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MCV 07/11/08 7
NEWS
TRADE BULLETIN
Games’ Next big retailer? Clothing specialist ramps up product offering for Christmas and beyond with new deals by Tim Ingham FORGET GAME, HMV or Asda: The retailer that increases its market share by the greatest margin over the next year could be High Street clothes store Next. The company began selling games in July last year, through its catalogue and online. And after a successful 18months, the firm has told MCV that it is now ready to ramp up its commitment to the category for Christmas and beyond – and has pledged to fight for a bigger share of the industry’s most sought after stock.
OUT 21st NOVEMBER PC-DVD and Mac
This Parts Pack includes over 100 new creature building components and animations themed in two distinct styles: cute/cartoon and scary/monster. Similar to The Sims 2 Stuff Pack series, the Parts pack adds new content aimed at creative users who want to further customize their creatures, and make the scariest monsters or cutest critters possible.
NEXT LEVEL: Next hopes to build strong relationships with suppliers
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We want to build relationships with our suppliers and publishers to take our game offer to the next level. Jon Biddle, Next
MCV understands the company is even considering bringing games in-store in 2009. “Gaming is a very important part of Next’s product offering,” said the chain’s buyer Jon
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Biddle. “It has become the biggest area in our Electricals & Leisure division and has lots of potential to grow.” Alongside Biddle, Next has recruited Steve Martin as
buying manager and David Grange as merchandiser. The trio have increased coverage of games in the Christmas Directory, implemented email promotions and introduced sales charts to Next’s website. The chain has seen particular success with Nintendo products, and has told MCV that it will fight to get as much stock from the platform holder as possible.
“We are always looking at new ways to drive our categories forward and are always looking for promotional offers and deals to benefit our customers and put Next on the gaming map,” added Biddle. “Going forward we will be looking to build relationships with our suppliers and publishers in order to take the category to the next level.” Next: 0844 844 8888
Dancing On Ice skids into view GHOSTLIGHT has snapped up celebrated ITV licence Dancing On Ice for an official Wii and DS tie-in. The title is already in development and will be released in Q1 next year. This news comes as ITV prepares to air the fourth series of the hit show, which in terms of viewing figures was one of the top three programmes in the UK last year. The show reached a weekly audience of nine million viewers, peaking at an impressive 14 million – surpassing rival programmes such as The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice and EastEnders.
The official Dancing On Ice game will allow players to pair up with professional skaters from the show. Their performance will be scored by
the official judging panel. Players will practise routines, enter skate-offs and compete for the coveted title of Dancing On Ice Champion.
Commercial brand director for ITV Global Entertainment Gustavo Antonioni said: “This is a truly unique proposition which will engage
the entire family. The concept combines fast-paced, competitive fun alongside interactive dress-up options to personalise your character.
“Dancing On Ice is one of the world’s most successful TV exports and the game is another superb example in how we’re providing our audience with high quality engaging brand extensions.” Head of development at Ghostlight Stephen Morgan added: “The Dancing On Ice show consistently attracts millions of viewers from the same demographic profile as our DS and Wii target audience. The strength of the licence coupled with high quality gameplay is an exciting prospect and guaranteed to establish Dancing On Ice as a leading video game in 2009”.
OUT 21st NOVEMBER PS2 and Wii
Hasbro Family Game Night features classic and party game modes of family favourites such as CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders.
OUT 21st NOVEMBER PC DVD
Design impressive estates and meticulous gardens for your Sims with three all-new styles. With a host of new architectural and landscaping items to choose from, your Sims homes will look more stunning than ever!
Ghostlight: 01279 858000
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