Game industry business news

Whilst Activision’s Guitar Hero has ruled the musical roost in the games industry for years, EA’s Rock Band has emerged as a serious contender to its crown – and now it seems that the ongoing series may be taking a leaf out of its competitor’s book. Speaking of the upcoming …

Infinity Ward, the studio that gave birth to the popular Call of Duty franchise, is to once again become the series’ exclusive developer once the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty 5 is released, Next-Gen is claiming. The site reports that Infinity Ward has renegotiated its contract with publisher and owner Activision …

German-based retail group Metro AG has revealed that it is considering launching cross-border acquisitions in the near future as it aims to strengthen its European portfolio, prompting a rise in DSGi’s shares based on speculation that it could be the target. Follow the link to MCV’s sister site PC Retail …

All-conquering Nintendo has launched a brand new dedicated Wii Fit website ahead of the European release of its health-promoting title this Friday. The sleek Flash-heavy portal includes information about the exercises available in the game, and about fitness in general. Wii Fit has already proved a colossal success in Japan, …

Sony has said that its upcoming PS3 Freeview tuner PlayTV is not being lined up for a European launch this July, with its actual shelf date remaining TBC. Amazon yesterday listed the device for launch on July 31st, with a price of just 59.99, though both the date and price …

Despite reports from both the other side of the Atlantic and closer to home that show gaming is continuing to defy the global economic downturn, US analyst firm Goldman Sachs has stated that it believes the market has reached its peak. Following its downgrading of US retailer GameStop’s shares, MarketWatch …

SCEA has officially confirmed that its beta testing of the highly anticipated PS3 Home service is to continue throughout the next few months, seemingly pushing the official launch of the service further into the distance. An open beta which will allow all PS3 owners access to Home is now scheduled …

UK and Australian game dev trade associations join forces to better leverage connections to local governments

Evergreen Sega title Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games makes it a mario one-two at the top this week as it switches places with SCEE racer Gran Turismo 5 to claim second spot. Retail promotions and heavy marketing boost Sega Superstar Tennis up six places to number five this …

After MCV revealed last week that the UK games market saw its most lucrative Q1 period ever in the first three months of the year, ELSPA has applauded the figures – but warned that the Government must offer the UK tax breaks and other financial incentives to prevent talent heading …