . . . . THQ

9 Peppa Pig: Activity Pack . . . . . . . GSP/Avanquest

9 100 Classic Book Collection . . . . . . . . . . Nintendo

9 WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 . . . . . . . . . . THQ

9 Lego Batman: The Videogame . . . . Warner Bros

10 Settlers: Heritage of Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Focus

10 Ben 10 : Alien Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D3P

10 Lego Batman: The Video Game . . . Warner Bros

10 Guitar Hero: World Tour . . . . Activision Blizzard

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UK SALES ANALYSIS: MARCH TOP 50 ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE 1.

Resident Evil 5 360, PS3 ..................................................................................................Capcom

26. Need For Speed: Undercover 360, PS3, PSP, PS2, Wii, DS, PC....................................EA

Killzone 2 PS3.............................................................................................................................Sony

27. Mario Power Tennis Wii..................................................................................................Nintendo

Wii Fit Wii..............................................................................................................................Nintendo

28. GTA Chinatown Wars DS...............................................................................................Rockstar

Halo Wars 360.....................................................................................................................Microsoft

29. LEGO Indiana Jones Wii, DS, 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, PC.......................................LucasArts

Professor Layton and the Curious Village DS.....................................................Nintendo

30. House of The Dead: Overkill Wii ........................................................................................Sega

Street Fighter IV PS3, 360, ............................................................................................Capcom

31. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin PS3, 360, PC .........................................................Warner Bros.

Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X PS3, 360, PC ...........................................................................Ubisoft

32. Football Manager 2009 PC, PSP.......................................................................................Sega

FIFA 09 360, PS3, PSP, Wii, PS2, DS, PC ..............................................................................EA

33. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, PC............................................Konami

COD: World at War 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PC, DS ...................................Activision Blizzard

34. Tomb Raider: Underworld 360, PS3, Wii, PS2, DS, PC...............................................Eidos

10. Empire: Total War PC..............................................................................................................Sega

35. Mystery Case Files: Millionheir Wii..........................................................................Nintendo

Ben 10: Alien Force PS2, PSP, Wii, DS................................................................................D3P

36. Club Penguin: Elite Penquin Force DS .........................................................................Disney

12. Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection PS3, 360.........................................................Sega

37. LittleBigPlanet PS3..................................................................................................................Sony

11.

13. Wii Play Wii ..........................................................................................................................Nintendo

38. LEGO Batman Wii, DS, 360, PS2, PS3, PSP, PC...............................................Warner Bros.

14. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Wii.....................................................................Sega

39. LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga Wii, DS, PS3, 360..............................LucasArts

15. Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training DS .........................................................................Nintendo

40. Mario Kart DS DS .............................................................................................................Nintendo

16. Mario Kart Wii Wii.............................................................................................................Nintendo

41. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II PC.......................................................................THQ

17. Grand Theft Auto IV PS3, 360, PC..............................................................Rockstar Games

42. WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2009 PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, PSP......................................THQ

18. COD 4: Modern Warfare 360, PS3, PC, Mac........................................Activision Blizzard

43. SOCOM: US Navy Seals Confrontation PS3................................................................Sony

19. Disney’s Bolt DS, Wii, PS2, 360, PS3 ..............................................................................Disney

44. New Super Mario Bros. DS...........................................................................................Nintendo

20. WWE Legends of Wrestlemania 360, PS3 ......................................................................THQ

45. More Brain Training From Dr Kawashima DS....................................................Nintendo

21. My Fitness Coach Wii..........................................................................................................Ubisoft

46. Halo 3 360 ...........................................................................................................................Microsoft

22. Guitar Hero: World Tour Wii, 360, PS3, PS2 .......................................Activision Blizzard

47. 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand 360, PS3.............................................................................THQ

23. Silent Hill: Homecoming 360, PS3, PC........................................................................Konami

48. 100 Classic Book Collection DS.................................................................................Nintendo

24. Carnival: Funfair Games Wii, DS.............................................................................................2K

49. Sonic Unleashed Wii, 360, PS3.............................................................................................Sega

25. Puzzler Collection Wii, DS, PSP.......................................................................................Ubisoft

50. Sonic and the Black Knight Wii..........................................................................................Sega

CAPCOM’S fabulous month is topped off by Resident Evil 5 outselling chart mainstay Wii Fit, as well as blockbuster releases such as Sony’s Killzone 2 and Microsoft’s Halo Wars. Another Capcom release, Street Fighter IV keeps the likes of FIFA 09 and Call Of Duty World At War at bay. Other notable entries include D3P’s Ben 10: Alien Force at No.10, Ubisoft’s Puzzler Collection at No.25 and Disney’s Club Penguin game at No.36. Elsewhere, Rockstar’s GTA: ChinaTown Wars only makes No.28 – and is comfortably outsold by its year-old predessesor, GTA 4.

[SOURCE]

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