Game industry business news

Blockbuster Entertainment is to expand its video games offering across all of its corporate-owned US stores. The American entertainment giant has confirmed that it will sell games and hardware for Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo’s gaming platforms in its outlets. The expansion will also increase the amount of gaming software in …

In MCV’s latest Mystery Shopper feature, field marketing experts Infinite check out stores in Edinburgh – and ask them the question the whole industry is wondering: ‘Which console is best for GTA IV?’ The firm checked out eight stores in total, and you can discover what they made of them …

HMV This store clearly had a recent refit or moved the gaming section, as we were greeted with a large sign which told us that the new gaming area was now downstairs, in an area which felt like an independent concession store within HMV. Like many others, the store assistant …

ZAVVI We approached the gaming section and looked for the obligatory GTA IV POS and was shocked when we found none – not even in the chart shelves for pre-order or on any ‘coming soon’ displays. The sales advisor told us there was a GTA IV Gift Card available for …

Music may be an increasingly difficult business for the record industry, but in games it’s never been better. Publisher Activision says it has sold over six million units of Guitar Hero worldwide, generating a sales income of US $238 million. Guitar Hero is expected – within only two years from …

Former Vivendi studios boss and Ubisoft Montreal CEO to head up media firm's new games operation

Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) has named Martin Tremblay as its new president. Tremblay will begin in his new role in July, and will report directly to president of Warner Bros’ Home Entertainment Group, Kevin Tsujihara. In his new post, Tremblay will set the long-term direction of the division’s worldwide …

French retail chain Fnac has set its sights on the UK market, although the firm stresses that there are no store openings just yet. The company is the largest French retailer of cultural and consumer electronics, which includes video games, consoles, televisions, cameras, CDs, DVDs and books. It’s also the …

Warner Bros. plans to notch up its first major chart hit with movie tie-in Speed Racer – and is ready to unleash its biggest ever marketing campaign to ensure its success. From the creators of The Matrix trilogy, the Speed Racer movie is tipped by many to kick off summer …

Virgin Play boss Tim Chaney has outlined his plans to build a multi million pound UK business – but has hit out at other publishers making ludicrously bold claims. In the week that it joined forces with Sega legend Hayao Nakayama, Virgin Play has expanded its horizons to target more …