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MCV 28/08/09 9
NEWS
Sega undaunted by ‘mature’ game sales challenge on Wii Failure of MadWorld hasn’t put firm off strategy – as it beats chest over The Conduit by Tim Ingham SEGA HAS vowed to plough on with its strategy of creating adult games for Wii – despite the commercial failure of MadWorld earlier this year. The Platinum Gamesdeveloped title did not make an impact on the UK and US charts, but won critical praise
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on Wii just because we launched one that didn’t hit right away would be arrogant. We have other teen and mature games we will be launching on the Wii platform.” Hayes was upbeat about recent Wii shooter release The Conduit, which he pointed out had shipped 300,000 units worldwide since launch.
I don’t know why MadWorld didn’t sell so well. But to argue all mature games on Wii don’t work is arrogant. Mike Hayes, Sega
and heavy marketing support. However, Sega West president Mike Hayes told MCV this week that the firm is not deterred, and is confident fellow Platinum game Bayonetta will suffer a similar fate. “I don’t know why MadWorld didn’t sell so well,” he said. “Perhaps it was the black and white graphics or the violence, but to argue mature games don’t sell well
Verrey. “Nintendo has created some of our industry’s most recognisable and timeless characters, loved by millions of gamers around the world. “This deal shows how committed we are to growing our licensing strategy and to producing quality products. We’re confident that our licensed Nintendo products will be embraced by gamers everywhere.” The deal will allow Mad Catz to use certain intellectual properties in its products, such as popular Nintendo characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Bowser and Samus. While no specific products
KONAMI: A new iteration of Pro Evolution Soccer will arrive on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on October 22nd. The PS2 and PSP versions will follow on November 5th, with the Wii version due for release on November 19th.
SQUARE ENIX: Final Fantasy XIII will be released on Xbox 360 and PS3 simultaneously in spring 2010. The Xbox 360 edition is likely to ship on three discs. NINTENDO: A report from CompaniesAndMarkets shows Nintendo has overthrown Mattel as the world’s leading toys and games company in terms of annual revenue.
HAYES: Sega boss says he is happy with The Conduit’s performance
vs. Predator and Bayonetta are both due for release in Q1 next year. In addition, multimillion selling PC title Football
Manager is due for release on October 30th. To read our interview with Mike Hayes, turn to page 20
Mad Catz secures Nintendo licence MAD CATZ has announced a new partnership with Nintendo of America to produce officially licensed accessories for the company’s various platforms. Under the new agreement, the peripherals vendors will be able to develop and market a range of products for Wii, DS and DSi. These will then be distributed throughout certain territories, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. “This is an extremely important licence for Mad Catz,” said global PR and communications manager Alex
[IN BRIEF]
EA: Action adventure Dante’s Inferno arrives in the UK on February 12th, the publisher has revealed. Battlefield Bad Company 2 has also been dated for March 5th.
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“Show me another new IP that has done those numbers, bearing in mind the Wii market has been a little slow this summer,” he added. “If you compare The Conduit with other core IP that’s been launched in the last three years it’s tracking well above.” Sega’s upcoming line-up for Q4 includes Mario and Sonic At The Winter Olympics and Alpha Protocol, whilst Alien
Sponsored by
Mad Catz’s Verrey says products will be “universally embraced”
have been announced, Verrey expects the first fruits of the new partnership to be announced soon.
“We are working closely with Nintendo to ensure that our licensed range will be worth the wait,” he said. This licensing deal is one of many Mad Catz has unveiled in recent months. “We recently announced a range of licensed Kukuxumusu accessories and that we will be offering a full range of licensed Modern Warfare 2 accessories in time for launch,” said Verrey. “We also have a range of licensed Raving Rabbids, Rock Band and Street Fighter IV products. We hold an enviable portfolio and look forward to sharing further news.” Mad Catz: 01908 336 538
SEGA: Napoleon: Total War, the newest entry in the best-selling PC series, was unveiled at Gamescom and will arrive in spring 2010. ZEPPOTRON: Charlie Brooker’s Gameswipe has been confirmed as a one-off 50-minute special. According to Brooker’s Twitter, the programme will air soon.
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