MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
US sales tracker NPD has finally revealed some good news for the struggling music genre. Music game sales are 38 per cent higher in November 2010 than they were during the same period the year before. But it’s not Rock Band 3 or Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock that did …
Read More »Retailers bullish despite downturn
GAMES RETAIL has never been more challenging, but store managers are confident about their business as the New Year approaches. 85 per cent of retailers say they are positive about the health of their business moving into 2011. This is despite market shrinkage in 2010, several independent retailers closing their …
Read More »New vision for Gem as Croft joins team
Gem wants to move into new areas of games, and claim more business from its rivals in 2011. And it’s hired former GAME man Alex Croft to help make that happen. Croft, who left the retailer in the summer, strengthens the distributor’s exec team as group strategic development director. He …
Read More »Tescos sales rise in Q3
Tesco has announced its third quarter results for 2010, reporting a rise in Group sales of 8.8 per cent. The supermarket giant attributed this growth to the improving global economy, with its total international sales increasing by 15.7 per cent. Non-food sales also increased when compared with the second quarter, …
Read More »New distributor targets indie games stores
A new independent-friendly distribution firm has been set up just in time for Christmas. A Game Distribution – which also sponsored the MCV/Xbox 360 industry Pub Quiz last week – focuses on independent retailers across Europe. It also offers logistics and promotional services. The London-based firm was established last month …
Read More »Price war hits GAME profits
GAME has warned that its profit margins will fall more than expected this financial year as it cuts prices in the face of increased retail competition. The firm also revealed that for the 44 weeks ending December 4th, 2010, like-for-like group sales were down 8.8 per cent, while UK sales …
Read More »High hopes for Test Drive Unlimited 2
Word-of-mouth, strong predicted sales and post-launch DLC will make Test Drive Unlimited 2 an evergreen success, Namco Bandai says. The game is due for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on February 11th and will mark the return of the long-running franchise. Test Drive Unlimited 2 lets fans explore …
Read More »UK Xmas shoppers spend £17.4bn online
Online retail group IMRG expects UK consumers to spend 17.4bn online this Christmas, up from the 15bn spent in 2009. The company made its estimates ahead of ‘Mega Monday,’ which takes place on December 6th. The day is typically the busiest online shopping day of the year, with Play.com expected …
Read More »Distributors Christmas opening hours
The following guide offers you the details on who is open when this Christmas. Print his page or click here to download a sexy PDF.Advantage0121 506 9585 Dec 13th to Dec 17th: 9am – 5.30pmDec 18th: 9am – 2.30pmDec 20th to Dec 23rd: 9am – 6pmDec 24th to Dec 28th: …
Read More »Google defends piracy drive
The world’s creative industries will no doubt be buoyed by Google’s decision to adopt a pro-active stance towards supporting rights holders, but with net neutrality very much at the top of the agenda right now the search firm has been formed to defend its decision. Google is not in a …
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