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MCV 24/07/09 5
NEWS
Discovery Channel Slitherine signed to produce first games
many ways. It now encompasses such a varied demographic that we feel now more than ever we can take this opportunity to reach a wider market.” On the studio signing PerezJackson added: “Slitherine is an
industry leader and has an experience like no others in blending entertainment and culturally-relevant content.” Discovery Trivia is due for release by the end of 2010. www.discovery.com
HMV snares THQ trade marketing boss FORMER THQ trade marketing manager Wayne Wilson has joined HMV in the newly-created post of online games manager. Wilson, who started at the retailer earlier this week, worked on major releases such as Saints Row 2, UFC: Undisputed and Red Faction: Guerrilla. Prior to that he worked at Woolworths for seven years in a number of games-related roles. HMV has also brought together a central content team for its site. Managed by Matt Porter, the new structure is designed to strengthen the team supporting all the content on HMV.com, including games. Commercial manager Jonathan Hayes commented: “We’re delighted to welcome a person of Wayne’s outstanding experience and product knowledge to the HMV Games team. He has a strong background in all aspects of games buying and marketing with a keen commercial eye. Working with Matt Potter and his
[PRE ORDERS]
TOP 10 UNCHARTED 2: AMONG THIEVES PS3 SONY
2. GRAN TURSIMO 5 PS3..................................................SONY
3. MODERN WARFARE 2 360..........................................ACTIVISION Wilson returns to retail as he seeks to bolster HMV online
HMV.com content team, he has the right credentials to spearhead the development of HMV’s games offer online.” Wilson added: “I have enjoyed my time at THQ, and have learnt a great deal since being here. I wish the company and all the great people that work there well for the future. “However, I’ve definitely missed the excitement of retail. The games online manager role is an exciting proposition to me – it’s a strategically important role for the company.” HMV: 01628 818300
4. MODERN WARFARE 2 PS3..........................................ACTIVISION
5. PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2010 PS3 ..............................................KONAMI
6. HALO 3: ODST 360..........................................MICROSOFT
7. OP. FLASHPOINT: DRAGON... 360......................................CODEMASTERS
8. HEAVY RAIN: THE ORIGAMI KILLER PS3..................................................SONY
9. WII SPORTS RESORT + WII MOTIONPLUS WII ............................................NINTENDO
10. ASSASSIN’S CREED 2 PS3..............................................UBISOFT Week ending July 17th Source: SHOPTO.COM
[MARKET VALUE]
Government forms games committee £16.9m THE GOVERNMENT is to create an all-new ‘video games committee’ – in which crossparty representatives will be tasked with considering changes in policy to help the industry.
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the new PEGI age ratings system, tax breaks and more. The new committee will feature representatives from the Department Of Culture, Media and Sport, the
The Government is confident of being able to introduce pro-PEGI legislation before the next election. Michael Rawlinson, ELSPA
The decision was a result of ELSPA’s first formal meeting with new Minister for Creative Industries Siôn Simon last week. ELSPA director general Michael Rawlinson and Simon discussed
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Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the Department of Health, the Home Office and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
“The news was indeed upbeat,” he said. “The Minister assured us that the Government is confident of being able to introduce pro-PEGI legislation before the next election. “We also covered the other hot topic of the moment: tax breaks for the industry. Siôn Simon confirmed that the Treasury is now open in principle to the idea of tax breaks for the country’s video games industry. “But endlessly calling for tax breaks is not enough. What is obvious is that hard evidence has so far been very lacking so the Minister has now asked ELSPA to help
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MP Siôn Simon met with ELSPA boss Mike Rawlinson
further the debate by furnishing that evidence. This, of course, we are happy to do.” Siôn Simon met with ELSPA again this week at the DCMS.
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£20.1m
£18.7m
£16.9m
836,461 Units
825,244 Units
785,124 Units
Week Ending July 3rd
Week Ending July 10th
Week Ending July 17th
0
Total UK Software Sales Source: ELSPA/ChartTrack and Intent Media