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RETAILBIZ: VIRTUA TENNIS 2009 WWW.MCVUK.COM
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SERVING UP SALES As one of Sega’s premier franchises, Virtua Tennis 2009 will be backed by a huge, summer marketing push, with a focus on online and TV. Online For the internet, Sega has teamed up with Eurogamer for wide ranging channel and homepage activity both during the game’s launch, and the Wimbledon tournament in June. The publisher has also worked with Sky Sports, giving Virtua Tennis a presence across its website, and not just in the tennis section of the portal.
NEW AND IMPROVED: The Virtua Tennis match engine has been upgraded, allowing for improved net moves, service and volleying.
TV As is usual for a big Sega launch, Virtua Tennis is set for its own strong TV marketing campaign. The TV ads will be 20 and 30 seconds in length, and will hit a range of sports and men’s lifestyle channels and programming. The campaign is set to begin from Monday before the title is scheduled to hit shelves, and will last for three weeks. In-Store The company has promised “a thorough triple-A in-store channel marketing campaign” for Virtual Tennis 2009. Outdoor: Sega is set to support its TV and online spend with outdoor activity, which is designed to drive as many consumers into stores as possible.
system, as well as 12 mini-games for either single or multiplayer action. And the Wii version is also enjoying plenty of hype, as the product is set to be the first to make use of the Wii MotionPlus. “The all-new over the shoulder camera angle brings a totally new direction to the tennis gameplay experience,” adds Payne. “And that’s as well as a full online gaming experience, Wii MotionPlus support and an extensive player roster. It is the only complete tennis gaming experience out there.” VISUAL ACE
Virtua Tennis 2009 is also an attractive game, with realistic visuals, 3D crowds, and a crisp and clear presentation. And although the Wii can’t quite handle the graphics of its Xbox 360 and PS3 counterparts, it’s still a pretty looking title, and best of all the Wii version features all the content, modes and
RELEASED: MAY 29 FORMATS: WII/360/PS3/PC PUBLISHER: SEGA DEVELOPER: SUMO DIGITAL PRICE: VARIOUS DISTRIBUTOR: CENTRESOFT CONTACT: 0121 625 3817
options that 360 and PS3 fans will come to enjoy on release, making it one of the most comprehensive Wii tennis games on the market. When you consider the game’s massive production values, its incredible heritage and its timing to coincide with the summer (and indeed Wimbledon), then retailers can expect Virtua Tennis 2009 to be one of the first big video game releases of the summer. Payne concludes: “With Virtua Tennis 2009, retailers can expect both casual and hardcore gamers to relinquish cold hard cash in exchange for a superb, value for money sports sim.”
SUPERSTARS: The likes of Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are all playable in Virtua Tennis 2009