Game industry business news

Future Publishing’s revenues fell in its latest quarterly financials, with games magazines hit hardest. But the firm is optimistic that it can benefit from increased consumer confidence post-recession. In a trading statement issued today for the three months ending December 31st, the firm said that its special-interest portfolio had protected …

Disney Interactive suffered an expected 29 per cent decrease in sales during the final three months of 2009. The Disney arm reported revenues falling to $221 million, while operating profit results showed a $10 million loss. Those losses, however, represent an improvement for the business, with last year’s losses as …

Electronic Arts has announced that its Hasbro-branded titles have racked up global sales of more than eight million units within the last year. The publisher has launched 20 different Hasbro brands across 18 major platforms since the two firms formed a strategic alliance back in August 2007, including consoles – …

Disney Interactive Studios will cut down on the number of PS3 and Xbox 360 games it invests in, as the group shifts its focus to embrace more casual platforms. CEO Bob Iger said that there remains a huge opportunity” for Disney to enjoy healthy revenues in the game market, but …

Despite Disney trimming investment in high-end console projects, the firm’s CEO recognises that its newly-owned Marvel empire is well-suited to the Xbox 360 and PS3 audiences. CEO Bob Iger said yesterday that Disney Interactive would be very, very judicious” in how many high-end console projects it will green-light, focusing instead …

Bob Iger adds that the iPad could be a game-changer for the group

High street retailer GAME has unveiled the shortlist for the GAME Award at this year’s BAFTAs. The award is the only one voted for by the public, and titles up for the coveted prize includes FIFA 10, Modern Warfare 2, Assassin’s Creed II and Batman: Arkham Asylum. Gamers can vote …

Crasher to launch via download on PC this year

Mindscape has announced its first internally-developed digital distribution title in the form of online vehicle battler Crasher. The game is will be released via download on PC later this year. It is the first title to be developed by the publisher’s new studio Punchers Impact, established in October 2009. Crasher …

THQ has unveiled the contents of the Limited Edition of Metro 2033 for Xbox 360 and PC. The SKU features a copy of the game with a download code for an exclusive in-game weapon – the automatic shotgun – and four art cards created by Russian painter Anton Grechko, who …