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NEWS
Battlestations for Eidos, as UK team prefers to focus on releases British stalwart could be turning Japanese in less than month But business-as-usual is the message by Stuart Dinsey EIDOS could be owned by Square Enix before the end of April, but in the meantime its UK team are working hard to ensure success for key releases. The Brit developer and publisher is lining up Battlestations Pacific, Championship Manager 2009 Edition and Batman: Arkham Asylum between spring and summer, with expectation also rising for Just Cause 2 and Mini Ninjas in the autumn. There have certainly been plenty of distractions since MCV first broke the news of interest from Japanese giant Square Enix in December. A formal offer worth £84 million was lodged in February and will go through if there is no counter-offer by the end of April. But MCV can reveal that the UK staff at Eidos have not had any contact with anyone from Square to date. They have simply been charged with the task of
MELCHIOR: Eidos’ European publishing boss says his team is concentrating on product quality - and not on Square Enix’s bid
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We have some important games coming. There is no point dreaming about what the future holds. Patrick Melchior, Eidos
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bringing the next set of Eidos titles to market. “The trade and the consumer care more about product than what goes on behind the scenes,” said European publishing boss Patrick Melchior.
“We have some important games on the way that are of strong quality. That’s what the team is focusing on. “There is no point in us dreaming about what the future might hold.” Eidos: 020 8636 3000
Mastertronic picks up Wrapstar JoWood and Lace set sights on expansion WRAPSTAR has signed an exclusive distribution and sales agreement with Mastertronic. Sales will be managed by Mastertronic’s London-based team, headed up by group sales director James Cato. Warehousing and distribution will be handled by the Group’s Cambridgeshire distribution facility, The Producers. “Wrapstar produce a really unique product, which means that consumers of any age can customise their personal technology at an impulse purchase price and it’s small enough for retailers to carry a wide range,” said Cato. “Wrapstar have definitely
HADDOW: Wrapstar boss ‘really impressed’ with Mastertronic
found an individual gap in the market and we’re looking forward to expanding on that.” Wrapstar’s managing director Max Haddow said:
“We chose to work with Mastertronic as we’ve been really impressed with their extensive network of services in sales and distribution, delivered with a personal touch. “Wrapstar is all about personalisation, and Mastertronic is the perfect partner to deliver this message.” Wrapstar produces vinyl skins for all games machines, as well as iPods, iPhone and Blackberry devices. After successful sales of DS, PSP and Wii skins, the company is expanding its range to include PS3 and Xbox 360.
Mastertronic: 0845 234 4242
LACE DIGITAL Media Sales and JoWooD are both seeking to expand their UK games presence throughout 2009. The UK distributor and Vienna-based publisher announced last month that Lace would now handle JoWooD products in the UK. Speaking to MCV, Lace MD Adam Lacey indicated that both firms are keen to develop over the course of the year. “We’ve been visiting the folks at JoWooD regularly and they’re working on a number of impressive things,” he said. “They’ve been predominantly
known for their PC games in the past, but now they’ve entered the Wii and DS market.” Lacey also revealed the publisher is planning to expand its portfolio to incorporate other formats, although full details on this won’t be available until later in the year. “As for Lace, we’re hoping that our JoWooD agreement will be the first of many,” he added. “We’re keen to strike up partnerships with other publishers and help them bring their products to the UK market.” Lace: 01273 202220