Game industry business news

Hackers break into uPlay, download Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon for free

A group of Russian hackers have apparently discovered an exploit that allows them to download games from Ubisoft’s uPlay store for free. And furthermore, it has allegedly allowed them to get their hands on Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon – a game that has got plenty of press inches over …

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The Japanese video games market actually GREW in the last 12 months

The Japanese video games market grew by 1.2 per cent year-on-year for the 12 months ending March 31st. No, that is not a typo. It’s the first annual growth the Japanese industry has reported in five years. Tech In Asia reports that the region’s games market hit $4.6bn in the …

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Microtransactions could be headed to Halo 4

Halo 4’s executive producer has said that Microsoft is considering the introduction of microtransactions in the game. The news comes as the last piece of DLC included in the game’s Season Pass – the Castle map pack – is released worldwide. "I think Halo certainly has the potential for those …

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Just how far short of expectations did Square Enix’s console games fall?

Outgoing Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has revealed the exact extent of the publisher’s console game sales disappointments. As revealed last month, Sleeping Dogs has sold 1.75m units, Hitman: Absolution 3.6m units and Tomb Raider 3.4m units. Let’s talk about Sleeping Dogs,” Wada said in a financial briefing as reported …

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‘The barrage of points cards at retail is not ideal’

The sheer number of points cards at retail is confusing, warn publishers. Points and subscriptions have been a significant area of growth for retail over the last 12 months. But Activision’s VP of Call of Duty, David Tyler, admits that publishers and payment specialists are still testing out what works. …

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Online video giant Machinima expands to UK

One of the most popular YouTube channels for games content is setting up a dedicated UK business. US firm Machinima has told MCV it plans to target British gamers as part of a European expansion that will deliver new and localised video content. It has already promoted former UK community …

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Blockbuster: We are serious about games

Blockbuster is on a charm offensive with the UK games industry. The company wants to be taken seriously as a major video games retailer. Blockbuster UK fell into administration in January, shedding hundreds of stores. But the brand, plus 264 outlets, were rescued by Gordon Brothers Europe last month The …

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2013 marks a ‘new era’ for Pokémon

The next 12 months will be amongst the biggest in Pokmon history, says The Pokmon Company. The firm is gearing up to launch multiple new games, a new TV series, events, a film and new toys throughout 2013, all climaxing in the launch of Pokmon X and Y on 3DS …

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Xbox 360 MCV Quiz returns next month

Places are now available at the first Xbox 360 MCV Quiz of 2013. The event takes place on Thursday May 16th and will be held at Holborn’s Sway Bar. Guests can expect a battle of wits against other retailers, suppliers and the games media. There are thousands of pounds’ worth …

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