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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ubisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ubisoft-ends-fiscal-2013-with-64-8-million-in-profit/#comments Ubisoft has released its financial information for the 12 month period ending March 31, 2013, which by all accounts seems to have been a pretty legit fiscal year for the publisher/developer conglomerate. The company crossed the finish line with €1.256 billion ($1.615 billion) in revenue and €64.8 million ($83.3 million) in profit, an 18.3 and 73.7-percent year-over-year increase, respectively, when compared to the €1.061 billion ($1.364 billion) in revenue and €37.3 million ($47.9 million) in profit recorded at the end of 2012.

Ubisoft contributes its stellar year to the continued success of its main three franchises, Assassin's Creed, Just Dance and Far Cry, the latest entries in which have all sold between six and 12 million copies.

JoystiqUbisoft ends fiscal 2013 with €64.8 million in profit originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20133dsAssassins-Creedassassins-creed-3far-cryfar-cry-3financialsfiscal-2013just-dancejust-dance-4macmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ubisoftvitawii-uxboxWed, 15 May 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan O'Brien reviews Just Dance 4 with soccer gold medalist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/conan-obrien-reviews-just-dance-4-with-soccer-gold-medalist/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/conan-obrien-reviews-just-dance-4-with-soccer-gold-medalist/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/29/conan-obrien-reviews-just-dance-4-with-soccer-gold-medalist/#comments
Comedian and late night talk show host Conan O'Brien recently went toe-to-toe with Olympic soccer gold medalist Alex Morgan in Ubisoft's Just Dance 4 and offered his review of the game. Based on O'Brien's review scale, we give this video a 22. Just Dance 4 is scheduled to launch October 9.

JoystiqConan O'Brien reviews Just Dance 4 with soccer gold medalist originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-morganconan obrienConanObrienjust-dancejust-dance-4kinectmovenintendoplaystationps3Ubisoftwiiwii-uxboxSat, 29 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection just wants to dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/01/resident-evil-chronicles-hd-collection-just-wants-to-dance/#comments
This trailer for Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection shows just how fun it is to let loose and dance. It's also a warning that busting moves instead of skulls won't help you survive the zombie apocalypse.

JoystiqResident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection just wants to dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancingjust-dancemoveplaystationps3PSNresident-evilresident-evil-chronicles-hd-collectiontrailerSun, 01 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance Greatest Hits drops later this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/just-dance-greatest-hits-drops-later-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/just-dance-greatest-hits-drops-later-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/just-dance-greatest-hits-drops-later-this-month/#comments Just Dance Greatest Hits drops later this monthA week after announcing Just Dance 4 and Just Dance: Disney Party at E3, Ubisoft revealed Just Dance Greatest Hits today, which will launch June 25 for Kinect and Wii. The $40 product will include over 30 tracks from Just Dance and Just Dance 2, with three tracks from Just Dance 3.

Just Dance 1 and 2 never launched on Xbox 360, so that makes sense, but for Wii owners it's just selections of two games from the multi-million selling franchise in a single package. We've listed the selected "greatest hits" tracks after the break.

Gallery: Just Dance Greatest Hits (360/Wii)

Continue reading Just Dance Greatest Hits drops later this month

JoystiqJust Dance Greatest Hits drops later this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-2just-dance-3Just-dance-greatest-hitsmicrosoftnintendoUbisoftwiixboxTue, 12 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance: Disney Party features the bare necessities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-disney-party-features-the-bare-necessities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-disney-party-features-the-bare-necessities/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/just-dance-disney-party-features-the-bare-necessities/#comments Just Dance Disney Party features the bare necessitiesForget about your worry and your doubt -- and, maybe, your dignity -- with Just Dance: Disney Party. The latest addition to the multi-million selling franchise features classic Disney track and those from Disney Channel original series and movies.

Continue reading Just Dance: Disney Party features the bare necessities

JoystiqJust Dance: Disney Party features the bare necessities originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012Just-dancejust-dance-disney-partyubisoftTue, 05 Jun 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft announces Just Dance 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-announces-just-dance-floor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-announces-just-dance-floor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/ubisoft-announces-just-dance-floor/#comments Get ready to do some more dancing in Ubi's uber popular dance series. Ubisoft is bringing out Just Dance 4 this fall, as announced at their E3 press conference in LA today.

As you can imagine, there will be more dancing. Ubisoft promises lots of new tracks, new modes including a Battle Mode, standalone play, and something called a Puppet Master mode. The game will be out in October, both on the Wii and the Wii U.

JoystiqUbisoft announces Just Dance 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dancee3-2012just-dancejust-dance-4nintendoubisoftwiiwii-uMon, 04 Jun 2012 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft registers 'Just Dance Floor' domains]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/ubisoft-registers-just-dance-floor-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/ubisoft-registers-just-dance-floor-domains/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/02/ubisoft-registers-just-dance-floor-domains/#comments Ubisoft's big pre-E3 press conference is roughly 48 hours away, and while common sense dictates that the announcement of a new Just Dance game is as likely as tomorrow's rising sun, nothing official has happened quite yet. There are intriguing clues, however, such as JustDanceFloor.com and Just-DanceFloor.com, two new Ubisoft-owned domains uncovered by the intrepid detectives at Fusible.

The trouble with URLs is that they generally divulge very little in the way of context, especially when it comes to titles. Are these addresses for Just Dance: Floor, or Just DanceFloor? Just Dance: Floor would be a really terrible play on words, since the next Just Dance game in the series would be the fourth one. But, if it's Just DanceFloor, why is "Floor" capitalized?

Okay, now the word "floor" just looks weird.

JoystiqUbisoft registers 'Just Dance Floor' domains originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domainJust-DanceJust-Dance-FloorJust-DanceFloorUbisoftURLSat, 02 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance Propel domain registered by Ubisoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/just-dance-propel-domain-registered-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/just-dance-propel-domain-registered-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/just-dance-propel-domain-registered-by-ubisoft/#comments Ubisoft has registered the domain JustDancePropel.com, reports Fusible. The domain itself was registered on March 2, though the URL currently leads to a domain parking page. Far be it from us to suggest that Ubisoft might be developing another entry in its fabulously successful Just Dance series, but we're going to go out on a limb and say that might be the case. In theory, said game would be titled Just Dance Propel. It's either that, or some sort of partnership with fitness water.

JoystiqJust Dance Propel domain registered by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-propelmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3ubisoftwiixboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft shipped 13 million Just Dance games in 2011, nearly 7 million Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisoft-shipped-13-million-just-dance-games-in-2011-nearly-7-mi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisoft-shipped-13-million-just-dance-games-in-2011-nearly-7-mi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/ubisoft-shipped-13-million-just-dance-games-in-2011-nearly-7-mi/#comments Ubisoft announced big numbers for two of its major franchises in its latest earnings report -- two franchises that, dare we say it, are crying out for a crossover. The publisher reported a "near-30% increase" in dance game sales, including more than 13 million units shipped of its dance games -- a group including multiple Just Dances, and various celebrity "The Experience" games.

Assassin's Creed Revelations, the forty-third Assassin's Creed game starring Ezio, hit "close to 7 million sell-in units," exceeding internal forecasts and, according to Ubisoft, hitting the #7 spot in worldwide sales for the year.

That should provide a clue as to why Ubisoft is continuing the franchise with Assassin's Creed 3, in which Desmond has to prepare for a date by reliving Ezio's advanced dance lessons. Okay, that last part was just us dreaming of a crossover again.

JoystiqUbisoft shipped 13 million Just Dance games in 2011, nearly 7 million Assassin's Creed: Revelations originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsfy-2011just-dancemicrosoftnintendosalesubisoftwiixboxWed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance 3 shimmies into 7 million households, 25 million franchise sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/just-dance-3-shimmies-into-7-million-households-25-million-fran/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/just-dance-3-shimmies-into-7-million-households-25-million-fran/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/just-dance-3-shimmies-into-7-million-households-25-million-fran/#comments Ubisoft announced this morning that Just Dance 3 has surpassed seven million sales, with the Just Dance franchise cha-cha-chinging at cash registers over 25 million times worldwide. Just Dance 3, which launched in October, has been working it on the US and UK sales charts -- even offering private dance lessons at The White House.

US retail tracking group NPD previously stated dance game sales were up 326 percent in 2011 over the prior year. During Black Friday week, the Just Dance franchise sold over a million units, with Ubisoft stating it held 76 percent market share on dance games.

Just as a reminder, the Just Dance franchise includes: Just Dance 3, Just Dance 2, Just Dance, Just Dance Summer Party, Just Dance Kids 2, Just Dance Kids, Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience and ABBA You Can Dance.

Don't be surprised if Just Dance 4 hits the scene in 2012, along with (at least) two other spin-offs.

Continue reading Just Dance 3 shimmies into 7 million households, 25 million franchise sales

JoystiqJust Dance 3 shimmies into 7 million households, 25 million franchise sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Just-Dancejust-dance-3kinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3salesUbisoftwiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft sales up in Q3, year-end forecast raised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ubisoft-sales-up-in-q3-year-end-forecast-raised/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ubisoft-sales-up-in-q3-year-end-forecast-raised/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ubisoft-sales-up-in-q3-year-end-forecast-raised/#comments Ubisoft estimates sales reached €650 million ($831M), up 8% from the same period last year, during its third fiscal quarter spanning the holiday months. At the same time, Ubi revised its estimate for the full fiscal year, ending in March, to between €1.05 and €1.08 billion ($1.34-$1.38B), elevating its lower estimate from €1.04 billion.

"In continuation of the robust trends recorded for the first half of the fiscal year, Ubisoft reported record-high sales for the Christmas period, exceeding expectations. Against an extremely competitive backdrop," said CEO Yves Guillemot. "Assassin's Creed Revelations posted a solid performance, in line with our forecasts, and Just Dance generated outstanding sales."

Since Ubisoft is a French company, which often separate their sales data from profit/loss details, the company will publish its "definitive sales figure for the third quarter" on February 15. By that point, the Just Dance franchise will have sold another several million copies.

Continue reading Ubisoft sales up in Q3, year-end forecast raised

JoystiqUbisoft sales up in Q3, year-end forecast raised originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsjust-danceq3UbisoftWed, 11 Jan 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Court denies Ubi's request to restrain Get Up and Dance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/court-denies-ubis-request-to-restrain-get-up-and-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/court-denies-ubis-request-to-restrain-get-up-and-dance/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/court-denies-ubis-request-to-restrain-get-up-and-dance/#comments
Oh, it's the dancing neon people. Which one is this again?
Ubisoft's lawyers have learned -- and a judge has confirmed -- that you just can't stop the beat. "Get Up and Dance," a rhythm game and euphoric command from OG International, can sway American customers unimpeded after a Californian court hip-bumped Ubisoft's request for a temporary restraining order. It's published in North America on PS3 and Wii by O-Games.

Legal action sprang from Ubisoft's belief that OG's dance game uses on-screen avatars that are a mite too similar to the ones in Just Dance (pictured), the wildly popular franchise that we only write about because of how wildly popular it is. According to MCV, the court was not satisfied with demonstrations that the games are "substantially" similar.

Ubisoft is said to be appealing the decision in the hopes of telling OG to Sit Down and Cease Your Gyration.

[Update: Crave Entertianment was erroneously listed as the publisher of Get Up and Dance. This has been corrected.]

JoystiqCourt denies Ubi's request to restrain Get Up and Dance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crave-entertainmentget-up-and-dancejust-dancejust-dance-3legalmovenintendoo-gamesog-internationalplaystationps3ubisoftwiiTue, 06 Dec 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance franchise sold a million units during Black Friday week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/just-dance-franchise-sold-a-million-units-during-black-friday-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/just-dance-franchise-sold-a-million-units-during-black-friday-we/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/just-dance-franchise-sold-a-million-units-during-black-friday-we/#comments Holy fu-nky chicken, Ubisoft announced this morning that Just Dance 3 sold 700,000 copies on the Wii and Xbox 360 over six days, between November 20 and 26 of the Black Friday shopathon. The company also stated that Just Dance 3 sales are up 48 percent from those of Just Dance 2, which launched in mid-October of 2010, when compared "year over year to date in the US."

Ubisoft also claimed it has 76 percent market share among dance games in 2011. That statistic could be a little messy, since unlike Zumba Fitness and Dance Central, which has one sequel, the Just Dance franchise follows Activision's Guitar Hero model of suffocating saturation.

The Just Dance franchise currently includes: Just Dance 3, Just Dance 2, Just Dance, Just Dance Summer Party, Just Dance Kids 2, Just Dance Kids, Michael Jackson: The Experience, The Black Eyed Peas Experience and ABBA You Can Dance. All these titles combined sold over one million copies in the US during Black Friday week. The NPD previously stated that dance game sales are up 326 percent over last year.

Continue reading Just Dance franchise sold a million units during Black Friday week

JoystiqJust Dance franchise sold a million units during Black Friday week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-3microsoftnintendoubisoftwiixboxFri, 02 Dec 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance Kids 2 shakes it all about this October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/just-dance-kids-2-shakes-it-all-about-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/just-dance-kids-2-shakes-it-all-about-this-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/just-dance-kids-2-shakes-it-all-about-this-october/#comments
This October, Ubisoft will release Hokey Pokey: The Game for Kinect, PlayStation Move and Wii. Well, officially it'll be called Just Dance Kids 2, but make no mistake: this is an interactive Hokey Pokey simulation, in which motion sensing technology will judge whether you've properly internalized what it's all about.

To pad out the high-tech Hokey Pokey, Ubisoft also including Kidz Bop-style covers of pop hits like "Love Me," "Whip My Hair," "Just The Way You Are," TV and movie songs, and other children's standards. The announcement makes a point to mention the inclusion of "the YouTube hit song, 'I Am A Gummy Bear (The Gummy Bear Song).'" We'd never heard of it, but now we have, and we're sorry to be the ones to do this to you.

And on the subject of inflicting things on you, how about that Comic Sans UI? How about those South Park fruit icons?

Gallery: Just Dance Kids 2 (360/PS3/Wii)

Continue reading Just Dance Kids 2 shakes it all about this October

JoystiqJust Dance Kids 2 shakes it all about this October originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hokey-pokeyjust-dancejust-dance-kids-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3q4-2011release-dateubisoftwiixboxMon, 22 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's this? It's Just Dance 3's latest track list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/whats-this-its-just-dance-3s-latest-track-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/whats-this-its-just-dance-3s-latest-track-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/whats-this-its-just-dance-3s-latest-track-list/#comments Ubisoft released an updated track list for Just Dance 3, and ... guys, it's the weirdest thing. Every time we read about Just Dance (and its insane popularity) we feel like we've jumped into an alternate universe, and this one seems even more alternate than usual.

You and your friends will be able to dance to Kiss's post-makeup hit "I Was Made for Lovin' You," and the "Just Dance Classical Orchestra's" performance of Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5. Not random enough? How about "What's This" from The Nightmare Before Christmas? Disney must not be doing any music games for a while, to license out one of its songs to a competitor.

Stylistically, the track list is all over the place; functionally, it's right past the break.

Continue reading What's this? It's Just Dance 3's latest track list

JoystiqWhat's this? It's Just Dance 3's latest track list originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3ubisoftwiixboxFri, 19 Aug 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Just Dance 3's 'Just Create' and four-player mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/see-just-dance-3s-just-create-and-four-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/see-just-dance-3s-just-create-and-four-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/see-just-dance-3s-just-create-and-four-player-mode/#comments This Just Dance 3 trailer supposedly shows off the "Just Create" mode, which allows players to record custom choreography and challenge offline and online players to match it -- but, in practice, it just turns into more footage of people dancing like idiots.

The rest of the trailer is, essentially, the same thing, but still manages to be more impressive: it shows the four-player mode, which puts four dancers on the screen (and in front of the camera) at the same time. Is Just Dance really this groundbreaking? We would not have guessed that.

JoystiqSee Just Dance 3's 'Just Create' and four-player mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-3kinectmicrosoftubisoftxboxMon, 01 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Smurfs Dance Party pics leak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rumor-smurfs-dance-party-pics-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rumor-smurfs-dance-party-pics-leak/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/rumor-smurfs-dance-party-pics-leak/#comments We aren't exactly sure how Metromix got screens of what appears to be the recently outed Smurfs Dance Party game, but here it is (above and after the break). Contacted for comment, a Ubisoft rep told us the Smurf product announcement will come mid-May. The company isn't currently releasing assets for whatever its Smurf game(s) will be.

Metromix's product description notes the title is being developed by Land Ho! (We Cheer) and will have players following "Smurf'testants" as they (sigh) "shake their powder blue rumps to songs by the Jackson 5, Selena Gomez and Katy Perry."

The site lists a July 26 release date (same as GameFly). And yes, if the screens are accurate, it's definitely another spin-off of Ubisoft's super successful Just Dance franchise.

[Thanks, Elliott]

Continue reading Rumor: Smurfs Dance Party pics leak

JoystiqRumor: Smurfs Dance Party pics leak originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsjust-dancenintendosmurfs-dance-partyubisoftwiiThu, 28 Apr 2011 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analysts consider dance genre 'bubble,' Ubisoft says more 'The Experience' games possible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/analysts-consider-dance-genre-bubble-ubisoft-says-more-the-e/#comments Ubisoft's Just Dance and its successful clones like Michael Jackson: The Experience, along with Harmonix's Dance Central, have established the dance genre as a viable market for milking. Now the industry must play the delicate game of sucking the marrow dry without creating a zombie.

Gamasutra hit up go-to industry analysts Michael Pachter and Jesse Divnich for their takes on the sustainability of the genre. Both analysts essentially characterized dance games as part of a bubble that is largely unaffected by critical reception (UK hit Zumba Fitness has a 43 on Metacritic). "In short, yes, the dance category is a bubble," said Divnich, "much like most things in entertainment."

That doesn't mean that the bubble is about to burst -- or that the bottle of suds is close to empty. At least, Ubisoft is planning to keep on dipping in. The publisher's Tony Key teased that Michael Jackson: The Experience is "just the first 'The Experience' brand." He added that there's no reason why "another artist can't make a great dance game under 'The Experience brand,'" but didn't pitch any bright ideas. The Smurfs, anyone?

JoystiqAnalysts consider dance genre 'bubble,' Ubisoft says more 'The Experience' games possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystsbubbledancedance-centralgamasutrajesse-divnichjust-dancejust-dance-2michael-jackson-the-experiencemichael-pachtermicrosoftnintendowiixboxMon, 25 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops, FIFA, Just Dance make UK's Top 10 entertainment products]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/black-ops-fifa-just-dance-make-uks-top-10-entertainment-produ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/black-ops-fifa-just-dance-make-uks-top-10-entertainment-produ/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/black-ops-fifa-just-dance-make-uks-top-10-entertainment-produ/#comments Guess what, film and music industries? You guys got taken to school in the UK's Top 40 entertainment product rankings, as compiled by trade organization Entertainment Retailers Association. According to the chart, the number one entertainment property in the UK was neither a blockbuster film like Avatar, nor a chart-topping album like Take That's Progress, but rather Call of Duty: Black Ops, which sold over 3.2 million units in the territory last year. Booyah.

Two other games, FIFA 11 and Just Dance, made it into the Top 10 -- however, only nine spots on the entire Top 40 chart were occupied by games. We're not sure what that says about the country's media consumption habits, but we are sure that Red Dead Redemption got beaten out by Now That's What I Call Music 77, and that fills our heart with a dull, constant ache.

JoystiqBlack Ops, FIFA, Just Dance make UK's Top 10 entertainment products originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Call-of-Duty-Black-Opsemaeuropefifa-11just-dancemicrosoftpcplaystationps3ukaxboxThu, 14 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just grab a partner for Just Dance 2 DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/just-grab-a-partner-for-just-dance-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/just-grab-a-partner-for-just-dance-2-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/just-grab-a-partner-for-just-dance-2-dlc/#commentsJudging from Ubisoft's earnings, we feel pretty confident in saying that you have a copy of Just Dance 2 in your house. Yes, you. The teeming millions of Just Dancers should be thrilled to know about the new Valentine-themed DLC available on the Wii Shop -- especially as a welcome break from Katy Perry's "Firework."

The three new tracks all feature Duet choreography (and, coincidentally, duet vocals!). For 300 Wii Points each, you can download "Why Oh Why" by Love Letter, "Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes, and "American Boy" by Estelle and Kanye West. We might be a day late alerting you about this holiday-themed DLC, but if we prevented just one person from giving Just Dance 2 DLC as a "romantic" gift, it was worth it.

Gallery: Just Dance 2 (Valentine's Day DLC)

Continue reading Just grab a partner for Just Dance 2 DLC

JoystiqJust grab a partner for Just Dance 2 DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcjust-dancejust-dance-2nintendoubisoftwiiWed, 16 Feb 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dance games made it rain on Ubisoft's holiday quarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-games-made-it-rain-on-ubisofts-holiday-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-games-made-it-rain-on-ubisofts-holiday-quarter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/dance-games-made-it-rain-on-ubisofts-holiday-quarter/#comments Ubisoft today reported sales figures for its fiscal-year third quarter, which ended December 31, 2010. For the period, the French publisher recorded €600 million ($809 million) in total software sales, up just over 21 percent from the same quarter in 2009 (though factoring in constant exchange rates -- nearly 60 percent of sales were made in North America -- year-over-year growth was closer to 15 percent).

In 2010's three-month holiday period alone, Ubisoft shipped a staggering 10.5 million copies of dance titles, which included Just Dance, Just Dance 2, Just Dance Kids, Michael Jackson: The Experience and Dance on Broadway. Additionally, the company claimed an 18 percent market share of the Kinect platform in the US (and 21 percent in Europe), following its push to become the "top third-party publisher" for Microsoft's successful motion-control add-on. Ubisoft put its Kinect game shipments at over 2 million -- "a very nice level of profitability," CEO Yves Guillemot said in an investor call today -- for the fiscal third quarter.

Add in all those copies of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and Ubisoft outsold its projected quarterly sales total by €80 million ($108 million), bringing its nine-month fiscal 2010-11 year sales up to €861 million ($1.16 billion) -- a marked increase over the €661 million in sales generated during the same period in 2009, and making it a near certainty that the company will return to profitability at the end of its current fiscal year (on March 31, 2011). With a relatively quiet fourth quarter of scheduled releases, however, the publisher anticipates its total fiscal-year sales to reach only €1.02 billion. Still, "cash flow generation is expected to be positive."

JoystiqDance games made it rain on Ubisoft's holiday quarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-on-broadwayearningsfinancialfy-2010-11just-dancejust-dance-2just-dance-kidskinectmichael-jackson-the-experiencemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q3salessoftwareubisoftwiixboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance series sales have combined for an estimated 5 million units in US & UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/just-dance-series-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/just-dance-series-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/just-dance-series-sales/#comments Following up on the estimated 2 million combined unit sales of Just Dance 1 and 2 in the UK, as calculated by MCV, we contacted market research firm NPD to see how the series has performed at US retail. According to NPD data, the Wii-exclusive Just Dance and its sequel have already combined to sell approximately 3 million units in the US.

These sales revelations may be a surprise to anyone who doesn't religiously follow our weekly UK charts post, but the Just Dance franchise has been a stalwart sales leader all year in the UK, and also, it would seem, in the less frequently tracked US market (we have seen it pop up on the charts over the months). It may not capture headlines, but Ubisoft's dance series has consistently performed at a high level on a platform that's not exactly accommodating toward third parties.

JoystiqJust Dance series sales have combined for an estimated 5 million units in US & UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-2nintendonpdsalesUbisoftukusawiiTue, 21 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance 2 track list released, will grow with DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/just-dance-2-track-list-released-will-grow-with-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/just-dance-2-track-list-released-will-grow-with-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/19/just-dance-2-track-list-released-will-grow-with-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft is (indirectly) giving us a mid-Gamescom dance party, by releasing the track list for Just Dance 2. And since we can't read the words "Junior Senior - Move Your Feet" without rushing to YouTube, you all get a musical interlude after the break. And also the track list. And also a trailer.

In addition to the 44 listed tracks, the press release confirms that we'll be able to Just Download even more music "from an expanding catalogue of new hits using WiiWare." Ubisoft didn't mention price, or how frequently this DLC would arrive. Try not to worry about that while you're listening to that Junior Senior song, though.

Gallery: Just Dance 2

Continue reading Just Dance 2 track list released, will grow with DLC

JoystiqJust Dance 2 track list released, will grow with DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danceGamescom-2010Just-DanceJust-Dance-2musicnintendoUbisoftwiiThu, 19 Aug 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance Kids busts age-appropriate moves in November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/just-dance-kids-busts-age-appropriate-moves-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/just-dance-kids-busts-age-appropriate-moves-in-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/just-dance-kids-busts-age-appropriate-moves-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Just Dance franchise takes a graceful leap over the shark with Ubisoft's announcement of Just Dance Kids, the fourth game in the series since its debut last year (or third, if you don't think Dance on Broadway counts).

The new game replaces the original's glowing silhouettes with video footage of Real Kids, who are sometimes dressed like chefs for some reason, and who dance along to 40-plus choreographed dances. According to the press release, it'll include "popular hits like 'Holiday,' "Naturally,' and 'One Time,'" which, not coincidentally, are also performed by children. You'll be able to Just Buy the game in November. If you happen to be attending the BlogHer conference in New York this weekend, you'll be able to see it there.

Gallery: Just Dance Kids (Wii)

Continue reading Just Dance Kids busts age-appropriate moves in November

JoystiqJust Dance Kids busts age-appropriate moves in November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Just-DanceJust-Dance-Kidsnintendorelease-dateUbisoftwiiFri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-just-dance-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week's Nintendo Channel update is slathered in Just Dance 2, giving those with an active palette a tasty serving of Ubisoft's follow-up. Not only is there a fun vignette on dancer auditions, but there's also a more filling video showcasing on-going development, behind-the-scenes at Ubisoft. For the rest of this week's content, hit the jump.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Just Dance 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualjust-dancejust-dance-2nintendonintendo-channelubisoftwiiTue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft fiscal Q1 sales up 94% over last year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/22/ubisoft-fiscal-q1-sales-up-94-over-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ubisoft has released a preliminary report on its fiscal first quarter, which ended June 30, revealing that software sales totaled €161 million ($207.8M). The company recorded a 94 percent revenue increase over the same period last year thanks to sustained sales of Assassin's Creed 2, Just Dance and Avatar. The company also reported "solid performance" from Splinter Cell: Conviction and shipped 1.9 million units of the game during the quarter. Ubisoft will reveal actual profit (or loss) figures for the quarter at a later date.

The company expects sales in the second quarter, which concludes at the end of September, to be flat year-over-year at an estimated €83 million ($107M). The company's Q2 releases are "highlighted" by plans to ship HAWX 2, Racquet Sports and R.U.S.E. -- although the strategy game has been known to live up to its name when it comes to sticking to a release date.

JoystiqUbisoft fiscal Q1 sales up 94% over last year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2financialsfy-2010-11just-dancemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3q1salessoftwaresplinter-cell-convictionubisoftwiixboxThu, 22 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The boy who lived placed a binding curse on the Chart Track's UK all-formats chart last week, sticking Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Red Dead Redemption and Super Mario Galaxy 2 in their present descending order, with Mr. Potter grabbing the golden snitch (and top spot) for the second week in a row.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, available on all the major consoles, premiered at number four last week. Also, the Wii's one singular sensation, Ubisoft's Dance on Broadway, let in the sunshine and basked with a sixth place premiere. Of course, perennial favorite Just Dance was ballroom dancing with its Broadway partner in the seventh spot. Find the complete UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Lego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers

JoystiqLego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackDance-on-Broadwayharry-potterjust-danceLego-Harry-PotterLego-Harry-Potter-Years-1-4microsoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionsuper-mario-galaxy-2wiixboxMon, 05 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Dance 2 making moves on Wii this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/just-dance-2-making-moves-on-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/just-dance-2-making-moves-on-wii-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/just-dance-2-making-moves-on-wii-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amid the various parties and sword-swinging antics at this morning's Nintendo E3 2010 press conference, a sequel to the wildly popular Just Dance was announced as heading "exclusively to Wii" in fall 2010. Duets, a "Just Sweat" mode, some sort of approximation of bringing it in "dance crew face-offs," and support for "up to 8 players" will be packed into Just Dance 2. Are you ready to "join the movement?" Yeah, we're not sure we are either, but we get the feeling that those millions of people who bought the first just might be.

JoystiqJust Dance 2 making moves on Wii this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010Just-DanceJust-Dance-2nintendoq3-2010release-dateubisoftwiiTue, 15 Jun 2010 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Red Dead Redemption sales may have dropped 34 percent in the UK last week, but the Western beat Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the charts and continues riding high for a fourth week in a row. Meanwhile, with focus turning to the real World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa slipped on the field to the third spot.

Now for a little bit of weirdness: Rooms: The Main Building surged the charts from 12 to the fourth spot. Oh yeah, and Just Dance is still cha-cha-ing along at fifth. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Red Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritainchart-trackjust-dancemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionrooms-the-main-buildingsuper-mario-galaxy-2ukwiixboxMon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Michael Jackson game being developed by Ubisoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/michael-jackson-game-being-developed-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/michael-jackson-game-being-developed-by-ubisoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/michael-jackson-game-being-developed-by-ubisoft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

How does Ubisoft follow up on its multi-million unit selling Just Dance? By making an "interactive performance-based" game about the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The E3 presentation featured a few dancers on stage moving in front of a Kinect camera. However, other than a short musical number and a logo, Ubisoft hasn't presented much else (not that it'll stop hardcore fans from pre-ordering the game now).

We first heard of a possible deal for a Michael Jackson game last year. The original concept promised "recent voice recordings by the singer." It's unclear if Ubisoft's game is the same project, but it will feature classics, like "Beat It" and "Billie Jean." According to a press release, fans will be able to not just dance, but sing along as well.

In spite of not being shown at the press conference in any playable form, Ubisoft's Michael Jackson game will be available for Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move for PS3, PSP, Wii and Nintendo DS.

Gallery: Michael Jackson: The Experience (E3 2010)

JoystiqMichael Jackson game being developed by Ubisoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3-2010just-dancekinectmichael-jacksonmichael-jackson-the-experienceMichael-Jackson-The-Gamemicrosoftnintendoplaystationplaystation-moveps3pspubisoftwiixboxMon, 14 Jun 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption rides atop UK charts for third week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/red-dead-redemption-rides-atop-uk-charts-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/red-dead-redemption-rides-atop-uk-charts-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/red-dead-redemption-rides-atop-uk-charts-for-third-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ain't nuffin' gettin' between the Brits and a tumble around the Wild West, partner. Not only is Red Dead Redemption the top selling game in the UK for the third week in a row (despite a 22 percent dip in sales) but, according to Chart-Track, it sold more units than the all-format chart's numbers two through seven combined.

Red Dead Redemption's feat is made even more impressive by the knowledge that second place finisher 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa's sales slipped a measly three percent. Rounding out the rest of the top five are UFC 2010: Undisputed, Just Dance (of course!) and Wii Fit Plus. The complete UK top 10 can be found after the break.

Source - Red Dead Redemption holds No1 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading Red Dead Redemption rides atop UK charts for third week

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption rides atop UK charts for third week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-FIFA-World-Cup2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritainchart-trackjust-dancemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionufc-2010-undisputedukwiixboxXbox-360Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Dance on Broadway hitting the Great White Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/ubisofts-dance-on-broadway-hitting-the-great-white-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/ubisofts-dance-on-broadway-hitting-the-great-white-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/ubisofts-dance-on-broadway-hitting-the-great-white-wii/#commentsGiven the crazy sales and, no doubt, small budget of Ubisoft's Just Dance, it seems obvious that the company would follow up with another Wii dancing game. However, the next game in Ubisoft's dance series isn't a simple Just Dance sequel (though we're sure that'll happen too) -- rather than licensing a few pop hits and a few really embarrassing dance songs from the early '90s, the next game is about ... showtunes.

Dance on Broadway features a selection of 20 songs from Broadway musicals, including "All That Jazz,""Fame" and "Time Warp" (it's just a jump to the left!) The full track list is available after the break.

Ubisoft has announced a June 24 release date for EMEA territories, but none yet for North America. The ESRB rating on the box art would suggest that a North American debut isn't far off.

Continue reading Ubisoft's Dance on Broadway hitting the Great White Wii

JoystiqUbisoft's Dance on Broadway hitting the Great White Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dance-on-BroadwaydancingJust-DancemusicNintendoshowtunesWiiTue, 01 Jun 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft reports $76.2 million operating loss in fiscal year 2009-10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/ubisoft-reports-76-2-million-operating-loss-in-fiscal-year-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/ubisoft-reports-76-2-million-operating-loss-in-fiscal-year-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/18/ubisoft-reports-76-2-million-operating-loss-in-fiscal-year-2009/#comments Ubisoft today released its financial earnings report to investors for fiscal year 2009-10 (ending March 31), reporting sales of €871 million ($1.1 billion) with an operating loss of €60 million ($76.2 million). CEO Yves Guillemot softened investor reaction by saying: "The global economic crisis had a pronounced impact on the video game industry in 2009, which contracted by nearly 10 percent year-on-year. Ubisoft's sales were hit particularly hard, falling 18 percent over the full year despite a stabilization in the second half of the year."

Ubi's Q4 sales were up 1.9 percent year-over-year to €210 million ($266.7 million), outpacing internal guidance by €10 million ($12.7 million). The company says the inflated numbers are due partially to "a strong increase in sales of Just Dance," the "ongoing exceptional performance delivered by Assassin's Creed 2 which sold-in nearly 9 million units during the year," and higher-than-expected sales of both Red Steel 2 and Avatar.

And Guillemot predicts a sunnier 2010-11. "We forecast a return to profitable growth in 2010-11 with positive cash flow generation, driven by a games line-up that is more closely tailored to growth segments based on strong franchises." He also notes his excitement for new technology driving increased sales, saying, "Lastly, the upcoming launches of new consoles, including Natal and Sony Move, should enable us to capitalize on the technology investments that we have undertaken in recent years and re-energize the casual games segment."

Source -- Ubisoft FY2009-10 Sales & Earnings Report (warning: PDF link)

JoystiqUbisoft reports $76.2 million operating loss in fiscal year 2009-10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2avatarearningsfinancialsfy2009-10fy2010just-danceproject-natalq4-2010red-steel-2sony-moveubisoftyves-guillemotTue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA World Cup leaves Alan in its wake on UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/fifa-world-cup-leaves-alan-in-its-wake-on-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/fifa-world-cup-leaves-alan-in-its-wake-on-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/fifa-world-cup-leaves-alan-in-its-wake-on-uk-sales-chart/#comments 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa fiercely protected its top spot on the UK all-formats weekly sales chart for the third week in a row. Alan Wake saw the light of retail with a second place premiere, and according to Chart-Track, totaled only 1,000 fewer units sold than FIFA. Lost Planet 2, which found itself in third, was 12,000 units behind Wake (an Xbox 360 exclusive), despite being on two platforms and going on sale several days earlier than the typical Friday release in the UK.

Ubisoft's Wii-exclusive Just Dance tripped and stumbled to fourth place, its lowest position in seven weeks. Could this be the beginning of the end for the surefooted sales star? Unlikely -- unless every Wii owner in the region already has it (which isn't out of the realm of possibility at this point).

Finally, EA's Skate 3 ollied into a fifth place debut. The complete UK top 10 can be found after the break.

Source - FIFA Just Holds Off Alan Wake And Lost Planet 2 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading FIFA World Cup leaves Alan in its wake on UK sales chart

JoystiqFIFA World Cup leaves Alan in its wake on UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africaalan-wakechart-trackfifa-world-cup-2010fifa-world-cup-2010-south-africajust-dancelost-planet-2MicrosoftNintendosalesskate-3softwareukWiiXbox-360Mon, 17 May 2010 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[April NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/april-npd-sam-fishers-grim-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/april-npd-sam-fishers-grim-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/13/april-npd-sam-fishers-grim-month/#comments Apparently everybody was paying taxes last month instead of buying games, because despite analysts' expectations, sales for April were way down. As you can see below, sales dropped out on every single console that NPD tracked during April, with the Wii taking the biggest hit, down 50 percent from March. Hardware sales overall fell by 37 percent.

Software sales didn't do any better -- Splinter Cell Conviction was a bright spot and Super Street Fighter IV just barely made the list (which you can find after the break), but otherwise it was all leftovers from March and previous months. NPD reports that last month's 11 percent industry drop-off was the "worst year-over-year decline...since July '09, and the fourth largest year-over-year percentage decline ever." The industry got rained on -- here's hoping April showers bring some May flowers.

-DS: 441K260K (-37%)
-Wii: 277K 281K (-50%)
-360: 185K 153K (-45%)
-PS3: 181K 133K (-42%)
-PSP: 66K 54K (-44%)
-PS2 sales are no longer being tracked by NPD -- goodbye, old friend.

See the top 10 games after the break. (Note: Sales figures for the games ranked six through ten were withheld by NPD for unstated reasons.)

Continue reading April NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month

JoystiqApril NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-2010DSgod-of-war-iiihardwarejust-danceMicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendonpdnpd-monthlysalessoftwaresplinter-cell-convictionsuper-street-fighter-ivWiiwii-fit-plusXbox-360Thu, 13 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/fifa-world-cup-maintains-defense-holds-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#comments 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa held its top spot on the UK all-formats chart for a second week in a row. Meanwhile, like a good showgirl, Wii-exclusive Just Dance worked its way back into second, pushing Super Street Fighter IV down the stairs -- all the way to sixth.

Modern Warfare 2 got back into the fight this week and reached third place, thanks to "energetic promotions centered around the special edition versions," according to Chart-Track. The release of the "Stimulus Package" maps on other platforms probably didn't hurt, either. Wii Fit Plus and Battlefield: Bad Company 2 round out the top five. The complete UK top 10 can be found after the break.

Source - FIFA World Cup Scores 2nd Week at No1 [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading FIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts

JoystiqFIFA World Cup maintains defense, holds top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-FIFA-World-Cup2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackEA-SportsFIFAfifa-world-cup-2010-south-africajust-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendosuper-street-fighter-ivukWiiXbox-360Mon, 10 May 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft begins hunt for Just Dance sequel talent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ubisoft-begins-hunt-for-just-dance-sequel-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ubisoft-begins-hunt-for-just-dance-sequel-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/06/ubisoft-begins-hunt-for-just-dance-sequel-talent/#comments Ubisoft has just announced that it's about to start combing the globe, looking for the hottest dancers and choreographers that it can include in the follow-up to surprise smash hit Just Dance. As detailed by the press release, the auditions will begin in France before moving to London and, eventually, the US. The game's Facebook page has all the details. [Update: That UK event is fine if you can get there, but in the U.S. branch of the contest, you can actually enter a video online! Check it out here.]

Before you get too excited, know that the official Joystiq dance team, Jamaretto, will be participating and -- against contest and federal regulations -- we'll be breaking out all our signature moves like the Grand Crunk Railroad, the Gogurt, the Sprained Cankle and the Spin Around Really Fast. So ... yeah. Bring it.

JoystiqUbisoft begins hunt for Just Dance sequel talent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-dancejust-dance-2NintendoubisoftWiiThu, 06 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA scores with FIFA World Cup on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/ea-scores-with-fifa-world-cup-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/ea-scores-with-fifa-world-cup-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/ea-scores-with-fifa-world-cup-on-uk-charts/#comments 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa kicked off to a mighty fine start on the UK all-formats chart this week. Of course, the real news would have been had the footie franchise not scored the top spot during its launch week. Super Street Fighter IV also enjoyed a solid premiere in second place. And, lest you think that the UK had somehow lost the urge to shake its groove thing, the Wii-exclusive Just Dance slipped a mere 5 percent to third from its silver spot last week.

Sam Fisher took a terrible tumble from first to fourth this week, with Splinter Cell: Conviction experiencing a 37 percent drop in sales. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, which rounds out the top five thanks to its PS3 and PC release a few weeks back, saw a 32 percent drop in sales. Yes, Just Dance is an unstoppable beast, with exasperating stamina that rivals that of a chav on an IV drip of Red Bull. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - EA's World Cup kicks off [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading EA scores with FIFA World Cup on UK charts

JoystiqEA scores with FIFA World Cup on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-FIFA-World-Cup2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritainchart-trackfifa-world-cup-2010-south-africajust-danceMicrosoftNintendosalessuper-street-fighter-ivukWiiXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ubisoft-holds-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ubisoft-holds-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/ubisoft-holds-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/#comments
 Despite sales for Splinter Cell: Conviction and Just Dance slipping 46 and 31 percent, respectively, the two Ubisoft titles maintained their dominant positions on the UK all-formats chart for a second week in a row. The top three didn't shift at all, as the PS3 and PC release of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City last week helped to keep it in third.

Wii Fit Plus stepped up a spot to work out at fourth, while Monster Hunter Tri was stuffed and mounted in fifth place. According to Chart-Track, Tri is the most successful launch the franchise has seen on the isles. The only other new title on the chart last week was Dead to Rights: Retribution, which broke and entered at No. 22. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Ubisoft are No1 and No2 for second week [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading Ubisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction

JoystiqUbisoft holds top UK sales spot with Conviction originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackdead-to-rights-retributiongrand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-cityjust-danceMicrosoftmonster-hunter-trisplinter-cell-convictionukXbox-360Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Splinter Cell takes top UK sales spot with 'Conviction']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splinter-cell-takes-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splinter-cell-takes-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/splinter-cell-takes-top-uk-sales-spot-with-conviction/#comments Just Dance will just have to wait for its turn back at the top of the UK all-formats sales chart, as Splinter Cell: Conviction has debonairly cut in this week. Although it may appear that the two Ubisoft published titles are in a sashay for supremacy, history has taught us that Just Dance will keep gyrating high above the charts long after Sam Fisher's latest adventure holds the bargain bin hostage.

The PS3 and PC release of the faaaaa-bulous and leather-heavy Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City sent the title motoring up the charts to third. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 lost an M-COM station and slipped two spots to fourth, while Wii Fit Plus found the power to jump up one spot to round out the top five. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Ubisoft shows Conviction [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Continue reading Splinter Cell takes top UK sales spot with 'Conviction'

JoystiqSplinter Cell takes top UK sales spot with 'Conviction' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2britainchart-trackconvictiongrand-theft-auto-episodes-from-liberty-cityjust-danceMicrosoftsplinter-cell-convictionukXbox-360Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:01:00 EST