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WWW.MCVUK.COM
MCV 03/07/09 5
NEWS
Euro powerhouse publisher’ New IP to drive Western growth
Key execs head up Gamestation and GAME’s buying teams GAME GROUP has revealed the personnel that will head up its all new GAME and Gamestation buying teams. Taking control of format buying is Charlotte Knight. Knight joined GAME ten years ago as buying assistant and now manages relationships with the format holders.
Meanwhile, Neil Martin has taken the new position as head of buying for accessories and new business. Martin joined GAME back in 2005 having worked as game controller for HMV. In his new role Martin has responsibilities across the international group as well as the UK.
[PRE ORDERS]
TOP 10 UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES PS3 SONY
2. MODERN WARFARE 2 360 ..................................ACTIVISION
3. MODERN WARFARE 2 PS3 ..................................ACTIVISION
4. GRAN TURISMO 5 PS3 ..........................................SONY
5. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 PS3 ..............................................EA
6. FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 4 360 ..............................................EA (From left to right) Neil Martin, Charlotte Knight, Kathryn Hinton and Lyndsay Westwood take new roles
7. HALO 3: ODST 360 ..................................MICROSOFT
“To do this we need titles. We already have some big brand games like Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive and Dynasty Warriors, but to be a major player in Europe we need new
intellectual properties. So we will release new IP for Western audiences and reinforce our existing brand titles in the region. That is our strategy.”
In charge of third-party buying is Kathryn Hinton, who will now manage relationships with all third-party suppliers. Hinton joined GAME nine years ago as buying co-ordinator, and most recently worked as senior product manager for Nintendo, which included working on the launch of Wii and DSi.
Finally, completing the line-up is head of product marketing Lyndsay Westwood. Westwood has worked at the group for almost ten years, most recently as head of marketing for GAME. For more on the buying teams of the UK’s biggest retailers head over to page 14.
9. PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2010 PS3........................................KONAMI
10. TEKKEN 6 PS3 ............................NAMCO BANDAI Week ending June 26th Source: SHOPTO.COM
[MARKET VALUE]
Tecmo Koei: 01462 476130
Pre-owned kiosks are currently not planned for the UK market
has recently started selling games through its Wireless World stores, but has no intention to trial the machines.
360 ..............................CODEMASTERS
GAME: 01256 784000
No trade-in kiosks for Best Buy UK CARPHONE WAREHOUSE has told MCV that there are no plans to bring the trade-in ‘vending machines’ seen in Best Buy US stores to the UK. The kiosks are currently being trialled in Best Buy outlets in Dallas and Austin, and are similar to machines that appeared in Wal-Mart in May. The devices work by scanning the game for functionality before issuing a voucher that is redeemable for a Best Buy gift card. Carphone Warehouse, which is part of the Best Buy group,
8. OP. FLASHPOINT: DRAGON...
A spokesperson said: “There are no plans to introduce kiosks at Carphone Warehouse at this time.”
Best Buy’s planned invasion of the UK is set to begin next year, but it’s unclear if preowned will be a part of the retailer’s UK offer. “Currently there aren’t any developments on the Best Buy proposition to report,” added the spokesperson. “We are still planning what products will be offered and so I can’t confirm that kiosks will be part of the proposition.” Although still in the early stages, MCV understands that games will have a significant presence in UK Best Buy stores.
£20.3m 25
20
15
10
5
£21.3m
£20.2m
£20.3m
913,015 Units
873,096 Units
851,924 Units
Week Ending June 12th
Week Ending June 19th
Week Ending June 26th
0
Total UK Software Sales Source: ELSPA/ChartTrack and Intent Media