Exertis Future Gaming

800LX GEAR UP. GET GOOD.

PERFECT YOUR GAME WITH 24 HOURS OF UNWIRED, UNINTERRUPTED FOCUS AND MOVING AUDIO THAT SWEEPS ALL AROUND AND ABOVE YOU WITH RIG 800LX AND DOLBY ATMOS FOR HEADPHONES.

CLOUD COMPUTING IS BROADENING THE VIDEO GAMES HORIZON

GAMING CHAIRS ARE MORE ROCKING THAN YOU THINK

How cloud computing is opening up a world of new gaming experiences

We select the top chairs that will enhance gaming performance

SUMMER issue 12.

WIRELESS GAMING HEADSET FOR XBOX ONE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

ONE GIANT LEAP

FUTURE

THE

Copyright ©Exertis (UK) Ltd 2018

NITRO 5

8 th Gen Intel® Core ™ i7 Processor NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050Ti Graphics Acer NitroSense Dolby Audio ™ Premium

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR GAMER Powerful NVIDIA GeForce® graphics with the latest 8 th gen Intel core processor, DDR4 memory and SSD boot storage to turn your PC into a true gaming rig.

SUPERB VISUALS Easily find your perfect viewing angle to catch every game alive in vivid detail with superb FHD IPS display.

IMMERSING IN GAMES Immerse in mutual competition with friends with Dolby Audio Premium, Acer TrueHarmony and surprisingly clear microphones so your squad can hear you loud and clear.

PLAYBETTER WITH COOL Dual fans with Acer CoolBoost tech boots up the thermal system for smooth gameplay when under tension.

CALM BUT PASSIONATE DESIGN The modest yet stylish design housing state of the art game-ready components ignites the gaming spirit while balancing life and play.

SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY Built-in unparalleled wireless and all vital ports a gamer needs, including Giga Ethernet for better range and reliability.

Contact your Exertis account manager today for more information about the Acer Nitro 5 Intel, the Intel Logo, Intel Inside, Intel Core, and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

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SPORTS DIRECT INTRODUCES ESPORTS ARENAS TO STORES

HOW TO: GET THE MOST OUT OF DIGITAL SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS

MEET THE TEAM

14 HOW BEHAVIOURAL ANALYTICS IS DISRUPTING GAMING

31 HOW TO: GET THE MOST OUT OF DIGITAL SALES FOR YOUR BUSINESS

03

CONTENTS 05 EXERTIS COMMENT Alex Croft introduces the summer edition of Future Gaming and Entertainment

06 NEWS IN BRIEF

We explore the new data that show what gamers really want

We show how Exertis Ztorm can help capture valuable digital sales

A quick look at what’s happening in the technology market

18 SPORTS DIRECT INTRODUCES ESPORTS ARENAS TO STORES Dedicated game spaces, complete with regional teams, come to the UK

10 MARKET STATS UPDATE We look at the current technology trends you should be aware of

11 RETAIL TRENDS

We look at the most notable trends in the retail space at the moment

22 CLOUD COMPUTING IS BROADENING THE VIDEO GAMES HORIZON

How cloud computing is opening up a world of new gaming experiences

26 HOT PICKS

A range of best-selling products designed to make you more margin

33 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TECH

Keep devices powered up whilst travelling with our selection of top travel accessories

35 GAMING CHAIRS ARE MORE ROCKING THAN YOU THINK

We select the top chairs that will enhance gaming performance

37 MEET THE TEAM

Matt Finn, Exertis’s new Account Director, shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the games industry

38 TOP 10 ATTACH See our top 10 recommended range of products here from Exertis

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FUTURE

05

Publisher Exertis Editor Lucy Hall Design Sophie Hammond

Harlow Reception: 01279 822 822 Address: St George House Parkway Harlow Business Park Harlow Essex CM19 5QF

WELCOME FROM EXERTIS RTIS RT Hello and welcome me to the summer issue issu of The Future!

The Exertis team has been hard at work once o more gathering the best stories and product announcem announcements across the consumer technology ology market, ensuring ensurin you’re up to date with the latest trends ends and releases.

Sports Direct has invested significantlyy in the future of gaming by entering into partnership rship with GAME’s Belong initiative, which hosts dedicated dicated gaming arenas in stores. We report on their rising popularity, plus h how retail can benefit from the he surprise venture.

To place an order please call 01279 822 822 between 9am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday With the sun making makin a return, we’ve put together a guide to the essential gadgets and accessories that travellers ellers will want to take with them on their holidays this year. r. All this plus a wealth of news stories and an interview with th Exertis’ new Accoun Account Director, Matt Finn, who discusses where the games industry indust is heading.

Finally, a big thank you ou to all who at attended our Plug into Exertis event in April. We had over ove 100 exhibitors at the Silverstone tone Circuit venue and a great time was had by all.

See ee you in the autumn!

Digital sales saw w a dramatic increase in the last year, and we explore how Exertis Ztorm and EDSR services can easily bring online sales to your business or even into physical stores. res. We also investigate the fascinating area of Behavioural ural Analytics Analy which makes it far easier to know what customers ustom like and dislike.

Basingstoke Sales: 01256 707 070 Address: Ashwood Chineham Business Park Chineham Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 8EH To place an order please call 01256 707 070 between 9am – 6pm Monday to Friday To buy online visit store.exertis.co.uk

Alex Croft Sales and Commercial Director

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06

FUTURE

NEWS IN BRIEF

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

AMAZON GO OPENS ITS DOORS IN SEATTLE Amazon has taken the unusual step of creating its first brick and mortar store in Seattle, WA. As you would expect from a company that has made its name by being one of the most innovative retailers of the modern era, this is no ordinary shop.

Instead of queuing at checkouts, or scanning items that they intend to buy, customers instead simply take items off the shelves, put them in their bags, then walk out.

This is made possible by a combination of a dedicated app that is scanned on entry to the store, and AI that monitors which items are removed or put back on the shelves. Shortly after leaving the store, a customer will be sent a receipt and have their Amazon account charged for the appropriate amount.

It’s only an experiment at the moment, but with the technology now in place it could be a blueprint for the retail experience of the nottoo-distant future.

SONY XZ PREMIUM STREAMS PLAYSTATION 4 GAMES Owners of Sony’s excellent Xperia XZ Premium smartphone can now pair it with their PlayStation 4 and stream games anywhere on their home network.

PS4 Remote Play means that the current crop of AAA titles such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Far Cry 5, and PES 2018 can all be played on the smartphone while users are in the kitchen, bedroom, or even basking in the sunshine of the garden.

Once the Remote Play app is installed, gamers can attach their PS4 Dual-Shock 4 controller via Bluetooth, and then battle it out with robot dinosaurs, crazed cult leaders, or Lionel Messi. There are also brackets available that can mount the smartphone on the controller itself, creating a compact, mobile gaming solution.

Along with the Xperia XZ Premium, Remote Play is also compatible with a selected range of Sony Xperia handsets, including the recently announced XZ2 and XZ2 compact devices.

ASUS REPUBLIC OF GAMERS PARTNERS WITH NUEL FOR 2018 The National University eSports League (NUEL) has announced that it will be partnering with ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) throughout 2018. This will see ASUS ROG support not only the various tournaments around the country, but also supply its formidable ROG Strix SCAR laptops and LAN setups, alongside a number of highly desirable prizes for the winning players.

‘At the NUEL,’ says Balint Kiss-toth, NUEL Head of Business Development, ‘we look for partners that not only want to support our tournaments, but share our vision and passion in creating unique opportunities for students and gamers. Partnering with ASUS Republic of Gamers, will not only allow us to increase the number and quality of our activities for all 126 Universities playing in our tournaments, but help to provide unique experiences to students that would not be possible without them.’

GAMER NETWORK ACQUIRED BY REEDPOP OCULUS GO COMING SOON ReedPOP, the company behind events such as PAX, TwitchCon and New York Comic Con, has announced its purchase of UKbased Gamer Network. The latter is home to gaming sites such as Eurogamer, Rock, Paper, Shotgun, VG247, GamesIndustry.biz, plus the YouTube channels Outside Xbox and Digital Foundry.

Alongside its editorial output, Gamer Network is also the organiser of the UK’s largest games event - EGX - which is expected to host 80,000 visitors when it takes place at the Birmingham NEC in September.

‘Gamer Network is one of the world’s leading voices for gamers and gaming culture’ stated Lance Fensterman, global head of ReedPOP. ‘Bringing ReedPOP and Gamer Network together, PAX and EGX together – these are the kinds of mash ups you dream of. We are beyond excited to dream up new concepts that will blow the minds of fans all over the world.’

VR headset sales look set to have a major boost this summer as the new, budget-friendly Oculus Go makes its debut this summer.

Following on from the breakout success of the more expensive Oculus Rift, the Go is a standalone device that doesn’t require connecting into a powerful PC and whose expected £199 price tag should see it become the must-have gaming accessory of the year.

Oculus has implemented a number of refinements in the Go, such as lenses with reduced glare, and fast-switch LEDs that reduce lag as users move their heads. This should also address the small number of gamers affected by motion sickness when using VR. Spatial Audio provides immersive sonic landscapes as players move through the environment, and a Snapdragon 821 processor ensures smooth performance for 1,000+ apps, games, and movie streaming services compatible with the new device.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

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HERCULES DJ NOW AVAILABLE FROM EXERTIS

OCULUS RIFT NOW MOST POPULAR VR HEADSET ON STEAM

Exertis UK has announced that it now distributes the Hercules line of musicfocussed products. The brand, which is part of the Guillemot corporation, has built an enviable reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of portable DJ controllers for computers, and offers a range of mixing controllers, DJ headphones and DJ monitoring speakers aimed at beginners up to the most advanced artists.

PC gaming portal Steam has announced that the Oculus Rift is now the most used VR headset by gamers on the platform. This sees it move past the HTC Vive which had previously benefited from its close integration with the Valve SteamVR standard protocols.

Hercules provides an excellent entry point for young DJs aspiring to follow in the footsteps of giants such as Nina Kravitz, Honey Dijon, or Calvin Harris, and should prove very popular as the festival season gets underway this summer. The line includes the entry level DJ Control Glow, the on the go DJ Control Compact, the mid-range DJ Control Instinct, and the top of the range DJ Control Jogvision.

Official figures show that the Oculus Rift now accounts for 47% of all VR headset use, with the HTC Vive close behind on 45%. The rest is taken up by the recently released Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality headsets.

Please contact your Exertis account manager for more information on these products.

The reason for the uptick in Oculus Rift’s popularity seems to be linked to the price drop the units received last summer. A new £399 entry point saw usage increase by 11% in the months immediately following the reduction. This provoked a similar move from HTC, which subsequently slashed the price on the Vive. The next quarter results will show whether that response helps it regain the top spot.

RAZER NOW AVAILABLE AT EXERTIS The award-winning Razer line of gaming focussed hardware, software, and services, is now available through Exertis. The two industry giants announced the new partnership recently, which will see hugely popular products distributed throughout UK and Europe via the extensive Exertis network.

Exertis will range Razer’s acclaimed console accessories line, including the Wolverine Xbox One Controller and the Raiju PS4 Controller, designed for e-sports; Atrox Xbox One and Panthera PS4 Controllers, offering the full arcade experience; and a trio of Thresher headsets, including Ultimate, 7.1 and e-sports editions.

Alex Croft, Exertis Home, commercial director said, “We are delighted to be offering our customers products from one of the most prestigious brands in the industry. The Razer range, designed for ‘total console supremacy’, is ideal for gamers looking for accessories to help give them a competitive edge – especially for e-sports, which is exploding in popularity.”

Those interested in finding out more about the Razer range should contact their Exertis account manager.

PLUG IN TO EXERTIS The Silverstone Circuit was transformed into a technology showcase at the end of April as it hosted our second ‘Plug in to Exertis’ event. Over one hundred exhibitors had their products and services on display, with the consumer room covering areas as diverse as Smart Tech and Networking, Premium Audio & TV, Gadgets & Accessories, and Gaming.

Exertis itself had an enviable range of offerings for both consumer and business sectors, with its Digital delivery solution Exertis Ztorm, and the retail services team which assists with staff training and dedicated in-store displays, garnering considerable interest.

To complement the product line-up, visitors also benefitted from a number of industry-focused seminars and workshops. These included keynote addresses from Mark Gallagher and David Coulthard, who clearly demonstrated how the importance of teamwork in building winning combinations transcends both business and sport.

Thank you to all of our vendors and customers that attended and helped to make the event such a success.

EXERTIS TO DISTRIBUTE CORE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS Exertis has announced plans to offer a wide range of Core Electrical Products in partnership with both established and emerging brands.

The Core Electrical market is worth in excess of £21bn in the UK annually (Retail Economics). Exertis will focus on the Small Domestic Appliance (SDA) and Electronic Personal Care (EPC) categories initially expanding the category over the coming 6 to 12 months.

Whilst core electrical is an established market, there are numerous opportunities within this sector with a huge range of products that span both existing and new product areas.

The category will sit within Exertis’ Consumer Business Unit and will be headed up by Harriet Croft who joined Exertis in May after spending the previous decade in various related procurement roles for Argos.

GAMING GEAR DESIGNED IN SWEDEN

For more information, please contact your Exertis account manager today.

THE

10

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSUMER TRENDS DRIVING DEMANDS

OF ALL TVs SOLD ARE NOW

SMART

WEARABLE DEVICES

TOTAL SHIPMENTS

TO REACH 560M IN 2021 (TRACTICA)

(GFK)

GLOBAL ESPORTS ECONOMY WILL REACH

$905.6M BY 2018

(NEWZOO)

CONSUMERS SPENT

IN

2017

$41BN ON HARDWARE,

THE UK HAD THE 5TH LARGEST VIDEO

(IHS MARKIT)

(UKIE)

GAMES CONTENT AND SERVICES IN 2017

GAMING MARKET IN THE WORLD Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

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CHANGING

THE RETAIL

EXPERIENCE ONLINE AND IN-STORE SHOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY

RETAIL TRENDS Retail has certainly been under the cosh in the last few months. According to PwC the first quarter of 2018 was the toughest first quarter since the last recession in 2009-10. It’s not just one category that’s under pressure, it’s affecting a wide range. Toys R Us, Conviviality and Maplin all fell into administration with other well-known brands like Mothercare, Carpetright and Homebase looking to reduce their retail estate.

Of course, retailers are under pressure from onliners particularly for commodity products. Indeed, Amazon is now the fifth biggest retailer in the UK accounting for £4 in every £100 spent in retail in the UK last year. Considering it sells non-essential items with no physical retail presence, its success reflects the company’s ability to understand the consumer’s needs in terms of product range, ease of purchasing and delivery. According to analysts, GlobalData, it’s estimated that Amazon accounted for 33.5% of all online spend in 2017, growing 22.5% compared with the UK average of 8.4% last year for online sales.

Without doubt for certain products, there is less of a need to visit a bricks and mortar store. Technology has seen to that and consumers are tech savvy enough to make that choice. But it’s important to recognise that the vast majority of retail sales are still done in the store. For many products, there is still a need and desire to touch and feel the product. Equally, it’s important to distinguish between what’s happening to retailers in the high street compared to the shopping mall. Clearly with the former, too many stores have been replaced with a different type of retail outlet with pound shops, betting shops and charity shops making the high street less appealing for consumers. Retail parks on the other hand often buck the trend by attracting more consumers.

Those brands that have adopted an omni-channel approach clearly have an advantage of capturing the consumer’s spend whether that transaction is online or in-store. However, those that can also recognise that both can offer complementary but different experiences will certainly provide a stronger engagement with their customer. Research, reviews, product information, range, ease of search, stock, delivery options are all prerequisites for online success.

The store now needs to provide a reason for the customer to visit and return. In-store experience is more important than ever. Whilst, it’s possible to watch any number of explainer videos online (and they provide a very useful service), the real value of a purchase can only be fully experienced by seeing it first-hand. After all what does a 4K, UHD and Ultra HD television mean to the average consumer. Not surprisingly research from RMG highlighted the top three reasons consumers give for shopping in store is that they want to experience a product before making the purchase: • • •

51% prefer to go and look at a product 27% want to check its quality 24% want to feel and use the product before buying

If that experience can be enhanced by the sales assistant then you have a powerful combination. Research from TimeTrade maintained that 90% of consumers are more likely to buy when helped by a knowledgeable assistant and the RMG survey revealed that 44% were prepared to impulse buy even on a high-priced ticket item if the in-store help was executed well. Indeed, as we have mentioned in previous retail trends, the use of technology that creates a better shopping experience is also important. VR/AR will become more widespread which can add both excitement and practicality, and mPOS will make the purchasing a slicker more efficient way of transacting. However, the power of human interaction cannot be under-estimated and this presents a key differentiator from shopping online.

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SUBSCRIBE TO ALL MAGAZINES Ensure you are up to speed with the industry by subscribing to Future Gaming & Entertainment, Mobility and Business magazines today. subscribe@thefuture.com

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

Everything happens here Watch all your favourite content in picture perfect UHD Ask your Exertis Account Manager for more details.

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HOW

BEHAVIOURAL

ANALYTICS

IS DISRUPTING

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

MEETING THE NEEDS OF A CHANGING PLAYER BASE The player base of modern gaming is a rich landscape. Where once the main demographic was younger people playing in their living rooms, today it incorporates a much wider spread of ages, and the platforms they play on can range from a smartphone on their commute, to a huge 4K PC rig.

Understanding the patterns and pressure points of this clientele is important to stay competitive, but with big data analysis, AI powered software, and specialist companies like Cooladata, developers are gaining a deeper comprehension of gamers than ever before.

Due to the always-connected nature of most gaming platforms, they can now access up-to-date information on how gamers are playing and any issues they encounter. This has allowed not only the larger houses to continually hone their titles, but also empowered smaller, independent creators to craft games in a manner that would have been impossible only a few years ago.

‘As the market for games gets larger,’ Dan Schoenbaum, Cooladata’s CEO, explained to Forbes, ‘there is more room for new, niche companies to build games that cater to individual taste and respond quickly to user behaviour. Gone are the days of designing, building, shipping, and then turning away. Games launched today are constantly being adapted to the way that users interact with, share and ultimately enjoy their experience.’

GAMING The gaming industry is big business. A recent report from analysts Digi-Capital states that by the end of 2018 the global market could be worth as much as £120bn, with that number set to grow even higher over the next five years.

In 2017 the UK’s 32m gamers spent a record £5.11bn on gaming products, making it the 5th largest video game market in the world.

As this audience continues to grow, so do the challenges for developers and manufacturers who want to predict what customers will be looking for from their gaming experience in the future.

One solution that’s gaining rapid adoption across the industry is that of behavioural analytics, and it’s seeing impressive results.

Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

WHAT IS BEHAVIOURAL ANALYSIS? Behavioural analysis looks at the player experience and highlights any potential issues gamers met along the way. For instance, was there a certain point in the game where players lost interest? Did in-app purchases prove more successful in one area rather than another? Or, which elements of the game kept players the most engaged?

These key indicators are what Schoenbaum calls the ‘headlines about your players’, but to effectively understand the bigger picture, they must be contextualised alongside a host of other metrics. One such element is the k-factor. This looks at the amount of invites a user sends from a game to their friends, and then tracks the conversion rate of the number who then accepted.

Analysis is also applied at different points in a game’s development to see how users respond to changes. A further step can be added that looks at how often the invitees actually play the game. Combining all of these aspects together gives developers far greater insight into customer satisfaction as well as seeing the effectiveness of their referral conversation rate.

Another instance that sees probably the most interesting use of the powerful AI software behind modern behavioural analytics was reported by Venturebeat. It stated that ‘there lies a vast array of what is known as “unstructured data”, which is often overlooked and under-analysed. This may include messages from customer chat, customer success information and much more. Natural language

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FUTURE

processing (NLP), a machine learning technique, can be used on chat data to infer the sentiment of a particular user within a conversation.

Running NLP analysis on chats can generate reports that paint a much more nuanced picture of customer satisfaction.’

Using these deep-level interpretations of player behaviour means that game designers can now refine their products during development, and also post-release, continually optimising them for players, while also developing new titles with more informed viewpoints.

‘The feedback loop between game designers and game players has never been tighter’ Schoenbaum continues. ‘In my opinion, players create great games, not game developers. If game studios are proficient in their ability to track, analyse, and use that wealth of information to improve and iterate their game development process, they’ll produce a winning game and build a rabid base of fans.’

THE VALUE TO RETAIL While gaming has demonstrated the possibilities of constantly improving its offering through behavioural analytics, the approach is also something retailers have adopted.

For example: being able to estimate customer churn – the rate or percentage of customers that will leave a service – is an area where the technique is particularly useful. By taking a range of attributes, such as age, gender, and past patterns, it’s possible to predict churn with a high level of accuracy. This gives retail the opportunity to address any obvious failings or disincentives before they cause regular customers to go elsewhere.

Having these detailed insights on consumer behaviour will no doubt prove a welcome tool to any brand’s customer retention team and make the strategies they develop far more effective.

Then there’s the new consumer journey, where retailers can look at what points in the process people decide not to buy an item, or when to promote additional related products with the highest rate of success, so as to give customers a frictionless route to the checkout.

Retailers who are able to harness this kind of data and turn it into applicable knowledge will steal a march on those still reliant on the headline-only approach.

‘Nimble online competitors are using behavioural analytics,’ Schoenbaum concludes, ‘to design an online shopping experience that far exceeds what traditional retail stores can deliver. With things like personalised product offerings, customised communication, behavioural sentiment analysis and many other tools — eCommerce companies are eviscerating established incumbents by winning the hearts and minds of consumers across the country.’

Retail has gone through a large amount of upheaval in recent years thanks to the increasingly prolific use of technology by customers.

Today high-street retailers need a well thought out and constantly evolving online component if they are to remain competitive.

Those wanting to stay on top would be wise to take advantage of the tools at their disposal through companies like Cooladata, and the techniques they employ. From now on the fine margins of success will become increasingly focussed on not only offering a great range of products at competitive prices, but also just how much you know and understand about your customers.

For more information on how Exertis can help you gain these insights and ensure that you always have the most in-demand products on your shelves, be sure to contact your Exertis account manager today.

15

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CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS ­¤²µ °£ ¬¢ µ­°©ª­ ¢± ³±£¢ §¬ ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ ²£±²± « · ¦ ´£ ££¬ ­®²§«§±£¢ ¤­° ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ ­¬ª· ­¬ ¬²£ª «§¡°­®°­¡£±±­°± £°¤­°« ¬¡£ ²£±²± ±³¡¦ ± « °©Z ¬¢ ­ §ª£ °©Z °£ «£ ±³°£¢ ³±§¬¥ ±®£¡§¤§¡ ¡­«®³²£° ±·±²£«± ¡­«®­¬£¬²± ±­¤²µ °£ ­®£° ²§­¬± ¬¢ ¤³¬¡²§­¬± ¬· ¡¦ ¬¥£ ²­ ¬· ­¤ ²¦­±£ ¤ ¡²­°± « · ¡ ³±£ ²¦£ °£±³ª²± ²­ ´ °· ­³ ±¦­³ª¢ ¡­¬±³ª² ­²¦£° §¬¤­°« ²§­¬ ¬¢ ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ ²£±²± ²­ ±±§±² ·­³ §¬ ¤³ªª· £´ ª³ ²§¬¥ ·­³° ¡­¬²£«®ª ²£¢ ®³°¡¦ ±£± §¬¡ª³¢§¬¥ ²¦£ ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ ­¤ ²¦ ² ®°­¢³¡² µ¦£¬ ¡­« §¬£¢ µ§²¦ ­²¦£° ®°­¢³¡²± ­° «­°£ ¡­«®ª£²£ §¬¤­°« ²§­¬ ­³² ®£°¤­°« ¬¡£ ¬¢ £¬¡¦« °© °£±³ª²± ´§±§² ¦²²® ``µµµ §¬²£ª ¡­«` £¬¡¦« °©± 1

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THE

18

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

DIRECT INTRODUCES ESPORTS

ARENAS TO STORES You may be more accustomed to seeing the latest premier league football kits, discounted trainers, or huge branded coffee mugs in Sports Direct stores, but soon there will be a new product line that could prove very good news for the gaming industry. eSports is coming to the high street.

Belong spaces are available for hire on an hourly basis, with the idea to foster communities of local gamers. The company states that ‘Belong aims to be a place where every gamer can come and feel part of something bigger.’

The UK’s leading sports retailer has announced plans to offer pay-toplay arenas in its retail spaces. Here gamers can compete playing the latest eSports titles, hold their own tournaments, or simply hang out with other players and watch the entertainment. The move marks a significant moment for the UK’s retail landscape, as competitive gaming takes a big step into the mainstream.

The brand has capitalised on this by also introducing various regional ‘Tribes’ which players can join or cheer along at regular matches.

These official teams take part in Arena Clash events, which are broadcast on Twitch, and have seasons that take place in Spring, Summer, and Winter. The Grand Finals see the best teams face off in live matches, which this year take place at the Birmingham NEC.

A PLACE WHERE GAMERS BELONG

Initially there were seven teams - the London Lionhearts, Bristol Smugglers, Manchester Swarm, Tyneside Guardians, Humber Hunters, MK Enigmas, and Portsmouth Pirates - but this has quickly grown to nineteen as both Belong and the regional clashes have become increasingly popular.

The roots of this initiative are based in a strategic investment made

by Sports Direct in 2017 when it bought a 25.8% stake in GAME Digital, parent company of GAME retail. This deal also included a further £3.2m for a 50% share of Belong, the eSports division of GAME. Belong started out in July 2016 when a section of the Trafford Centre GAME store in Manchester was converted into a gaming arena. It proved a success and has since seen the idea expanded to several other stores across the country. Now gamers regularly congregate in locations such as Milton Keynes, Glasgow, and Plymouth to take part in official competitions or just enjoy taking on local rivals in a game of Tekken, Call of Duty, Overwatch, or another popular title.

Game Digital states that ‘The arenas provide dedicated space for both PC and console gamers to play with friends, compete in tournaments, enjoy gaming nights, celebrate new games and technology launches, and share game themed events and experiences.’

Now, with the investment from Sports Direct, Belong has the opportunity to bring its success to even more parts of the UK. ‘As more consumer focus and spend moves to experiences,’ Martyn Gibbs, GAME Digital’s CEO, told MCV, ‘we are well advanced in delivering unique, world class gaming at both local and national level. Having launched the Belong brand just over a year ago, we have now opened 19 arenas and are very encouraged by the popularity and performance of these locations. We look forward to collaborating with Sports Direct to increase the availability and scale of Belong and to capitalise on the increasing overlap between sports and esports fans by bringing this unique experience to a wider consumer base.’

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FUTURE

‘With ASUS PCs, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch consoles,’ the official site states, ‘plus VR headsets, Fanatec racing wheels, Sim-Lab racing chassis and Noblechairs gaming seats, it’s packed with all the kit that gamers and eSports pros need to thrive.’

THE ESPORTS ECONOMY Arenas such as Belong and the Red Bull Gaming Sphere are a strong indicator of the rising popularity of eSports in the UK. According to industry analyst NewZoo, the global worth of the market is now expected to be worth around £640m by the end of 2018, which is a year-on-year increase of nearly 40%.

Sponsorship is still the largest proportion of revenue in eSports, with many companies eager to promote their brands to the audience of an estimated 380m people around the world.

‘As a consumer phenomenon, eSports continues to grow its huge base of passionate fans across the globe’ state NewZoo CEO Peter Warman. ‘As a business, eSports is now entering a new and critical phase towards maturity. Big investments have been made, new league structures have been launched, sponsorship budgets have moved from experimental to continuous, and international media rights trade is starting to heat up.’

MOVING TO THE MAINSTREAM With non-gaming retailers such as Sports Direct now beginning to embrace the possibilities of competitive gaming, while also associating it with more traditional sporting pursuits, 2018 could prove the breakout year for the industry.

As eSports starts to be seen on the high street, public awareness is almost certain to grow at a rapid rate. This will prove beneficial for retail, with increased demand for pro-level keyboards, mice, monitors, PCs and consoles as gamers look to improve their skills at home before heading out to the public square.

RED BULL RAISES THE GAME The concept of public arenas is not just the province of GAME and its Belong initiative. London’s Shoreditch is now the home to the UK’s largest eSports venue, thanks to the recently opened Red Bull Gaming Sphere.

This follows on from the success Red Bull had with a similar arena in Tokyo that opened in March 2018.

At the London venue there will be regular tournaments in the form of Friday Night Brawls which feature different games each week.

Alongside this there will be workshops held by eSports professionals, where players can pick up tactics and playing techniques from some of the top stars in gaming.

These can then be put to good use on the in-house leaderboards, where local players battle their way to fame and try to eclipse the efforts of even the pros.

‘I think it boosts the publicity of eSports in the UK,’ Ryan Pessoa, aka professional FIFA player Hashtag Ryan, told the Daily Mail. ‘The UK gaming scene is quite big, but hasn’t been as big competitively as other nations. It has started to grow fast over the past couple of months though. This is a huge step forward for the UK.’ Red Bull has ensured the venue is comfortable, has huge screens for audiences to enjoy watching matches, and is stocked with the latest hardware so that all players have access to the best experience on each game.

The localised nature of play arenas also provides an opportunity for brands to sponsor tournaments, host similar gaming events, or even compete with their own teams. Games might be going online, but it seems that the communities around them will be more in the physical realm than ever before.

For more details on how Exertis can help you take advantage of eSports, talk to your representative today.

19

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ROG Strix curved gaming monitor Part code: XG35VQ Strix XG35VQ is the largest gaming monitor of the ROG family. Its impressive curved display features a 100Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync™) technology, for extremely fluid gameplay without tearing and stuttering. It also includes integrated ASUS Aura Sync lighting that allows for seamless synchronisation with other Aura-enabled components and peripherals, adding personality to your gaming setup.

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THE

22

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

CLOUD COMPUTING IS BROADENING

THE VIDEO GAMES

HORIZON It’s easy to think of online multiplayer gaming as a relatively recent phenomenon. And certainly, accessible online gaming is reasonably new. The suggestion that most people would be carrying a highly capable wireless networking game device around in their pockets would have even seemed completely absurd.

The truth, however, is that the origin of online games dates back over half a century to when what was then called ‘time-sharing’ technology allowed people to connect with other machines in the same building. The first modems then emerged in the 1960s, allowing computers to communicate over increasingly long distances.

True connected gaming emerged at the University of Illinois in the 1970s, when students first started using networked machines for the creation of multiplayer gaming. By the following decade commercial online games were being developed for early Windows PCs. Around this time companies such as Nintendo and, Sega started to dabble in networked console gaming.

However, despite experiments with both the Mega Drive and Saturn, it was Sega’s efforts with the Dreamcast that were the first to make any sort of mainstream impact. Online became a more prominent feature with consoles like the original Xbox and PlayStation 2, but most people would recognise the Xbox 360 as being the first console to truly establish mass-market online multiplayer gaming.

Now online features in modern games are a given, and games that feature no internet functionality at all are almost a curiosity!

The next era of online games will go beyond simply allowing players to connect with one another. The games of the future will utilise the power of remote machines to enhance a user’s experience, as well as offer a swathe of other services such as game streaming and subscriptions.

Microsoft are at the forefront of this technology drive. The platform holder recently announced the formation of a brand-new cloud gaming division, signifying that its recent acquisitions and staff reshuffles are starting to take shape within the company. The new division was masterminded by Microsoft’s head of gaming Phil Spencer and will be headed up by 20-year Microsoft veteran Kareem Choudhry. Its main task will be encouraging developers and publishers to embrace Microsoft’s growing list of cloud services.

Indeed, last year’s smash hit PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds famously moved from Amazon’s servers to Microsoft’s Azure network when the game released on Xbox One last autumn.

Ubisoft’s Rainbow Six: Siege is another high-profile Azure partner.

In fact, Azure is now central to a huge number of sectors across the technology world including app services, web hosting, mobile engagement, storage services, data management, SQL databasing, messaging and streaming to list but a few.

One of the Microsoft services currently making the biggest splash is the Xbox Games Pass, which is now available as a subscription service on Xbox One and PC. It offers a growing library of nearly 200 titles, both from Microsoft and other publishers, all of which can be downloaded and played as much as a user likes for as long as their subscription remains active. Content includes not only Xbox One and PC titles but also a selection of backwardly compatible Xbox 360 and original Xbox games.

The current selection includes hits such as Bayonetta, Rise of the Tomb Raider, the BioShock series, XCOM, Resident Evil, Payday 2, Banjo Kazooie, Street Fighter IV, the Fable series, Cities: Skylines, Limbo, ReCore and Virtua Fighter 5.

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Furthermore, Microsoft surprised just about everyone when it announced that in the future its new Xbox and PC releases will also be available to Xbox Games Pass users, with new titles arriving on the service the very same day they hit store shelves. That means Rare’s recent pirate hit Sea of Thieves is available to everyone on Xbox Games Pass and future releases in hit series such as Halo and Forza, and upcoming releases such as Crackdown 3 and State of Decay 2 will be too – and the vast majority of these will be released for both Xbox One and PC, too.

It’s fantastic value for just £7.99 per month. Essentially, any gamer who expects to buy two Microsoft games a year can instead spend the same amount on a subscription and get a whole extra library of additional titles to boot.

Xbox Games Pass is a fascinating move for Microsoft, and one that some predicted no platform holder would ever be brave enough to make. A few companies have now had a stab at what you’ll regularly see referred to as a ‘Netflix for games’, and with mixed results.

Early pioneers such as OnLive set the groundwork for these successes but were unable to make them financially viable.

EA offers its EA Access subscription service on Xbox One and Sony offers a streaming service on PlayStation 4. But Microsoft is the first to include new releases at no additional premium.

Speaking of streaming – that’s an area into which we can expect Microsoft to take growing strides. Whereas services such as Xbox Games Pass allow users to download and install games to their machines, streaming services instead see users tap into a game that is in fact running on a remote system, in much the same way as a Netflix user watches a video stored on one of the company’s servers.

Microsoft sees streaming as an important part of getting games onto a wider selection of devices. After all, if you want to play a modern release like Sea of Thieves on the move, that means carrying around something with the computational power of an Xbox One. If you streamed Sea of Thieves, however, you could play it on your phone or tablet. Phil Spencer has previously indicated that he expects to see an Xbox streaming service in place by late 2020.

Microsoft may be one of the leading forces in the future of cloud gaming, but it is far from the only one. Just recently publisher Ubisoft announced a partnership with internet giant Google to build an open-source tool which developers can use to build multiplayer games.

It’s called Agones, which is a Greek word for ‘contest’. Agones will be designed not only to host multiplayer content but also offer a range of in-built tools for developers such as matchmaking, server management and marketplaces. It’s built around Google’s Kubernetes system, which is a modern alternative to the traditional server clusters used by current multiplayer services. Saying that, the Kubernetes system can be implemented on any network, meaning that it’s a great match for lots of clients. Google intends its model to become the new standard in the delivery of multiplayer gaming.

Ubisoft’s experience with games such as Rainbow Six: Siege and For Honor will be vital in helping grow Google’s understanding of the requirements of a modern multiplayer game. It will also, of course, help Ubisoft provide its current and future players with the best possible multiplayer services.

While for years gaming has relied on the console under your TV or on your desk, in the years to come the systems and networks at the other end of your broadband line will become just as important. And as more cloud networks are developed and refined, the better the experience that can be offered to gamers. The development of these technologies is both a fantastic opportunity for content providers and wonderful news for content consumers. Cloud computing will open up a world of exciting new gaming experiences to consumers that were scarcely imaginable years ago.

23

Over 100 great games.

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Tune in for the Xbox E3 Briefing Sunday 10th June 2018 | 9pm BST

THE

26

FUTURE

GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

EXERTIS GAMING

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TOP 5 SOFTWARE 1

THE CREW 2 Publisher Ubisoft Format Xbox One, PS4 & PC C Released 29th June 2018

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NORTON™ TO LAUNCH PRODUCTS VIA EXERTIS DIGITAL STOCK ROOM

NORTON SECURITY PRODUCTS WILL LL B BE E AVAILABLE VIA EXERTIS DIGITAL STOCK ROOM Exertis customers will be able to download digital content such as Norton, Microsoft Office products and gaming titles via the Exertis digital stock room (EDSR).

Norton will also offer partners a counter display unit and tailored point of sale kit free of charge to promote the products in store.

• Kit 1 - PC Stores • Kit 2 - Gaming Stores

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR MORE INFORMATION ON 01279 822800 ©2018 Symantec Corporation. All rights reserved. Symantec, the Checkmark Logo, Norton and Norton by Symantec are trademarks or registered trademarks of Symantec Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. The Windows logo is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Android is a trademark of Google. Mac, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

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FUTURE

HOW TO:

GET THE MOST

OUT OF DIGITAL

SALES FOR YOUR

BUSINESS 2017 was the biggest year on record for the gaming industry in the United Kingdom. Software sales amassed over £5.11bn in revenue, which was up 12.4% on the previous twelve months, and UK consumers spent a massive £790m on boxed copies of games, itself an increase of 3.4% over 2016. But, the continued rise of digital content saw online sales dwarf its physical rivals as the sector accounted for a staggering £1.6bn, and mobile gaming also passed a significant landmark, with revenues crossing the £1bn boundary for the first time.

These figures illustrate quite clearly that online and digital sales are an essential part of any retail strategy. Of course, it’s easy to say that every brand should immediately setup a web portal and begin selling products digitally, but what if you don’t have the time or technical knowhow to implement this kind of facility, or simply want to expand the catalogue you offer to customers? That’s where Exertis can help, thanks to its Exertis Digital Stock Room (EDSR) and Exertis Ztorm services.

ADDING DIGITAL CONTENT TO YOUR RANGE One of the major advantages of digital games is that they allow retailers to avoid the risks of financial exposure that can come with holding lots of physical stock. There’s no need to consider how you organise your storage facilities, and even if a game suddenly becomes the ultimate must-have item you’ll never run out of stock.

Exertis Ztorm provides a low cost and low risk solution to any retailer wanting an efficient, reliable and flexible transition from physical to digital sales. This is achieved by offering retailers an extensive online catalogue that can be plugged into their existing websites, complete with all relevant product information.

With over ten years’ experience of working with some of the world’s leading retailers, Exertis Ztorm provides instant access to hundreds of content providers. These include RockStar Games, Ubisoft, Bethesda, EA, Microsoft, and many more.

Exertis Ztorm sees its role as that of integration rather than distribution, bringing world-class products to your shelves without the administrative hassles that often come with setting up and maintaining multiple accounts. They take care of everything.

REDEMPTION FOR RETAILERS OF ALL SIZES Smaller, independent stores or retailers yet to create an e-commerce venture, can make use of ‘redemption’ sites provided by Exertis Ztorm, where customers purchase keys to unlock and download titles. The advantages of this approach are that it not only gives brands an online commercial presence, but also allows the collection of customer emails that can then be used in promotional campaigns.

Exertis also offers dedicated account managers that can help keep you abreast of significant upcoming releases, actively look for new sales opportunities, and help newcomers to digital distribution avoid the common pitfalls.

Accompanying this are automated asset delivery & pricing, new release & promotions support, real-time sales data, plus consolidated reporting and invoicing. Security is also paramount, with all download codes delivered securely to the Exertis Digital Stock Room, and able to be ordered either on the phone, online, or via EDI.

ONLINE WHILE IN-STORE Another hugely popular service retailers can make use of is selling download codes on the shop floor. This can be done via kiosks where customers browse for items and then go to the till to make their payments, or from a web interface used by the cashier to issue download codes. In either case the code can be printed as a separate receipt or included on one that also contains other items bought in-store.

The obvious advantage of this approach is that retailers can hold inexhaustible amounts of virtual stock, while also integrating seamlessly with any in-store promotions.

For more information on introducing digital content to customers, or expanding the catalogue you currently offer, talk to your Exertis representative today about the huge advantages Exertis Ztorm and EDSR can bring to your bottom line.

31

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TO THE EXTREME Take your PS4™ games to the next level with Remote Play on the new Xperia™ XZ2, and get 12 months of PlayStation®Plus on us until 30th June.

Enjoy 12 months PlayStation®Plus membership on us.

Gran Turismo™ Sport ©2017 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. “Polyphony Digital logo”, “Gran Turismo” and “GT” are trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment ”, “PlayStation”, “DUALSHOCK”, “ ” and “ ” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. “Sony” is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation. All rights reserved. All titles, content, publisher names, Inc. “ trademarks, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. Game/console/PS4™ Vertical Stand not included. PlayStation®Plus 12 month subscription offer is available upon purchase of: XZ2, XZ2 Compact, XZ1, XZ1 Compact and XZ Premium from 5th April 2018 to 30th June 2018. To participate and claim your PlayStation®Plus subscription you must access this offer via Xperia Lounge. All claims for PlayStation®Plus subscription must be made by 27 July 2018. Available in UK & Ireland. For full T&Cs please visit xperiaplaystationplus.co.uk. Use of Remote Play requires a PS4™ system, DUALSHOCK®4 wireless controller, Sony Entertainment Network account and high-speed internet connection with upload and download speeds of at least 15 Mbps. Use of your home WiFi is recommended. Some games do not support Remote Play. PlayStation®Plus subscription only available to Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) account holders with access to PlayStation®Store and high-speed internet.

PlayStation™Network (PSN), PS Store and PS Plus subject to terms of use and country and language restrictions; PS Plus content and services vary by subscriber age. Users must be 7 years or older and users under 18 require parental consent. Service availability is not guaranteed. Online features of specific games may be withdrawn on reasonable notice - eu.playstation.com/gameservers. Approved payment method details required. PS Plus subscription is an ongoing subscription with a recurring subscription fee which is deducted from the user’s wallet (at the then current PS Store price). You can cancel your subscription at any time so that your subscription will expire at the end of the then current year. This will stop future payments of the subscription fees but you will not receive a refund for payments already made. Full terms apply: PSN Terms of Service at eu.playstation.com/legal.

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

ESSENTIAL

TRAVEL TECH As summer makes its welcome reappearance, thoughts turn to getting away on holiday, or even heading to the park for several hours of sun worship.

Invariably, any trip these days involves a fair number of accessories that allow travellers to enjoy their media, all while ensuring the devices stay powered up.

To meet these needs, and guarantee customers have fewer things to worry about, we’ve put together this guide to essential travel tech.

POWER FOR THE PEOPLE It’s easy to fill a suitcase with the respective chargers, cables, and adapters that accompany devices these days. That’s why highcapacity portable power banks are a godsend. Having only one unit to carry makes for more space in bags and less weight on shoulders.

An excellent example is the Cygnett ChargeUp Pro 20K, which includes a 20,000 mAh lithium polymer power bank that intelligently charges up to three devices at once. The Power Delivery chip in the unit detects exactly what device it is connected to, meaning it always delivers the safest and quickest charge. The ChargeUp Pro 20K can handle smartphones, tablets, and even the latest-generation USB-C powered laptops, such as the Microsoft Surface Book 2.

Should more flexibility be required, then Omnicharge offers a range of high-capacity power banks; including a bestselling model that features an AC/DC outlet. For those about to charge, we salute you.

MARSHALLING THE MUSIC Bluetooth headphones are becoming extremely popular thanks, mainly, to the freedom they bring from annoying, tangling cables.

The extended battery life many now boast is also a blessing, as users can enjoy their favourite albums or podcasts without the need of a power point nearby.

The Marshall Major III headphones are a firm favourite with mobile music lovers, as not only do they feature a charge that can last all week, but the classic name and livery make them the coolest pair money can buy.

STREAMING ACROSS THE BORDERS The new EU digital single market rules for portable streaming, which came into effect in April, are good news for those travelling throughout the continent. It means there’s no need for bandwidth-sapping VPNs on computers, phones or tablets, as they are free to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Video within Europe.

Popping a streaming stick into any bag makes it easy to catch up on all those movies and shows that are hard to make time for at home. Roku’s Express Streaming Player is a steal at £30, and only requires plugging into the HDMI socket of the hotel/holidayhome TV, then logging it onto Wi-Fi to instantly open up a world of content.

Should travellers be heading where Wi-Fi connections are scarce, they can always download the content beforehand instead. To avoid filling up the often-limited storage on phones or tablets, a memory stick is the best route. Leef’s Bridge or Sandisk’s iXpand are both great solutions that can boost any Lightning-connected Apple device by up to 256GB. These are also very useful for those who plan to shoot a lot of pictures and video on their devices.

HOME IS WHERE THE SMART IS Finally, there’s another type of tech that can remove one of the classic stresses of travelling – concerns that houses and possessions are safe – with Smart Home devices allowing holidaymakers to monitor and even control things while lying on the beach.

The D-Link Smart Home Security Suite can tell users when doors are opened, if movement is detected, or any changes in temperature that might signify a fire or that the heating has been left on.

Potential burglars can also be put off by using Smart Lighting products, like Lightwave range, which can automate lamps turning on and off, or be controlled manually via an app on a smartphone. Now, all that’s left to do is soak up the sun and enjoy the rest.

For further information on these products and more, please contact your Exertis account manager.

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

GAMING

CHAIRS ARE MORE ROCKING THAN YOU THINK

With avid gamers now seeking to emulate their esports heroes in every way possible, the urge to own market leading gaming accessories, including gaming desks and chairs is more common than ever.

This is especially true of the growing numbers who play games professionally and even those who just want to give themselves every possible advantage when playing competitively. In the modern world of first person shooters when a fraction of a second can separate victory and defeat, having the best kit at your fingertips can be the difference between glory and despair.

It’s not just handheld peripherals that matter, though. It’s also important to think about the gaming chairs that will give you the competitive edge.

The origin of gaming chairs can be found in the sports car market.

Racing and dedicated gaming both require people to remain comfortable for long periods of time and to give users the very best possible support without the body starting to feel compressed.

Gaming chairs tend to have higher backrests to support the shoulders and back. This helps keep your body more upright without experiencing the tiring effects. They are also highly adjustable, with several points of movement and bend so they can be precisely tailored to the user.

Commercially, gaming chairs have never been as popular as they are now – and that’s thanks in no small part to their popularisation in esports and streaming. Gamers now regularly see both professional players and their favourite streamers using them, and gaming chair manufacturers are among the most active sponsors in both sectors.

Arozzi offers a wide selection of sleek gaming chairs that cater for an assortment of budgets.

Its Enzo model, boasts lots of excellent features such as thick padded arms and easy clean synthetic PU leather. It comes in a large variety of colours, just like the similarly priced Monza, which sports looks inspired by championship motorsports. Those preferring a breathable fabric might instead prefer the Inzio, which is both ergonomically comfortable and hugely customisable and, again, is available in many different colours depending on the look someone is after.

The Verona V2, meanwhile, offers a specialist lightweight metal frame, wider seat and thicker, more durable Pleather. It also has an adjustable incline angle thanks to the advanced and reinforced seat mechanism, including a rocking function! The Mezzo V2 comes with two supportive pillows for both the neck and back, along with exactly the same level of support and customisation. The Verona XL+, Arozzi’s ultimate heavy-duty gaming chair, is wider still and accommodates up to 160kg.

Specialist gaming chairs are also highly popular with racing gamers, as they can do a great job of simulating what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a sports car. The Playseat range is the perfect choice for those who take their racing games seriously and want to replicate the thrill of real-life race driving. The chairs offer a housing platform onto which a force feedback wheel such as a Thrustmaster can be bolted and a bracket for mounting pedals – all of which is perfect for those seeking to experience the realistic feeling of steering, accelerating and braking without the hassle of a slippery pedal or the disappointment of a trembling wheel attached to their desk.

The entry level model, the Playseat Challenge, is compatible with virtually any gaming system and is compact enough to work in virtually all settings. It combines comfort, performance and stability at an absolutely unbeatable price. The Evolution, meanwhile, offers a more realistic racing seat and an elevated pedal mount, although it can still be folded up for storage. At the top end, the Playseat F1 perfectly simulates the driving position of top sports cars and boasts an appealing design. Its high-quality materials will make sure owners have a thrilling simulated driving experience. The entire frame is adjustable, too, meaning it can accommodate kids as small as 3.9 feet and adults as tall as 6.9 feet.

The other big advantage a gaming chair can offer is incredible sound. As well as providing a fantastic level of comfort, X Rocker’s innovative range of original, state-of-the-art sound gaming chairs integrate speakers that let gamers feel as well as hear every gunshot, ball kick and engine throb. They use Audio Force Modulation (AFM) technology to allow the speakers and subwoofers to reverberate the sound through the chair’s inner open space, offering an unmatched, fully immersive experience. These can be used with nearly all music devices as well, not just games consoles.

For more information on any of these gaming chairs, please contact your Exertis account manager.

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MEET THE TEAM Matt Finn Account Director Exertis Gaming team

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To buy online: store.exertis.co.uk

FUTURE

WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU BROUGHT TO EXERTIS? I spent the last 12 years working at Amazon UK in various roles, with the majority of that time focussed on the Video Games industry.

There I looked after publishers, accessory vendors and hardware manufacturers, which included Microsoft, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Take 2, Astro Gaming, and Turtle Beach. I love gaming, have contacts throughout the industry, and hope to help Exertis further establish itself as a centre of excellence in this dynamic area.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE GAMING INDUSTRY AS IT STANDS? This is an exciting time, as games are becoming more mainstream and represent a significant part of popular culture. Titles such as Pokémon Go, Player Unknown Battlegrounds and Fortnite are blurring the lines between PC, console, and mobile gaming, as well as attracting new consumers.

The growth of smartphones has also created a massive number of casual gamers, providing an entirely new demographic for content creators. As devices become increasingly powerful, the ability to play cross-platform will only help to make these experiences more immersive. The industry is always looking to push the boundaries of what is possible, and it’s one of the reasons why I enjoy working in it so much.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS AND WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU THINK IT WILL FACE? Matt Finn is the latest addition to the Exertis Gaming team, bringing with him years of industry experience from Amazon UK. We talk to him about his new Account Director role, plus hear his thoughts on the video game industry now and in the future.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN EXERTIS? I joined because of the fantastic team I regularly worked alongside during my time at Amazon. Exertis’ passion to provide excellent distribution, customer specific solutions, and first-class service, coupled with the many different options and products that we sell - particularly in the emerging Smart Home market - made it an easy choice.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? As an Account Director within the commercial team in Harlow my responsibilities are to look after our key software accounts - namely Take 2 and Ubisoft – acting as the liaison between the publisher and the various Exertis teams.

2018 promises to be another big year for both brands. Take 2 has Rockstar’s latest game, Red Dead Redemption 2, releasing October 26th, which I can’t wait to play. I loved the original back in 2010, and it was one of the first titles that I got involved with at Amazon.

Following on from the hugely successful Assassin’s Creed: Origins release in 2017, Ubisoft has already had a fantastic start to 2018, with Far Cry 5 becoming the bestselling title of the year so far. I’m looking forward to what else Ubisoft has in store for us.

The growth of digital provides both a challenge and also a huge opportunity for traditional retail. The industry has been talking about its potential impact for a number of years, but with recent releases seeing at least 30% of sales go online we appear to be approaching critical mass. This poses the difficult question: if people are downloading games, then there is no box, so what do we do?

I think Exertis has proven how this should be embraced rather than feared. Yes, it means change, but there are a number of opportunities for retail to benefit from this, whether it’s selling digital currency or creating bundles with key accessories.

The industry does need to have a high street presence though, and the recent struggles across the retail landscape are a concern. Exertis is therefore committed to help our retail partners take full advantage of sales opportunities through services such as bespoke bundles, helping to create add-on sales via gaming merchandise, and a host of other initiatives.

With Microsoft’s release of Games Pass, we can also see a possible future where games become more of a service like Netflix or Spotify.

It could mean a PS6 or Xbox 3 with no optical drive, instead relying on the cloud to deliver truly immersive virtual reality gaming, whilst at the same time linking up with your smart home. The games industry never stops innovating so there are exciting times ahead!

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1

FUTURE ICONBIT KICK SCOOTER FF

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GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT

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NINTENDO LABO VARIETY KIT

MOSS

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RRP: £449.99 Powerful, smooth and quiet electic kick scooter with 6” tyres and 250W motor. It can be effortlessly transported like a suitcase thanks to its TROLLEY mode. Electronic braking system (EBC) with mechanical brake assist allows the battery to be recharged during braking.

Aluminium construction with a simple folding latch design.

RRP: £59.99 Make. Play. Discover. Includes five different projects: Two Toy-Con RC Cars, Toy-Con Fishing Rod, Toy-Con House, Toy-Con Motorbike, Toy-Con Piano and each kit includes a physical version of the Nintendo Labo Variety Kit software.

RRP: £24.99 Moss is a single player actionadventure puzzle game tailor-made for vitural reality. It takes the classic components of a great game - such as compelling characters, gripping combat and captivating world exploration - and combines them with the exciting opportunities of VR.

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ARROZI MONZA RED

RRP: £159.90 The Arozzi Monza is designed in Sweden with ergonomically friendly features complemented by thick, high quality padding for the back, armrests and seat which allow for long sessions of gaming or work without nagging body fatigue.

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RAZER PANTHERA ARCADE STICK FOR PLAYSTATION®4

RRP: £214.99 The Razer Panthera Playstation 4 controller is a tournament-grade fighting machine built to enhance users’ gaming prowess. By using premium quality Sanwa components - 10 highly responsive buttons and a precision 8-way joystick, your customers can reliably strike instantly and surely, game after game, while maintaining peak performance.

GP XID PRO

HERCULES LED WRISTBANDS PACK

RRP: £26.99 Enhance your show with interactive light wristbands. This is the ultimate pack, composed of 10 wristbands that light up in sync with your customers’ mix. Multiple colours inside the box for more fun!

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TOP 10 ATTACH

THE

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GXT 788 4-IN-1 GAMING BUNDLE

RRP: £24.99 Plug & Play: just plug it in, and you’re ready to go. Streamlined design, Xbox One Style ergonomics ensuring optimum, comfortable grip and quick access to all features.

RRP: £59.99 4 in 1 Gaming bundle, with comfortable headset, LED illuminated keyboard & optical mouse and non-slip mouse pad.

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PORT DESIGN GO LED BAG

RRP: £99.99 GO LED is a high-specification backpack with an integrated LED panel, located in the front pocket, which allows the wearer to display 4 highly-visible direction and warning signs that can be seen day or night. The bag is also covered in light reflective bands providing 360° enhanced visibility.

TURTLE BEACH™ RECON CHAT HEADSET

RRP: £14.99 The RECON CHAT is lightweight and reversible, and features Turtle Beach’s SpecsFit™ glasses friendly design with a unique open ear-cup.

Additionally, a high-sensitivity mic ensures every command is heard loud and clear, while the large 40mm speaker delivers chat audio from other players.

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Harlow: 01279 822 822 | Basingstoke: 01256 707 070 | store.exertis.co.uk

CHANGE THE WAY YOU GAME. 400HX

400HS

GEAR UP. GET GOOD.

GEAR UP. GET GOOD.

GEAR UP TO HEAR MORE DETAIL IN YOUR GAME. BE HEARD CLEARLY WITH THE NOISE-CANCELLING MIC, CONTROL VOLUME WITH INLINE CONTROLS, AND PLAY FOR HOURS IN CUSHIONED COMFORT.

IMMERSIVE

SOUND-ISOLATING EAR CUPS

NOISE-CANCELLING MIC REMOVABLE NOISE-CANCELLING BOOM MIC

RIG ACCESSORIES COMPATIBLE SWAP OUT OPTIONAL HEADBANDS AND EAR CUPS

CONTACT YOUR EXERTIS ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY ON 01279 822800