MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
The collapse of HMV and Blockbuster is unlikely to have a massive impact upon the video games market. The two entertainment giants fell into administration over the last two weeks, following news that Play.com is ending its own direct-to-retail business. All three retailers are big supporters of the games industry, …
Read More »Big firms eye Blockbuster UK stores
Two firms are reported to be in discussions to rescue bankrupt rental firm Blockbuster UK. The prime candidate is reportedly GA Europe, the restructuring firm that administrators PwC brought in to handle the recent closure of Jessops. "GA bosses are understood to believe they can successfully run a rump Blockbuster …
Read More »Blockbusters store closure count now at 160
Deloitte has this morning confirmed it will close at least 160 Blockbusters stores as part of the rental chain’s administration process. Management pre-administration had already planned to shut down around that many stores to shape up finances, but ran out of time before going bust earlier in the week. Deloitte …
Read More »ERA ‘saddened’ by Blockbuster news
The Entertainment Retail Association hopes Blockbuster will re-emerge in some form. The rental giant announced it would go into administration earlier today. ERA’s director general Kim Bayley says the rental giant has suffered due to the rise of online and on-demand rental firms. We are saddened by the news that …
Read More »Blockbuster WILL honour gift cards and credit during administration
Retailer Blockbuster has announced that it will continue to honour gift cards and store credit despite slipping into administration this afternoon. This means gamers who have amassed credit at the store following its increased focus on trade-ins over recent months are not yet being left out of pocket. It will …
Read More »Deloitte focused on "generating as much value as possible" for Blockbuster creditors
In the same week as the UK High Street saw HMV slip into administration, fellow long-term chain Blockbuster has now followed its lead. But whereas HMV bosses remain convinced that they can turn the situation around and save the brand, Blockbuster’s days already seem numbered. In recent years Blockbuster has …
Read More »Blockbuster to appoint administrators
UK entertainment retail is facing another huge blow, with reports that Blockbuster is to enter administration. MCV sources have informed us that management had already been planning to shut in the region of 150 UK stores over the next six months. The retailer is understood to be sitting on significant …
Read More »Blockbuster publishes digital magazine
Retailer Blockbuster has ventured into the world of digital publishing with a brand new iPad, Android and Kindle magazine. Covering films and games, it’s free to download and contain lots of rich media such as embedded video, interactive content and interviews. The publication is produced in-house and obviously links through …
Read More »IN PICTURES: Retail ushers in Black Ops II release
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is here at last, and thousand of store workers and gamers took to the streets last night to welcome it. The official launch took place at HMV’s Oxford Street store and was attended by a number of celebrities. Blockbuster also saw a fantastic turnout …
Read More »Black Ops II – Blockbuster opening 450 stores at midnight
450 Blockbuster stores will open their doors at midnight next week for the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops II. It’s the biggest ever operation of this kind for the retailer. Call Of Duty: Black Ops II is the most anticipated game of the year and pre-orders are rising …
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