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MCV 19/02/10 7
NEWS
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Capcom taking MotoGP mainstream Publisher aims for wider audience with latest instalment of popular motorbike racer by James Batchelor CAPCOM is targeting a broader audience for MotoGP 09/10. To ensure the long-running franchise can be a mainstream hit, the upcoming title features more accessible controls. It also includes four difficulty levels for rival racers allowing non-gamers to tailor MotoGP to suit their abilities. Capcom is hoping the tweaks give the game potential to be enjoyed by everyone from veteran to casual gamers. “This year we’re going to break away from the various
ACTIVISION: The publisher reported record net revenues of $4.28 billion in 2009 – dubbed by Activision as its most profitable year ever. Digital revenue reached $1.3 billion, thanks largely to World Of Warcraft.
ON TRACK: MotoGP has been tweaked to appeal to non-gamers
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Expectations for MotoGP are exceptionally high and we’re confident we’ll deliver one of the year’s top racers. Karl Reader, Capcom
boundaries of previous games, taking the MotoGP franchise to a wider audience than ever before,” said Capcom’s UK product and community manager Karl Reader.
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“More than just a motorbike game, it will be an experience that is more accessible to newcomers without losing the spirit and competitive nature of MotoGP.
“Expectations for MotoGP 09/10 are exceptionally high and we’re confident that we’ll deliver one of the top racing titles of this year.” Moto GP 09/10 is based on the 2009 season of the popular motorbike championship. Rosters for the upcoming 2010 season will later be made available via a free download. Capcom is already promoting the game ahead of its March
19th release date with MotoGP showcased at motorcycling consumer expos, starting with today’s Ace Café London Motorcycle Show. MotoGP 09/10 will also be promoted at key racing events from May to July, including the Grand Prix at Silverstone, Le Mans, Jerez and more. This will be supported by an extensive online campaign. Capcom: 020 8846 2566
Hubb signs Interactive distribution deal HUBB ACCESSORIES has signed a new distribution agreement with veteran accessories manufacturer Interactive Ideas. Under the new deal, Interactive Ideas will be responsible for handling Hubb’s growing product range – which covers all key gaming platforms – in the UK. The arrangement will cover the firm’s back catalogue products, as well its new ranges that are due to be released throughout 2010. “We are very pleased to announce our new relationship with Interactive Ideas and look forward to working with them closely to assist the continued
MICROSOFT: At its X10 event, the platform holder dated Alan Wake for May 21st and announced the Halo: Reach beta will launch on May 3rd. Fable III has been confirmed as a 2010 release.
PROUD PARTNERS: Interactive’s Breeze and Hubb’s Jones praise deal
growth of our accessory range,” said Hubb’s European sales director Mel Jones. “Interactive Ideas are a wellknown, respected distributor in the gaming industry and I
am confident in their experience and ability to add real value to our customers.” Interactive Ideas’ marketing director Michael Breeze added: “We are delighted to add Hubb
Accessories to our range of gaming products. “We aim to only ever add new ranges that provide something unique and create an additional revenue stream for our customers. “From what we have seen of their products and their plans for the UK market, we believe that Hubb will be a great success.” The move comes as Hubb Accessories continues to expand its presence in various European markets. The ambitious peripherals firm was founded in 2008 and has established headquarters in the UK and Hong Kong. Hubb: 01642 204339
UBISOFT: Sales for the nine months ended December 31st, 2009 came in at e661 million – a 22.5 per cent decrease from 2008. Q3 sales hit e495 million, down by just 2.7 per cent from the previous year. SQUARE ENIX: Two Xbox 360 bundles will be released alongside Final Fantasy XIII. One will feature a 250GB Elite, two wireless controllers, and Avatar items, while the other will standard 120GB Elite and one wireless pad. EA: Crysis 2, Dead Space 2 and Criterion’s first Need For Speed series will be released for consoles and PC between October and December. SONY: NPD data shows that over 40 million PSN accounts have been registered across 33.5 million PS3 owners and 56 million PSP gamers. Sony also reported a 155 per cent rise in digital sales.
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