The Swiss market is one that has remained relatively stable despite the economic pressures Europe faces. In 2011, the combined unit sales for both software and hardware remained flat compared to the year before, down by only one per cent and still at over 4m units. However, the weakening Euro …
Read More »The South Korean market in focus
INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Korea, partner country of this year’s Gamescom, is home to a market that is wildly different to that of the UK. The most notable difference is a lack of games retailers. While there are stores that sell packaged games, such as the Tesco and Samsung-owned Home Plus hypermarkets, …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Brazil
Brazil is one of the most promising markets in South America. With almost 200m people living there, the audience for video games is colossal and growing demand for the latest technologies means that new releases have as much chance for success as back catalogue titles. Smartphones in particular are expected …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s video games market dates back to some of the earliest consoles, with local retailer and distributor Transfer Group starting out in 1990. However, the nation’s size means that the potential audience for video games is extremely concentrated, limiting the number of opportunities for newcomers. Bulgaria is a small European …
Read More »$99 subscription Xbox could come to the UK
Microsoft’s $99 subscription Xbox 360 trial could be coming to the UK and Europe. The offer was rolled out to select American retailers last month. It sees gamers pay just $99 up front for an Xbox 360 console on the condition that the sign up to a two-year Xbox Live …
Read More »Gamescom: We’re only show with ‘360-degree coverage’ of games
Gamescom 2012 will offer ‘360 degree’ coverage of the established and emerging games industry, organiser Koelnmesse has said at its International Press Conference this afternoon. Other trade shows have been criticised for not catering to all areas of the market but this years Gamescom promises to be the only conference …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Ireland
Like the UK, the Irish games retail market took a hit with the fall of GAME. In fact, the impact was more severe, as all RoI GAME stores closed after the retailer went into administration. Famously, some former GAME staff orchestrated a sit-in in protest against the lack of an …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to a video game market that continues to offer new opportunities. Gaming is becoming mainstream, and research firm Catapult Business Solutions reports that console sales are still growing year-on-year – particularly on Xbox 360 and PS3. However, like many territories around the world, Saudi Arabia is …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: India
According to the FICCI-KPMG Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2012, the Indian games business was valued at 13bn Rupees ($259m) in 2011 – up 30 per cent. The market is expected to grow by 38 per cent to 18bn Rupees ($359m) in 2012 and to a staggering 46bn Rupees …
Read More »INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world, and as a result, there’s plenty of room for a variety of retailers. In fact, no single group of outlets dominates the High Street. Independents still account for a significant chunk of sales, holding their own against electronics chains and specialist gaming …
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