Game industry business news

Esteemed Japanese games designer Yu Suzuki has retired from his role as R&D creative officer at publisher Sega to assume a position at the company’s AM Plus division. Suzuki has produced many of Sega’s most loved titles, with a portfolio including the likes of Space Harrier, Out Run, Virtua Fighter, …

Every now and then, interviews begin with a list of things that cannot be discussed. This is usually due to an over-zealous PR person, often American. When the shutters go up it’s not pretty or, by definition, very interesting In the case of Eidos, however, it is perfectly reasonable that …

Reports are claiming that the development team behind Mortal Kombat franchise are in active talks with other publishers” over a possible split from current publisher Midway and the formation of a new studio. Kotaku reports that the 50-strong team were pushed into the move for, amongst other reasons, the withholding …

Having claimed the top spot in the ELSPA GfK-ChartTrack All formats Top 40 yet again this week, Wii Fit has now set a new UK charts record at Nintendo. The game’s rise to the top also ended the run of successful chart-topping new releases over the last six weeks, which …

After an impressive three-week spell at the top of the ELSPA GfK-ChartTrack All Formats Top 40, Capcom’s Resident Evil 5 has finally relinquished its grip – with Nintendo’s Wii Fit recapturing the top spot. Resident Evil 5 still does well, however, clinging onto second position. Also climbing is EA’s FIFA …

High Street retailer GAME is the host of this year’s Pokmon tour: The Search for Giratina. The tour will feature face painting, balloon modelling, and a free prize draw with Pokmon prizes and GAME gift cards up for grabs. Gamers can also bring their DS along to battle, as well …

Popular UK account director at Bastion Mark Ward has announced his departure from the specialist PR agency. In an email to industry professionals, Ward revealed that Bastion is preparing for an internal restructuring. Noting his strong relationship with Bastion, which he called a company I’ve helped to build and grown …

Leading independent chain Playtime Multimedia has entered administration, the retailer has told MCV. Insolvency specialists P&A Partnerships has been appointed by the retailer, and the Northern-based independent has cited a collapse in like-for-like sales as the reason behind its decision. We had to call in the administrators last week because …

This week has been a time for private mourning amongst family and close friends, but a man so important to the games industry, and loved by so many, must also be remembered in MCV. We will publish a full tribute to Uncle Frank next week and invite eulogies from former …

Nintendo has launched its DSi console across Europe – and told MCV that the device’s new functions will ensure that consumers see DS as exciting and innovative”. The handheld, which features, a camera, sound playback and downloads via the DSiWare service, carries a retail price of 149.99 in the UK. …