MCV544 July 3rd 2009

THE INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

Friday July 3 2009 £3 £3.25 25

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Wii MotionPlus™ Elevate your game with an enhanced, true-to-life golf swing that features precise draw-fade capabilities that mirror your every move.

WIN THE U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Feel the drama of playing at Bethpage Black during the U.S. Open, one of golf’s toughest tournaments of the year.

TAKE THE TOURNAMENT CHALLENGE Replay dramatic scenarios from past PGA TOUR seasons as you’re placed on the course at the precise moment before history was made.

DYNAMIC WEATHER CONDITIONS Inclement weather including rain and high winds now has a major effect on gameplay conditions.

EA SPORTS™ LIVE TOURNAMENTS ONLINE Play alongside actual PGA TOUR pros during real-world PGA TOUR events or challenge the field in daily and weekly tournaments.

LET LOOSE WITH DISC GOLF Trade your clubs for discs in a new game mode based on the family -fun sport of disc golf.

easports.co.uk/tigerwoodspgatour © 2009 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All Rights Reserved. The mark ‘TIGERWOODS’ and the TW Logo are trademarks of ETW Corp. and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ETW Corp. The name, likeness and other attributes of Tiger Woods reproduced on this product are trademarks, copyrighted designs and/or other forms of intellectual property that are the exclusive property of ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of ETW Corp. or Tiger Woods. PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR and Swinging Golfer design are trademarks of PGA TOUR, INC. and used by permission. All other sponsored products, company names, brand names, trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.

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THE MARKET FOR COMPUTER AND VIDEO GAMES

Issue 544 Friday July 3 2009 £3.25

07 Universal appeal Music giant makes move into games as it teams up with publisher Mindscape

04 Tecmo Koei on the rise Playstation offers impressive support to publisher’s new Western focus

14 Guide to retail MCV publishes a full directory of all of the UK’s leading games buyers

EVERY BUYER EVERY BRANCH EVERY INDIE EVERY WEEK

WITH THIS

ISSUE We take a special look at the long-awaited sequel to Wii Sports INCORPORATING

Nintendo: The TV show Platform holder purchases Five’s new primetime quiz for £2m – as television comes cap in hand to games

by Tim Ingham NINTENDO is to bankroll its own TV show on UK channel Five – as games’ growing fiscal dominance of other media hits a new milestone.

The platform holder has struck an Advertiser-Funded Programming (AFP) deal with

“

tackle five tasks governed by memory, co-ordination, numeracy, recognition and risk.

Nintendo will enjoy exclusive sponsorship credits around the programme – but faces barriers getting its consoles and games mentioned during the show. Unlike the US, commercial product

We’re very excited to step into the realm of AdvertiserFunded Programming for the first time in our history.

James Honeywell, Nintendo

the channel for Britain’s Best Brain. MCV understands the partnership, which Nintendo will use to promote DS titles, cost the firm around £2 million.

The deal was brokered with Tiger Aspect Productions by Mediaedge:cia (MEC), and will result in eight one-hour programmes that will air from October. Britain’s Best Brain will challenge contestants to

”

placement is still illegal in UK TV programmes.

Head of programming at MEC Chantal Rutherford Browne said: “This television concept is a fantastic opportunity for Nintendo to bring their games heritage to life. I had been on the lookout for Nintendo for some months and already had preliminary negotiations with Five when

ON THE BOX: Nintendo will enjoy exclusive hour-long sponsorship for eight episodes of Britain’s Best Brain

the idea of Britain’s Best Brain came along via Tiger Aspect.

“The AFP allows Nintendo to align themselves with a particularly appropriate television series, forging a relationship between the TV channel and the brand that is truly symbiotic.”

AFP deals are becoming increasingly popular for

commercial TV channels, which have seen ad revenues tumble as a result of the UK’s economic slowdown.

Five’s TV ad revenue fell by 2.2 per cent last year, parent RTL Group revealed in March.

Britain’s Best Brain has been developed and produced by GroupM Entertainment and Tiger Aspect – the company

behind The Catherine Tate Show, Mr Bean and Harry Enfield And Chums.

Nintendo’s senior product manager James Honeywell said: “We’re really excited to be working with Tiger Aspect, GroupM and Five on this ambitious new show and stepping into the realm of AFP for the first time.”

GMAs to make October return to London Specialist and mainstream stars saluted Microsoft, Nintendo, EA, Codemasters, Activision and Sega back event THIS YEAR’S Games Media Awards will take place on the evening of Thursday, October 15th at Jongleurs comedy club in Camden, London.

The event, now in its third year, will again hail the best brands and individuals from the specialist and mainstream sectors, in print and online.

Full details of categories, along

with the nomination and voting process, will be announced shortly.

Last year’s GMAs saw wins for the ‘big three’ of Future, Imagine and Eurogamer, whilst

there were also awards for FHM and The Guardian. The Games Media Legend title was bestowed on Edge and Official PlayStation Magazine launch editor, Steve Jarratt.

The Games Media Awards 2009 are backed by some of the biggest companies in games.

Microsoft, Nintendo, Activision Codemasters, EA and Sega have all signed up as Gold Sponsors.

The event is completely free to the media, whilst Trade Tickets will be made available soon.

For more information contact gma@intentmedia.co.uk

PERSONNEL 28 RETAIL BIZ 29 NEW RELEASES 34 HIGH STREET 36 CHARTS 38

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[LEADER] TV TIMES Remember those days when seeing a game on a TV ad break was a real ‘wow’ moment?

When we’d swell with pride at FIFA enjoying a presence alongside Daz and Imodium? When WipEout being sandwiched between Shortland Street and some other barely-watched kids’ show was a ‘grand statement for the industry’?

Seems a long time ago, right? In just a few years, we’ve become pretty blasé about Xbox 360 and Nintendo marketing dominating the Christmas TV ad schedule – and Sony spunking over £4 million on getting PS3 noticed during an economic slowdown.

This week, the latest fillip in games’ outgrowing of its former commercial master arose, as – via an AFP deal – Nintendo bought a whole programme for two million quid. Not an ad. Not even a whole ad break (stand up, FIFA ‘09). But eight hour-long, proNintendo extravaganzas.

Sure, the platform holder won’t be able to benefit from any jarring product placement in Britain’s Best Brain (the Government this week stood firm on their decision to outlaw the practice). On paper, its exclusive sponsorship is the only promotion the DS will benefit from.

But, come on: It’s hardly likely Carol Vorderman (or whichever PVC-skirted boffin Tiger Aspect hire) is going to tell the viewers that the DS is a piece of shit, either.

Commercial TV media spend is on its arse. ITV needed Government intervention from Digital Britain to offload its money-sucking local news commitments, following a £2.7 billion loss in 2008.

Five – the home of Britain’s Best Brain – is holding out for a hybrid deal with Channel 4 to halt its sliding commercial intake.

Games no longer have to wait for TV media planners to flick us a few crumbs from their commercial feast. These days, we’re not only invited to dinner – we’re footing the bill.

FRENCH FANCY Nintendo wasn’t the only one highlighting the shift in power between TV and games this week.

Microsoft’s content deal with Canal+ in France – news broken by MCVUK.com – followed a similar (and similarly alarming) deal with BSkyB in the UK. Above all else, these satellite TV giants have one mission: to hunt out where the money is. With an ever-expanding, transfixed audience of young, cashrich consumers at their beck and call, it’s no wonder they’re keen to jump into bed with Xbox – as it comes good on its promise to evolve into the ‘must-have entertainment hub for every living room.’

Sony hails birth of new Tecmo and Koei join forces in a bid to become a ‘major European

by Christopher Dring SCEE HAS backed Tecmo Koei Europe to become a significant player in the European video games market.

The newly-formed publisher was officially revealed last week, and has pledged to grow its presence in the West by developing new IP and making its established franchises, including Dynasty Warriors, more accessible to the European market.

The company’s first game is PS3-exclusive Ninja Gaiden

“

stronger in Europe, it is great to see Tecmo and Koei growing and strengthening in Europe also. In its new form of Tecmo Koei Europe we expect to see these great Japanese games companies continue to be important partners to SCEE for many years to come.”

SCEE VP Jim Ryan added: “We are really thrilled to welcome Tecmo Koei to Europe. They have been great partners for PlayStation over many years. And the fact that we can make properties such as Dynasty Warriors, Dead or

PlayStation’s relationship with its third-party partners has always been and always will be critical to our success.

Andrew House, SCEE

Sigma 2, which will arrive before the end of the year.

“PlayStation’s relationship with its third-party partners has always been and always will be critical to our success,” said SCEE president Andrew House.

“The relationships between Koei, Tecmo and PlayStation have been there since day one.

As PlayStation grows ever

”

Alive and Ninja Gaiden more accessible to the UK market is fantastic news.”

Other titles set to arrive from Tecmo Koei includes Undead Knights for PSP, Quantum for PS3 and Warriors: Legends of Troy for 360 and PS3, and it is these original properties that are tasked with growing the firm’s Western presence.

Tecmo Koei’s president Kenji Matsubara (right) received a warm welcome from SCEE’s Andrew House (below right) and Jim Ryan (below left)

“The European video game market is expanding very rapidly, while Japan has stood still,” Tecmo Koei Europe president and COO Kenji Matsubara told MCV. “Our European business is not so big at the moment, but we see many opportunities for us to expand the business, and this is why we’ve created Tecmo Koei Europe. With this office we want to establish a major brand image and also major publisher status throughout Europe.

GREASE IS THE WORD FOR NEW 505 GAME

SHOWY KOEI Koei has been particularly proud of its merger with Tecmo in recent weeks – repeatedly telling MCV that the newly formed Tecmo Koei Europe can become a premium European publisher. After Sony’s very public backing of the firm at its press conference this week, that’s a claim that we might all do well to take a lot more seriously from now on.

Tim.Ingham@intentmedia.co.uk

505 Games has signed a deal with Paramount to make a game based on Grease. The title – which 505 says is ‘based on the original high school musical’ – will hit DS and Wii and is in development at UK studio Zoe Mode. Singing and dancing will feature, making use of the motion sensor and microphone functions of the two consoles.

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Euro powerhouse publisher’ New IP to drive Western growth

Key execs head up Gamestation and GAME’s buying teams GAME GROUP has revealed the personnel that will head up its all new GAME and Gamestation buying teams.

Taking control of format buying is Charlotte Knight. Knight joined GAME ten years ago as buying assistant and now manages relationships with the format holders.

Meanwhile, Neil Martin has taken the new position as head of buying for accessories and new business. Martin joined GAME back in 2005 having worked as game controller for HMV. In his new role Martin has responsibilities across the international group as well as the UK.

[PRE ORDERS]

TOP 10 UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES PS3 SONY

2. MODERN WARFARE 2 360 ..................................ACTIVISION

3. MODERN WARFARE 2 PS3 ..................................ACTIVISION

4. GRAN TURISMO 5 PS3 ..........................................SONY

5. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 PS3 ..............................................EA

6. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 360 ..............................................EA (From left to right) Neil Martin, Charlotte Knight, Kathryn Hinton and Lyndsay Westwood take new roles

7. HALO 3: ODST 360 ..................................MICROSOFT

“To do this we need titles.

We already have some big brand games like Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive and Dynasty Warriors, but to be a major player in Europe we need new

intellectual properties. So we will release new IP for Western audiences and reinforce our existing brand titles in the region. That is our strategy.”

In charge of third-party buying is Kathryn Hinton, who will now manage relationships with all third-party suppliers.

Hinton joined GAME nine years ago as buying co-ordinator, and most recently worked as senior product manager for Nintendo, which included working on the launch of Wii and DSi.

Finally, completing the line-up is head of product marketing Lyndsay Westwood. Westwood has worked at the group for almost ten years, most recently as head of marketing for GAME. For more on the buying teams of the UK’s biggest retailers head over to page 14.

9. PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2010 PS3........................................KONAMI

10. TEKKEN 6 PS3 ............................NAMCO BANDAI Week ending June 26th Source: SHOPTO.COM

[MARKET VALUE]

Tecmo Koei: 01462 476130

Pre-owned kiosks are currently not planned for the UK market

has recently started selling games through its Wireless World stores, but has no intention to trial the machines.

360 ..............................CODEMASTERS

GAME: 01256 784000

No trade-in kiosks for Best Buy UK CARPHONE WAREHOUSE has told MCV that there are no plans to bring the trade-in ‘vending machines’ seen in Best Buy US stores to the UK. The kiosks are currently being trialled in Best Buy outlets in Dallas and Austin, and are similar to machines that appeared in Wal-Mart in May. The devices work by scanning the game for functionality before issuing a voucher that is redeemable for a Best Buy gift card.

Carphone Warehouse, which is part of the Best Buy group,

8. OP. FLASHPOINT: DRAGON...

A spokesperson said: “There are no plans to introduce kiosks at Carphone Warehouse at this time.”

Best Buy’s planned invasion of the UK is set to begin next year, but it’s unclear if preowned will be a part of the retailer’s UK offer.

“Currently there aren’t any developments on the Best Buy proposition to report,” added the spokesperson.

“We are still planning what products will be offered and so I can’t confirm that kiosks will be part of the proposition.”

Although still in the early stages, MCV understands that games will have a significant presence in UK Best Buy stores.

£20.3m 25

20

15

10

5

£21.3m

£20.2m

£20.3m

913,015 Units

873,096 Units

851,924 Units

Week Ending June 12th

Week Ending June 19th

Week Ending June 26th

0

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

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Wii Sports Resort to break Nintendo’s records First party MotionPlus flagship title sets its sights on outperforming mega hits such as Wii Fit and Mario Kart

by James Batchelor NINTENDO is determined to shatter the sales records set by Wii Fit with the release of Wii Sports Resort.

Wii Fit topped the UK All Formats chart 16 times in total – including a string of seven weeks in a row at No.1.

“Wii Sports Resort is tthe biggest launch on Wii this year,” Nintendo’s senior

“

Lowe added: “We have a huge TV campaign running over three months, a print campaign that will include cover-wraps on The Daily Star, Metro and Shortlist, an online takeover on MSN and all the major gaming websites, as well as a cinema campaign alongside Harry Potter.

“Below the line, we have one of our biggest ever sampling campaigns planned

It’s the biggest launch on Wii this year. We’re hoping to achieve a No. 1 in the All Formats and Wii chart.

Rob Lowe, Nintendo

product manager Robert Lowe told MCV. “We are hoping to break the records set by Mario Kart Wii and then Wii Fit, and achieve a No.1 in the All Formats and the Wii charts.”

Nintendo has prepared a mammoth marketing blitz to promote the title.

In addition to an initial push surrounding the game’s release, the firm will be re-promoting the game heavily at Christmas and into 2010.

”

in, based around a beach resort theme, as well as a massive PR push. I’d say it’s probably the biggest campaign I’ve ever been involved with.”

Nintendo’s marketing for Wii Sports Resort will be considerably different to promotions that the platform holder has run for familyfriendly Wii games in the past.

“Nintendo has decided to slightly move away from the ‘Wii family around the sofa’

WINNING STREAK: Nintendo is looking for another All Formats chart topper with Wii Sports Resort

style of advertising, and are now showing sporting professionals from around Europe trying out their expertise on Wii Sports Resort,” commmented Lowe.

“The initial cuts of the Wii Sports Resort ad campaign really look fantastic, and we hope it will gain major cutthrough to our broad Wii audience.

“We’ll be targeting a very broad audience when the game is released in July – as Wii Sports Resort really is for anyone.”

Nintendo: 01753 483700

Meroncourt signs up Raptor Gaming range MERONCOURT Europe has acquired the distribution rights to the Raptor Gaming range of PC peripherals within the UK and Ireland.

The line-up includes gaming mice, keyboards, headsets and mouse pads, along with an extensive range of other accessories.

The Raptor Range will add to Meroncourt’s existing portfolio of PC gaming peripherals which already boasts the Speedlink, Roccat, Mionix and Nova brands.

Raptor’s range of accessories have been developed over a period of five years.

Meroncourt’s sales director Steve Walsh commented: "Raptor Gaming has a really great range of products, from entry level accessories through to high end items for the PC gaming market.

“After some absence in the UK scene, we are very pleased to bring Raptor Gaming’s accessories on board to complement our other gaming ranges.

“We have had the hardware thoroughly tested and reviews over the past few months by UK gamers and the specialist press have given excellent results.

WALSH: “Raptor has a great range, from entry level to high end”

“We are confident we will make some good progress with Raptor Gaming in this continually growing market" CEO of German-based Raptor Gaming Technology Dirk Schunk added: “For some time we have been looking for the right strategic partner in the UK to represent and expand our excellent Raptor Gaming brand.

“Therefore we are very happy and proud to announce our partnership with Meroncourt Europe for one of the key markets for gaming in Europe, the UK and Ireland.”

Meroncourt: 01462 68 00 60

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HOTLIST

Universal launches assault on the music game genre Music distribution giant signs with Mindscape for new SingStar rival called U-Sing

Out July 10th DS, Wii

by Tim Ingham UNIVERSAL Music has pledged its back catalogue to a new karaoke game set to challenge SingStar.

MCV can reveal that French label Mindscape will publish U-Sing in time for Christmas across the UK and Europe.

The firm has previously signed distribution deals with UK publishers for releases in the territory – such as its deal with Koch for Deal Or No Deal andGolden Balls games, plus the upcoming Coronation Street title. However, MCV can reveal that U-Sing will be independently published by Mindscape following the deal with Universal.

A Mindscape spokesperson told MCV: “U-Sing will offer the whole family the chance to sing the hits of Universal Music – from the biggest known classics through to the latest trendy tunes.

“Each country will have its own list of most popular local and international artists.”

Welcome to Space Camp, where you'll receive the training and tools to become an astronaut. Experience weightlessness in a training pool and develop your navigation skills in the training simulator.

You'll need your newly acquired skills, because during a training session you get rocketed to the moon, with your faithful robot sidekick ARP! You'll have to complete a number of daring challenges to return to Earth for a hero's welcome!

“

U-Sing will offer the whole family the chance to sing the hits of Universal Music – from classics to the latest tunes.

Mindscape Spokesperson

The U-Sing brand will become a full series in future, with each game offering different game modes and Voxler voice recognition technology.

POKER FACE: Songs from Universal artist Lady GaGa could appear in U-Sing

”

They will be marketed in France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Benelux and Australia and will eventually become available on all platforms.

Artists such as Amy Winehouse, Black Eyed Peas, Girls Aloud, Paul Weller and Lady GaGa are on Universal’s books – but U-Sing’s song lineup is yet to be confirmed. The title appears to fit with Universal’s ‘U’ re-branding. Its UK website was last year renamed to Umusic.co.uk. www.Mindscape.com

Out Now NDS, WII, PS2, PS3, X360, PC Join Ice Age’s unlikely herd of prehistoric pals for their wildest, wackiest, most exciting adventure yet! For the first time, play as six beloved Ice Age characters as they embark on a rescue mission across melting snow to the mysterious Dinosaur World - an all-new, fur-raising jungle of carnivorous plants, lush foliage and fierce dinosaurs.

DDI: ‘3D won’t be mainstream for years’ 3D VIDEO games won’t be mass market for at least another five years, Data Design Interactive has told MCV. The casual games specialist is to launch one of the first 3D video games, Battle Forge: The Robot Wars – which comes with 3D glasses – ahead of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated Avatar movie tie-in. However, the firm’s CEO Stewart Green has said that although 3D is a key development for games, it won’t be a mainstream phenomenon until 3D TVs become better established.

“3D is a big enhancement to the player’s environment, and

as now it is part of our development system we will support it in future titles,” commented Green (pictured right).

“But it will not be common practice until the mass market has 3D TV, which is not going to happen until perhaps five years from now.

“With a huge output of casual games, we are probably not thought of as innovators, but casual games are what the public wanted, and we have continued to provide the public with what

something they want to buy. 3D is a huge seller this year with 12 3D films being released.”

DDI has also been experimenting with other new technology, including Wii MotionPlus and Wii Speak.

“Our development system is rapid and reliable; we managed to publish 20 games in just ten months. No other developer or publisher could achieve this,” added Green. “With such a quick and easy development process, it is not a lot of work for us to implement new hardware and release innovative titles.”

Out Now X360, PS3, PC BECOME ANYTHING… CHANGE EVERYTHING! You are Alex Mercer, the PROTOTYPE™, the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. With no memory and no mercy, hunt your way to the heart of the conspiracy which created you, making those responsible pay!

DDI: 01296 712522

Activision.com

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New online strategy for Ubisoft Publisher readies community and incentive service to connect consumers and support all upcoming titles

by James Batchelor UBISOFT says the launch of its new UPlay service represents a significant shift in the way the publisher brings its content to consumers.

Announced at E3, UPlay is a new in-game service that will appear across several of Ubisoft’s key future titles, providing content and community aspects to gamers online.

“

our players, we shift from being a company that offers products to becoming a company that provides services.”

The service has been likened to first-party online community systems, such as Xbox Live and PSN, but Ubisoft is keen to point out that UPlay will not compete directly with these services.

“UPlay does not aim at competing against existing

With UPlay, we shift from a company that offers products to a company that provides services to its consumers.

Stéphane Catherine, Ubisoft

“As a leading company in the industry, Ubisoft’s strategy is based on anticipating the evolution of technologies that enable gamers to be increasingly connected,” said Ubisoft’s digital marketing group manager Stéphane Catherine.

“UPlay is our answer to this evolution: by reinforcing the gaming experience of

”

systems such as Xbox Live,” added Catherine.

“The goal is to offer additional services. Some of the UPlay functions can even operate by using information provided by using services such as Xbox Live.”

The UPlay system will consists of four services: UWin, UHelp, UShare and UPlay Shop. UWin

Ubisoft is incorporating UPlay functionality into its biggest titles to launch the service

rewards consumers with additional content and other incentives for playing Ubisoft games, while UHelp is an ingame help system.

UShare is a community hub, focused on creating content

and interactions with other users. Finally, UShop will enable consumers to browse and purchase downloadable content and items for sale.

The first phase of the programme will be rolled out

on select titles this autumn.

Assassin’s Creed II, Avatar, and Splinter Cell: Conviction will also feature UPlay functionality when they arrive on shelves.

Ubisoft: 01932 578000

Activision excited by Bakugan phenomenon PUBLISHER Activision hopes to be part of the new playground sensation Bakugan with its upcoming video game tie-in.

Entitled Bakugan: Battle Brawlers, the game is based both on the Spin Masterdeveloped card game and Nelvana Enterprises’ cartoon series, and features a story mode with a plot devised by the TV show’s writers.

And Activision producer Donna Johnston is optimistic that Bakugan can become a major games franchise for the publisher and developer Now Productions.

Johnston hopes to see Bakugan become a major franchise

“The strategic card game has been out six months in the UK, and it was the number one new product in Q4 last year,” she said.

“There are more than 55 million Bakugan users out there worldwide, which is incredible.

“We all know Pokémon has been around for years, but Bakugan has already turned into this new playground phenomenon. We hope to be a part of that phenomenon with the game.

“Ten year-old boys are the absolute centre of this new demographic, so we’ve been

working hard with Spin Master and the creators of the cartoon to find out what kids love about Bakugan.

“The overall goal is to capture the universe, the appealing characters, the great writing and this world that has been built for us.

“This is one of our key focus titles of the year. In terms of future titles, we will be seeing how this title develops and how the brand grows.”

Bakugan is set to hit Xbox 360, Wii, DS, PS2 and PS3 before the end of the year.

Activision: 020 3060 1000

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Sponsored by

Zushi: Xmas line-up is only the beginning Publisher ventures onto new platforms to ensure success and drive growth in 2010

by James Batchelor

[IN BRIEF]

ZUSHI HAS announced a range of games that will break new ground for the publisher and drive its growth in 2010.

Over the next six months, the company will release a selection of brand new IPs, including Family Gameshow and Jigapix. Zushi will also break away from its traditional position as a Wii and DS publisher with its first release on Xbox 360, Stoked.

“As with any new release that we launch, these titles mean a great deal to us,” marketing manager Chris Walton told MCV. “Everyone here and at our development partners invests a

PARTNERTRANS: A new deal with mobile porting provider The Porting Lab in India will see Partnertrans offering porting and mobile testing services to games publishers, as well as project managing TPL’s localisation.

D3P: Family Party: Outdoor Fun will release this autumn exclusively for Wii, providing gamers with 30 new minigames and multiplayer modes catering for up to four people.

Marketing man Chris Walton claims Zushi’s new line-up will help establish Zushi’s reputation

“

Success with these titles in Q4 will provide us with a strong platform from which to progress next year.

Chris Walton, Zushi

lot of time and effort into our products to ensure they are the best they can be.

“Seeing them do well at retail and selling in line with our forecasts is hugely important

”

to us. Success with these titles in Q4 will provide us with a strong platform from which to progress next year.”

Hopes are particularly high for Stoked, an open-world snowboarder that is already

performing well in the US and a title Walton described as a “significant step forward” for Zushi Games.

“The release of Stoked on Xbox 360 will mark the start of a new era for Zushi,” he said. “Microsoft’s console as a format is a leading software driver at the moment so being able to target this userbase has the potential to strengthen our position during 2010.”

Meanwhile, the company’s continued efforts on Nintendo platforms are also set to fare well at retail.

Family Gameshow builds on the success of family-focused multiplayer titles on Wii, following the formula of a quiz show, while Jigapix is the firm’s first IP that will use the DSi’s camera functionality, allowing users to create new puzzles.

Zushi: 0114 263 6036

Majesco signs new Daring book deal MAJESCO has signed a deal with HarperCollins subsidiary William Morrow to create a game based on the bestselling book series The Daring Book For Girls.

The title will reach Wii and Nintendo DS later this year and lets players ‘virtually experience activities straight from the popular book’.

“The Daring Book for Girls series is the ultimate can-do, how-to ‘manual’ that celebrates the female spirit and guides adventurous girls in a range of daring and practical activities,” said Gui Karyo,

executive vice president of operations for Majesco.

“This game captures that content and is the perfect interactive complement for fans of the books and other girls interested in a game designed specifically for them.”

Players can pick from one of several character models with a wide range of ethnicities and features. As they play, girls will earn gear and collectibles while having fun in spy missions, cave exploration, freeze tag, double dutch, basketball, arts and crafts, making friends, and more.

BOOK SMARTS: Majesco seeks a more literary licence to engage young girls

“The Daring Book for Girls series, including the new book, The Double Daring Book for Girls, has entertained and inspired millions of girls, and we look forward to the game furthering the reach of this well-loved property,” said SVP and publisher of HarperCollins imprint William Morrow Liate Stelhik.

Players will also learn educational facts about famous women in history and attempt to earn six Daring Girl Badges, such as Girl Lore, World Knowledge and Life Skills.

Majesco: 0117 373 6151

BETHESDA: ZeniMax Media, owner of Bethesda, has bought id Software.

Bethesda will publish all of id’s games going forward.

This excludes any titles that have already been signed, including Wolfenstein (for Activision) and the highly anticipated Rage for EA. ROCKSTAR: Former DS exclusive Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is now coming to PSP. Due to release before the end of the year, the PSP iteration will be released as a digital download for PSPgo and on UMD. KONAMI: Liverpool forward Fernando Torres has been named as the face of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010. The Spanish international footballing star will join Barcelona and Argentina striker Lionel Messi, with the two forming the basis of game’s marketing creatives.

LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE Bookmark us in your phone:

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MCV INTERVIEW MICHAEL RAWLINSON, DIRECTOR GENERAL, ELSPA

The moment we’ve been rating for ELSPA grafted for 12 long months to convince Labour to make PEGI the UK’s sole ratings system for games – but the real work’s only just begun. Tim Ingham gets the full story from Michael Rawlinson…

What are your initial reactions to the Digital Britain report?

I think it’s a fantastic decision that the Government’s made. It’s the right decision for child safety. We’ve all had to work very hard putting in place all of the supporting elements that they needed. We had to work tirelessly with the officials to make sure they fully understood the industry’s position.

We’ve had to work with other parties such as charities and third-sector organisations that have child safety at the very heart of them. And we’ve had to ensure other Parliamentarians fully understand our position, so that they can be on-side.

It’s starting to get a bit puzzling. So please clear it up: What will be the process for ratings submissions?

It’s interesting. I’ve been reading a lot of press comment and there’s still confusion. There are comments going around that the industry is self-serving, and wants PEGI because it’s selfregulation. Let me be clear. What the Government is proposing is not selfregulation. This is what we’ve described

“

publisher is answering those questions as truthfully and realistically as they can. Because we’re talking about moving images, you need a single reference point – a group of experts who can compare and contrast different products against that standard.

How can you be sure publishers will be truthful? What penalties will face those that try and pull the wool over to get a less ‘adult’ rating?

For two reasons, I’m confident they will.

One, because they will lose out as an industry if this system is not seen to be absolutely transparent and absolutely followed by the publishing community.

That will only damage us all. More importantly, if they deliberately misrepresent the content of a particular game in the way they give their answers – and this is an improvement on the BBFC system – the PEGI system has a series of sanctions, which have been recently enhanced and expanded. If a publisher deliberately misleads, they can be fined up to half a million Euros – and, for repeat offences, ultimately be refused access to the classification

We’ve spoken to The Tories and Lib Dems. I’m as confident as I can be they’ll support PEGI if elected.

Michael Rawlinson, ELSPA

as: ‘PEGI with teeth’. This is the PEGI system, independently administered by the VSC in the UK in conjunction with NICAM in Holland. If the process goes through Parliament without a problem – and, therefore the Video Recordings Act gets amended to make PEGI law – the VSC will be given the powers to ultimately refuse to classify a game, in the same way the BBFC has tried to do with Carmageddon and Manhunt 2.

So who rates the games – developers, publishers or PEGI? The criteria under which a game falls into the different age categories are very clear. These are laid out in a questionnaire, which the publisher initially declares. So in that regard, it’s the publisher – but they don’t get to choose the age. That’s not true. It doesn’t work to say: “I think this should be a ‘12’, or this should be a ‘16’.” There’s not the scope for the producer of the game to decide where they think this game fits. The criteria is very clear and transparent. Once the form is submitted by publishers, the VSC or NICAM ensure the criteria is consistently applied. The

RAWLINSON: ELSPA boss refers to new system as: ‘PEGI with teeth’

”

system. Though that wouldn’t stop you publishing on PC or direct-to-consumer via download, it will prevent you publishing on major platforms.

Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony require you to have a rating as part of their licensing agreement in Europe.

What would you say to publishers who are nervous about making a mistake in their questionnaire?

If there’s a genuine mistake then you shouldn’t be worried. In fact, the administrators, PEGI and NICAM have always been available to assist publishers in the completion of the process. Before the game’s completed, if they want advice or help, they’ve always been happy to look at pre-release code.

What happens if Labour can’t force the changes in the Video Recordings Act through in time before/if they get elected out? Will The Tories, for instance, carry it through?

We are looking for co-operation from all parties to ensure a smooth path to legislation. The timeframe depends on when the Video Recordings Act is

changed to have all video games rated under the law – and that has to go through Parliament. We’re working across parties to ensure they all fully understand the issues. Our colleagues at the VSC have immense experience in the drafting of the Video Recordings Act. Secretary General Laurie Hall helped draft the initial act in 1984. He also worked on the re-draft in 1994. It’s interesting that the BBFC have offered to help. I don’t believe any of their staff have been involved with either of the previous Video Recordings Acts.

Do The Tories support PEGI? We’ve spoken to the current Shadow Ministers responsible for this political area, and both Conservative and Lib Dems have recognised the advantage of the PEGI system and support this solution. I’m as confident as I can be [that they’ll continue this if in Government]. Of course, a week is a long time in politics. But what this decision by Labour demonstrates – alongside the latest Change4Life ad – is that if we as a

representative of publishers engage directly with Government officials, opposition frontbenchers and other Parliamentary spokespeople, we can win them over with the strength of our argument. That’s something we’ll continue to do tirelessly until we get this decision embedded in law.

Finally, is retail in a better position with PEGI than with the BBFC? Retailers now have the legal backing to refuse sales at the ‘12’, ‘16’ and ‘18’ age level. There’s a bigger task here, though: We will be working with schools, children’s charities, after school clubs – anybody that has access to kids and parents. We will work with Government agencies to ensure these people understand the content classification system. Obviously, it may be possible for a child under the permitted age to pick up an ‘18’ game. But the majority of children who are playing games below the age specified on the product are doing so because the parent has bought the product for them.

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UK GAMES RETAIL

Guide To Games Retail GAME AND GAMESTATION

HMV

Number of UK Stores: 696 Address: GAME Stores Group, Unity House, Telford Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 6YJ Websites: www.gamegroup.plc.uk www.game.co.uk www.gamestation.co.uk www.gameplay.co.uk

MEET THE TEAM: Neil Martin Head of Buying for Accessories and New Business

Charlotte Knight Head of Format Buying

Kathryn Hinton Head of Buying, Third Party

Lyndsay Westwood Head of Product Marketing

Contact Number: 01256 784000

Number of UK Stores: 270

GAME and Gamestation are the biggest video game specialists in the UK. The GAME chain has been designed to appeal to younger gamers and more mainstream consumers, while Gamestation targets a core audience, selling retro software and other video game merchandise alongside new and pre-owned software.

The Gamestation team has recently been integrated into the GAME head office, with several key changes to the buying team.

Amongst the promotions is Neil Martin, who takes the role of head of buying for accessories and new business. Martin is a former head of games at HMV, and joined the group in 2005. Martin has responsibilities both internationally and in the UK. Charlotte Knight takes the position of head of format buying.

She joined GAME ten years ago as buying assistant for PlayStation and N64. Her new role makes her responsible for managing Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo relationships.

Kathryn Hinton is the company’s new head of buying, third party, where she manages and develops the relationships of all third party suppliers. Hinton has worked at GAME for nine years, joining as a buying coordinator. Before her latest role, she worked as senior product manager for Nintendo, handling the launch of DS Lite, Wii and DSi. Lyndsay Westwood has stepped up as head of product marketing.

Westwood has worked at the group for nearly ten years, most recently as head of marketing for GAME. Her new role sees her looking after all trade marketing and internal design across both GAME and Gamestation brands.

Address: Film House, 142 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8LN Websites: www.hmvgroup.com www.hmv.com www.gamerbase.com Contact Number: 020 7432 2000

HMV is an entertainment retailer that stocks DVD, games and CDs. The chain recently expressed a desire to become a games specialist, and ramped up its offer at the end of last year with the launch of its pre-owned range, Re/Play.

The firm owns the MCV Award winning Gamerbase, which are video game centres that can be found inside HMV’s London, Glasgow and Manchester stores. The company is also the retail partner for the Game On! event at London Earls Court in November. Waterstones, which is part of the HMV group, also stocks a small selection of games.

MEET THE TEAM: Gary Warren Product Director

Nick Ashley Games Buyer

Tim Ellis Head of Games

Darren Neville Games Merchandiser

Jonathan Hayes Commercial Manager – Games

Alan Taylor Merchandiser

Jason Brooks New Release Manager

David Yelland Merchandiser

Martin Baxter Re/Play Games Manager

Gavin Howes Campaign Buyer

Hannah Ebbatson Re/Play Games Assistant

Richard Thompson Assistant Games Buyer

Tim Bradshaw Re/Play Games Assistant

Al Hunter Marketing Planner

Toby Burton Senior Games Buyer

Dominic Mulroy Head of Gamerbase

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UK GAMES RETAIL The games retail scene is very different to how it was 12 months ago, following the integration of GAME and Gamestation, the collapse of EUK, Zavvi and Woolworths, plus the arrival of The Entertainer, Co-op and Next.

MCV provides a detailed run-down of the leading buyers and personnel at the UK’s top games retailers…

BLOCKBUSTER

SAINSBURY’S Number of UK Stores: 703

Number of UK Stores: 792

Address: Blockbuster Entertainment Ltd, Harefield Place, The Drive, Ickenham, Uxbridge, UB10 8AQ

Address: J Sainsbury plc, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT

MEET THE TEAM: Gurdeep Hunjan Games Manager

Websites: www.blockbuster.co.uk

Contact Number: 020 7695 6000

Contact Number: 0845 60 60 383

MEET THE TEAM: James Morton Head of Product Megan Bennett Product Manager

Websites: www.jsainsburys.co.uk www.sainsburys.co.uk

Chris Cahill Senior Buyer

Blockbuster is one of the UK’s biggest video game retailers, although it primarily focuses on selling and renting DVDs. The former owner of Gamestation stocks games for all platforms and boasts a big tradein focus, and recently launched its Total Entertainment store concept, with a specific focus on games and gadgets.

Blockbuster also rents out games for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii and DS. Bar a few notable releases, Blockbuster does not stock software for PC.

Nick Arran Senior Buyer

Kenneth Clow Buyer

Sainsbury’s has seen a major upturn in video games sales over the past two years, and has increased floor space for games in a bid to catch supermarket rivals Tesco and Asda.

The firm’s focus has been on its execution, store display, merchandising and strong compliance levels. And much like Asda and Tesco, has recently recruited staff from Entertainment UK, namely Chris Cahill and Nick Arran.

The team’s boss Gurdeep Hunjan was recently promoted to games manager.

ASDA MEET THE TEAM:

Number of UK Stores: 356 Address: Asda House, Great Wilson St, Leeds, LS11 5AD Websites: www.asda.co.uk www.asda-entertainment.co.uk Contact Number: 0113 243 5435

Duncan Cross Games Buying Manager Asda has made significant progress in the video game space over the past two years. Last year the company expanded store space for games and launched its in-store magazine. Following the collapse of EUK, the firm greatly grew its games buying team and added merchandise, supply, distribution and marketing personnel in a bid to become the country’s ‘largest non-specialist games retailer.’

Andy McFie Games Buyer

James Yelland Games Buyer

John Taylor Games Buyer

Ben Encell Games Trading Assistant

Alistair Islip Games Buyer

Laura Lister Games Buyer

Laura Pritchard Games Marketing Manager

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UK GAMES RETAIL ARGOS

CHIPS Number of UK Stores: 31 Address: CHIPS Franchise Ltd, 63-65 Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3AA Websites: www.chipsworld.co.uk Contact Number: 0870 0130028

MEET THE TEAM: Anthony Stocker Buyer, video game software and musical instruments

Duncan Pickering Trading manager, video game software, photo, sat navs, white goods Chris Jones Assistant Buyer, video game software and musical instruments

Calum Mair Assistant Buyer, video game software and musical instruments

Clair Albone Buying Assistant, video game software and musical instruments

Sukhveer Kandola Merchandise Assistant, video game software and musical instruments

Number of UK Stores: 735 Address: Home Retail Group plc, Avebury, 489-499 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2NW

The team at CHIPS has been serving the games industry for 23 years. The chain consists of 11 company-owned stores and 19 franchise outlets. The retailer has recently re-launched its Chipsworld website in collaboration with The Hut, and last year revealed its own-brand peripherals range. The chain also has its own magazine and CHIPS TV service.

MEET THE TEAM:

Websites: www.argos.co.uk www.argosentertainment.co.uk www.homeretailgroup.com Contact Number: 0845 603 6677

Every year Argos serves some 130 million customers and takes four million orders either online or over the phone. On average, 17 million UK households have an Argos catalogue.

The popular chain hopes to extend its store base to over 800 in the near future and it currently employs around 34,000 members of staff.

Argos’ presence in the video game space continues to expand. As well as extended space in its main catalogue and increased in-store POS, Argos also runs a video games catalogue, which can be viewed in larger stores and was recently distributed in consumer specialist press.

Jon Biggs Gaming Buyer

Address: Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC, Hilmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, BD3 7D

Richard Searling Senior Buyer Ents

Websites: www.morrisons.co.uk

Gary Beattie Trading Manager

Contact Number: 0845 611 5000

Nik Agar Joint MD of Chipsworld and CHIPS Franchise

Gordon Brandon CHIPS Office Manager

Martin Gillson Amy McCabe CHIPS Operations CHIPS Area Manager Manager

Jo Gurney Assistant Category Manager Morrisons made a big impact on game sales in September last year by knocking 50 per cent off new chart games. Since then the firm has grown its software range, and was quick to switch to distributor Music Box Leisure (MBL) following the collapse of Entertainment UK towards the end of 2008.

MBL’s games buyer Dan Whitehead works alongside Jon Biggs in deciding the firm’s range.

Debra McCabe Franchise & Marketing Manager

Dave Jarvis Business Development Manager

Phil Heath Logistics

DSGi MEET THE TEAM:

MORRISONS Number of UK Stores: 375

Don McCabe Joint MD of Chipsworld and CHIPS Franchise

Natalie Hilborne Assistant Category Manager Danielle Fleming Category Manager

Number of UK Stores: 725 (161 PC World, 564 Currys) Address: DSG International plc, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7TG Websites: www.pcworld.co.uk, www.dsgiplc.com, www.pixmania.co.uk, www.currys.co.uk, www.dixons.com Contact Number: 0844 800 2030

Peter Willis Category Manager

Kevin Shield Senior Category Manager

PC World and Currys stock a moderate selection of games for all platforms, while PC World mainly focuses on PC titles. The Group has an international presence with over 1,300 stores worldwide, employing around 40,000 people. 100 million customers shop in-store and online with DSGi every year.

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MCV 03/07/09 17

UK GAMES RETAIL TESCO

Address: Play.com, PO Box 192, Jersey, JE4 8RP Websites: www.play.com, www.playtrade.com Contact Number: 01223 484180

Number of UK Stores: 2,282 Address: Tesco Stores, Cirrus House, Falcon Way, Shire Park, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1AB

AND THE REST…

PLAY.COM

Alongside Amazon, Play.com is one of the UK’s largest entertainment websites. The company stocks hardware and software for all platforms, and runs regular sales and pre-order offers. The retailer also launched consumer games show Play.com Live last year.

Former Zavvi head of games Patrick Kelly is the man in charge of the games team, joining the company following the departure of Gian Luzio.

Alongside Kelly is games buyer Keith Sharpe who is a member of MCV’s Retail Advisory Board.

Sharpe joined Play.com three years ago following an eightyear stint at rental specialist Choices, where he was in charge of games for over 200 stores.

Also on the team is games buyer Neil Simpkins, a regular in MCV’s 30 under 30 who joined the firm five years ago. Also signing up five years ago was games buyer Steve Moore, who was hired from distributor Interactive Ideas.

MEET THE TEAM:

Tesco has recently revamped its games team in an effort to grow its presence in the sector, by securing key personnel from EUK including John Stanhope and Mark Burgess.

The company launched an instore games magazine last year in partnership with Gamesradar, and also began selling exclusive packs of PC games created in partnership with super-budget publisher Grab It.

John Stanhope Senior Buying Manager Games Joanna Hunt Buying Manager Games

Patrick Kelly Head of Games

Nick Simpkins Games Buyer

Jean Marie Buying Administrator Games

Keith Sharpe Games Buyer

Steve Moore Games Buyer

THE HUT This white label firm runs websites for top retailers, including Tesco, and Asda.

It also has its own sites thehut.com, Zavvi.co.uk, cd-wow.com and sendit.com.

Key Contact: Gian Luzio, Product Director 0870 240 8956

MEET THE TEAM: Chris Poad Director of Software and Video Games

Address: Patriot Court, 1-9 The Grove, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1QP Websites: www.amazon.co.uk

Graham Chambers Head of Games and Software Buying

Brian Foote Vendor Manager Games

Craig Kerman Vendor Manager Games

Amit Shah Vendor Manager Software

TOYS R US The 73-store strong toy chain stocks software and hardware for Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft platforms.

Key Contact: Steve Pearson 01628 414 141

AMAZON

Stephen Worden Buying Manager Games Mark Burgess Buyer Games

Key Contact: Tom C Smith, Product Development Manager for Entertainment Systems at John Lewis.

020 7828 1000

Key Contact: Jon Biddle, Games Buyer 0845 456 7777

MEET THE TEAM: Rob Salter Category Director Home Entertainment

JOHN LEWIS The department specialist has vowed to increase its games offer in time for Christmas. The chain features 27 stores and a mail order website.

NEXT The clothes retailer moved into games via its Next Directory towards the end of 2007, and is planning to moves games into some of its 480 UK stores.

Websites: www.tesco.co.uk, www.tescoplc.com www.tescoentertainment.com Contact Number: 01992 632222

Alongside the large retailers, there is an array of other stores, chains and websites in the games space, including the following...

Contact Number: 0208 636 9200 Amazon boasts one of the largest ranges of video games and accessories in the UK, thanks in part to its extensive Marketplace.

Recently, the retailer hired new game director Chris Poad from German online giant OTTO. Amazon.co.uk appeals to all forms of consumers, with its dynamic home page that features products targeted at individual users. The firm’s US operation has recently launched a games trade-in service and a Xbox Live Arcade offer, selling digital 360 games through its website. However, there is no news on if these services will be coming to the UK.

THE ENTERTAINER The toy specialist started selling DS and Wii games and hardware last year in all of its 47 stores.

Key Contact: Stuart Grant, Buying Director 0844 800 5100 THE CO-OPERATIVE DS and PS2 software is now available in a selection of the Co-op’s 3,000 grocery stores, including Somerfield. The chain’s offer is serviced by MBL. Key Contact: Angela Cattigan Head of Home Entertainment 0161 834 1212 COMET The electrical retailer continues to stock a selection of games and hardware, with 250 stores nationwide.

Key Contact: Paul Bangs, Games Buyer 01923 710 000 GRAINGER GAMES The indie chain continues to grow at an rapid rate, with now over 20 stores in the North of England.

Key Contact: Stephen Bowyer, Managing Director 0191 218 1827

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dtp entertainment AG Tel: +49 (0) 40 66 99 10 – 0 www.dtp-entertainment.com

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MCV 03/07/09 21

GUIDE TO GAMESCOM

Ode to

Cologne In August, Europe’s games industry – and thousands of consumers – will descend on German city Cologne for the first Gamescom exhibition. It’s shaping up to be a major event. MCV offers a guide to the show…

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GUIDE TO GAMESCOM

KEY EXHIBITORS This is just a taste of the list that includes over 300 names confirmed to attend so far. But already the exhibitor guide is reading like an A-Z of the games industry’s major players…

GAMESCOM: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW Gamescom is a five-day games expo for both consumers and the games industry. Along with a mix of festival-style events, its exhibition consists of content for both trade and non-trade attendees with dedicated entertainment, conference and business areas.

Location: Cologne Exhibition Centre.

Dates: Wednesday, August 19th to Sunday, August 23rd (August 19th is a day for trade visitors and the media only; event opens to the public on the Thursday; business area will be closed on the Sunday).

Gamescom Business Area: Designed as a place for retailers, publishers, service companies and developers to do business.

Organiser: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany.

Opening hours: The business area is open every day from 9am to 7pm; exhibitors can access the entertainment showfloor an hour before and after its usual hours of 10am to 8pm.

Gamescom Entertainment Area: An E3-like showcase of upcoming product designed for both trade and consumer visitors. The organisers

promise ‘jaw-dropping indoor and outdoor performances’.

Individual gaming zones for specific genres such as sports, lifestyle, action and esports also ‘make this trade fair unique’.

Gamescom Festival: Runs from Friday, August 21st to Sunday, August 23rd.

Starting with a music concert, the festival will stretch beyond the exhibition centre to include a number of different events to showcase the culture and variety of gaming.

Gamescom Conference Programme: There are two lecture-based events running

in complement of Gamescom.

They are: GDC Europe: Running ahead of the main fair, from August 17th to 19th, this developer conference promises a mix of keynotes, lectures, roundtables ad workshops with speakers from across Europe and around the world. gamesCompetence: Taking place on Thursday, August 20th, this is a special forum dedicated to discussing the issues around child-safety and ageappropriate content in video games. Backed by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (where Cologne is located).

1C Publishing Activision Blizzard Atari Autodesk Avanquest Bigben Interactive Bigpoint BugTracker Capcom CCP Games City Interactive Computec Digital Bros.

DTP Entertainment Eidos Electronic Arts Emergent Game Technologies Eurogamer FishLabs Funcom Gala Networks Gameloft GOA Hasbro Italian Game Developers Kalypso Koch Media Konami Lexis Numerique Logic3 McAfee Microsoft Namco Bandai NCsoft Nintendo Nordic Game Program Nyko Panini SAE Institute Sega SCEE Sony DADC SouthPeak Square Enix Sunflex Symantec Take-Two Interactive Terminal Reality Testronic Labs Trinigy Ubisoft Warner Bros Xaitment

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GUIDE TO GAMESCOM

Com one, come all…

The inaugural Gamescom this August is proving to be an ambitious event, supported by everyone who is anyone in the industry – and open to all. But don’t just take our word for it. Here, Oliver Kuhrt of organiser Koelnmesse runs through the plans for the event…

IN LESS THAN 50 days, Cologne’s trade fair centre Koelnmesse will be celebrating the world of interactive entertainment. A dazzling display awaits gamers, fans and families – both on the trade fair grounds and in the city.

Gamescom features the stars of a successful trade fair: namely, the exhibiting companies and partners of Gamescom. The industry’s new leading trade fair has already managed to bring all of the significant players on board.

With Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony, the three platform owners are at the top of the list of exhibitors. In addition to other companies affiliated with our association partner the German Federal Association of Interactive Entertainment Software (the BIU), the industry’s entire value chain – from developers to publishers to major retail partners – will be completely represented in Cologne.

Across 120,000 square metres of exhibition space, visitors to Gamescom will see the games industry’s entire thematic spectrum in Cologne – including PC and video games, as well as online and offline games.

A SHOW FOR THE TRADE…

It is two months before the start of the trade fair and we have currently received over 300 registrations from exhibitors.

I cannot yet predict the final number of companies that will be participating in the premiere of Gamescom on August 19th. However, one thing is already clear: Gamescom will quickly be the international event it was conceived to be.

The share of foreign companies participating in Gamescom is now already at around 40 per cent.

International companies from 25 countries will be exhibiting. Major industry players from the USA, Canada, France, Great Britain, Japan, China and even Cyprus and Israel will be there.

Six individual countries – namely Canada, France, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand and the Netherlands, plus countries of

Oliver Kuhrt is head of Koelnmesse, the exhibition centre in Cologne that is organising Gamescom this summer

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GUIDE TO GAMESCOM

Scandinavia together – will even be using pavilions to present themselves to their visitors and partners.

This high degree of internationalism two months before the start of the trade fair is proof that Cologne’s trade fair centre offers the ideal prerequisites for providing international momentum.

Prior to the trade show, trade visitors and retail partners can comfortably book their travel and accommodation online via Koelnmesse Service. Thanks to being optimally connected to European transportation routes and the Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt airports, travelling to Cologne is quick and simple. It is even possible to travel directly to Cologne from abroad without changing planes or trains. We have almost 70 partner hotels, guaranteeing sufficient hotel capacities during the event.

On location in Cologne, the Business Centre – with its own entrance, direct access and parking spaces – also provides the ideal prerequisites for ‘business at its best’.

Exhibitors clearly agree: the high demand for exhibition space proves that this concept is successful. To meet the demand, we have opened two additional hall levels, proving the importance that the industry and retail partners are already assigning to Gamescom as a platform to do business. …AND FOR CONSUMERS

For consumer action, events, entertainment and edutainment await them across 80,000 square metres of exhibition space. The spectacle will be immense both indoors and out.

With exhibitors like Nintendo, Sega, Namco Bandai, Bigben Interactive, Hama, Koch Media, Konami, Sony, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, Square Enix and Take Two – plus other e-sports, hardware and other online gaming firms like GOA, NcSoft and Funcom – gamers will find offers to suit them in every hall. Everyone from more casual to intensive gamers will find something that interests them. And in order to give visitors as much playing time as possible, we have also come up with socalled ‘gaming zones’ where it is possible to play non-stop.

In addition to the numerous highlights and innovations from exhibitors, Gamescom will become an

Hundreds of thousands – including a mix of trade and consumer visitors – are expected to attend August’s games event in Cologne

experience for fans and families in the interactive world thanks to a spectacular supporting programme on the fairgrounds. These events include a case-modding championship, a world record attempt in cosplay, as well as sport and show highlights. And anyone who needs a break from all this entertainment can relax at the Gamescom beach in the outdoor area we have designed.

Koelnmesse’s Congress Centre North we will run a special conference organised by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Cologne, the Media Authority of NRW

“

Koelnmesse will be celebrating the world of interactive entertainment.

A dazzling display awaits gamers, fans and families.

COMPETENCE AND COLLABORATION

and the BIU. It is free of charge and open to everyone without registration.

Through keynote speeches and presentations, it deals with all relevant aspects of modern computer gaming culture. The highlight will certainly be the political summit talk.

One of the major topics being emphasised at Gamescom is, of course, the topic of youth protection in all its many facets. The ‘gamesCompetence’ area at the event is especially devoted to this issue.

When it comes to interactive media and properly dealing with it, young people and parents as well as educators and politics find themselves in a complex area of tension. As part of Gamescom, ‘gamesCompetence’ brings together the various target groups, gives them an opportunity to speak and invites them into the exhibition halls in special theme and dialogue areas.

August 20th is the highlight of gamesCompetence – on this day in

WIDER FESTIVITIES

Gamescom would not have come about without one thing: such teamwork amongst the games industry. Which makes our city-wide games festival all the more special.

While Koelnmesse will be celebrating games from August 19th to 23rd, the wider Gamescom Festival will excite the dynamically growing target group of casual gamers plus core gamers.

We will begin this celebration with a performance by Die Toten Hosen, currently Germany’s most successful live band. This open-air concert is a genuine headline act for the festival’s opening.

In order to make sure fans can get from one place to the next quickly and easily, the festival organisers have decided to have a ‘festival of short distances’; so all the major outdoor events will take place in direct proximity to the exhibition, making it a busy and convenient show.

The GamescomCamp – the camping location for Gamescom – is nearby, and for the GameHotel event Microsoft is also inviting people to the roof of their headquarters on the other side of the Rhine. There are many other events and musical acts planned, too.

In all, I believe that it is clear that the trade fair centre of Colgone is now more than ready for the premiere of Gamescom – which will certainly become the industry’s new leading trade fair. Thanks to interesting topics, colourful images and emotions, Gamescom promises to be a truly dazzling event for both the public and media alike. I look forward to you being our guest in Cologne in August.

”

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Tom Armitage, Schulze & Webb; Limvirak Chea, Google; Mark Ollila, Nokia; Chris Thorpe, MySpace Panel: After the iPhone Honeymoon:Where Next for Apple's Mobile?

James Brooksby, doublesix; Chris Byatte, Chillingo; Paul Farley, Tag Games; Mathew Kumar, Journalist; Michael Schade, Fishlabs; Alan Yu, ngmoco

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PERSONNEL

Curran promoted as THQ details new European marketing team Publisher’s worldwide reshuffle finalised Turner bolsters sales team Lee leaves Gem Suzuki promoted

THQ’S RESTRUCTURE: (Pictured left to right) Ian Curran, Jon Rooke, Richard Williams, Sam Forrest, James Docherty and Huw Beynon have landed themselves more responsibility

THQ IAN CURRAN has been promoted to EVP for global publishing as a part of the firm’s global restructuring.

Curran will oversee worldwide revenue for THQ.

TURNER ANDREW MALLANDAINE has been promoted to UK sales controller at Turner Media Innovations. He has worked with the firm since 1997.

The company has also created three new positions within this department, with ZARA HUTT joining as sponsorship and promotions executive and PHILL MOLLOY as associate producer.

Finally, the sales team has been trengthened by its new

Elsewhere, former European marketing director RICHARD WILLIAMS has stepped up from his position to become vice president of European marketing.

interactive and digital sales manager RACHEL LEWIS. “Andrew has a proven track record in the sales arena and I am confident that he will help us continue to maintain our robust position,” said Turner Media Innovations’ vice president SIMON COX. “I’m delighted to take the helm at a media sales operation that has a reputation for delivering advertising innovation across all platforms,” added Mallandaine.

JON ROOKE moves up into the position of head of marketing, while HUW BYNON has been promoted to head of digital marketing for the UK and Europe.

GEM The distributor’s commercial and marketing director SIMON LEE has left the company’s ranks.

Lee joined Gem from former distributor EUK, and oversaw departments such as Purchasing and Gem Creative.

He was also responsible for the product management team, which involved working with key vendors, securing potential new vendors and sourcing and launching new products and distribution deals.

Meanwhile, SAM FORREST becomes head of PR for UK and Europe. And new recruit JAMES DOCHERTY signs up as head of European market insight.

Taking over his role is former general sales manager TRACEY TENNISON, who is now head of purchasing with immediate effect.

Tennison joined Gem’s sales team back in 2005, complete with ten years of sales experience, and was responsible for all sales activity in the National Accounts, Catalogue, Leisure and Business sales departments. In her new role, Tennison will report to managing director CHRIS PEACOCK. “I would like to thank Simon Lee for his contribution to the amazing success that Gem has enjoyed over the last three years,” said Peacock.

SONY KUNIMASA SUZUKI has been promoted to deputy president of Sony Computer Entertainment.

He will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the

The rearranged team has already seen success with the recent Red Faction Guerrilla, as well as UFC 2009, the publisher’s first UK No. 1 in over two-and-a-half years.

company’s PlayStation business.

Suzuki has been with Sony since 1984. He recently served as general manager of Sony’s VAIO business and EVP of Sony Electronics in the US. His new role will see him report to Kazuo Hirai, PlayStation president and group CEO. Suzuki will also maintain his role as SVP and deputy president of the Networked Products and Service Group.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the PlayStation team,” said Suzuki.

“I’m determined to maximise my contribution to accelerating the expansion of the PlayStation business, one of Sony’s core categories, and at the same time play an active role in linking the consumer electronics and PlayStation teams to strategically fuse both businesses and create new and unique Sony user experiences.”

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RETAILBIZ RECOMMENDED GAMES PRICE CHECK CHARTS NEW RELEASES

FALLOUT 3 GAME ADD-ON PACK Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt make the journey from DLC to retail... Page 30

WITH THIS ISSUE A Recommended Extra dedicated to Wii Sports Resort, Nintendo’s hit release that truly demonstrates Wii MotionPlus

MY FITNESS COACH P32 Cardio Workout continues the work of the original by introducing Boxercises MAJOR MINOR P33 Major Minor’s Majestic March provides Wii owners with a charming music game RESIDENT EVIL: ARCHIVES P33 The original Resident Evil returns to retail, remade for Wii and infecting new gamers

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RETAILBIZ: FALLOUT 3 GAME ADD-ON PACK 30 MCV 03/07/09

Bethesda works to build on the success of 2008’s Fallout 3 with the release of the first add-on pack, bringing the inaugural DLC offerings to retail for the first time...

RELEASED: JULY 3 FORMATS: XBOX 360, PC PUBLISHER: BETHESDA SOFTWORKS DEVELOPER: BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS PRICE: £14.99 DISTRIBUTOR: ADVANTAGE CONTACT: 0121 506 9585

WWW.MCVUK.COM

by James Batchelor BETHESDA’S FALLOUT 3 was one of the biggest triumphs of 2008. From silencing fan concerns about the IP’s new direction to its impressive sales achievements, it seems that the game can do no wrong.

The game racked up sales of 4.7 million copies in the UK and US alone, representing a retail value of $300 million – Fallout 3 is retail gold.

So retailers would be wise to stock plenty of Bethesda’s latest release, Fallout 3 Game Add-On Pack: Operation Anchorage and The Pitt.

Within its catchy title are the names of the first two DLC packs released for Fallout 3. Already released for download on Xbox 360 and PC towards the start of the year, these additional episodes now make their retail debut in a compilation that caters to those unable

“

to download such content and entices those yet to do so.

Operation Anchorage and The Pitt both add new areas for Fallout 3 players to traverse, taking them away from the Capitol Wasteland and exploring other regions of a post-apocalyptic United States. Here they will find new items to

3 sold a seriously high amount of units only helps to promote this, the first addon pack.”

HAVING AN EPISODE

Operation Anchorage appeases veteran Fallout followers by allowing them to take part in one of the pivotal events of the series’ backstory.

Entering a military We expect great things for simulation, players must this. Fallout 3 sold a seriously liberate the settlement of high amount of units, which Anchorage, Alaska, which helps to promote this pack. has been invaded by Chinese Communists.

Paul Oughton, Bethesda The episode is a far cry from the dreary, ruined wasteland of the collect and missions to undertake, main game, transporting gamers to a adding more content to a game already snow-covered, treacherous tundra. Here bursting with things to discover. they must establish a base where they “We expect great things for this can assemble their strike teams before pack,” says Bethesda’s sales director attacking and defeating the Chinese.

Paul Oughton.

The Pitt offers a completely different “Benchmarking would suggest that experience. More akin to Fallout 3’s the UK should achieve a 20 to 25 per Washington D.C., this DLC is set in the cent attachment rate to sales of the post-apocalyptic ruins of Pittsburgh – original Fallout 3. The fact that Fallout

”

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VISIONS: The DLC episodes maintain Fallout 3’s visual style but present their own vision of the future

MCV 03/07/09 31

now known as The Pitt. Gamers are asked to help free the slaves at an industrial mill controlled by raiders, as well as searching for a cure to an infection that transforms humans into hideous creatures called trogs.

While Operation Anchorage is focused on military action, The Pitt places an emphasis on morally ambiguous choices, giving wastelanders much more freedom in how they progress. They can bring down the raiders with a full-on assault or by infiltrating their stronghold – the decision is theirs.

These two DLC episodes are the first of many (see ‘Future Episodes’), so this Game Add-On Pack is only the beginning. Bethesda will continue to build on the triumph of Fallout 3 in the future, with fans already looking forward to the likes of Fallout: New Vegas and the additional DLC packs.

Bethesda also recently announced Fallout 3’s downloadable content is heading to PS3, so expect a re-release of this product on that format in the future.

FUTURE EPISODES Fallout 3 only released in October 2008, but it has already seen three DLC episodes with two more to follow.

Given the success of the original game, and Bethesda’s hopes for this first addon pack, it’s safe to say retailers can expect to stock more Fallout expansion packs in the coming 12 months.

Operation Anchorage Included in this pack. The first DLC add-on that took Wastelanders to the frozen tundra of Alaska in a recreation of a battle against an army of Chinese Communist invaders.

The Pitt Included in this pack. This takes players to an industrial raider town in the ruins of Pittsburgh where they must liberate a slave-driven mill.

Broken Steel An epic pack, presumably set for a retail release later on, this alters the ending of Fallout 3’s main questline to allow players to continue exploring the Wasteland after the story has ended.

As well as including new missions and items, Broken Steel also raises the level cap from 20 to 30, enabling gamers to further develop their characters.

Point Lookout Exploring an area that was not affected by the nuclear apocalypse, this invites Wastelanders to the swampy remains of the abandoned Point Lookout State Park in Maryland.

Point Lookout boasts a much larger area to explore than the other DLC packs, though this is filled with hostile mutated creatures.

Mothership Zeta When players respond to an alien distress call, they are abducted by the extra-terrestrials they encounter and trapped on their spacecraft. Their only hope is to escape their captors and search the vessel for a way back to Earth, collecting the unique, advanced technology that will help in their adventures when they return to the Capitol Wasteland.

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RETAILBIZ: MY FITNESS COACH 32 MCV 03/07/09

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Ubisoft expands on its fitness brand to help consumers get into shape in time for the summer holidays…

by James Batchelor FITNESS GAMES have truly taken off over the last year, due in no small part to the success of Wii Fit. Nintendo’s self-improvement title has proved in its first year of release that such software can achieve impressive sales throughout the year, unconstrained by the traditional Christmas-centric sales trends of more traditional games.

Ubisoft went on to prove this further with My Fitness Coach: Get In Shape back in January.

Released to capitalise on the postChristmas fitness fad that seizes the UK every year, the game performed well at retail and prompted the published to expand on the new brand with an upcoming sequel this summer.

My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout arrives in time for the summer holidays and has been designed to continue the work started by Get In Shape.

WITNESS THE FITNESS Introducing new exercises that not only work as a standalone routine but also complement those of the first game, Ubisoft is confident Cardio Workout will stand out in a competitive market.

“My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout follows up on the success of My Fitness Coach: Get In Shape, which has sold 200,000 units to date in the UK,” says Ubisoft’s brand manager Ombeline Wallon.

“There is obviously more competition now with the recent releases of EA Sports Active and Jillian Michael’s Fitness Ultimatum, but thanks to our early start in January, we believe My Fitness Coach as a brand now stands out in consumers’ minds.”

While Get In Shape offered a general workout, built to improve the body’s overall fitness, Ubisoft has chosen to specialise with the sequel. Focusing on a different and crucial area health, Cardio

“

Workout lives up to its namesake with carefully chosen exercises.

“My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout specifically focuses on cardio training,” says Wallon. “All the exercises are inspired by boxing, so you will find yourself punching mitts, doing squats on the Wii Balance Board, skipping or

routines prepared, ensuring that users will find both variety and replay value.

FEEL THE BURN The game tracks data from each workout, allowing players to browse through their results in various graphs and charts, with a calendar displaying how often they have used Cardio Workout.

There is obviously Data can be assigned to competition out there, but we a customisable avatar, think our brand’s early start which can be kitted bodes well for the sequel. out with clothing and fitness accessories Ombeline Wallon, Ubisoft unlocked by performing learning punch routines. Boxing well in the workouts. exercises are a great way to improve Given the success of the original fitness and have been used in gyms for a game, Ubisoft is confident that an while now with Boxercise routines.” audience for Cardio Workout has Making the package as accessible as already been established. possible, the developers have included As well as the users who benefited five varieties of lesson programmes from Get In Shape and those looking for catering for fitness fans at different an alternative to Wii Fit, the publisher levels, from beginner to advanced. has been working hard to introduce the There are also ten different types of brand to a larger audience.

”

“My Fitness Coach: Get In Shape has been a good steady seller since launch and we can expect My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout to follow a similar trend. There is more competition now but the Fitness Coach brand now resonates with consumers and the positive word of mouth on My Fitness Coach: Get In Shape will strengthen the position of Cardio Workout.

“My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout releases in July, right at the end of our ‘Step Into Summer’ campaign, which heavily featured My Fitness Coach: Get In Shape. The brand is now in consumers’ minds, which is great for the launch of My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout.”

RELEASED: JULY 17 FORMATS: WII PUBLISHER: UBISOFT DEVELOPER: ROCKET COMPANY PRICE: £19.99 DISTRIBUTOR: TRILOGY CONTACT: 0845 362 7769

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RETAILBIZ: MAJOR MINOR’S/RESIDENT EVIL WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 03/07/09 33

Majesco invites Nintendo Wii owners to take part in a unique musical gaming experience…

by James Batchelor MAJESCO continues the work started

by Wii Music, supplying the demand for a rhythm action experience with less focus on mastering meticulously choreographed routines and more emphasis on freedom of expression.

Major Minor’s Majestic March is the brainchild of the creative team behind PaRappa The Rappa and hands players the baton of a parade conductor. As they march through vibrant colourful worlds in time with the beat, they can customise the tune their band plays by adding the instrument-wielding animals they encounter on their route.

“Major Minor is a colourful, uniquely charming music game,” explains Majesco’s marketing manager international John Merchant. “It’s simple to play and easy to enjoy – we’ve no doubt casual gamers and even seasoned gamers will find plenty to enjoy here. There has been a huge RELEASED: JULY 24 FORMATS: WII PUBLISHER: MAJESCO DEVELOPER: NANA ON-SHA PRICE: £24.99 DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388

amount of interest from mainstream and specialist media and it shows no signs of letting up as we approach launch. One thing’s for sure – Major Minor hits all the right notes.”

The game’s pedigree extends beyond its development team. As well as being the brainchild of PaRappa designer and musician Masaya Matsuura, Major Minor has been blessed with worlds designed by New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat.

MINOR’S STRIKE

More importantly, the game boasts the colourful style and accessible controls that have made previous Wii titles a hit.

“The music and rhythm action genre continues to perform excellently at retail – and Major Minor, like Wii Music before it, offers a much more accessible proposition than most,” says Merchant. “This is a title that can be enjoyed by everyone, doesn’t require any new hardware to get the most out of, and is universal in its appeal.

“We’re really focusing our attention on in-store activity – the game is so visually striking we’ll be looking to communicate this through POS and instore activity. The release is perfectly timed to release at the beginning of the kids’ summer holidays.”

The original survival horror hit get revamped for Wii as Capcom delves into its back catalogue…

by James Batchelor THE SURVIVAL horror genre was truly kick-started in 1996, with the original Resident Evil arriving on the PlayStation. The game’s ambition, storyline, gameplay and atmosphere all broke new ground for spine-chilling games and spawned a franchise that has sold over 40 million games around the world.

This year has already satisfied series fans with Resident Evil 5 and Capcom’s E3 announcement of a PSP instalment has given gamers plenty of reason to be excited. Last month, Capcom released a title that is sure to expand the Resident Evil fanbase further: Resident Evil Archives.

Revisiting the first game in the series, this title not only allows veterans to relive the horrors they first experienced back in 1996, it also introduces newcomers to the franchise. Based heavily on the 2002 RELEASED: OUT NOW FORMATS: WII PUBLISHER: CAPCOM DEVELOPER: CAPCOM PRICE: £19.99 DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3388

remake released on GameCube, this latest version of Resident Evil has been enhanced and optimised for the Wii. The classic story remains the same.

When a Special Tactics and Rescue Services (S.T.A.R.S) team disappears while investigating a mysterious mansion in the Aklay Mountains, the unit despatches its Alpha team to discover what happened.

NECESSARY EVIL

Players once again take on the role of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they follow two separate paths through the mansion, with a possible ten endings depending on the decisions they make along the way.

As they progress, they must solve fiendish puzzles and battle with the hordes of zombies and other infected creatures as they fight for survival.

While Resident Evil fans may remember most of the game’s twists and turns, anyone who missed out on the 2002 remake will find new rooms and areas to discovers, as well as additional items and enemies that did not appear in the 1996 original.

With gameplay that still holds up today tweaked to account for the Wii’s unique control system, this is the ultimate edition of a modern classic.

34 MCV544_final:43 MCV467

29/6/09

11:53

Page 1

RETAILBIZ: NEW RELEASES 34 MCV 03/07/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

Check out MCVUK.COM/RELEASE-DATES for more

Major Wii releases heat up the summer Nintendo’s MotionPlus flagship Wii Sports Release finally debuts, while a slightly delayed The Conduit arrives to appease core games. Also approaching retail is Batman: Arkham Asylum, G-Force and Peppa Pig...

TITLE

FORMAT

GENRE

PUBLISHER

TELEPHONE

DISTRIBUTOR

PC PC Wii

Music Mystery FPS

Activision Blizzard Focus Multimedia Sega

0121 625 3388 01889 570156 0121 625 3388

Centresoft Open Sega

PC PC PS3 / XBOX 360 DS Wii Wii / DS

Casual Simulation Action Puzzle Self-Improvement Adventure

Focus Multimedia Just Flight South Peak Deep Silver Ubisoft Ubisoft

01889 570156 0845 234 4242 0121 625 3388 0870 027 0985 0845 362 7769 0845 362 7769

Open Mastertronic Centresoft Koch Trilogy Trilogy

PC PC / Wii DS Wii Wii PS3 Wii

Adventure Mini-games Strategy Kids Kids Chess Mini-games

Focus Multimedia Zushi Ubisoft Midas Midas Deep Silver Nintendo

01889 570156 01279 822 800 0845 362 7769 0845 234 4242 0845 234 4242 0870 027 0985 0870 027 0985

Open Gem Trilogy Mastertronic Mastertronic Koch Koch

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

Action Action Action RPG Puzzle

Zushi City Interactive Disney Interactive Koei Zushi

01279 822 800 0845 362 7769 0121 625 3388 01462 476 130 01279 822 800

Gem Trilogy Centresoft Open Gem

Self-Improvement Kids

Nintendo Slitherine

0870 027 0985 0870 027 0985

koch Koch

DS

Self-Improvement

Mindscape

0870 027 0985

Koch

PS3 DS DS Wii

RPG Sports Music Sports

Ghostlight Oxygen Deep Silver Ghostlight

01376 555333 0121 625 3388 0870 027 0985 01376 555333

Open Centresoft Koch Open

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

Action Simulation RPG Simulation Mystery Action FPS Racing Sports Sports Sports

Eidos 505 Games Koei Mindscape City Interactive City Interactive South Peak Midas Zushi Midas Blade Interactive

0121 625 3388 0121 506 9585 01462 476 130 0870 027 0985 0845 362 7769 0845 362 7769 0121 625 3388 01376 555 333 01279 822 800 01376 555 333 0870 027 0985

Centresoft Advantage Open Koch Trilogy Trilogy Centresoft Open Gem Open Koch

Wii / XBOX 360

Action

South Peak

0121 625 3388

Centresoft

JULY 10th Guitar Hero: World Tour Mystery Case Files: Return To Ravenhearst The Conduit

JULY 17th Azada: Ancient Magic Flying Club II Hail To The Chimp Line Rider: Freestyle My Fitness Coach: Cardio Workout Peppa Pig

JULY 24th Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle Calvin Tucker's Redneck Jamboree City Life Clever Kids: Farmyard Fun Clever Kids: Pirates Fritz Chess Wii Sports Resort

JULY 31st Big Foot Collision Course Code Of Honour 3: Rise Of The Desert Devil G-Force Mana Khemia: Alchemists of Al-Revis Puzzle Kingdoms

AUGUST 7th Active Health with Carol Vorderman (with activity meter) DS Horrible Histories: Ruthless Romans Wii / PC / DS

AUGUST 14th Gardening Guide ñ How To Get Green Fingers

AUGUST 21st Agarest: Generations Of War All Star 5-A-Side Football DJ Star International Athletics

AUGUST 28th Batman: Arkham Asylum Beauty Salon Cross Edge Groovy Chick: My Fashion World Mary Celeste Navy Seals Section 8 Super Speed Machines Ten Pin Alley World Cup of Pool WSC Real 09: World Snooker Championship

AUGUST MISC Brave: A Warrior's Tale

MUSTSTOCK ......................WII SPORTS RESORT Released: July 24th Format: Wii Publisher: Nintendo Distributor: Koch Contact: 0870 027 0985

The title set to truly show off the potential of Nintendo’s MotionPlus add-on, Wii Sports Resort follows on from the success of Wii Sports. With a new selection of sports that are guaranteed to satisfy both core and casual gamers, expect this one to fly off the shelves.

MUSTSTOCK ................................THE CONDUIT Released: July 10th Format: Wii Publisher: Sega Distributor: Centresoft Contact: 0121 625 3388

A highly anticipated release among FPS fans and core gamers on the Wii, High Voltage’s promising shooter has a massive audience already waiting for it. With its stunning visuals pushing the Wii’s hardware more than ever, this is certain to impress.

GamescomAd:Layout 1

29/6/09

11:15

Page 1

Planning to do the business in Cologne?

Then make the most of our special Gamescom edition of MCV, published on Friday August 14th.

• Distribution in the Business Centre • Extra circulation of 3,000 • Hall maps & exhibitor list • Additional advertiser focus • Full Cologne city guide: bars, restaurants & culture

Call Lesley.blumson@intentmedia.co.uk or Rob.baker@intentmedia.co.uk

International Media Partner

36,37 MCV544_final

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13:49

Page 1

RETAILBIZ: HIGH STREET 36 MCV 03/07/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

Sponsored by

RETAIL BIZ:

NEWS

REVIEW SCORES MCV provides the most important average review scores of the last few days – all sourced from Metacritic...

87%

85%

80%

78%

The SIms 3 EA, PC

Infamous Sony, PS3

Prototype Activision, PS3

Ghostbusters Sony, PS3

*Metacritic scores correct at the time of going to press

DEAL OF THE WEEK

DGSI EARNINGS DOWN 78 PER CENT DSGi, owner of PC World and Currys, posted a pre-tax loss of £140.4 million, in what chief executive John Browett described as ’a year of change.’

While the figures represent a 78 per cent year-on-year drop, they were actually slightly above the firm’s expectations. The firm blamed Europe’s economic backdrop

GameStation is offering a PS3 bundle for £349.99 which includes an 80Gb console, InFamous, Killzone 2, Call Of Duty 4 and Casino Royale on Blu-ray.

LAST WEEK

1

TITLE/FORMAT

PUBLISHER

PROTOTYPE FORMAT: 360

DEVELOPER: RADICAL ENTERTAINMENT PUBLISHER: ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

2

2

THE SIMS 3 PC

3

3

PROTOTYPE PS3

4

NEW

5

4

RED FACTION GUERRILLA 360

6

6

POKÉMON PLATINUM DS

7

8

UFC 2009: UNDISPUTED 360

8

7

9

RE

10

5

GHOSTBUSTERS PS3

UFC 2009: UNDISPUTED PS3 INFAMOUS PS3 RED FACTION GUERRILLA PS3

NEW LOW FOR NON-FOOD RETAIL Non-food retailers have experienced their worst month since July 1992, after sales fell by three per cent on 2008.

Official figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that overall retail sales fell by 1.6 per cent compared to the previous year.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research said the figures show the UK’s economy has now entered the final phase of the downturn with consumer spend in slowdown.

The firm claims the first and second phases have now passed, namely the collapse in demand for financial and construction services followed by declines in global trade volume and inventories.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE UK HIGH STREET, CHECK OUT: WWW.MCVUK.COM/RETAIL-BIZ

INDIE CHARTS - ALL FORMATS THIS WEEK

as the chief cause of the loss, and claimed it didn’t expect to see significant recovery until late 2010.

“This has been a year of significant change for the Group,” said Browett. “We have taken wide ranging actions to reorganise and restructure the business as well as implementing our Renewal and Transformation plan.

“Following our successful rights issue and placing, we now have the resources and flexibility needed to deliver on this plan at a faster pace.”

The CEO remained positive about the long term situation, claiming the plan will help DSGi reach its goals.

MCV POLL DO YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO BACK PEGI?

EA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SONY THQ

59%

While the majority of participants in the latest online MCV study are satisfied by the Government’s choice, there is still a sizeable portion of the industry that is undecided about PEGI’s new role.

NO

NINTENDO THQ THQ SONY THQ

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.

21% YES

20%

LET’S WAIT AND SEE

Take part in MCV’s next poll at www.mcvuk.com

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.

88%

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 EA, Wii

HIGH STREET FALLS AFTER APRIL RECOVERY Retail sales fell for the second month running in the year to June, following a brief respite in April.

According to latest figures from business lobby organisation CBI the decline, broadly in line with retailers’ expectations, was no worse than in May, however, and less severe than falls recorded between July 2008 and March 2009.

In the CBI’s latest Distributive Trades Survey, while 31 per cent of retailers said year-on-year sales volumes rose in the first two weeks of June, 48 per cent said they were down, giving a balance of -17 per cent.

Retailers expect sales to fall slightly faster in July, but this balance of -21 per cent is similar to expectations for June (-20 per cent).

Sales for the time of year were said to be poor by a net 15 per cent of retailers, though this was less negative than in May (a balance of -36 per cent). They are expected to be similarly below par in July (-13 per cent).

MCV offers a weekly digest of the latest news on the High Street...

36,37 MCV544_final

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Page 2

RETAILBIZ: HIGH STREET WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 03/07/09 37 Sponsored by

FROM THE [PRE ORDERS]

TOP 10 UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES PS3 SONY 2. MODERN WARFARE 2 360 ..................................................ACTIVISION

3. MODERN WARFARE 2 PS3 ..................................................ACTIVISION

4. GRAN TURSIMO 5 PS3 ..........................................................SONY

5. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 PS3 ..............................................................EA

6. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 360 ..............................................................EA

FRONTLINE This week, Nindie.com interviews John Styles and his team at Intergames…

How has Intergames been faring so far this year?

Sales of new and full-price software have been in decline over the past three months. Customers’ buying patterns have definitely changed with promotions and pre-owned holding up better, although the casual gaming market has seen the biggest fall.

How has the loss of larger retail chains last year, such as Woolworths and Zavvi, affected your business?

Footfall is definitely down on the High Street, but we are located directly opposite the old Woolworths store, so their closure has helped us greatly. That said, sales are still down around 15 per cent when compared to last year, mainly

due to 2008’s three extremely stong performers last year: GTA IV, Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit. What has been selling well at your store?

The Xbox 360, followed closely by PS3. Pre-owned games are doing particularly well as gamers are always after new products that are as affordable as possible.

What hasn’t met your expectations?

PSP has been poor for a while, and Nintendo DS sales have declined on last

year because of piracy. The casual game market has been hit particularly hard as parents are cutting back on spending at the moment.

What makes your store stand out from other indies?

We have over 8,000 new and used stock lines in, with a massive back catalogue and large stocks of DVDs and CDs. We offer trade-in on all entertainment products, so if customers want the latest game we take CDs and DVDs as well as games in part exchange. We also offer console and game repairs.

7. HALO 3: ODST 360 ..................................................MICROSOFT

8. OP. FLASHPOINT: DRAGON...

PRICE CHECK

360 ..............................................CODEMASTERS

9. PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2010 PS3........................................................KONAMI

10. TEKKEN 6 PS3 ............................................NAMCO BANDAI

Ghostbusters

Week ending June 26th Source: SHOPTO.COM

PS3, Sony

Let’s Tap Wii, Sega

It’s My Birthday Wii, Take-Two

Virtua Tennis

Rock Band Unplugged

Wii, Sega

PSP, EA

IN STORE: YEOVIL

MARGIN MAKER

Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.

A4T’s Desktop Media Station offers DSi owners a stylish and secure way to not only recharge their handheld, but also transfer music and photos across from DS cards.

The device features an SD card reader that connects to a PC via USB cable, making it easier than ever to move media to the DSi. A4T: 01204 369 220

£44.99

£24.99

£19.99

£39.99

£29.99

£44.99

£24.99

N/A

£39.99

£29.99

N/A

£19.87

£17.47

£29.87

N/A

£37.71

N/A

£15.71

N/A

N/A

£44.95

£17.95

£34.95

£34.95

N/A

£39.99

£17.99

£17.99

£29.79

£24.99

£32.99

£19.99

£17.85

£27.99

£22.99

£37.95

£17.95

£14.95

£34.95

£24.95

ONLINE

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

38,39 MCV544_final:54-55 MCV525

30/6/09

09:20

Page 1

RETAILBIZ: RETAIL CHARTS 38 MCV 03/07/09

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

2 3 6 9 4 7 10 14 5

[1] [FULL PRICE]

TITLE

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE DEVELOPER: NINTENDO PUBLISHER: NINTENDO

PLAYSTATION 2 THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

TITLE

PUBLISHER

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FIFA 09 EA GHOSTBUSTERS SONY INDIANA JONES: STAFF OF KINGS LUCASARTS CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE D3P NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD TOMB RAIDER: UNDERWORLD EIDOS NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERWORLD EA

PSP THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

TITLE

FORMAT: 360, PS3

2

1

[PROTOTYPE] PC, PS3, 360

3

2

THE SIMS 3 PC

4

3

WII FIT Wii

5

7

UFC 2009: UNDISPUTED 360, PS3

6

NEW

[4]

TITLE

2 4

FIFA 09 TRANSFORMERS: FALLEN RESISTANCE: RETRIBUTION FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009

3 6 7 5 8

ROCK BAND UNPLUGGED EA BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE D3P NEED FOR SPEED: UNDERCOVER EA SBK 09 SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPS BLACK BEAN X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

DEVELOPER: CAPCOM PUBLISHER: CAPCOM

[5] EA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SONY SEGA

PUBLISHER ACTIVISION BLIZZARD EA NINTENDO THQ

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

ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

7

5

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

8

9

VIRTUA TENNIS 2009 PS3, 360, PC, Wii

SEGA

9

8

EA SPORTS ACTIVE Wii

10

4

GHOSTBUSTERS PS3, PS2

11

10

GRAND SLAM TENNIS Wii

12

11

PROFESSOR LAYTON: CURIOUS VILLAGE DS NINTENDO

EA SONY EA

13

6

RED FACTION: GUERRILLA 360, PS3

14

15

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

15

12

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

16

14

MARIO KART WII Wii

NINTENDO CODEMASTERS

THQ

EA

17

NEW

OVERLORD II 360, PS3, PC

18

NEW

GUITAR HERO: GREATEST HITS 360, PS3, Wii, PS2 ACTIVISION

19

16

POKÉMON PLATINUM DS

NINTENDO

20

21

WII PLAY Wii

NINTENDO

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

PUBLISHER

DEVELOPER: EA CANADA PUBLISHER: EA

LAST WEEK

PC CD-ROM

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4

THIS WEEK

[3]

[FULL PRICE]

1 1

1

DEVELOPER: KROME STUDIOS PUBLISHER: ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

MONSTER HUNTER: FREEDOM UNITE

NEW

[2]

[FULL PRICE]

TRANSFORMERS: FALLEN

3 6 1 2 5 9 10 8 11

TOP 40ALL

PUBLISHER

POKÉMON PLATINUM NINTENDO DR KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO MYSTERY STORIES GSP/AVANQUEST CLUB PENGUIN: ELITE PENGUIN FORCE DISNEY THE MYSTERY OF THE MUMMY UBISOFT MARIO KART DS NINTENDO MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA NINTENDOGS: LAB & FRIENDS NINTENDO WALK WITH ME! NINTENDO

[ENTERTAINMENT - ALL PRICES]

[FULL PRICE]

TITLE

PUBLISHER

1

THE SIMS 3

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ARMA II 505 GAMES SPORE: GALACTIC ADVENTURES EA FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 SEGA WOW: WRATH OF THE LICH KING ACTIVISION BLIZZARD WARHAMMER 40,000: DAWN OF WAR THQ EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR SEGA COD 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THE SIMS 2: DOUBLE DELUXE EA FALLOUT 3 BETHESDA

2 NEW

3 4 8 5 7 10 11

DEVELOPER: THE SIMS STUDIO PUBLISHER: EA

38,39 MCV544_final:54-55 MCV525

30/6/09

09:20

Page 2

RETAILBIZ: RETAIL CHARTS WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 03/07/09 39

EA MARKS A milestone for the All Formats Chart

only other new entry to breach the Top 10,

title to ever take the top spot at UK retail.

despite the wealth of recognisable IPs with new

The game leads a wave of triumphant new

Similar success can be seen in the PSP charts with Monster Hunter: Freedom Unite and PS2 with Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen.

L FORMATS

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

Highest Top 40 Climber

21

18

INFAMOUS PS3

22

13

INDIANA JONES STAFF OF KINGS Wii, PS2,PSP,DS LUCASARTS

SONY

23

22

MARIO & SONIC: OLYMPIC GAMES Wii, DS

24

28

DR KAWASHIMA’S BRAIN TRAINING DS

25

NEW

26

25

MY FITNESS COACH Wii

27

19

ARMA II PC

28

NEW

29

17

SEGA NINTENDO

MONSTER HUNTER: FREEDOM UNITE PSP

UBISOFT

EA

GUITAR HERO: METALLICA Wii, PS2, PS3, 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

30

32

SEGA SUPERSTAR TENNIS Wii, 360, PS3, PS2, DS

SEGA

31

NEW

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6: EMPIRES 360, PS3

KOEI

32

20

RESIDENT EVIL 5 360, PS3

CAPCOM

33

26

CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES Wii, DS

2K PLAY

34

23

GUITAR HERO: WORLD TOUR PS3, Wii, 360, PS2 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

35

29

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2009 PC, PSP

36

35

GRAND THEFT AUTO IV 360, PS3, PC

37

NEW

SPORE: GALACTIC ADVENTURES PC

38

NEW

TALES OF VESPERIA 360

39

34

40

MYSTERY STORIES DS

30

STAR OCEAN: THE LAST HOPE 360

PC CD-ROM THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2 NEW NEW

3 5 4 NEW NEW

6

SEGA ROCKSTAR EA ATARI GSP/AVANQUEST SQUARE ENIX

TITLE

PUBLISHER

1

FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

GHOSTBUSTERS UFC 2009: UNDISPUTED PROTOTYPE INFAMOUS CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN VIRTUA TENNIS 2009 RED FACTION: GUERRILLA KILLZONE

1 4 2 3 5 NEW

7 6 10

DEVELOPER: EA CANADA PUBLISHER: EA

WII THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

SONY THQ ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SONY ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SEGA THQ SONY

[FULL PRICE] TITLE

PUBLISHER

WORLD OF WARCRAFT: BATTLE CHEST DEVELOPER: BLIZZARD PUBLISHER: ACTIVISION BLIZZARD WORLD OF WARCRAFT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD HIDDEN EXPEDITION: AMAZON FOCUS MYSTERY CASE FILES: MADAME FATE FOCUS MYSTERY CASE FILES: RAVENHEARST FOCUS MYSTERY IN LONDON: JACK THE RIPPER FOCUS AMAZING ADVENTURES: LOST TOMB FOCUS MYSTERY CASE FILES: PRIME SUSPECTS FOCUS WOW: THE BURNING CRUSADE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THEME HOSPITAL SOLD OUT

PUBLISHER

1

WII FIT

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

EA SPORTS ACTIVE GRAND SLAM TENNIS MARIO KART WII VIRTUA TENNIS 2009 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM 2 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES LET’S TAP MYSIMS RACING DONKEY KONG: JUNGLE BEAT

2 3 4 6 5 7 14 16 8

DEVELOPER: NINTENDO PUBLISHER: NINTENDO

XBOX 360

[BUDGET PRICE]

TITLE

[FULL PRICE]

CAPCOM

505 GAMES

MYSIMS RACING Wii,. DS

The latest instalments in the Overlord, Guitar Hero, MySims, Monster Hunter, Spore and Tales Of series failed to place higher than No.15 in the Top 40.

James.Batchelor@intentmedia.co.uk

THIS LAST WEEK WEEK

TITLE

FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

[PROTOTYPE] UFC 2009: UNDISPUTED TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR RED FACTION: GUERRILLA OVERLORD II CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE GUITAR HERO: GREATEST HITS VIRTUA TENNIS 2009

NEW

3 2 NEW

5 NEW

7

EA EA NINTENDO SEGA MAJESCO SEGA SEGA EA NINTENDO

[FULL PRICE]

1 1 4

(c) ELSPA, Compiled by ChartTrack

formats charts with a debut title in first place.

PS3

WEEK ENDING 27/06/09

offerings on the shelves this week.

releases, topping two of the four individual

Highest New Entry

Activision’s robot battling movie tie-in is the

as Fight Night Round 4 becomes the first boxing

PUBLISHER

DEVELOPER: EA CANADA PUBLISHER: EA ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THQ ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ACTIVISION BLIZZARD THQ CODEMASTERS ACTIVISION BLIZZARD ACTIVISION BLIZZARD SEGA

[SOURCE]

[ANALYSIS]

40,41 MCV544_final:Layout 1

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INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION 40 MCV 03/07/09

WWW.MCVUK.COM

International Distribution Guide AUSTRALIA

DENMARK

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

Otto Group ...................................................Hamburg Playcom Software Vertriebs .......................Erfurt Vitrex Multimedia Großhandel.....................Erfurt

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

GREECE 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

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

TECHLAND Sp. z o.o. ul. Jana Szczyrki 12, 54-426 Wroclaw, Poland E-mail: business@techland.pl

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

Web: www.techland.pl Phone: +48 71 354 46 10 Fax: +48 71 354 46 10

ICELAND

AUSTRIA

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

PORTUGAL

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

INDIA

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

Play Art Multimedia Handels GmbH....Rankweil

GATEWAY DISTRIBUTION APS

TM

Gateway Distribution ApS

BELGIUM

+44 1279 408 665 (UK)

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

+45 7026 0870 (DK)

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

dt@gatewaydistribution.dk www.gatewaydistribution.dk

BENELUX

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

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

GAMEWORLD Cornusbaan 1, 2908 KB Capelle A/D IJssel Tel: +31 10 298 3838

MILESTONE INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE LIMITED Pramukh Plaza, 2nd Floor, Cardinal Gracious Road, Chakala, Andheri East, Mumbai 400 099, INDIA. Tel: +91 22 28203319 Fax: +91 22 28203334

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

Tel: +34 93 492 08 89 distributioninteractive@planetadeagostini.es www.planetadeagostini.net

website: www.milestoneinteractive.com

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

INNELEC MULTIMEDIA EBS Benelux

45 rue Delizy,

Lorentzweg 1

93692 PANTIN Cedex, France

3752 LH Bunschoten-Spakenburg

Email purchase: f_alglave@innelec.com

The Netherlands

Email export sales: g_armspach@innelec.com

Phone: +31 (0)33 201 21 00

Tel: 00.33.1.48.10.55.55

Fax: +31 (0)33 201 21 01

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

GERMANY

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

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

CYPRUS DTP ENTERTAINMENT AG Goldbekplatz 3-5, 22303 Hamburg, Germany

GOODTONES GREAT GAMES LTD

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

1 Alkaiou Street / Office 1 /

email: s.lass@dtp-entertainment.com

Engomi / Nicosia 2404 / Cyprus

Web: www.dtp-entertainment.com

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

tel. +357 22 666612

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

RUSSIA Hitzona.............................................................Moscow Noviy Disk .......................................................Moscow Soft Club..........................................................Moscow Vellod...................................................................Mitishi

SERBIA

NEW ZEALAND Gamewizz..........................................................Albany

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

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

v.2 PLAY. LDA Studio Office Marquês de Pombal –

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

NETHERLANDS

E-mail: info@ebs-benelux.com

www.greatgames.com.cy

08034, Barcelona, Spain,

email: distribution@milestoneinteractive.com

ITALY

Gibareio.............................................................Nicosia

Diagonal, 662-664, 3ª planta D,

FRANCE

Web: rishi@gameworld.nl

Website: www.ebs-benelux.com

PLANETA DEAGOSTINI INTERACTIVE

Pan Vision Norway..............................................Oslo

COMPUTERLAND DOO Kumodraska 45 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel:+381(0)11 309 95 95 Fax:+381(0)11 309 95 96 mail:games@computerland.rs website:www.computerland.rs

TO ADVERTISE IN THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION GUIDE

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INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION WWW.MCVUK.COM

MCV 03/07/09 41

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...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

AUSTRIA

SINGAPORE

TURKEY

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

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

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

UNITED STATES

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

SPAIN

BASCO, INC.

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

VIDEO GAMES DISTRIBUTOR

Distribuciones Videográficas Digitales ....MADRID

Tel: 1-917-627-3000

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

Fax: 1-718-228-4401 Email: sales@bascodistribution.com Web: www.bascodistribution.com

PLANETA DEAGOSTINI INTERACTIVE

JAPAN

Diagonal, 662-664, 3ª planta D, 08034, Barcelona, Spain, Tel: +34 93 492 08 89

DREAMGEAR, LLC

distributioninteractive@planetadeagostini.es

20001 S. Western Ave.

www.planetadeagostini.net

Fax: 310-222-5577 Contact: Moris Mirzadeh Email: moris@dreamgear.net

VIRGIN PLAY Paseo de la Castellana 9 – 11, 28046 Madrid, Spain Tel: +34 91 789 35 50 Web: www.virginplay.es

U.S. GAMES DISTRIBUTION, INC. DistribucionesVideográficas Digitales ....Madrid

16700 Schoenborn St.

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

#2 North Hills, CA. 91343

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

Tel: +1 818 920 9393

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

info@usgamesdist.com www.usgamesdist.com

SWEDEN Bergsala AB............................................Kungsbacka

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

PLUTO GAMES PO Box 5083 S-650 05 Karlstad, Sweden Phone: +46 54 854750 Fax: +46 54 854759

PO Box 10705, Office 103-104 Emirates Islamic Bank Building,Dubai, UAE. www.pluto-games.com Tel: +971 4261 8111 Fax: +971 4261 8112

E-mail: info@gameoutlet.se Website: www.gameoutlet.se Modern Pluto Trading LLC...............Saudi Arabia Panvision....................................................Stockholm

NXT Global LLC .................................................Dubai

SIBA AB ...................................................Gothenburg

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

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

SONY HAS announced that Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G is to be bundled with the PSP-3000 in two packs heading to Japanese retail.

Available in both red and blue flavours, the packs will include a copy of the game and the current version of Sony’s handheld and will cost YEN 21,000 ($220). Both will be released in Japan on July 23rd.

Torrance, CA 90501 Phone: 310-222-5522 x 111

GAME OUTLET EUROPE AB

THE GERMAN Commission for the Protection of Young Persons wants to stop games banned in Germany from being available for download at Austrian websites.

An application was submitted to the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons, requesting that all Austrian online games stores are banned in the country.

The reason behind the request is to protect kids from ‘social-ethical disorientation,’ ‘brutalisation of young adults’ and ‘lasting empathy loss.’

Germany has become strict on harmful content following school shootings in the country.

USA

BEST BUY is to roll out video games ‘vending machines’ as it moves into the pre-owned market.

The firm is trialling the kiosks in its Dallas and Austin stores in the US – but MCV understands that the strategy will be expanded across the US if successful.

It is likely the programme will reach the UK when Best Buy launches its first stores here next year.

The kiosks are similar to the pre-owned ‘vending machines’ that Wal Mart installed last month.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old single mum has been ordered by a Minneapolis court to pay $1.92m to the Recording Industry Association of America after being found guilty of breaching the copyright of just 24 songs.

The woman was one of 30,000 people initially found guilty and ordered to pay damages of $222,000 to the RIAA way back in 2007. However, the process was plagued by controversy after reports that both a 12-year-old girl and a deceased woman have received letters asking for damages.

Following the RIAA’s change of methodology in seeking out culprits, several new cases, including that of Jammie Thomas-Rasset, have now returned to court, this time with the jury seeing fit to drastically increase the fine.

Outside of the court Jammie told reporters that the verdict was “kind of ridiculous” and vowed that “there’s no way they’re ever going to get [that money]”.

Elsewhere, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII has been downloaded over 100,000 times in the US. In doing so it becomes the fastest selling PSOne title on the network to date in the region.

Sony has also confirmed that PSN now has over 25 million registered members who have in total downloaded 500 millionk pieces of content.

PLEASE CONTACT ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR

DIRECTORY

DISTRIBUTION

KEY CONTACTS

CREATIVE & PROMOTIONAL SERVICES Wrapstar.................................(0)7778 204970

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

DISTRIBUTION Creative Distribution ...........020 8664 3456 DVD Technology .......................01189 215 999 Discstribution ........................0845 430 8735 Gem ............................................01279 822800 Ideal Software..........................01767 689 720 Logic3 ........................................01923 471 000 Meroncourt ..............................01462 680060

LOCALISATION Partnertrans................................01753 247731 Testronic....................................01753 653 722 Universally Speaking................01480 210621 STORE FITTINGS AMA ............................................01924 507 217 Retail Entertainment Displays01733 239001 DISC REPAIR TDR ...........................................01202 489 500

Distributors of DVDs, Blu-Ray, Music CDs and Video Games

www.discstribution.com Over 100,000 Different Items to Order Online

THE NEW FORCE IN ENTERTAINMENT

DISCSTRIBUTION +44 (0) 845 430 8735 Call Kevin, Ashley, Richie or Pete Accepted Payments - Paypal - Google Checkout - Credit Cards - Bank Tranfers and 30 Day Credit Accounts

DISCSTRIBUTION . . . . . . . +44 (0)845 430 8735 . . . . . . . . . www.discstribution.com DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION

CURVEBALL LEISURE . . . . . . 01792 652526 . . . . . . . simonbrown@googlemail.com

IDEAL SOFTWARE . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1767 689720 . . . . . . . . . . www.idealsoftware.net

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION

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

GEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01279 822800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.gem.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 JULY 10th

IDEF REVIEW MCV reflects on this year’s Interactive & Digital Entertainment Festival, one of Europe’s key interactive entertainment trade shows. We report back on the companies and games in attendance, whilst speaking to key players in our industry and other exhibitors.

DEVELOP CONFERENCE MCV provides a guide to the major UK development event taking place in Brighton where the developer community comes together to learn from each other and share experiences. This will include a preview of the Develop Awards.

FRIDAY JULY 17th

TERRITORY REPORT: SOUTH AMERICA In the latest MCV Territory Report, we look to the developing countries of South America and their growing video game industries, charting the course these markets are taking to improve themselves. We discuss what challenges publishers face in bringing their products to the market and who the key retailers in the region are.

FRIDAY JULY 24th

BUDGET SOFTWARE SPECIAL FOCUS With the economy still suffering, MCV looks at how publishers can take advantage of the budget software market. We look at the growing trends and recent success stories, as well as exploring the advantages value software offers everyone from retailers to consumers.

DEVELOP AWARDS SPECIAL MCV offers the complete guide to the biggest awards evening of the development community’s calender. In addition to a full run-down of the winners in each category, we’ll have interviews with some of the key companies and discuss their success.

FRIDAY JULY 31st

GAMESCOM PREVIEW We offer the definitive guide to the biggest European games trade event of the year. Expect to find a complete overview of Gamescom as it makes its debut in Cologne, including what exhibitors will be attending and what the industry expects to see from this year’s show.

FRIDAY AUGUST 7th

BACK TO SCHOOL SOFTWARE FOCUS As the summer holidays finally draw to a close, parents and their children turn their attention away from leisure and entertainment titles and towards preparing for the new academic year. MCV investigates what part video games can play in this and what opportunities the sudden need for school supplies can present to both publishers and retailers.

TERRITORY REPORT: NORTH AMERICA The United States and Canada form the biggest and most influential video games market in the world. MCV analyses this gargantuan market, speaking to key players in the territory about how the sector is performing and the changes seen in the territory over the past 12 months.

FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT: LOGIC 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01923 471000 . . . . . . . . . . . www.uksales@logic3.com

CHRIS.DRING@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR DISTRIBUTION

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 Blitz Games Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1926 880 000 Broadsword Interactive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1970 626299 Denki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.denki.co.uk Lightning Fish Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1295 817 666 nDreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44(0) 1252 375754 Razorback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.razorback.co.uk 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 Epic Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +1 919 870 1516 Fork Particle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 00 (1) 925 417 1785 bluegfx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1483 467 200 Natural Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0)1865 250575

Distributors of CD, DVD, Blu-ray, SD-Ram, Micro-SD, and lots, lots more...

X-Box 360 - Wii - DSi - PS3 new release games & accessories UK Sales: ...............................01189 215 999 European Sales: ......01189 215 916 sales@dvdtech.com DVD TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . 01189 215 999. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.dvdtech.com CREATIVE & PROMOTIONAL SERVICES

SERVICES 3D Creation Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 151 236 9992 Air Edel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 207 486 6466 Air Studios. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 207 794 0660 High Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1295 738 337 Ian Livingstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1483 421 491 Partnertrans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1753 247 731 amBX UK Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ambx.com Specialmove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 141 585 6491 Tsunami Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 207 350 2828 Universally Speaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1480 210 621 COURSES University of Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 1482 465 951

To be included in the Develop Directory (which appears every month in Develop and every week in MCV) contact sam.robinson@intentmedia.co.uk.

All subscription requests should go to mcv.subscriptions@c-cms.com WRAPSTAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0) 7778 204970 . . . . . . . . www.wrapstar-skins.com DISTRIBUTION

DISC REPAIR

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

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

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

Insider’s | Guide

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

x

This week’s interviewee is Total Console Repair’s managing director Rob Austin…

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

Tell us about Total Console Repair...

TCR was founded in 2005 as an offshoot from Total Disc Repair; due to the popularity of our services we have kept growing ever since. Our customers can expect a console to be repaired in a week and often within a few days.

What services do you offer?

We repair all console formats, as well as iPods, and we give a 90 day warranty on each repair – quality is very important to us.

We’re just launching a repair voucher scheme so that retailers can sell a ‘console repair’ just as they would sell a game.

Tell us something we didn’t know about your company...

Retailers can set up an account on our new website to book the collections of their consoles and

RETAIL ENTERTAINMENT DISPLAYS . . 01733 239001 . . . . . . . www.reddisplays.com

check the status of repairs. Did I mention we also fix iPods?

What’s the best thing about your job?

The great team I work with and our games room immediately spring to mind, but ultimately I like the fact that we help the environment by repairing what would otherwise have been thrown. We help the UK economy by reducing the need for imported consoles and we help consumers by saving them a few quid. It’s a very ‘feel good’ company.

Any exciting new developments on the cards?

Other than the new repair vouchers and website, we’ve just built another floor to our workshop. I’m glad to say that’s finished and we now have plenty of room to expand further.

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TO ADVERTISE CONTACT ROB BAKER ON: 01992 535647 OR ROB.BAKER@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK LOCALISATION

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

JULY IDEF Tuesday, June 30th – Thursday, July 2nd Palais des Festivales, Cannes, France www.idefexpo.com PARTNERTRANS . . . . . . . . . . . . 01753 247731 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.partnertrans.com LOCALISATION

Quality Matters At Testronic Labs, we help you produce great quality games.

For us, quality means a game that exceeds the expectations of the players, a game that works on every platform and reads right in every language, a game that’s just right for its audience.

We’re here to make it better.

Testing on all major console, PC and iPhone platforms Functionality testing Translation and localisation Localisation testing PC compatibility Compliance testing MMO performance testing Usability / focus group testing New Player Experience (NPE) testing

For further information, please contact sales-tl@testroniclabs.com www.testroniclabs.com

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

JULY GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE Friday, July 31st Sunday, August 2nd Leipzig Messe, Germany www.leipziger-messe.com

AUGUST MULTIPLAY M FESTIVAL Friday, August 7th – Monday, August 10th Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire www.mfestival.com EDINBURGH INT. FESTIVAL Monday, August 10th – Sunday, August 16th TBC, Edinburgh www.edinburghinteractivefestival.com GDC EUROPE Monday, August 17th Wednesday, August 19th Cologne, Germany www.gdceurope.com GAMESCOM Wednesday, August 19th Sunday, August 23rd Cologne, Germany www.gamescom-cologne.com

SEPTEMBER BRAND LICENSING 2009 Wednesday, September 30th – Sunday, October 1st Olympia, London www.brandlicensingeurope.com

OCTOBER GAMES MEDIA AWARDS Thursday October 15, 2009 Jongleurs, Camden, London dave.roberts@intentmedia.co.uk MCM EXPO Saturday, October 24th – Sunday, October 25th Excel Centre, London www.londonexpo.com

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

DEVELOP CONFERENCE 2009 Tuesday, July 14th – Thursday, July 16th Hilton Metropole, Brighton www.developconference.com The Develop Conference and Expo is where the European development community comes together to learn from each other and share experiences, be inspired by renowned experts and gurus, get up-to-date with the latest development tools and techniques, make new contacts and catch-up with old ones.

Last year, over 1,200 developers from every level of the development community descended on Brighton to meet, learn, share and network with their peers.

DEVELOP INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARDS Wednesday, July 15th Hilton Metrople, Brighton jodie.holdway @bhpr.co.uk The biggest awards night on the game development industry’s calendar returns to Brighton. While there are a number of awards shows attended by developers throughout the year, the Develop Awards are the only peervoted prizes for UK and European games developers which focus purely on studios’ creativity, teamwork, and inspiring innovation.

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MCV 03/07/09 47

MCV FORUM

Some indies defend the principle of importing Ghostbusters on Xbox 360 in a bid for survival

A grey area

The suggestion that UK independents have started selling imported copies of Ghostbusters on Xbox 360 sparked debated on MCVuk.com this week, with independents defending their decision to sell foreign software…

IN THIS DAY and age when the major High Street retailers are using every trick in the book to gain market share, why is it that when an indie uses their own initiative the major players start to complain?

If GAME, GameStation, HMV and so forth all stuck to a reasonable RRP instead of trying to bribe customers away from specialists, indies would not sell import games. The reason indies sell import games is that this is the only way to be ahead of the High Street stores.

By selling imports like Ghostbusters it secures a decent margin and a valued source of income, as well as giving the customer what they want.

I defy any employee of a chain or supermarket to do our job for the little margins we have to work with.

I will sell any game that they cannot, import or otherwise just to survive in this industry.

Indie R.I.P

INDIE R.I.P, if you’re an owner, I feel your pain. I would love to

run an indie games store, but right now I just wouldn’t. The future of the retail market will only make it even harder, as digital distribution becomes more of a force.

I’m not against indies, I love them just as much as anyone else, but continually slating supermarkets because “they’re squashing the competition, we can’t compete” achieves nothing.

“

The entire business model of the independent games store is under threat from how the market has moved – that can’t be argued. From recent competition commissions, the government isn’t going to protect them in the same way they aren’t protecting other small retailers – grocers and so forth.

Selling more and more in the grey market will delay the

Aren’t we all just trying to survive the best way we can?

Does our tiny market share really make a difference?

Whether it’s right or not, it’s market economics – a capitalist and corporate society. If firms have the buying power, they get the prices. They can sell for cheaper and take losses of course. If anything, you can always try to blame the government for letting GAME takeover GameStation and not checking the rise of Tesco.

Craig

”

inevitable at risk of punishment, but it might be a question of reinvention or death for the indie. I look forward to seeing what they all do and honestly wish them every success.

The Laughing Man

Ultimately, the law in the UK states that games not rated by the BBFC should not be sold to

the public. Forget all this “Grainger that, GameStation this, indies do this” waffle – it’s essentially irrelevant.

The law is the law. If the public wants to import, they can do so legally from abroad, as the law allows this. It does not allow indies and other UK businesses to make a fast buck.

Developers and publishers complain, in some cases, about the damage pre-owned does to them. What about the European publishers who are hit by UK businesses importing and selling these imports in the UK? If other companies are getting annoyed it will be because some companies and indies seem to think they can break the law to compete. This is not right and I do not think any publisher, developer or publication would support this.

We are in an industry that allows our customers to buy most games cheaper than we can, we are all getting our credit limits cut or taken away, and our suppliers are living in a bubble of denial.

Aren’t we all just trying to survive the best way we can and does our tiny market share really make a difference in the greater scale of things?

Craig

John

Am i the only one that finds this all a bit strange?

Don’t all indies import games? And don’t all indies break street dates?

LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE Bookmark us in your phone:

MOBILE.MCVUK.COM

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PIC OF THE WEEK Presented with a picture of St James’ Park, we’d usually offer a barrage of jokes about Newcastle United’s relegation. But this time, we’ll concentrate on the fact that Grainger Games had the final of their internal competition on the sacred turf. Ah, sod it. Just one, then. Knorr has released a black and white Oxo cube to commemorate Newcastle’s year in the Prem. They call it the laughing stock... Not for you? Okay. What’s black and white and dead...?

Off The Record HERE WE KOEI As games become a mainstream pursuit, we see more political correctness and an increase in female faces in the industry. Don’t be fooled: both of these are Good Things. But Off The Record does miss the days of near-guaranteed female flesh at a press event. So bravo to Tecmo Koei, who this week managed to meet us with two pretty girls at its press event. We’re told this was ‘completely in context’ of its Ninja Gaiden reveal. God bless ‘em.

This week, we witness Grainger Games’ sporting finest, Tecmo Koei’s eye candy – and the ‘Monster’-sized talent of Capcom’s artists...

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MCV 03/07/09 49

RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

MCV takes soundings from its Retail Advisory Board on the biggest issues of the day. The current members are...

LISA MORGAN, GAME

DUNCAN CROSS, ASDA

MARTYN GIBBS, GAMESTATION

FRANKLY BOYLE An unnamed source (which rhymes with Fergus McGovern) sent us this lookalike... A young pic of Ruffian’s Gary Liddon and troubled, shaved-Dave-Lee Travis-a-like warbler Susan Boyle. We can’t quite see it ourselves. The hair’s there, for sure. But not much else. More to the point, she’s also not as weird as some people encourage. It wouldn’t work in the Victorian freak show: ‘Behold! The fairly unattractive woman who can sing a bit!’ Not that we fancy her at all. Honest.

DON MCCABE, CHIPS

TIM ELLIS, HMV

KEITH SHARPE, PLAY.COM

CAROLINE AUSTEN, THE HUT

JON BIGGS, MORRISONS

FOR ART’S SAKE Capcom has set artists End Of The Line to work on a ‘Gathering Hall’ for players of Monster Hunter Freedom to meet and rub their PSPs together. Just a stone’s throw from Tottenham Court Road, the Hall will allow people to meet other players, download exclusive quests, learn how to play on dedicated tutorial nights and even meet developers. And, by the looks of things, be left a bit frightened by the toothy wonders on the wall.

DEBBIE O’NEILL, COMET

GRAHAM CHAMBERS, AMAZON

PETER WILLIS, DSGI

IGOR CIPOLLETTA, SHOPTO

ANTHONY STOCKER, ARGOS

STEPHEN STALEY, GAMESEEK

JOANNA HUNT, TESCO

GURDEEP HUNJAN, SAINSBURYS

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IN W

F T O OR ES S PI RE CO TS E R V O FI SP ii W

To celebrate the imminent launch of the biggest Wii game of the year, Nintendo is giving you the chance to win five copies of Wii Sports Resort.

To secure your place on the starting line, simply answer the following question:

How many sports are there in Wii Sports Resort?

A) 6 B) 9 C) 12 Send your answer to sportsresort@intentmedia.co.uk EDITORIAL: 01992 535646

Managing Editor: Lisa Foster Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk

Advertising Manager: Lesley Blumson Lesley.Blumson@intentmedia.co.uk

Please address all enquiries to:

Editor-In-Chief: Michael French Michael.French@intentmedia.co.uk

Advertising Executive: Rob Baker Rob.Baker@intentmedia.co.uk

Associate Editor: Tim Ingham Tim.Ingham@intentmedia.co.uk

Art Director: Stuart Moody Stuart.Moody@intentmedia.co.uk

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