Tag Archives: james-batchelor

Master Chief conquers UK as Halo 4 tops All Formats charts

Microsoft proves the Spartan super soldier still has what it takes as Halo 4 debuts at No.1 in the UK charts. The return of Master Chief narrowly outsold the previous chart-topper, Assassin’s Creed, which settles for second place. The Ubisoft title saw its sales drop 73 per cent when compared …

Read More »

Call of Duty is bookies’ favourite for Christmas No.1

Fancy a flutter on a Friday afternoon? Bookies Paddy Power and Ladbrokes have revealed to MCV their contenders for the best-selling game this Christmas. Both firms are backing Activision FPS Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, with FIFA 13 the favourite for second place. Other potential winners include Wii U …

Read More »

Discovery channel: how indie free-to-play games can break through

Creating free-to-play video games is a risky affair. It’s especially hard for those developers looking to crack new IP, without the help of a brand or a major publisher to drive awareness. Free-to-play has changed the power dynamic,” said Marvelous AQL Europe CEO Harry Holmwood. Before, players would have pay …

Read More »

INTERNATIONAL FACTFILE: Slovakia

Slovakia is a small country by European standards. It is half the size of the neighbouring Czech Republic with a population of 5.5m – and only a little more than half of its residents live in urban areas. It also has a slightly lower average living standards compared to the …

Read More »

Free’s crowd: Using free-to-play to grow MMOs

Trion Worlds aims to reinvent the MMO space with each title, and is using free-to-play to attract a wider audience. James Batchelor finds out how this model will benefit titles like the online RPG? Rift and strategy game End of Nations. What are you doing to prepare for the launch …

Read More »

319 GAME stores hosting midnight openings for Black Ops II

Almost every GAME store around the UK will open their doors at midnight for Monday’s launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. The specialist retailer confirmed that 319 of its outlets are hosting special launch events to mark the arrival of Activision’s next blockbuster shooter. A full list of …

Read More »

MCV Jobs Weekly: New HMV business relations boss, top vacancies

In MCV’s weekly rundown of the hottest vacancies and latest personnel news, HMV expands with the creation of a new role and we look at the best job opportunities in games. HMV hires business relations manager The retail giant sees Nadia Akhtar join as the firm’s new business relationships manager. …

Read More »

Retail listings reveal Metal Gear Solid 4: 25th Anniversary Edition

Snake’s quarter-century celebrations aren’t over yet. Retailers have outed a fresh surprise from Kojima Productions. Several online stores, including ShopTo and Zavvi, have posted listings for Metal Gear Solid 4: 25th Anniversary Edition, a new SKU for the acclaimed 2008 release. There is some debate as to what the price …

Read More »

IN PICTURES: Halo 4 launch

Master Chief returned to London last night for the launch of the hotly anticipated Halo 4. Microsoft splashed its biggest outdoor budget ever on the marketing campaign, as well as a huge stunt and launch party in the heart of London. Celebrity guests such as Jonathan Ross, JLS, Dizzee Rascal …

Read More »

Tomorrow’s Halo 4 launch to conquer the UK

It will impossible to escape the launch of Halo 4 this week as the Xbox team prepares its most ambitious campaign to date. Master Chief’s latest adventure – released tomorrow (November 6th) – will be supported by the biggest out of house budget Xbox UK has ever spent on a …

Read More »