Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Revamped PEGI ratings enforceable in UK April 1, 2011 (no joke!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/revamped-pegi-ratings-enforceable-in-uk-april-1-2011-no-joke/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/revamped-pegi-ratings-enforceable-in-uk-april-1-2011-no-joke/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/revamped-pegi-ratings-enforceable-in-uk-april-1-2011-no-joke/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Video Standards Council, the UK government body that adjudicates the content of games and sticks them with a PEGI rating, has announced that revamped rating labels will go into effect April 1, 2011. At that time, the ratings -- which were recently rendered inert by a legal loophole -- will actually be able to be enforced. Which, as we understand it, is pretty important for government-issued regulations.

Though the VSC and ELSPA hoped to have the new ratings out by October in time for the holiday shopping season, their plans were pushed back due to the introduction of the Digital Economy Act, which regulates electronic media, including video games. This new legislation also goes into effect April 1. Unless, of course, this is just an elaborate prank. Given UK politicians' proclivity for pulling the ol' switcheroo on the gaming industry, that actually wouldn't surprise us too much.

JoystiqRevamped PEGI ratings enforceable in UK April 1, 2011 (no joke!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspaeuropelawspegipoliticsratingsukvscFri, 16 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TIGA and ELSPA form Steering Committee for UK tax relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/tiga-and-elspa-form-steering-committee-for-uk-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/tiga-and-elspa-form-steering-committee-for-uk-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/tiga-and-elspa-form-steering-committee-for-uk-tax-relief/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looks like the UK's video game industry organizations aren't going to take the recent removal of their hard-fought game development tax relief plan from the nation's Emergency Budget lying down. Earlier today, TIGA and the ELSPA announced their partnership on a "Steering Committee" to investigate why the tax plan was put on ice. The duo plans to review the original submission to make a more compelling argument for gaming industry tax breaks.

Hopefully the group will find an effective solution for getting its plan approved. You know, a solution better than "let's throw our full support behind candidates in the upcoming election who promise to endorse our tax plan, only to have them forget about us mere moments after taking office."

The press release is posted after the break.

[Image credit: Bashed]

Continue reading TIGA and ELSPA form Steering Committee for UK tax relief

JoystiqTIGA and ELSPA form Steering Committee for UK tax relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspaeuropepoliticstaxtax-relieftigaukTue, 13 Jul 2010 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK hardware, software and accessory sales down in first half 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/report-uk-hardware-software-and-accessory-sales-down-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/report-uk-hardware-software-and-accessory-sales-down-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/report-uk-hardware-software-and-accessory-sales-down-in-first/#commentsFiled under: , ,


[Image credit: Bashed]
A report from Chart-Track, ELSPA and ISFE notes that UK hardware sales dropped 32 percent in the first half of 2010, with revenue declining from £378 million to £256 million. Meanwhile, software sales were also down 10 percent, from £592 million to £533 million. The data doesn't include PC, console digital distribution nor used sales. Given the increased revenue of services like Xbox Live and the current economy's effect on the pre-owned market, not having that data included really muddles the issue.

The report also states that overall sales of accessories, software and hardware were down 16 percent from £1.14 billion in 2009 to £963 million in the first half of 2010. Of course, if folks are dropping millions of pounds on Facebook microtransactions, casual PC games and DLC for their favorite titles, it's not being reflected in this report.

JoystiqReport: UK hardware, software and accessory sales down in first half 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackelspahardwareisfeukMon, 12 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft UK MD talks 2010, warns against rising prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-uk-md-talks-2010-warns-against-rising-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-uk-md-talks-2010-warns-against-rising-prices/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/ubisoft-uk-md-talks-2010-warns-against-rising-prices/#comments Writing for MCV, Ubisoft managing director Rob Cooper has laid out his company's hopes for the UK game industry in the next decade. He writes a great deal on ELSPA's role in championing the industry to the UK government, specifically regarding things like tax breaks and game rating issues. Regarding an issue closer to gamers' hearts, Cooper discussed where games are headed in the years to come. "Where once fuzzy pixels danced around on the screen," says Cooper, "now we expect everything from the visuals and sound effects to the dialogue of our characters - along with the emotions they can portray - to be more finely tuned."

He cautions the industry however, noting that such finely tuned products require higher studio costs. He elaborates that there is "no point" in raising game budgets if they cause profits to dwindle or, more importantly for consumers, cause prices to become "horrifically high." We're inclined to agree.

It's an interesting piece, and definitely worth a read for anyone who enjoys a little inside baseball.

JoystiqUbisoft UK MD talks 2010, warns against rising prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspatax-breaksubisoftukWed, 27 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA/Chart-Track reveal top 10 UK sellers of 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/elspa-chart-track-reveal-top-10-uk-sellers-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/elspa-chart-track-reveal-top-10-uk-sellers-of-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/elspa-chart-track-reveal-top-10-uk-sellers-of-2009/#comments Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was the best-selling game in the UK during 2009, according to data from ELSPA/GFK Chart-Track. That surely comes as a foregone conclusion to any devout follower of the weekly Chart-Track all-formats report, which has seen Modern Warfare 2 at the top of the charts for nine weeks in a row. Last year's Call of Duty installment, World at War, made the ninth spot in the top 10 for the past year.

Running up the field in second was FIFA 10, with FIFA 09 taking the tenth spot. Assassin's Creed 2 hung on to sixth place, with the rest of the all formats chart occupied by Wii titles. Check out the full all formats list, along with the top five for each console, after the break. The top 20 can be found on the ELSPA site.

Continue reading ELSPA/Chart-Track reveal top 10 UK sellers of 2009

JoystiqELSPA/Chart-Track reveal top 10 UK sellers of 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackelspaenglandMicrosoftNintendoukWiiXbox-360Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK new game boxed sales down 18% in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/report-uk-new-game-boxed-sales-down-18-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/report-uk-new-game-boxed-sales-down-18-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/report-uk-new-game-boxed-sales-down-18-in-2009/#comments Chart-Track/ELSPA reveal that new boxed game sales declined 18 percent in the UK during 2009, which is likely due to an amalgam of digital distribution and global financial issues (to put it lightly). As noted by GI.biz, the report does not include any sales information on used sales, Steam or other digital distribution networks. Thus, the 26 percent decline in boxed PC game sales during 2009 (a 22 percent decline in revenue) sounds tragic; however, considering the rapid adoption of digital distribution by PC users, it hardly gives the "full picture."

Boxed console games fared better with Xbox 360 and PS3 sales up a healthy 14 and 9 percent in unit sales, along with an increase of two and four percent in revenue, respectively. The year wasn't as kind to Wii games, with a drop of 10 percent in units sold and an 18 percent decline in revenue. Of course, as with PC, none of these sales include each console's digital distribution network, which certainly adds a couple extra pounds, especially after the holidays.

JoystiqReport: UK new game boxed sales down 18% in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbusinesschart-trackdigital-distributionelspaukused-gamesTue, 12 Jan 2010 01:15:00 EST<![CDATA[As easy as 1.23 million: Modern Warfare 2 breaks first-day UK sales record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/as-easy-as-1-23-million-modern-warfare-2-breaks-first-day-uk-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/as-easy-as-1-23-million-modern-warfare-2-breaks-first-day-uk-sa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/11/as-easy-as-1-23-million-modern-warfare-2-breaks-first-day-uk-sa/#comments
Citing "astonishing" first-day sales figures in the UK, the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association has trumpeted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's debut as a sign that "interactive entertainment has completely come of age." Said Michael Rawlinson, Director General of the ELSPA: "These first day sales figures are astonishing and clear evidence that video games are now mainstream in the UK."

Smashing through the estimated 631,000 units sold by 2008's Grand Theft Auto IV, Infinity Ward's slick shooter grossed £47 million (roughly $78.3 million) in first-day sales, which ELSPA and GFK-ChartTrack pair with 1.23 million units sold. Sold to adults, of course! "So, as an 18-rated video game, it is important that this game is not played by children, and parents should be appropriately vigilant," said Rawlinson. "We ask everyone to make sure they check the packaging of games to ensure they are suitable for their players, especially as we enter the festive season when video games are one of the most popular gifts of the holiday."

We hope you don't take offense, people of the UK, but some of you have awfully high-pitched voices online.

JoystiqAs easy as 1.23 million: Modern Warfare 2 breaks first-day UK sales record originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackelspafpsinfinity-wardMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2ukXbox-360Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Change 4 Life campaign endorsing Wii Fit Plus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/change-4-life-campaign-endorsing-wii-fit-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/change-4-life-campaign-endorsing-wii-fit-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/change-4-life-campaign-endorsing-wii-fit-plus/#commentsThe Change 4 Life ad campaign gathered early attention with the shocking connection between sedentary activities like games and "AN EARLY DEATH." Then it softened the message a bit with the more positive suggestion that "active" video games would be a healthy move. Now, the initiative is getting its exercise with vigorous backpedaling, as it will actually endorse a video game, giving permission to use its logo in advertising. Of course, that game is Wii Fit Plus.

"We are thrilled that active videogames are finally being recognised by the Government for contributing to a healthy, balanced lifestyle," ELSPA's Mike Rawlinson said. Rawlinson revealed that ELSPA has been working with the UK government since the first Change 4 Life ad to get some fairer recognition for games, and apparently the Change 4 Life folks finally got tired of hearing about it came to their senses.

JoystiqChange 4 Life campaign endorsing Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>change-4-lifeelspaexerciseNintendoukWiiwii-fit-plusMon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA: Legal loophole won't delay rollout of PEGI ratings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/elspa-legal-loophole-wont-delay-rollout-of-pegi-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/elspa-legal-loophole-wont-delay-rollout-of-pegi-ratings/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/08/elspa-legal-loophole-wont-delay-rollout-of-pegi-ratings/#commentsELSPA is assuring the UK public that the plan to make the new PEGI ratings legally enforceable won't be affected by the fact that there is currently no law with which to enforce them. ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson told MCV that the government told the organization "that the timetable for the introduction of PEGI as the legal system of video games classification will not be adversely affected by this error."

ELSPA expects legislation to be passed in the general election following the Queen' speech this November, in order to fix the loophole that renders the Video Recordings Act unenforceable. In the meantime, "ELSPA will therefore advise our members to continue to forward games to be rated as per the current agreement while the legal issues are being resolved." Until then, nothing keeps retailers from selling anything to kids but common sense.

JoystiqELSPA: Legal loophole won't delay rollout of PEGI ratings originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspapegiratingsukvideo-recordings-actTue, 08 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Legal blunder leaves UK game ratings unenforceable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/legal-blunder-leaves-uk-game-ratings-unenforceable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/legal-blunder-leaves-uk-game-ratings-unenforceable/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/legal-blunder-leaves-uk-game-ratings-unenforceable/#commentsA recently discovered error means that the 1984 Video Recordings Act, which regulates the classification and sale of videos, never actually passed into law in the UK. The Times, which shrilly claims in its headline that children are now "unprotected," reports that "Officials in the Home Office had failed to notify the European Commission of the existence of the Act as they were required to do so under an EU directive." Of specific interest to gamers: the law regulates the classification and sale of video games as well. It is this law that would give the PEGI rating system its legal backing.

That means that, right now, the UK ratings system has as much legal force as the ESRB ratings system -- no legal force. ELSPA says that publishers should continue rating games as normal for now. If we see a spike in GTA sales next week, we're going to call your parents.

JoystiqLegal blunder leaves UK game ratings unenforceable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspapegiratingsukvideo-recordings-actTue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK developers calling for digital sales transparency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/uk-developers-calling-for-digital-sales-transparency/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/uk-developers-calling-for-digital-sales-transparency/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/uk-developers-calling-for-digital-sales-transparency/#comments
The UK publishing community is asking for sales information from the digital distribution networks, possibly using a service like GfK-ChartTrack to set up a download-only chart. The question is whether Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Valve and others are likely to share that information.

To push things along, some developers are revealing sales figures as a sign of solidarity with the new initiative. Developer doublesix announced its PSN game, Burn Zombie Burn, achieved 70,000 sales. Studio honcho James Brooksby said, "We're clearly delighted that Burn Zombie Burn is performing well. ... However, I do wish that all the platform owners would make their digital sales figures public. We feel this lack of transparency is hindering the development of these channels."

Considering these digital distribution networks have only really discussed sales rankings up until now, it would usher in a brave new world if they were to start releasing actual sales figures (whether to developers or to the public).

Source - Publishers ready for download chart [MCV]
Source - doublesix calls for transparency of sales figures [Games Press]

JoystiqUK developers calling for digital sales transparency originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdigital-distributionelspaenglandgfk-charttrackMicrosoftNintendosalesukWiiXbox-360Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit is UK's best seller for 2009 so far ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/wii-fit-is-uks-best-seller-for-2009-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/wii-fit-is-uks-best-seller-for-2009-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/wii-fit-is-uks-best-seller-for-2009-so-far/#comments
Nintendo is king of the UK retail gaming jungle, according to ELSPA GfK-ChartTrack data. The House of Mario holds the top four spots for titles sold on the isles during the first half of 2009.
  1. Wii Fit
  2. Wii Play
  3. Mario Kart Wii
  4. Professor Layton And The Curious Village
  5. Killzone 2
Yes, surprisingly, Killzone 2 did take the fifth spot, beating out Resident Evil 5. ELSPA's director states that the figures indicate "gaming is now mainstream in the UK." And that a lot of people in the UK think they (or a loved one) need to lose 10 lbs.

[Via VideoGamer]

JoystiqWii Fit is UK's best seller for 2009 so far originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesselspaenglandgfk-charttrackNintendoukWiiwii-fitMon, 06 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Publishers face big fines for lying to PEGI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/publishers-face-big-fines-for-lying-to-pegi/#comments
The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) is trying to show that the PEGI system -- which it supported in the great BBFC ousting of '09 -- is by no means weaker than the BBFC ratings that used to be oversee the region. Speaking with MCV, the group took the opportunity to warn publishers: "Abuse [the] new system and risk your future." Publishers may face fines of €500,000 ($696K) if they lie on the questionnaire, which allows PEGI and the Video Standards Council to determine an appropriate rating for their games.

ELSPA's statement and teeth bearing are to ease concerns that PEGI won't be strong enough for the UK when it's implemented this holiday. ELSPA is essentially using a "see, we told them to play nice" tactic to save face, just in case the rating system it supported has an incident.

JoystiqPublishers face big fines for lying to PEGI originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcbritainelspapegipoliticsratingukThu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/elite-ii-lostwinds-dev-frontier-joins-elspa/#comments The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, or ELSPA for short, has a new face on board. Seasoned game designer David Braben and his crack team of devs at Frontier Developments have joined the trade body, no doubt wooed by the organization's rumored regular meetings to play Twister.

Braben wowed early gamers with his influential space sim, Elite, as well as its 1993 sequel, Frontier. Braben's latest release strayed far from his roots, however, in last year's WiiWare platformer, LostWinds. In joining the ELSPA, Braben says he hopes to help the organization deal with such issues as piracy, ratings and used game sales "swiftly and efficiently." Still, given that the studio's current project, The Outsider, was first announced in 2006, and we're still waiting on Elite IV, we're not convinced speed is how Braben and company roll.

JoystiqElite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-brabeneliteelspalostwindsthe-outsiderukMon, 18 May 2009 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[UK executes largest ever seizure of game copying devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/uk-executes-largest-ever-seizure-of-game-copying-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/uk-executes-largest-ever-seizure-of-game-copying-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/09/uk-executes-largest-ever-seizure-of-game-copying-devices/#comments
Nefarious game thieves may find it just a bit harder to feed their habit in the UK: Investigators just conducted the largest seizure of copying devices in the area's history. After discovering large numbers of DS devices being imported into the country, the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association shut down the operation, which included "a fully operational production line" and a history which indicated it was worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Sorry about the tough break, crooks. Looks like you'll have to buy your copy of Jelly Belly Ballistic Beans at a store, just like the rest of us.

JoystiqUK executes largest ever seizure of game copying devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSelspaNintendonintendo-dspiracyMon, 09 Mar 2009 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[UK survey: 74% want independent ratings body]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/uk-survey-74-want-independent-ratings-body/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/uk-survey-74-want-independent-ratings-body/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/uk-survey-74-want-independent-ratings-body/#comments
A recent survey conducted by YouGov for the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) revealed that most UK citizens want an independent body to issue game ratings. GI.biz reports that a majority of those surveyed also said that they would prefer to see games use the same rating standard as movies. The BBFC hopes to use this survey as leverage in its bid to become the UK's primary game ratings body. Currently, the BBFC only rates games with a certain level of mature content, though that may change thanks to last year's Byron Review.

The BBFC competes with Europe's PEGI ratings, which already appear on UK game releases. The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) argues that the PEGI system is superior to the BBFC. Said ELSPA director general Mike Rawlinson, "Gamers no longer just play with their mates but play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests," adding that the PEGI system is the "right solution for child safety." Rawlinson further states that ELSPA will be promoting the PEGI system with a "multi million pound campaign" designed to get the word out to UK parents. Finally, he says that ELSPA has conducted its own research with YouGov that supports its argument.

The irony of all this, of course, is that this fight is being waged to make ratings less confusing.

JoystiqUK survey: 74% want independent ratings body originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcbyron-reviewelspapegiukFri, 27 Feb 2009 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Strange, innit? Top selling games in UK during 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/strange-innit-top-selling-games-in-uk-during-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/strange-innit-top-selling-games-in-uk-during-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/strange-innit-top-selling-games-in-uk-during-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


ELSPA/Gfk-ChartTrack reveals that Mario Kart Wii was the top-selling game across the UK during 2008 in the "individual SKUs" category. EA's FIFA 09 (it's a soccer game) took the top spot in "all formats." MCV notes that Nintendo hardware holds six of the ten spots on the individual list and several slots on the all format list. Not exactly surprising, given how the region has embraced the Wii.

NPD will release its year-end report covering the US this Thursday. For now, check out the most popular titles among the masters of Marmite after the break.

Continue reading Strange, innit? Top selling games in UK during 2008

JoystiqStrange, innit? Top selling games in UK during 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackelspamcvPS3ukWiiXbox-360Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet earns ELSPA gold, 200K copies sold in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/littlebigplanet-earns-elspa-gold-200k-copies-sold-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/littlebigplanet-earns-elspa-gold-200k-copies-sold-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/littlebigplanet-earns-elspa-gold-200k-copies-sold-in-uk/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, LittleBigPlanet may have had a rough start at first, but it seems the wrinkles are smoothing out and things are on the up-and-up. In the UK, total sales for the awwww-inducing Sackboy sim have hit well over 200,000 copies prompting ELSPA (Electronic Leisure Software Publishers Association) to award the title with prestigeous gold status.

Edge notes that the healthy sales figure was due to a strong TV campaign which ran throughout the holidays -- such as commercial spots like the one embedded above. Sources also tell Edge that LBP is due any time now to receive Platinum status (300K copies sold and onward). Hometown heroes Media Molecule must be grinning ear-to-ear.

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet earns ELSPA gold, 200K copies sold in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspalbplittlebigplanetmedia-moleculesceeukThu, 08 Jan 2009 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK authorities bust DS 'flash cart' seller ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-authorities-bust-ds-flash-cart-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-authorities-bust-ds-flash-cart-seller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/19/uk-authorities-bust-ds-flash-cart-seller/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gamasutra reports that British police have raided a retailer in Cardiff, Wales, seizing 1,800 "flash carts" for Nintendo DS. The article doesn't mention if the devices were R4DS cards or clones, but does say that the 21-year-old man taken into custody during the raid had been selling them for two years - an act deemed illegal by the UK's Trademarks and Copyright Acts.

Police also confiscated sales receipts for the past two years; the report doesn't indicate whether or not they intend to pursue those who purchased devices from the retailer. An additional 1,000 carts were found at the arrested man's home, "along with hundreds of products packed and ready for mailing."

"The industry loses vital income and with it proper job security for its employees in the country, while the British public lose out because many circumvention devices actually damage irreparably DS Lite handheld consoles," according to a statement by Michal Rawlinson, Entertainment and Leisure Publishers Association (ELSPA) managing director. ELSPA indicated a desire to pursue sellers of R4DS and similar devices earlier this year.

JoystiqUK authorities bust DS 'flash cart' seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSelspaflash-cartpiracyr4dsFri, 19 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart, Wii Fit hit sales landmark in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/mario-kart-wii-fit-hit-sales-landmark-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/mario-kart-wii-fit-hit-sales-landmark-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/27/mario-kart-wii-fit-hit-sales-landmark-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not many games become diamond-sellers -- that is, pass one million sales -- in the United Kingdom. According to ELSPA, only nine titles have managed the feat since it started recording sales in 1999. As of today, a further two have joined that elite group, and both are close to our hearts: Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit.

They've taken their sweet time getting there, however. Fellow diamond-seller Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas took just three weeks to break the seven-figure landmark in Britain, while Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit took 32 and 30 weeks, respectively. On the other hand, there's no doubt that both epitomize the "evergreen" appeal of popular Wii titles -- whereas games like San Andreas had a very explosive start and then faded, the Nintendo pair are still in the top five in the latest UK charts.

Hit the break for the full list of titles that broke the magic one meeeellion mark.

Gallery: Our favorite Mario Kart tracks

The basicsStriking goldThis volcano is mad at me... can I turn around?A total squareDon't fall off that cliff

Continue reading Mario Kart, Wii Fit hit sales landmark in UK

JoystiqMario Kart, Wii Fit hit sales landmark in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainelspaexergamingmario-kart-wiiracingsportsukwii-fitThu, 27 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA wants pirates stranded without R4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/elspa-wants-pirates-stranded-without-r4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/elspa-wants-pirates-stranded-without-r4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/elspa-wants-pirates-stranded-without-r4/#commentsFiled under:


Otherwise known as the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association (an organization working within the British games industry), the ELSPA isn't happy about the abundance of R4 flash carts in the hands of DS owners. Nor is it happy about the availability of these little devices, which -- homebrew applications aside -- people are using to play pirated DS ROMS. If you want an R4, it's easy to buy one from Amazon, eBay, or a wealth of independent online retailers.

According to the ELSPA, "The supply of these items is an infringement and an offence under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the Trade Marks Act 1994." So, how did they get onto shelves in the first place? Clearly the yawn-inducing law behind it all is more complex than simply "they are illegal," otherwise the shops wouldn't still be selling them. Which they are.

Long story short, it's a mess of regulations and red tape, and we've heard it all before. It's hardly a crystal-clear situation where legal teams "will take action where and when appropriate." If a blanket ban of selling flash carts suddenly falls over England, and police start breaking down doors of R4 traders, we'll let you know. Until then, get out there and buy some good games, and use any external device responsibly.

JoystiqELSPA wants pirates stranded without R4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainelspaenglandflashcartpiracyr4r4dsukyarrThu, 10 Jul 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[UK raid uncovers DS carts loaded with $12K of pirated software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/uk-raid-uncovers-ds-carts-loaded-with-12k-of-pirated-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/uk-raid-uncovers-ds-carts-loaded-with-12k-of-pirated-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/uk-raid-uncovers-ds-carts-loaded-with-12k-of-pirated-software/#commentsFiled under:



In a raid executed last Sunday, 85,000 "discs" of pirated software and other counterfeit goods were seized at an East Yorkshire market. One notable bit of contraband brought in by the haul was a pile of carts marked Volume 9 DS Games, each cart loaded with £6,000 ($11,859) of DS games according to the Entertainment Leisure And Software Publishers' Association's team of "forensics experts."

The ELSPA reports that the Volume 9 DS Games carts have been circulating for the past month and contain approximately 200 commercial releases, which explains where the £6,000 estimate sprung from (£30 x 200). We did the math -- well, actually, our calculators did the math -- and you would have to mow about 593 lawns to raise enough money to purchase that many games. That is, of course, assuming you're not one of our smart (and handsome) readers who follow our regular posts on video game bargains.

We know a few of you out there are pirates -- you make sure to rub it in our face whenever we lament about overpriced new releases and expensive imports. Have you bootlegged anything close to £6,000 of commercial DS games? Have you packed all those black-market ROMs into one cart to create your own Volume 9 DS Games collection? And how did you end up spending the money that should've gone to the people who worked hard to create the products you filched?

JoystiqUK raid uncovers DS carts loaded with $12K of pirated software originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspapiracyraidukThu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA comments on UK's Byron Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/elspa-comments-on-byron-ratings-proposals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/elspa-comments-on-byron-ratings-proposals/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/elspa-comments-on-byron-ratings-proposals/#commentsFiled under: ,


After the Daily Mail's startlingly incompetent take on Dr. Tanya Byron's recently published review of games and internet media in the UK, we're more than happy to see less dubious discourse emanating from the Entertainment and Leisure Publishers Association. Speaking to MCV, ELSPA director general Paul Jackson cited several concerns with the report, chief among them being its recommendation of two, potentially confusing ratings systems.

"The way the proposals currently stand, there will be a BBFC standard on packaged goods - the number of which will presumably get smaller as gaming goes more online - and there will be the PEGI standard online when you're downloading," said Jackson. "We think it will be clearer if there was one standard." Jackson suggested that the report needed to be more "future-proof" and more considerate of the growing number of games being sold online. "It's incredibly important that we protect children and to do that we need to future-proof this process, but it's not quite there yet."

Also not quite there yet is the director general's belief that the industry alone should foot the bill for a consumer ratings education campaign. "I want to make it completely clear that a public marketing programme has been key all along in the educational process," he said. "We'll be talking to the Government about who pays for what. We're very keen to play our part, but all of the stakeholders needs to step up to the plate."

JoystiqELSPA comments on UK's Byron Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBFCByronELSPAPEGIUKFri, 04 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA joins in fight against R4 copying device]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/elspa-joins-in-fight-against-r4-copying-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/elspa-joins-in-fight-against-r4-copying-device/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/08/elspa-joins-in-fight-against-r4-copying-device/#commentsFiled under: ,

We already know that Nintendo alone can't smash all the R4 devices that allow for easy downloading and piracy of DS games. But could the aid of Europe's ELSPA help Nintendo complete its total smashing plan? Probably not, but that hasn't stopped the European trade organization from lending its help to Nintendo in battling the widely available device.

How exactly they'll help isn't yet clear, though. In a cryptically vague statement to MCV, ELSPA said they were "evaluating the R4 game copying device" and "working closely with [Nintendo] to consider the next step in the UK." While that statement doesn't reveal any concrete plans, it also doesn't rule out any potential "next step." S.W.A.T. team raids, tanks in the streets, nuclear strikes --they're all potential piracy-battling strategies that aren't eliminated by this statement. Pirates, start digging your fallout shelters ... NOW!

JoystiqELSPA joins in fight against R4 copying device originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSELSPANintendopiracypirateR4R4DSFri, 08 Feb 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA: Not all of us are pirates after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/elspa-not-all-of-us-are-pirates-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/elspa-not-all-of-us-are-pirates-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/01/elspa-not-all-of-us-are-pirates-after-all/#commentsFiled under:

Apparently the outrageous claim from the ELSPA's Intellectual Property Crime Unit manager, John Hillier, that 90% of North American DS owners are pirates, was outrageous to him as well. A spokesperson for the organization told GamesIndustry.biz that the quote attributed to him in the incendiary Sunday Post article was inaccurate or even fabricated.

According to the spokesperson, "[John] didn't quote The Sunday Post on any figures whatsoever." The spokesperson asserted that the Sunday Post conflated quotes from Hillier about R4 sales in the UK with an article from Singapore about DS piracy in that country (hence the 90% quote, which is still likely to be ridiculous). The specific article isn't named, but we believe it's this one. It's amazing that a quote about the UK plus an article about Singapore somehow generated a statistic about North America. But who cares about facts when you're busy alarming the public?

JoystiqELSPA: Not all of us are pirates after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspapiracysensationalismsingaporeyarrFri, 01 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[ 90% of DS owners are pirates? Not bloody likely!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/90-of-ds-owners-are-pirates-not-bloody-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/90-of-ds-owners-are-pirates-not-bloody-likely/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/90-of-ds-owners-are-pirates-not-bloody-likely/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a recent chat with Scotland's The Sunday Post, John Hillier of the ELSPA (Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) warns retailers that the R4, a popular DS flashcart capable of running pirated and unauthorized software, could ruin businesses and the gaming industry. In the scaremongering piece, Mr. Hiller throws out an unsourced statistic: "In America it's thought 90 per cent of Nintendo DS users are playing pirated games because of R4s."

90%? Considering the near-ubiquity of the handheld and its expanded casual audience, we highly doubt that even 9% of DS owners in the US have a flashcart of any sort, let alone know of their existence. Though we don't consider ourselves supporters of piracy, stating a false figure like that as fact just to rally people to his cause is unconscionable.

In a way, we kind of wish the R4 was that popular, but not for any illegal reasons -- it would likely result in more homebrew projects and a much larger homebrew audience. Mr. Hillier will hear none of that, though: "The R4 has shifted balance of power in the piracy industry to the consumer -- and that is hugely worrying. That's why we intend to stop trade in these chips wherever we can."

Joystiq 90% of DS owners are pirates? Not bloody likely! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspaflashcartpiracyr4scotlandThu, 31 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Government targets gaming industry for anti-obesity program]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/uk-government-targets-gaming-industry-for-anti-obesity-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/uk-government-targets-gaming-industry-for-anti-obesity-program/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/27/uk-government-targets-gaming-industry-for-anti-obesity-program/#commentsFiled under:


No, ever-vigilant commenters, this is not a double post -- just further proof that the rest of the civilized world thinks that gamers are a bunch of Cheeto dust-coated fatties. As part of the UK Department of Health's £372 million action plan to reduce obesity, the UK government will work with the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association to make sure that game companies continue to create parental controls on how much time their offspring can spend playing video games, watching TV, or surfing The Innernette.

We're sure this will be very effective in lowering your nation's total weight -- if not, you could always invent some sort of national monthly sandwich allotment to try to curb overeating; or maybe require all comfortable armchairs to deliver powerful electrical jolts into anyone who has been sitting for longer than twenty minutes. Yeah, that sounds great.

JoystiqUK Government targets gaming industry for anti-obesity program originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ELSPAFattieshealthobesityoverweightUKweightSun, 27 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[They are amused, UK breaks game sales records]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/they-are-amused-uk-breaks-game-sales-records/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/they-are-amused-uk-breaks-game-sales-records/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/they-are-amused-uk-breaks-game-sales-records/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (or ELSPA to us plebs) and Chart-Track announced today that the UK saw record-breaking "interactive entertainment software" sales in 2007 of £1.72 billion ($3.37 billion), a 26% increase over the record previously broken in 2006.

The DS topped devices in number of software units sold and nearly one-third of software sales were on handhelds, a 45% increase showing how much the UK loves their DS and sees the value in the PSP. The top three games sold across the board were FIFA '08, Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training and Call of Duty 4. Director General of ELSPA, Paul Jackson, took the opportunity of the strong sales to remind anyone who would listen that despite the UK's obvious game-lust, there are still problems for UK developers in terms of tax incentives and the threat of international competition.

JoystiqThey are amused, UK breaks game sales records originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackelspasalesukThu, 10 Jan 2008 15:54:00 EST<![CDATA['Luddite' govt to put games and internet under microscope]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/luddite-govt-to-put-games-and-internet-under-microscope/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/luddite-govt-to-put-games-and-internet-under-microscope/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/luddite-govt-to-put-games-and-internet-under-microscope/#commentsFiled under:

dr byron
UK psychologist Tanya Byron (pictured) has been tapped to head a new study on the risks children face when exposed to video game violence and internet porn -- or any relevant combination of either medium and a (un-)healthy dose of adult content. As promised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the government has delivered initial details of the review, which will use an east London school as its testbed. Stopping short of subjecting the school's youngsters to painfully slow dial-up downloads or redirecting gym class to the computer lab for mandatory deathmatch, Dr. Byron's team will focus on what the industry is doing and what more can be done to protect children from the perverse, but damn-entertaining diversions of the grown-up world.

Frontier games developer David Braben has blamed the government's "Luddite sentiment" for this new probe into the games industry. Thankfully, Dr. Byron does not seem to share this supposed paranoia of technology driven media, calling games and the internet "very positive and [an] important part of children's and young children's growing up and learning and development." Byron has even won the support of the ELSPA (UK games association), which is fed up with the industry's bad rep and has agreed to cooperate with the study -- you can too. The "Byron Review" is scheduled to conclude with a report next March. (Prediction: parents need to do better parenting.)

Joystiq'Luddite' govt to put games and internet under microscope originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elspastudyTanya-ByronukTue, 09 Oct 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[No political influence in Manhunt decision says BBFC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/no-political-influence-in-manhunt-decision-says-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/no-political-influence-in-manhunt-decision-says-bbfc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/no-political-influence-in-manhunt-decision-says-bbfc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The BBFC claims there wasn't any political influence in today's decision banning Manhunt 2 from being sold in the UK. The board's Sue Clark tells GI.biz that past incidents involving Bully (oh, sorry, Canis Canem Edit) Dead Rising and the original Manhunt had nothing to do with the decision today.

Clark says, "We are independent of government and independent of the industry and we reached this decision based on our guidelines and our concerns and not on any other basis at all." Clark even pointed out that negative press surrounding games actually encourages sales. But, she puts it quite simply, "We've rejected this game so you can't buy it legally in the UK."

Whether you agree with the BBFC's decision or not, it's interesting to watch the saga of these ratings boards. We don't know if movies like Hostel or the other hardcore horror movies have been banned in the UK, but if they haven't, that feels like a double standard.

JoystiqNo political influence in Manhunt decision says BBFC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfccontroversyelspamanhuntPS2rockstarWiiTue, 19 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar: We 'emphatically disagree' with UK's Manhunt 2 ban]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/rockstar-we-emphatically-disagree-with-uks-manhunt-2-ban/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Rockstar has issued a statement in response to the BBFC's earlier decision to reject Manhunt 2 for classification and thus prohibit it from being sold in the UK. "We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2, said the Grand Theft Auto creator. "While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision."

Rockstar goes on to defend Manhunt 2 by pointing out that its subject matter is no different than that of "other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers," noting that "adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more." A rational defense, no doubt, but perhaps one better suited to a world where only "adult consumers" would be in a position to play the game.

ELSPA earlier declared that the ban "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective," when it really seems to imply the opposite. Had game ratings been truly effective, the BBFC could have simply slapped the appropriate rating on the box and trusted adults and parents to judge the game's content accordingly. In the real world, however, the sloppy enforcement of ratings and general apathy towards content descriptors have prompted the certification body to add an extra barrier of entry, underlining a clear lack of faith in the effectiveness of its own warning labels. The ratings system should be powerful and heeded enough to handle any video game, no matter how violent it may be.

JoystiqRockstar: We 'emphatically disagree' with UK's Manhunt 2 ban originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBFCELSPAJack ThompsonJackThompsonManhuntManhunt 2Manhunt2PS2PSPRockstarWiiTue, 19 Jun 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[ELSPA: Manhunt ban is good. Us: WTF?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/elspa-manhunt-ban-is-good-us-wtf/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/elspa-manhunt-ban-is-good-us-wtf/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/elspa-manhunt-ban-is-good-us-wtf/#commentsFiled under: ,

ELSPA Director General Paul Jackson has issued a statement praising the BBFC's recent decision to deny classification for Rockstar's Manhunt 2, effectively banning the game from sale in Great Britain. Jackson said the decision "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective" and emphasized that the arrangement "works and works well."

Frankly, we're a bit shocked that an organization whose stated mission is to "protect, promote and provide for the interests of all its members" would support state-sponsored censorship of one of its member's products. The point of ratings, at least as we see it, is to inform the public about the content of a game before they buy it, so they're not surprised by any objectionable materials contained within. The whole idea is that informed consumers can make the best choices for themselves and their families. The BBFC's decision goes against this ideal by effectively telling British adults they're not mature enough to decide whether or not they can handle this game. How is that an "effective" system?

Jackson's statement does not address BBFC Director David Cooke's unsupported assertion that the game's availability would "involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors ... [that] would be unacceptable to the public." Does ELSPA really agree that the mere availability of a game to adults can damage a society so badly that its distribution must be stopped? If so, is that a message ELSPA's member organizations are willing to get behind as well?

In his statement, Jackson stresses that games "appeal to all kinds of people across the country, young and old, male and female." What about the people Manhunt 2 appeals to? Apparently, they're just out of luck, as far as ELSPA's concerned.

[Via GameStooge]

JoystiqELSPA: Manhunt ban is good. Us: WTF? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banBBFCbritishclassificationELSPAenglandeuropegreat britainGreatBritainmanhiuntratingsrockstartake twoTakeTwoviolenceTue, 19 Jun 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The great divide: UK vs US censorship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/the-great-divide-uk-vs-us-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/the-great-divide-uk-vs-us-censorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/23/the-great-divide-uk-vs-us-censorship/#commentsFiled under: ,

When listing the differences between the UK and the USA one usually thinks of spelling, gastronomy and driving on the wrong side of the road, rather than film and game censorship. However, this fascinating post at Terra Nova (along with its thriving comments thread) delves into the differences between the BBFC and MPAA, as well as cultural factors, to try and establish why American consumers are less happy to have age restrictions on games.

The whole thread gives an international perspective to current debates over the censorship of violent games. While sexual content in games can be treated as pornography, the lack of existing US legislation covering violence across other media means that singling games out is plain unfair. In the UK, however, ratings of violent and extremely realistic games fall under the Video Recordings Act, which covers any recorded video media.

We have to wonder when games will get a category of their own and stand alongside more established media such as film and TV. In the meantime, to find out more about international game classification, Wikipedia's a great place to begin.

JoystiqThe great divide: UK vs US censorship originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 May 2006 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americaatlanticbbfccensorshipculturalcultural differencesCulturalDifferencesdifferenceselspaesrbeuropeinternationalmpaapegiratingsukusTue, 23 May 2006 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[UK sales charts, April 9-15: Croft unchallenged]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/uk-sales-charts-april-9-15-croft-unchallenged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/uk-sales-charts-april-9-15-croft-unchallenged/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/19/uk-sales-charts-april-9-15-croft-unchallenged/#commentsFiled under:

The UK sales charts for last week are in, with Tomb Raider: Legend remaining calmly at the top. Movie tie-in Ice Age 2 has been boosted up to number two, but anyone avidly following the chart battle between Guitar Hero and Crazy Frog Racer will be disappointed to know that Guitar Hero has fallen to 35th while the Crazy Frog is ding-ding-dinging along at number 28, thanks to its budget price and better placement on the shelves.

The ten bestselling games in the UK for the week ending April 15:

1. Tomb Raider Legend
2. Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
3. Fifa Street 2
4. The Godfather
5. Football Manager 2006
6. Animal Crossing: Wild World
7. Buzz! The Big Quiz
8. King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
9. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter
10. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

JoystiqUK sales charts, April 9-15: Croft unchallenged originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-Adventurechart-trackchartsCrystal-DynamicsDSEidosEidos-InteractiveelspaeuropefiguresMicrosoftNintendoPlatformersalessales figuresSalesFiguresTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-LegendUkChartsXboxXbox-360Wed, 19 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Innovation falls flat in UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/15/innovation-falls-flat-in-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite a pleasant atmosphere of European expectation at the start of February, we're halfway through and the charts look as mundane as ever. The Guardian Gamesblog's Greg took a look at this week's UK charts--notable absentees include Psychonauts and We ♥ Katamari. Ouch.

Greg, and blog commenters, ponder the cause of these games' failures--from crazy cartoony packaging to gamers' inability to actually find the titles in shops. It seems most likely that the European release delay is responsible, though; after receiving rave reviews and building up buzz months ago, these titles are all-but-forgotten now.

JoystiqInnovation falls flat in UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartselspaeuropeinnovationkatamariPCPS2psychonautsukWed, 15 Feb 2006 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA losing its hold but still UK number one]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/13/ea-losing-its-hold-but-still-uk-number-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/13/ea-losing-its-hold-but-still-uk-number-one/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/01/13/ea-losing-its-hold-but-still-uk-number-one/#commentsFiled under:

ELSPA, the UK's Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association, has released an analysis of last year's game sales in the UK which focuses on market share. EA is well ahead of any competitors with an 18.5% market share--the nearest rival is THQ with 7.2%--and EA's dominance is reflected in the fact that four out of the year's ten top-selling titles are theirs.

However, the figures are changing, and EA's grip is loosened slightly from 2004, with rivals inching towards the top and EA slowly slipping down, showing there is definitely scope for manoeuvre. It's a disappointing chart for the British games industry, though; UK companies are nowhere to be seen in the top ten. With Eidos (now part of SCi) and Codemasters set to deliver this year, things are looking up for 2006, but the amount of market share commanded by EA is formidable--smaller publishers just can't keep up with the number of titles released and overall sales. Fortunately, percentages aren't everything when it comes to making good games.

JoystiqEA losing its hold but still UK number one originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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