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[Max Payne 3 shoots past Diablo 3 on UK Charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/max-payne-3-shoots-past-diablo-3-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/max-payne-3-shoots-past-diablo-3-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/max-payne-3-shoots-past-diablo-3-on-uk-charts/#comments
Max has beaten a lot of personal demons, but last week he took on the Diablo at retail and won. According to Chart-Track, Max Payne 3 outperformed the previous sequel (from 2003) nearly 10 to 1.

Chart-Track also noted the third installment in the Payne series bested Diablo 3 by only about 8,000 sales. With Max Payne 3 only available through disc-based sales and Diablo 3 available through digital distribution, it would be fair to guess Diablo actually sold more. That is, if you believe Diablo 3 sold over 8,000 units online in the UK last week.

The rest of the top ten are the usual suspects. So, pop some pain killers and shoot past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Max Payne 3 shoots past Diablo 3 on UK Charts

JoystiqMax Payne 3 shoots past Diablo 3 on UK Charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainChart-Trackchart-track-weeklyDiablo-3FIFA-12FIFA-StreetMass-Effect-3Max-Payne-3microsoftpcplaystationPrototype-2ps3UKxboxMon, 21 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/sniper-elite-v2-maintains-elevated-uk-position-for-second-week/#comments
Thanks to another week of minimal competition, Sniper Elite V2 maintains its vantage point atop the UK charts for a second week. The game may have seen sales drop 38 percent, but none of the new entries made any type of shakeup on the charts, with the regular motley crew holding the top ten.

The EA triplets of FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3 find themselves in second, third and fifth place, respectively. Nudging in there for some cuddle time in fourth is Prototype 2.

Sony's Starhawk is the only new title to crack the top 40, flying in at spot 17 for its debut. March on past the break for the UK top ten.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-streetmass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2UKxboxMon, 14 May 2012 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/sniper-elite-v2-shoots-straight-to-top-spot-in-uk/#comments Sniper Elite V2 is naturally going to want a position at the top of Chart-Track's UK charts... it's the best vantage point. Thankfully, there wasn't very much competition around, as evidenced by what is probably the shortest overview of last week's sales activity by the stat tracking company in recent memory.

The prior week's top performer, Prototype 2, fell one spot into second. It was followed by the EA triplets that never seem to be apart: FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3. Beyond that, no new games to report making moves, no major shuffling of the status quo. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Gallery: Sniper Elite V2: Single-Player (03/23/2012)

Continue reading Sniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK

JoystiqSniper Elite V2 shoots straight to top spot in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2ukwiixboxTue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK pride Xbox Kinect bundle available in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/uk-pride-xbox-kinect-bundle-available-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/uk-pride-xbox-kinect-bundle-available-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/uk-pride-xbox-kinect-bundle-available-in-may/#comments ImageMicrosoft has revealed a distressed Union Jack Xbox bundle for the United Kingdom, featuring a flag-wrapped 4GB console, controller and Kinect. The bundle also includes Kinect Adventures and Kinect Sports, along with three months of Xbox Live gold membership. It marches to retail on May 25 for £249.99.

Don't live in the UK and still want to get your Union Jack on? Well, turns out GelaSkins has a similar (and prettier) Xbox wrapping available for $30. There's also the Stars and Stripes package for those who feel offended by all this non-Amurikan talk.

JoystiqUK pride Xbox Kinect bundle available in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainkinectKinect-SportsmicrosoftUKxboxTue, 01 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Prototype 2 successful on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/prototype-2-successful-on-uk-charts/#comments
Prototype 2 launched on Tuesday in the UK (instead of a Friday, per usual) last week and leapt to the top of the charts. Despite the strong premiere, Chart-Track notes the sequel couldn't match the first week sales success of the original game. Chart-Track doesn't share raw sales numbers, but it did point out that the game had stronger sales than previous chart-toppers Kinect Star Wars and The Witcher 2.

Speaking of Witcher 2, which held the crown last week, it slipped five spots into sixth place. EA continues to have a winning cluster with FIFA Street, FIFA 12 and Mass Effect 3 holding steady close to the top of the charts, with the group maintaining spots two through four, respectively.

Prototype 2 was the only new game to break the top 40 last week. Tap your tentacle past the break to check out the UK top ten.

Continue reading Prototype 2 successful on UK charts

JoystiqPrototype 2 successful on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12FIFA-Streetmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationprototype-2ps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Apr 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Witcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/witcher-2-casts-enhanced-edition-success-spell-on-uk-charts/#comments
Geralt of Rivia's got swagger, walkin' and witchin' to the top of the UK charts for his debut on Xbox 360. The console launch The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings - Enhanced Edition took the crown last week, with Chart-Track noting 98 percent of sales for the game were cast toward the console version.

The original PC version of The Witcher 2 reached the fifth spot on the UK charts when it premiered in May 2011, but that number didn't represent the full picture, since the chart doesn't count digitally distributed products.

Witcher 2 was the only new title to break the top 40, with the usual suspects in the top ten shifting around Geralt. FIFA Street and FIFA 12 both hold the silver and bronze, respectively. Kick on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Witcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts

JoystiqWitcher 2 enhances its spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-streetmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3the-witcher-2UKwiixboxMon, 23 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA games return to GAME]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/ea-games-return-to-game/#comments Mass Effect 3, along with other EA titles, are now being stocked at UK retailer GAME. This resolves the key moment several months back when EA cut support and the financial troubles of the retailer became very public.

As Eurogamer reports, EA's decision with Mass Effect 3 came at the moment when the cracks in GAME's bad news dam couldn't be patched anymore. At the time, it was estimated that GAME would miss out on $3.2 million due to EA's move.

"We said two weeks ago that our first priority was to help our customers by putting more new releases and products in our stores and on our websites," GAME CEO Martyn Gibbs told Eurogamer. "Today we've launched a fantastic deal on Mass Effect 3, £29.99 in stores and £24.99 online, and The Witcher 2, with an exclusive t-shirt, is launched tomorrow. Pandora's Tower Limited Edition, which was released on our website last week, will arrive in our stores this week. There will also be numerous new hardware and software deals."

The company is slowly returning back to normal, having closed 277 stores, cut over 2000 jobs, and sold off some international operations.

JoystiqEA games return to GAME originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainEAGAMEmass-effect-3UKMon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Street holds top UK spot for third week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/fifa-street-holds-top-uk-spot-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/fifa-street-holds-top-uk-spot-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/fifa-street-holds-top-uk-spot-for-third-week/#comments FIFA Street sales may have dropped another 44 percent in sales last week around the UK, but that didn't stop the footie franchise reboot from taking Chart-Track's top spot for a third consecutive week.

Mass Effect 3 chugged a krogan energy drink and received a 28 percent sales boost to find itself in second place, followed by newcomer Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13. Capcom's Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, once again, breaks EA's monopoly on the top five, inserting itself in fourth place, with EA's FIFA 12 running up in fifth.

New titles this week included Namco Bandai's (eye-roll inducing title) Narto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, which debuted at number six. There was also a Silent Hill double-header, as Silent Hill HD Collection and Silent Hill: Downpour debuted at number 12 and 15, respectively. Find the UK top ten after the break... if you dare.

Continue reading FIFA Street holds top UK spot for third week

JoystiqFIFA Street holds top UK spot for third week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-streetmass-effect-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3resident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityUKwiixboxMon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Street holds off Resident Evil: ORC from taking first in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/fifa-street-holds-off-resident-evil-orc-from-taking-first-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/fifa-street-holds-off-resident-evil-orc-from-taking-first-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/fifa-street-holds-off-resident-evil-orc-from-taking-first-in-uk/#comments Capcom broke EA's monopoly of the top four titles in the UK last week with Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, which debuted in second on the charts. The top spot belonged to EA's FIFA Street for a second week in a row, with the publisher grabbing third through fifth with Mass Effect 3, FIFA 12 and SSX, respectively.

Kid Icarus: Uprising flew in with a seventh place debut, becoming the only Nintendo title in the top ten, as Mario Party 9 dropped from fifth to 13.

There were two new titles that sliced up some competition to crack the top 40, as Total War Shogun 2: Fall of the Samurai cut in at 17 and Ninja Gaiden 3 made a mess a couple spots later at 19. Sneak past the break to check out the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA Street holds off Resident Evil: ORC from taking first in UK

JoystiqFIFA Street holds off Resident Evil: ORC from taking first in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-streetMass-Effect-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3resident-evil-operation-raccoon-cityUKwiixboxMon, 26 Mar 2012 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK finally implementing game tax relief]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/uk-finally-implementing-game-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/uk-finally-implementing-game-tax-relief/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/uk-finally-implementing-game-tax-relief/#comments The UK government announced today it would finally provide tax relief for game developers, which comes as welcome news to the region's struggling scene. The relief will take the form of £15 million in 2013-14, with £35 million in 2014-15.

"Our research shows that Games Tax Relief should generate and safeguard: 4,661 direct and indirect jobs; £188 million in investment expenditure by studios; increase the games development sector's contribution to UK gross domestic product by £283 million; generate £172 million in new and protected tax receipts to Her Majesty's Treasury, and could cost just £96 million over five years," TIGA CEO Dr. Richard Wilson stated today.

With some luck, the relief will help slow the "brain drain" occurring in the UK games industry following numerous studio closures.

Wilson also said, "Tax breaks for games production will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of video game development."

That's a nice dream, but current tax break champion Canada and many others are ahead of the UK by a mile ... er, kilometer.

[Pixelbliss via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK finally implementing game tax relief

JoystiqUK finally implementing game tax relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaintaxtax-relieftaxestigaukWed, 21 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME enters administration, delisted from stock exchange]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/game-enters-administration-delisted-from-stock-exchange/#comments Although it was an expected formality at this point, the once great UK games retailer GAME has filed for administration (i.e. British bankruptcy).

"Further to this morning's announcement of the suspension of trading in shares of GAME Group, the board has concluded that its discussions with all stakeholders and other parties have not made sufficient progress in the time available to offer a realistic prospect for a solvent solution for the business," a statement from the company reads. "In the short term the Board's intention is that the business will continue to trade and discussions with lenders and third parties will continue under the protection of the interim moratorium."

Optimistically, the voluntary administration plays into the "fourth option" laid out by UK outlet MCV late yesterday, which would see the corporation drop to around 300 stores (from 1,300 late last year) and create a "new company, funded by current bank lenders." MCV has been all over the corporate collapse, so head on over there for the blow by blow.

JoystiqGAME enters administration, delisted from stock exchange originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainGameUKWed, 21 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME weighs final options before point of no return]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/game-weighs-final-options-before-point-of-no-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/game-weighs-final-options-before-point-of-no-return/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/game-weighs-final-options-before-point-of-no-return/#comments UK retailer GAME, which had nearly 1,300 stores across Europe and Australia last November, is nearing its final days unless some financial foolery and corporate conjurations work out. MCV lays out four plans it has gathered from sources, which may lead to potential outcomes over the next week for the troubled company.

The first option, which would be refinancing of the current company by buyout bidders OpCapita, has apparently been ruled out by MCV. Next is a white knight or angel arriving and saving the day, but with a Sunday deadline this is considered "incredibly unlikely." Outcome number three: GAME is GONE.

However, MCV mentions a fourth option, which would save much of the company's workforce and leave the chain with over 300 stores. The move would have GAME voluntarily enter administration and create a "new company, funded by current bank lenders." If it happens, it would occur next Monday. The plan was apparently presented to GAME's concerned suppliers today. If the publishers agree, the GAME continues next week.

JoystiqGAME weighs final options before point of no return originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainGAMEUKTue, 20 Mar 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA Street reboot kicks it in UK top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/fifa-street-reboot-kicks-it-in-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/fifa-street-reboot-kicks-it-in-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/fifa-street-reboot-kicks-it-in-uk-top-spot/#comments
It's good to be EA in the UK right now, as the publisher holds the top four spots on the all formats sales chart. The company's latest addition, FIFA Street, debuted at the top of the charts, pushing Mass Effect 3 and SSX into second and third, respectively. Fourth is held by stalwart footster FIFA 12.

Chart-Track dug into the archives and unearthed the last time EA claimed the top four spots was in week 48 and 49 of... 2003. At that time -- a tumultuous period, because Madonna kissed both Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera on TV and the world was going to end -- it was FIFA 2004, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Medal of Honor: Rising Sun and Need for Speed: Underground.

The bottom half of the UK top ten is full of familiars, including the sweatastic return of Zumba Fitness. Another reboot, Sony's Twisted Metal, drove into 12th place for its launch. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA Street reboot kicks it in UK top spot

JoystiqFIFA Street reboot kicks it in UK top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12fifa-streetMass-Effect-3microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3SSXUKwiixboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[You gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/you-gethed-it-mass-effect-3-tops-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/you-gethed-it-mass-effect-3-tops-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/you-gethed-it-mass-effect-3-tops-uk-charts/#comments EA is reaping quite a haul at retail, dominating the UK charts with Mass Effect 3 and harvesting pounds. According to Chart-Track, first week sales of the space opera's conclusion sold more than the first two installments combined, likely assisted by the fact that this is the first Mass Effect entry launched on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC simultaneously.

Capcom's Street Fighter X Tekken put up a fight against overwhelming odds and debuted in third, while last week's top performer, SSX, slipped one spot into second, with a 49 percent decline. The other new entry in the top ten last week -- also, another EA title -- was the latest Sims expansion, The Sims 3: Showtime, which walked the red carpet in sixth.

The UK top ten can be scanned after the break.

Continue reading You gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts

JoystiqYou gethed it, Mass Effect 3 tops UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12Mario-Party-9mass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3SSXstreet-fighter-x-tekkenUKxboxMon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux leaves Microsoft, off on 'new independent venture']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/peter-molyneux-leaves-microsoft-off-on-new-independent-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/peter-molyneux-leaves-microsoft-off-on-new-independent-venture/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/peter-molyneux-leaves-microsoft-off-on-new-independent-venture/#comments
Fabled game developer Peter Molyneux has left Microsoft and Lionhead Studios for startup 22 Cans. In a statement to Kotaku, the creative lead of Microsoft Studios Europe said he will conclude his work on the latest Fable before going off on the next great adventure.

"It is with mixed emotions that I made the decision to leave Microsoft and Lionhead Studios, the company that I co-founded in 1997, at the conclusion of development of Fable: The Journey," Molyneux said in the statement. "I remain extremely passionate and proud of the people, products and experiences that we created."

Molyneux expressed the departure was amicable and Microsoft noted the ever-quotable developer "has made an indelible mark on the games industry and we wish him all the best of luck in his future endeavors."

JoystiqPeter Molyneux leaves Microsoft, off on 'new independent venture' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-CansBritainfable-the-journeykinectLionheadLionhead-StudiosmicrosoftPeter-MolyneuxUKxboxWed, 07 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SSX begins UK race atop Mt. Retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ssx-begins-uk-race-atop-mt-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ssx-begins-uk-race-atop-mt-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/ssx-begins-uk-race-atop-mt-retail/#comments SSX returns after an extended hiatus and goes straight up the leaderboards to take the first place finish in its debut week. According to Chart-Track, there hasn't been a new SSX installment in about five year and the latest is the first time the franchise has every premiered in the top spot. The closest it ever got before was SSX 3 back in 2003, and even then it had half the sales.

EA also holds the second place spot with FIFA 12, as the prior week's Vita launch titles begin sliding down the charts. Mario Party 9 debuted in third, but due to not being stocked by retailer Game over the company's current financial condition, it would have likely done better. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading SSX begins UK race atop Mt. Retail

JoystiqSSX begins UK race atop Mt. Retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12Mario-Party-9microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ssx-2012UKwiixboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst calculates Game's loss from not stocking Mass Effect 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/analyst-calculates-games-loss-from-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/analyst-calculates-games-loss-from-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/analyst-calculates-games-loss-from-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/#comments An analyst has estimated the expected loss for financially troubled UK retailer Game being unable to stock Mass Effect 3 (or future EA products) next week. Analyst Mark Photiades of Singer Capital told the Guardian he expects Game to lose £2 million ($3.2M) in profits.

"Working on the assumption that a decent triple A title sells 0.8m-1m titles in the first few weeks of release in the UK and assuming Game has around 20% share, we calculate that by not stocking Mass Effect 3, Game is potentially missing out on around £6m-£7m of revenues in the UK given the title will retail for £39.99," said Photiades.

Ubisoft played some similar hardball with Game recently during the Vita launch. The situation is already dire for Game. Not having product to sell can only make it worse.

JoystiqAnalyst calculates Game's loss from not stocking Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystBritainEAElectronic-ArtsGamemass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3UKxboxFri, 02 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GAME not stocking Mass Effect 3, future EA titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/game-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/game-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/game-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/#comments The latest sign of significant trouble for UK retailer Game: it won't have Mass Effect 3 to sell for next week's launch. An internal memo obtained by Eurogamer also reveals the retailer is canceling pre-orders on upcoming EA titles FIFA Street, Tiger Woods 13 and Sims 3 Showtime.

"Last week we held an event for our publishers in the industry and explained the challenges we are facing in the short term - and we asked for their support," Game channel director Tom Devine wrote. "We will not stock products if the terms are not right for our business - a position we believe is critical to our long term health as a business - we have taken the very difficult decision to not stock EA's March releases, including Mass Effect 3."

Game tried to spin its missing Ubisoft Vita launch titles last week, but no amount of voodoo is going to get folks to ignore that Mass Effect 3 isn't available at the retailer.

Earlier this month, Game cut 46 jobs from its headquarters as part of a massive restructuring to save the company. The financial situation is so dire, and the impact on publisher profits from the UK significant enough, that both EA and Take-Two mentioned the retailer's condition in recent financial calls.

It's going to be even more difficult for Game to climb out of its hole if publishers aren't confident enough to provide the retailer with product.

JoystiqGAME not stocking Mass Effect 3, future EA titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainelectronic-artsGamemass-effect-3microsoftpcplaystationps3UKxboxWed, 29 Feb 2012 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/ufc-undisputed-3-indisputably-beats-uk-chart-competition/#comments THQ, currently trading at $0.62 a share, has some good news for investors as UFC Undisputed 3 grappled the top spot on the UK charts this past week. According to Chart-Track, it is the first top title for the publisher since Homefront in early 2011. The good news does come with a caveat, as the previous installment in the franchise may have debuted in second place, but performed better at launch in raw sales numbers.

With no other new combatants in the octagon making it into the top 40 last week, the UK top ten involved a lot of shufflin' and shifting based on retail promotions. FIFA 12 and Modern Warfare 3 moved into second and third, respectively. Last week's number one, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, dropped 63 percent in sales and out of the top ten into the 12 spot.

Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games, boosted by a new 3DS edition and discounts on the Wii version, saw the title up 94 percent to take the ... Rice-a-Roni? What do you receive at the olympics for fourth place?

Continue reading UFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3 indisputably beats UK chart competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3Chart-Trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12microsoftModern-Warfare-3pcplaystationps3ufc-undisputed-3UKxboxMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Reckoning rules UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/reckoning-rules-uk-sales-chart/#comments Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning kicks off life atop the UK charts, which is not a bad place to begin a fateless destiny. This is the first new intellectual property to reach the top spot since Dead Island (another surprise hit) back in week 37 of last year, according to Chart-Track. But, wait, here's where it gets crazy: you have to go back to the year 2000 (the first Pokemon game) to find an original RPG winning the week.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 slipped one spot into second, with Darkness 2 premiering in third. The top of the charts are actually stacked with "core" titles this week, with Mario & Sonic London at the 2012 Olympic Games being the closest "family" title. Certainly not a "family" game is Catherine, which debuted in the 20 spot. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Reckoning rules UK sales chart

JoystiqReckoning rules UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12Final-Fantasy-XIII-2kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmetal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-darkness-2UKxboxMon, 13 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailer Game cuts 46 jobs from HQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/#comments Retailer Game's problematic financial condition has caused the troubled retailed to cut 46 jobs from its UK headquarters.

"Our proposed new structure will change the way that we operate and will enable us to be significantly more efficient in our relationships with suppliers and customers," the company told MCV in a statement. "We are giving our full help and support to the colleagues who are affected by these proposed changes."

As of last November, Game had 1,275 stores in Europe and Australia, but the company is seeking to sell off its international business (you can probably guess who the rumored buyer is). The collapse of Game would impact the overall games industry, as both EA and Take-Two saw fit to mention its problems would impact their sales during both publisher's third quarter financial calls.

JoystiqUK retailer Game cuts 46 jobs from HQ originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainGamelayoffsUKTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/#comments Three new titles entered Chart-Track's UK sales top ten last week, led by Final Fantasy XIII-2. Sneaking the silver was the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which includes MGS2: Sons of Liberty (2002), MGS3: Snake Eater (2005) and MGS: Peacewalker (2010). Rounding out the top three is Battlefield 3, up two spots, as FIFA 12 slides from first to fourth.

Another new addition to the top ten, SoulCalibur 5, premieres in fifth. Chart-Track notes that the prior SoulCalibur debuted in the top spot back in August of 2008.

The solid debut last week of 3DS action horror title Resident Evil: Revelations finds the game retreating from sixth to 19 on the latest chart. Wander past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12final-fantasy-xiii-2metal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3soulcalibur-5UKwiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/#comments Resident Evil: Revelations for 3DS is the first launch of the new year to break the UK Top 40, debuting in sixth on this week's chart. According to Chart-Track, it is also the seventh largest launch for a 3DS title.

The top five this week are a shuffle of the standard. FIFA 12 defends its top position for a sixth straight week, with Modern Warfare 3, Skyrim and Just Dance 3 consecutively in step behind it.

Looks like folks of the kingdoms united are still trying to lose those holiday pounds, as the Zumba hit parade goes on with Zumba Fitness slipping to seven and Zumba Fitness 2 taking tenth. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts

JoystiqResident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's new UK studio is 'Hardlight']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/#comments The UK games industry is going through a bit of a rough patch, but Sega will hopefully slow the brain drain by opening Hardlight, a new studio located in the West Midlands. The "boutique" developer will work on "high quality, innovative game experiences for both current and future platforms," with its first project, a Vita title, due in late 2012.

As Eurogamer points out, Hardlight is likely the new studio mentioned by a Sega exec last June, formed by folks from the defunct Sega Racing team.

The UK could use all the major publisher support it can get at the moment. The past couple years have not been kind.

JoystiqSega's new UK studio is 'Hardlight' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainHardlightplaystationplaystation-vitaSegaUKvitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/fifa-12-defends-its-uk-sales-championship-rayman-ascends/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/fifa-12-defends-its-uk-sales-championship-rayman-ascends/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/fifa-12-defends-its-uk-sales-championship-rayman-ascends/#comments
Everybody loves Rayman
FIFA 12 ain't goin' nowhere, as the footie phenom holds the top spot on the UK sales charts for a fifth consecutive week. Chart-Track notes the title has already made more money than any other FIFA title to date, and is now tied for the second best chart-topping run of the franchise. It still has a bit to go though to beat FIFA World Cup 98, which had a record 11-week run.

Skyrim flies up one spot into second, spinning Just Dance 3 into third. The Zumba hit parade keeps stomping along, with Zumba Fitness maintaining sixth and Zumba Fitness 2 sliding down one spot to eighth, making room for Saints Row: The Third. Holla!

Thanks to some price promotion, the criminally ignored Rayman: Origins finally finds a spot in the top ten, spinning up eight spots into ninth place. Dubstep past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends

JoystiqFIFA 12 defends its UK sales championship, Rayman ascends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3rayman-originsSkyrimUKwiixboxzumba-fitnesszumba-fitness-2Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TIGA: UK 'brain drain' sees nearly half of laid-off devs leaving country]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/tiga-uk-brain-drain-sees-nearly-half-of-laid-off-devs-leaving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/tiga-uk-brain-drain-sees-nearly-half-of-laid-off-devs-leaving/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/tiga-uk-brain-drain-sees-nearly-half-of-laid-off-devs-leaving/#comments Britain's developer workforce has fallen 10 percent since 2008, and 41 percent of studio employees laid off between 2009 and 2011 have relocated out of the country, UK-games trade association TIGA reports. TIGA is publishing a survey from Games Investor Consulting that covers three-fourths of the UK games industry and warns of a brain drain in the UK.

Bizarre Creations, a Liverpool studio that closed in 2010, saw one-third of its former employees leave the UK for new jobs in the games industry, according to the report. It also claims that countries such as Canada can entice UK talent because they benefit from tax breaks that reduce the cost of game development. The UK currently doesn't have comparable tax breaks, but "the video games industry is exactly the kind of sector that the Government should be supporting to help rebalance the UK economy," TIGA CEO Richard Wilson says.

JoystiqTIGA: UK 'brain drain' sees nearly half of laid-off devs leaving country originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BizarreBizarre-Creationsbrain-drainbritainlayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3TigaukxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/#comments FIFA 12 remains at the top of the UK chart for a fourth straight week, despite a 54 percent drop in sales. Nearly all the games on this week's top ten saw double-digit percentage drops in sales, as consumers adjust to the post-holiday rhythm. For example, Just Dance 3 had a 21 percent reduction, but moved up two spots into second. Skyrim had similar falling upwards, as it moved up two spots into third, with a 23 percent sales drop. It's currently a race of stamina on the charts.

And very few top ten contenders have stamina quite like Zumba Fitness. The continued desire to work off Christmas pounds kept the original game in sixth place, as Zumba Fitness 2 moved into seventh.

Other fitness games are also doing well, as Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 for Kinect is up 173 percent, and so is Wii Fit Plus, holding spots at 12 and 27, respectively. Do some step exercises and walk on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well

JoystiqFIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3skyrimUKwiixboxzumba-fitnesszumba-fitness-2Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, FIFA 12 top UK sales in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/#comments
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was easily the best-selling game in the UK for 2011. Data released today by UKIE (compiled by Chart-Track) has Activision's behemoth franchise grossing a record-breaking £83 million in sales during its first week, which also turned out to be the biggest week of video game sales ever in the UK at £121m. The year 2011 was also the third year in a row Activision had the top-selling game -- and all from the same franchise, fancy that -- with Call of Duty: Black Ops in 2010 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2009.

EA took both the silver and bronze with FIFA 12 and Battlefield 3, respectively. Both titles had stellar opening weeks in the UK and have consistently performed well in the all formats top ten since launch.

The number four game for the year was Zumba Fitness, which should come as little surprise to anyone who followed our "summer of disbelief." The launch of the fitness title for the Wii kept the game atop the all formats chart for longer than we would have thought, but on the Wii chart it remained in first for a record-breaking 28 consecutive weeks.

Find the all formats and console-specific chart toppers for 2011 after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, FIFA 12 top UK sales in 2011

JoystiqCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, FIFA 12 top UK sales in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBattlefield-3Britaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3UKUKIEwiixboxzumba-fitnessWed, 11 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 kicks off year atop UK charts, Zumba returns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/#comments
The first week of 2012 sees massive double-digit percentage drops across Chart-Track's UK sales top ten. FIFA 12 remains at the top, with a 63 percent drop, as Battlefield 3 takes second, despite it being hit with the exact same decrease in sales. Modern Warfare 3 moves into third and Just Dance 3 maintains fourth, with sales slipping 76 and 67 percent, respectively.

With such huge post-holiday sales drops, a stalwart returns to the top ten in fifth: Zumba Fitness. The desire to work off those Christmas pounds sent the exercise game up 11 percent, returning it to the top ten from its exile in 19th place. Several other fitness titles also moved up the charts, despite seeing sales declines, as the chart finds its after the holidays equilibrium. Run past the break for the UK top ten -- we could all use it to work off that fruitcake, phew.

Continue reading FIFA 12 kicks off year atop UK charts, Zumba returns

JoystiqFIFA 12 kicks off year atop UK charts, Zumba returns originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12just-dance-3microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3UKwiixboxzumba-fitnessMon, 09 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retail game market fell in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/uk-retail-game-market-fell-in-2011/#comments The boxed retail market continues to decline in the UK, with sales slipping 7 percent from 2010. The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) reports, using Chart-Track data, that 2011 saw boxed sales of £1.42 billion ($2.2 billion).

Of the ten best-selling games in the year, eight were launched in the fourth quarter, generating 51 percent of annual revenue. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was the top seller, generating £83 million ($128 million) during its launch week and selling two million copies in five days.

"In a year when overall consumer spending was down, 2011 proved to be a better than expected year for the UK's boxed-product games market," said UKIE Chairman Andy Payne. Helped by the launch of many top quality titles, particularly in quarter four, total software sales of £1.42bn was better than many predicted."

Overall, the total gross generated in the UK games market from hardware, software and accessories in 2011 was £2.5 billion ($3.9 billion), a drop of 13 percent. That's understandable since the global economy is horrible, so keep calm and carry on.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK retail game market fell in 2011

JoystiqUK retail game market fell in 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukukiewiixboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Old Republic debuts in 10th, FIFA runs up UK charts before Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/#comments
Chart-Track's UK sales list for the week leading up to Christmas Eve had FIFA 12 rallying, with sales up 34 percent, to score a first place finish. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 moved up one spot replacing Just Dance 3, which despite having a seven percent increase in sales, simply couldn't maintain its position and oscar mike'd into third.

The big premiere of the week was EA's Star Wars: The Old Republic, which debuted in tenth place, having launched on Tuesday the 20th. This is irregular for the UK, since most games launch on Friday. Despite the extra time, the high-profile MMO's launch week didn't beat out Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The saving grace of The Old Republic's lower ranking premiere is Chart-Track doesn't count digitally distributed copies. According to EA, things are going well with its new MMO.

Check out the UK's top ten games for the pre-Christmas week after the break.

Continue reading Old Republic debuts in 10th, FIFA runs up UK charts before Christmas

JoystiqOld Republic debuts in 10th, FIFA runs up UK charts before Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsBattlefield-3BritainChart-Trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 02 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gov't recognizes computer science education is important]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/#comments Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone's Livingstone-Hope Skills Review has been positively received by the UK government. The paper recommends that the UK's Information and Communications Technology national curriculum be replaced by computer science.

"The Government looks forward to working with [the games industry], educators and others to develop an attractive computer science offering for schools, so that students are able to develop the rigorous skills needed -- not only to support these industries but also to ensure a digitally literate citizenry," read the government's lengthy response.

"I hope common sense and the national interest will prevail," Livingstone told GI.biz, recognizing that it would "take a number of years" before any actual reforms occurred.

And once the UK education system teaches students helpful game industry skills, they'll be off to sunny Canada for jobs, where the games industry isn't slowly crumbling around them. On the bright side, things could be worse ... like in Australia.

JoystiqUK gov't recognizes computer science education is important originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincomputer-scienceeidosian-livingstoneLivingstone-Hope-Skills-ReviewukTue, 29 Nov 2011 12:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 maintains top of UK charts for third week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/modern-warfare-3-maintains-top-of-uk-charts-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/modern-warfare-3-maintains-top-of-uk-charts-for-third-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/28/modern-warfare-3-maintains-top-of-uk-charts-for-third-week/#comments

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 isn't going anywhere on the UK charts, as the biggest entertainment launch in history holds its position at the top, despite a 41 percent drop in sales. MW3 had an 87 percent drop in sales last week, so the über-blockbuster clearly has a sales cushion to play around.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations maintained second, with Saints Row: The Third and Skyrim swapping spots at third and fourth, respectively. FIFA 12 also held strong in fifth as WWE '12 muscled in with a debut at sixth.

Some good news for Nintendo, as Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call premiered in seventh and Super Mario 3D Land slipped one little spot to tenth. The bad news? The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the first major Zelda console release in five years, dropped from its debut in seventh to 19. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3 maintains top of UK charts for third week

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 maintains top of UK charts for third week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsBritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftmodern-warfare-3nintendoplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdSkyrimUKwiixboxMon, 28 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy closing UK megastores]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/best-buy-closing-uk-megastores/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/best-buy-closing-uk-megastores/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/best-buy-closing-uk-megastores/#comments Best Buy will close its 11 megastores in the UK, the company announced today. The company's eastward expansion plans from three years ago failed to materialize, which would have seen Best Buy open 100 stores across the island nation before invading mainland Europe. This follows Best Buy's retreat earlier this year from opening branded stores in China and Turkey.

Many of the displaced staff of 1,000 are to be redeployed among the approximately 2,500 small box stores the company has in the region with a business partner. Many of those stores will be transformed into the "Wireless World" format.

With Best Buy's overseas business focusing specifically on mobile, the company can take account of the stiff competition it faces in the States on big box items. We've seen some of the changes already, like the new game departments in stores.

JoystiqBest Buy closing UK megastores originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buybritainukMon, 07 Nov 2011 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 holds the line, Uncharted 3 debuts in second on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/battlefield-3-holds-the-line-uncharted-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/battlefield-3-holds-the-line-uncharted-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/battlefield-3-holds-the-line-uncharted-3-debuts-in-second-on-uk/#comments Battlefield 3, despite experiencing a 54 percent drop in sales, maintained the top spot on Chart-Track's UK All Formats chart for another week. PS3 exclusive Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception debuted in second, with sales that were up 37 percent from the previous sequel, Among Thieves. The rest of the top ten features the usual suspects playing musical chairs, except for Just Dance 3, which refuses to give up its fifth-place chair.

Other premieres last week included Sonic Generations and Goldeneye: Reloaded, entering at the tenth and 16th spots, respectively. The strong debut of the spikey blue mammal on meth means one should expect another 4+ Sonic games from Sega in 2012 (not that it wasn't going to happen anyway).

This week will see the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Expect the top title next week to sell more than that top 10 combined times two. Speaking of top ten, check last week's after the break.

Continue reading Battlefield 3 holds the line, Uncharted 3 debuts in second on UK charts

JoystiqBattlefield 3 holds the line, Uncharted 3 debuts in second on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citybattlefield-3BritainChart-Trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12just-dance-3microsoftpcplaystationps3UKuncharted-3-drakes-deceptionxboxMon, 07 Nov 2011 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 secures top of UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/battlefield-3-secures-top-of-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/battlefield-3-secures-top-of-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/battlefield-3-secures-top-of-uk-charts/#comments As expected, Electronic Arts and DICE's Battlefield 3 got the drop on its competitors and came out victorious atop the UK Charts, becoming the tenth biggest (by units) UK All Formats week one seller ever. Chart-Track notes that the game did double the sales of EA's Medal of Honor last year (which DICE also had a hand in), but here's the crazy stat: Battlefield 3's first week sales were greater than those of the last 17 Battlefield (retail) game debuts combined since 2002.

The rest of the top five is a case of making room for Battlefield 3, with Batman: Arkham City justifiably moving down one spot, then FIFA 12 doing the same, and so on. Well, except for Just Dance 3, which maintains its spot in fifth, because it's protected by dark dance magic, provided by the power of the babe.

Premieres this week include Namco Bandai's Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi at 23, also Kinect Sports: Season Two at 18. The original Kinect Sports was "by far the best-selling Kinect game in the UK," according to Chart-Track. Dance Central 2 does a little better in its second week, electric sliding from 40 to 34. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Battlefield 3 secures top of UK charts

JoystiqBattlefield 3 secures top of UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batman-arkham-citybattlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydramaEAElectronic-Artsfifa-12Football-Manager-2012Just-Dance-3microsoftpcplaystationps3UKxboxMon, 31 Oct 2011 21:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 4 finishes first on UK charts, Just Dance 3 takes third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/forza-4-finishes-first-on-uk-charts-just-dance-3-takes-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/forza-4-finishes-first-on-uk-charts-just-dance-3-takes-third/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/forza-4-finishes-first-on-uk-charts-just-dance-3-takes-third/#comments
It'sa Forza, woo-hoo! Yes, the land of Top Gear saw Forza Motorsport 4 race to the top of the charts in its debut week. According to Chart-Track, the racing game claimed the "biggest launch week ever" for an "Xbox 360 racing game" ... considering most high-profile racers are multi-platform (with the exception of Gran Turismo) we take this to mean the latest sequel maneuvered past Forza 3's premiere.

With seven new entries in the UK Top 20 this week, there are plenty of places to look, but let's start with Just Dance 3 premiering in third. Ubisoft's dance series has consistently entered the top 10 and hung out there for months while others come and go. With Dance Central 2 ready to step it up this year, it'll be interesting to see if Just Dance 3 has the staying power of its predecessors.

The other two newbies in the top ten are sports titles Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 and Jonah Lomu Rugby Challenge at fifth and tenth place, respectively. Rush past the break for the full UK top ten.

Continue reading Forza 4 finishes first on UK charts, Just Dance 3 takes third

JoystiqForza 4 finishes first on UK charts, Just Dance 3 takes third originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12forza-4forza-motorsport-4Just-Dance-3kinect-forzamicrosoftnintendopcplaystationPro-Evolution-Soccer-12ps3RAGEukwiixboxMon, 17 Oct 2011 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[EA Bright Light in process of closure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ea-bright-light-in-process-of-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ea-bright-light-in-process-of-closure/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/ea-bright-light-in-process-of-closure/#comments The body count for established British studios keeps rising, with EA Bright Light the latest in the crosshairs. EA confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that a "formal consultation process" has begun at the studio. That's a fancy term for the time required under UK law (dependent on number of employees) before the publisher can shut down the studio.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 was the latest project from the studio, a title we couldn't be bothered to review after the previous installment. Apparently we didn't miss anything.

"Employees that are impacted will be considered for positions at other EA Studios including those in the UK," EA said in a statement. "The UK is a vital centre of game development for EA and we intend to maintain a strong presence here."

You know, with the one studio EA officially has left on the island.

JoystiqEA Bright Light in process of closure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bright-lightBritainEAEA-Bright-LightElectronic-ArtsEnglandharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2layoffsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3UKxboxFri, 14 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/fifa-12-kicks-it-atop-uk-charts-for-second-week/#comments
FIFA 12, despite a 68 percent drop in sales, remained the forward on the UK charts for a second week. EA announced last week that it estimates the title sold over 3.2 million units globally during its launch week.

Debuting in second was the high-profile Rage from id Software, but the real surprise this week is Dark Souls premiering in third, with masochists rejoicing everywhere in their pool of tears and bruised egos.

Last week also saw 2K Sports' NBA 2K12 debut strongly at number 12, seven seats higher than last year. This will be EA Sports' second year letting 2K Sports gorge itself on NBA cake without competition. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week

JoystiqFIFA 12 kicks it atop UK charts for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyDark-Soulsfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftplaystationps3RageUKxboxMon, 10 Oct 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 first on UK charts, beats GTA 4 debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/fifa-12-first-on-uk-charts-beats-gta-4-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/fifa-12-first-on-uk-charts-beats-gta-4-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/fifa-12-first-on-uk-charts-beats-gta-4-debut/#comments
FIFA 12, obviously, debuted at the top of the UK charts this past week. The semi-surprise is the latest installment of the footie franchise became the third largest multi-format debut ever, surpassing Grand Theft Auto 4 and sitting comfortably behind Call of Duty's Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2, which hold first and second place, respectively.

According to Chart-Track, FIFA 12 unit sales were up 18 percent from FIFA 11, with revenue up 34 percent. Last year, EA announced that FIFA 11 was its "fastest selling sports game ever." Unless the rest of the world suddenly develops some football aversion, it would appear that FIFA 12 is about to best that record.

Gears of War 3 experienced a 76 percent drop in sales from its mega premiere, but it was still enough to maintain second place. Codemaster's F1 2011 kept the gas on and held its position right behind Gears for a second week.

Debuts that didn't make the top ten last week included Activision Blizzard's slapdash X-Men: Destiny in 18th, and the PS3 version of Child of Eden, which helped the series jump 765 percent and into 29th place. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading FIFA 12 first on UK charts, beats GTA 4 debut

JoystiqFIFA 12 first on UK charts, beats GTA 4 debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainChart-Trackchart-track-weeklyF1-2011fifa-12fifa-soccer-12Gears-of-War-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3UkwiixboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST