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[Report: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/report-wii-u-price-drops-not-spurring-uk-sales-wii-mini-sees/#comments The Wii U's recent unofficial price cuts in the UK market seem to have done little to increase the latest Nintendo console's struggling sales.

Trade publication MCV has quotes from two different retail buyers, the first noting the natural sales bump has "resulted in a smaller than desired increase" and the other saying the thing Nintendo really doesn't want to hear: "They've got to do something otherwise it is GameCube all over again."

For its part, Nintendo Europe says it is reaching out to retailers directly over the next few weeks to highlight the "strong and broad line-up of software launching this year." Console price reductions are more flexible in the UK than they are in the States.

Meanwhile, TechRadar mentions Wii Mini sales aren't doing much better in the UK. The site reports demand for the unit has been exceptionally poor. The Wii Mini sold 37.5K units in Canadian market, which Nintendo was pleased about.

JoystiqReport: Wii U price drops not spurring UK sales, Wii Mini sees 'low interest' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainnintendoretailukwiiwii-uMon, 25 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK games industry showing slight signs of recovery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/uk-games-industry-showing-slight-signs-of-recovery/#comments UK turnaroundUK trade association TIGA published a report this week, claiming that employment in UK games development grew by four percent in 2012.

Looking deeper at the numbers shows us UK studios aren't making the huge games they used to, however, and are evolving into smaller studios supporting more mobile and tablet development.

According to TIGA, from 2011 to 2012, creative staff across the UK grew from 8,888 to 9,224, which is where the modest four percent increase cited earlier comes from. The number of studios in the UK increased from 329 to 448 - that's 119 new studios and only 336 new jobs. The UK has shifted to smaller studios after years of layoffs and closures.

"Mobile and internet based gaming provide opportunities for growth; we have access to a highly skilled and creative workforce; and TIGA's Games Tax Relief will give a further boost to employment and investment from April 2013," said TIGA Chairman and Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley.

TIGA estimates the sector's contribution to UK gross domestic product increased from £912 million to £947 million in 2012. The UK finally passed tax relief for the ailing sector last year, having proven it passed the cultural test.


[Image: Christos G. via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK games industry showing slight signs of recovery

JoystiqUK games industry showing slight signs of recovery originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaintaxtax-relieftigaukukieWed, 20 Mar 2013 02:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 retakes top spot as Devil May Cry tumbles in UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/black-ops-2-retakes-top-as-devil-may-cry-tumbles-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/black-ops-2-retakes-top-as-devil-may-cry-tumbles-in-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/black-ops-2-retakes-top-as-devil-may-cry-tumbles-in-uk-charts/#comments This week's UK charts feature a very familiar face at the summt. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, the country's best-selling game of last year, is back on top for the first time in 2013 thanks to a 20 percent bump in sales from the previous week. It ain't done yet, nosiree.

Despite it being a relatively quiet January - Ni No Kuni doesn't arrive in Europe until February 1 - DmC: Devil May Cry wasn't able to retain top spot this week. Ninja Theory's reboot fell from grace to No. 4 after a 64 percent drop in sales. Meanwhile, Assassin's Creed 3 went on a climb up to No. 5, ascending on the back of promotional discounts.

Otherwise it's the same ten games doing the limbo, lazily relaxing backs and limply looking over shoulders as they wait for the big hitters of February and March to take to the dance floor. You can boogie on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Black Ops 2 retakes top spot as Devil May Cry tumbles in UK charts

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 retakes top spot as Devil May Cry tumbles in UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklydmc-devil-may-crygreat-britainmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 storms back up to first on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/fifa-13-storms-back-up-to-first-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/fifa-13-storms-back-up-to-first-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/fifa-13-storms-back-up-to-first-on-uk-charts/#comments Chrt Trak FIfa sotmethignThe new year kicks off with FIFA 13 seated first on the UK all formats sales chart. The game hadn't been in the top spot since that naughty Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 showed up, followed by a surprisingly strong showing by Far Cry 3. Blacks Ops 2 and Far Cry 3 currently hold third and second place, respectively.

If the historical pattern holds up, FIFA and Just Dance franchises will show strong in the weeks ahead as the year gears up. Just Dance 4 is currently in seventh.

New games entering the top 40 (thanks to discounts) are Batman: Arkham City - Game of the Year Edition at No. 25 and Saints Row: The Third - The Full Package at 40. Yes, you want to play Saints Row if you've yet to indulge.

Continue reading FIFA 13 storms back up to first on UK charts

JoystiqFIFA 13 storms back up to first on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-ops-2britainCall-of-Duty-Black-Ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyfar-cry-3fifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 07 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 reigns for sixth week in UK to capture Xmas No 1 spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/black-ops-2-reigns-for-sixth-week-in-uk-to-capture-xmas-no-1-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/black-ops-2-reigns-for-sixth-week-in-uk-to-capture-xmas-no-1-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/black-ops-2-reigns-for-sixth-week-in-uk-to-capture-xmas-no-1-spo/#comments Black Ops 2 reigns for sixth week in UK to capture Xmas No 1 spotLet's face it, it was going to take a Christmas miracle to knock Call of Duty Black Ops 2 off the festive top spot in the UK charts. Despite a valiant but not quite miraculous effort from Far Cry 3, which saw an 86 percent rise in sales on the back of meaty holiday discounts, the latest CoD ruled the roost once more to become this year's Xmas No 1, as well as the only game to top the UK charts for six weeks in a row in 2012.

That near-doubling of Far Cry 3 sales helped the open-world shooter leap over Hitman: Absolution into second place. Otherwise it's much as you were for the UK's penultimate sales week, with the same collection of top ten games playing a very restrained, possibly hungover version of Musical Chairs.

You can find the UK top ten snoring loudly on the couch after the break.

Continue reading Black Ops 2 reigns for sixth week in UK to capture Xmas No 1 spot

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 reigns for sixth week in UK to capture Xmas No 1 spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 24 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 12GB slides to £125 at GAME in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/ps3-12gb-slides-to-125-at-game-in-uk/#comments PS3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UKUK retailer GAME is dropping the price of the 12GB PS3 to £125 on the day following Christmas. A GAME representative informs us that price also includes a copy of The Amazing Spiderman movie. The console, regularly priced at £150, is immediately shedding the pounds during the holiday season.

Other deals include Assassin's Creed 3 and FIFA 13 for £35, along with Forza Horizon and Halo 4 for £25.

All this pound talk is already making us feel stuffed and the real feasting hasn't even begun.

JoystiqPS3 12GB slides to £125 at GAME in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3britaingameplaystationps3ukMon, 24 Dec 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 makes it five weeks atop UK charts, Agent 47 sneaks into second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/black-ops-2-makes-it-five-weeks-atop-uk-charts-agent-47-sneaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/black-ops-2-makes-it-five-weeks-atop-uk-charts-agent-47-sneaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/black-ops-2-makes-it-five-weeks-atop-uk-charts-agent-47-sneaks/#comments
Metareview Hitman Absolution
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has matched Lego Batman 2's 2012 streak of five weeks in the top spot of Chart-Track's UK sales rankings. Black Ops 2 sales were actually up 14 percent last week, so it'll likely make that sixth week from a vantage point, unless FIFA 13 rallies. FIFA games typically get a boost right at Christmas week and after New Year's.

The rest of the UK top ten relatively remained in their same spots as last week, with the exception of Hitman: Absolution, which moved up four spots and into second place. Agent 47 had price promotions in the region to thank for his sudden ascension. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Black Ops 2 makes it five weeks atop UK charts, Agent 47 sneaks into second

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 makes it five weeks atop UK charts, Agent 47 sneaks into second originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyhitman-absolutionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 17 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK video game tax relief hinges on passing this 'cultural test']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/uk-video-game-tax-relief-hinges-on-passing-this-cultural-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/uk-video-game-tax-relief-hinges-on-passing-this-cultural-test/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/uk-video-game-tax-relief-hinges-on-passing-this-cultural-test/#comments UK video game tax relief hinges on passing this 'cultural test'The UK government outlined a "cultural test" that video games developed in the region must meet for the studio to qualify for tax relief, as part of the industry overhaul begun earlier this year. A game must earn 16 points to receive the tax break, with points awarded for such criteria as being "set in the United Kingdom or another EEA state," which includes all countries of the European Union, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The studio gets four points if the game stars two of three lead characters "from the United Kingdom or another EEA state or from an undetermined location," or it depicts "a British story."

If at least half of the game's development is completed in the UK, studios can earn three points, while a "qualifying" project leader, script writer, composer, artist, programmer, designer and department head earn one point each. If at least half of the entire team qualifies as a legitimate UK operation, the studio gets another point. The tax code is like a game in itself.

For example, if a studio in the UK (3 points) with all local staff (8 points) creates a game about a time-traveling doctor in a bowtie (4 points) as he journeys around Liverpool (4 points), Hufflepuff wins the House Cup. See? Easy.

Peruse the entire cultural test below.

Continue reading UK video game tax relief hinges on passing this 'cultural test'

JoystiqUK video game tax relief hinges on passing this 'cultural test' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincultural-testeuropemicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3taxtax-breakstax-relieftaxesTigaukukiewii-uxboxTue, 11 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Ops 2 stays top dog in UK, Far Cry 3 maintains second place]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/black-ops-2-stays-top-dog-far-cry-3-maintains-second-place/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/black-ops-2-stays-top-dog-far-cry-3-maintains-second-place/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/black-ops-2-stays-top-dog-far-cry-3-maintains-second-place/#comments
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has now held the top spot on the UK charts for four consecutive weeks, joining FIFA 12, FIFA 13 and Lego Batman 2, which have all accomplished the same feat in 2012. Branding, branding, branding!

Far Cry 3's strong reviews haven't hurt it any, as the shooter (and best advertisement for kidnap and ransom insurance ever) slipped 8 percent in sales but maintained second place.

And, as we warned everyone a while back, the insidious Just Dance 4 continues its creep. This week the danceathon's sales are up 54 percent and it moves up two spots into fourth place. Keep your eyes on it. Without vigilance, it will take the top spot early in the new year. Find the UK top ten, and that shark skin you need for a new wallet, after the break.

Continue reading Black Ops 2 stays top dog in UK, Far Cry 3 maintains second place

JoystiqBlack Ops 2 stays top dog in UK, Far Cry 3 maintains second place originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 2 not budging from UK top spot, Wii U launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/call-of-duty-blacks-ops-2-not-budging-from-uk-top-spot-wii-u-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/call-of-duty-blacks-ops-2-not-budging-from-uk-top-spot-wii-u-l/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/call-of-duty-blacks-ops-2-not-budging-from-uk-top-spot-wii-u-l/#comments
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is staying right where it is, enjoying the high vantage point atop the UK charts for a third week in a row. Sales of the shooter were down 35 percent from the previous week, but loss was mitigated due to the debut of the Wii U version.

Far Cry 3 was the big debut of the week, entering in second. According to Chart-Track, Ubi's first-person shooter franchise became the ninth biggest launch of the year, "just behind last week's Hitman: Absolution," which slipped two spots into fourth."

Although there isn't any official data on Wii U's UK sales, MCV's math pegs it somewhere around 40K units. A more interesting sign of the launch is that none of the console's exclusive titles broke the top ten. Nintendoland, New Super Mario Bros. U and ZombiU were the best performers at spots 11, 14 and 17, respectively. Swipe on over past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Blacks Ops 2 not budging from UK top spot, Wii U launches

JoystiqCall of Duty: Blacks Ops 2 not budging from UK top spot, Wii U launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 03 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 tops in UK, Hitman: Absolution debuts in second]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-tops-in-uk-hitman-absolution-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-tops-in-uk-hitman-absolution-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-tops-in-uk-hitman-absolution-debuts/#comments
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 maintained its top spot on the UK charts, despite a sales drop of 81 percent. However, when you're the fourth largest game launch of all time in the UK, you've likely got a decent buffer. Chart-Track also noted sales are actually up 15 percent from last year's Call of Duty installment, Modern Warfare 3, during its second week.

Hitman: Absolution debuted respectably in second. Comparing premiere weeks, Absolution outsold Hitman: Blood Money, Agent 47's previous adventure from back in 2006, by almost threefold.

Other new entries further down the chart are Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale at 34, 35 and 38, respectively. Punch past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 tops in UK, Hitman: Absolution debuts in second

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 tops in UK, Hitman: Absolution debuts in second originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13hitman-absolutionmicrosoftplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/19/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-is-4th-biggest-uk-launch-of-all-time/#comments Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launched across the globe last week and, as sure as the Queen combines her corgis like Voltron into one giant corgi to ride around the palace, the game debuted in the top spot. We're not projecting the right gravitas here. The game didn't just premiere at the top spot in the UK, it starts out there as the fourth biggest game launch of all time, according to Chart-Track.

Halo 4 stepped down one notch into second, with FIFA 13 tapping its foot in third, awaiting the moment where it can move back up once the holiday blockbusters are over. Speaking of other franchises with ridiculously long tails on the UK charts, Just Dance 4 climbed up two spots from nine to seven. FIFA and Just Dance love that top ten dance floor, check out the other members of the soul train after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time

JoystiqCall of Duty: Black Ops 2 is 4th biggest UK launch of all time originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincall-of-duty-black-ops-2chart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13halo-4microsoftnintendoplaystationps3ukwii-uxboxMon, 19 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Say 'allo, 'allo to Halo 4 in UK top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/say-allo-allo-to-halo-4-in-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/say-allo-allo-to-halo-4-in-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/say-allo-allo-to-halo-4-in-uk-top-spot/#comments
Halo 4 grabbed the top spot on the UK charts, but it did so showing the hesitancy everyone had about the franchise's new custodian. According to Chart-Track, Halo 4, the first installment by Microsoft's 343 Industries, was the 18th biggest launch in terms of first week sales. Halo 3 and Halo: Reach launched as 15 and 12, respectively. Allow us to be clear, though, the concern that Halo 4 is some inferior product is unwarranted.

The prior week's numero uno, Assassin's Creed 3, slipped one spot into second. FIFA 13 is required by law to remain in the top five for its first six months following launch in the UK, so it can be found in third.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 launches tomorrow. If there's some place you can bet on UK game sales for the following week, we can assure you Black Ops 2 is about as solid as a bet ever gets. The UK top ten can be found after the break.

Continue reading Say 'allo, 'allo to Halo 4 in UK top spot

JoystiqSay 'allo, 'allo to Halo 4 in UK top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13halo-4microsoftpcplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed 3 is second biggest launch of year in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/assassins-creed-3-is-second-biggest-launch-of-year-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/assassins-creed-3-is-second-biggest-launch-of-year-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/05/assassins-creed-3-is-second-biggest-launch-of-year-in-uk/#comments Assassin's Creed 3 is second biggest launch of year in UKRed-coat murder simulator Assassin's Creed 3 is publisher Ubisoft's biggest launch ever in the UK. According to Chart-Track, along with the previously mentioned achievement, AC3 is also the second biggest launch of the year (behind FIFA 13, natch). This fifth installment in the franchise (1, 2, Brotherhood, Revelations, 3) sold double that of Assassin's Creed 2 during its launch week, and 117,000 units more than last year's Revelations.

FIFA 13 sits comfortably in second, followed by three new titles and Medal of Honor: Warfighter's quick fall from grace. WWE '13, Football Manager 2013 and Need for Speed: Most Wanted debut in spots three through five, respectively. Kick it on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Assassin's Creed 3 is second biggest launch of year in UK

JoystiqAssassin's Creed 3 is second biggest launch of year in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-3britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13football-manager-2013microsoftneed-for-speed-most-wantedpcplaystationps3ukwwe-13xboxMon, 05 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Medal of Honor: Warfighter unseats FIFA on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/medal-of-honor-warfighter-unseats-fifa-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/medal-of-honor-warfighter-unseats-fifa-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/medal-of-honor-warfighter-unseats-fifa-on-uk-charts/#comments Shock and awe, Medal of Honor: Warfighter, which is receiving some of the worst reviews of the season so far, took first place in the UK last week. This is either a sign of the media's impotence or a hat tip to the brilliance of publisher EA that it withheld review copies until launch. A similar situation occurred with Resident Evil 6 a few weeks ago, a game which still sits pretty at tenth place on this week's chart.

Other new releases last week included portable games Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask and Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park, which debuted at eighth and ninth place, respectively.

If you're wondering about Just Dance 4 ('cause how can you not on the UK charts?), it may have slipped two spots from fourth to sixth, but sales were actually up one percent. Dance Central 3 debuted in 39th place. Shimmy on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Medal of Honor: Warfighter unseats FIFA on UK charts

JoystiqMedal of Honor: Warfighter unseats FIFA on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydance-central-3fifa-13medal-of-honor-warfightermicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3ukwiixboxMon, 29 Oct 2012 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA fo fum, we see sales of Skylanders to English mums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/fifa-fo-fum-we-see-sales-of-skylanders-to-english-mums/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/fifa-fo-fum-we-see-sales-of-skylanders-to-english-mums/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/fifa-fo-fum-we-see-sales-of-skylanders-to-english-mums/#comments
Skylanders Giants review Big toys, small changes
Welcome to the fourth consecutive week of FIFA 13 topping the UK Charts. No need to feign surprise. Also, don't expect FIFA's run to end by next week, unless Medal of Honor: Warfighter shocks and awes us all. Then again... there's always Forza: Horizon. Racing games can be a wild card on the UK charts.

The big debut this week was Activision Blizzard's Skylanders Giants. The sequel outdid the premiere of its predecessor with a second place start, while the original Skylanders, Spyro's Adventure, debuted at number 16, but saw great success after.

Bethesda's Dishonored slipped to third and -- there it is! -- the insidious Just Dance 4 keeps working its way up the charts. You can't turn your back on it for a second. Soon it'll be number one and working all that Gangnam Style. Now saddle dance past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA fo fum, we see sales of Skylanders to English mums

JoystiqFIFA fo fum, we see sales of Skylanders to English mums originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydishonoredfifa-13just-dance-4microsoftpcplaystationps3skylanders-giantsukxboxMon, 22 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dishonored is 2012's biggest new IP launch in UK, FIFA 13 sees 1st place hat trick]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/dishonored-is-2012s-biggest-new-ip-launch-in-uk-fifa-13-sees-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/dishonored-is-2012s-biggest-new-ip-launch-in-uk-fifa-13-sees-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/dishonored-is-2012s-biggest-new-ip-launch-in-uk-fifa-13-sees-1/#comments FIFA 13 was - and, probably still is - the top selling game in the UK. For the third week in a row the footie sportsball game, despite a 63 percent decline in sales last week, retained its premier position.

Bethesda's Dishonored actually debuted in second place. According to Chart-Track, it's the biggest new intellectual property launch of the year, besting Square Enix's Sleeping Dogs. Even combining sales of Pokemon Black (#3) and White (#5) Version 2, Dishonored would still hold its second place position.

The other major launch last week, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, premiered in seventh place behind the insidious Just Dance 4. The aliens are winning. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Dishonored is 2012's biggest new IP launch in UK, FIFA 13 sees 1st place hat trick

JoystiqDishonored is 2012's biggest new IP launch in UK, FIFA 13 sees 1st place hat trick originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydishonoreddsfifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukxboxMon, 15 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 13 still on top in UK; Resident Evil 6, Just Dance 4 debut strong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/fifa-13-still-on-top-in-uk-resident-evil-6-just-dance-4-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/fifa-13-still-on-top-in-uk-resident-evil-6-just-dance-4-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/fifa-13-still-on-top-in-uk-resident-evil-6-just-dance-4-debut/#comments FIFA 13, which had a record-setting debut, maintains its premier position on the UK charts. The game saw a 72 percent decline in sales in its second week, but from a historical perspective, FIFA 13 is going to have a long tail and be in the top of the charts for quite a while.

Taking the second spot were launch-week sales of Resident Evil 6. Despite crushing reviews, the action horror adventure was the fourth largest game premiere in the UK for 2012. Borderlands 2 slips one spot to third, just above the insidious debut of Just Dance 4.

Insidious? Yuuuup! Again, if history serves as any basis for the future of Just Dance 4, it'll just hang out this holiday season, being charming as ever. It won't go away or may find some way to sneak into the top spot once things slow down early next year. Hit the dance floor after the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading FIFA 13 still on top in UK; Resident Evil 6, Just Dance 4 debut strong

JoystiqFIFA 13 still on top in UK; Resident Evil 6, Just Dance 4 debut strong originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borderlands-2britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-13just-dance-4microsoftpcplaystationps3resident-evil-6ukxboxMon, 08 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Of course FIFA 13 is biggest thing since FIFA 12 in UK, PS3 'Super Slim' helps hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/fifa-13-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/fifa-13-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/fifa-13-uk-sales/#comments FIFA 13 debuted in the UK last week and the footie franchise dismissed last year's record-setting premiere. According to Chart-Track, FIFA 13 outsold the previous year's installment in units and revenue by 27 and 31 percent, respectively. The game represented 80 percent of all entertainment software sales on the British isles.

Last week saw the biggest sales week in the UK of the year so far, with a 196 percent increase of unit sales in the market and 282 percent in overall revenue.

FIFA 13 wasn't the only major player to come on the field last week, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria got its kung-fu panda on in fourth. Although that may seem like a lowish debut for what's still one of the biggest MMOs in the world, it should be noted that the game was available digitally and therefore wouldn't be tracked.

Finally, on the hardware front, the PS3 'Super Slim' 500 GB sent PS3 sales up 138 percent, with the console representing 37 percent of PS3 sales. Storm on past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Of course FIFA 13 is biggest thing since FIFA 12 in UK, PS3 'Super Slim' helps hardware

JoystiqOf course FIFA 13 is biggest thing since FIFA 12 in UK, PS3 'Super Slim' helps hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Borderlands-2britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyf1-2012fifa-13microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwiiworld-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandariaxboxMon, 01 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/sleeping-dogs-bite-back-on-uk-charts/#comments Sleeping Dogs returns to the top of the UK sales chart this week. This would be the third time the Square Enix sandbox crime game has held first in the month since its debut. It took last week off for Guild Wars 2, which now sits in sixth following an 84 percent sales drop.

The only new entry to the top 40 this week is the latest Sims expansion. The Sims 3: Supernatural, featuring sparkly vampires and brooding werewolves, premiered in second. It is the seventh expansion to the popular dollhouse franchise.

The rest of the top ten are a mix of newer entries like Darksiders 2 and entrenched games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts

JoystiqSleeping Dogs bites back on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-2pcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsThe-Sims-3-SupernaturalukxboxMon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/03/guild-wars-2-tiptoes-past-sleeping-dogs-for-uk-top-spot/#comments
Failguaggan
Guild Wars 2, the MMO so popular that its developer felt obligated to stop online sales in order to maintain quality control for players, was the top selling game in the UK last week. According to Chart-Track, the game enjoyed the "second largest launch ever for a non-Warcraft MMO PC title, behind Star Wars: The Old Republic." Let us hope that Guild Wars 2 doesn't suffer the same fate as the MMO in a galaxy far, far away.

Guild Wars 2 is also the first PC-exclusive game in the UK to reach the top spot since Football Manager 2011 in November of 2010. It should be noted that Guild Wars 2 was also sold as a digitally distributed product, which would not be counted by Chart-Track.

Sleeping Dogs slides one spot into second, showing it has a longer sales tail than Darksiders 2, which had sales drop 71 percent last week to go from second to sixth. Ride past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot

JoystiqGuild Wars 2 tiptoes past Sleeping Dogs for UK top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyGuild-Wars-2microsoftpcplaystationps3Sleeping-DogsukxboxMon, 03 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/death-arrives-on-uk-charts-in-second-sleeping-dogs-lie-in-first/#comments Sleeping Dogs rests comfortably in first place for a second week on the UK charts. Darksiders 2's debut didn't knock off the crime simulator, but the apocalyptic sequel did see 80 percent more units sold in its first week than its predecessor, according to Chart-Track.

The only other new entry to the top of the charts last week was Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, which rolled out into fifth. The holiday season is just starting and the battle for the charts is slowiy heating up. Transform this page past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Death arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first

JoystiqDeath arrives on UK charts in second, Sleeping Dogs lie in first originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklydarksiders-2microsoftnew-super-mario-bros-2nintendoplaystationps3sleeping-dogsUKxboxTue, 28 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wipeout developer Sony Liverpool closed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/wipeout-developer-sony-liverpool-closed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/wipeout-developer-sony-liverpool-closed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/wipeout-developer-sony-liverpool-closed/#comments Wipeout developer Sony Liverpool is ClosedSony confirmed this morning that Wipeout developer Sony Liverpool has been shut down. It is currently unknown how many people have lost their jobs. MCV reports that the campus will remain open for various Sony Europe logistic services, but that the studio itself has been terminated as part of Sony's quality review process.

"We have reviewed and assessed all current and planned projects for the short and medium term and have decided to make some changes to our European Studios," reads a Sony statement released to MCV.

"It has been decided that Liverpool Studio should be closed. Liverpool Studio has been an important part of SCE Worldwide Studios since the outset of PlayStation, and have contributed greatly to PlayStation over the years. Everyone connected with Liverpool Studio, past and present, can be very proud of their achievements."

Sony Liverpool began life as Psygnosis back in 1984, releasing under that name classic games such as Shadow of the Beast and Lemmings. In 1995, the studio created the Wipeout franchise under Sony's ownership, with Wipeout 2048 releasing on the PlayStation Vita earlier this year. It's not known if the studio was working on any future Wipeout games or any other Sony releases.

JoystiqWipeout developer Sony Liverpool closed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainlayoffsplaystationplaystation-vitaps3Sonysony-europeSony-LiverpoolukvitaWipeoutWed, 22 Aug 2012 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/sleeping-dogs-conquers-uk-sales-chart/#comments Sleeping Dogs review Triad and trueCrime drama Sleeping Dogs awoke to meaty sales in the UK last week, sinking its teeth into first place. Chart-Track notes the game, developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix, has become "the sixth best selling game on first week sales in 2012."

The other major debut last week was the 3DS's New Super Mario Bros 2, which flew in at second place. Although it may seem awkward for a major Mario to launch in second, New Super Mario Bros also started its life in second place back in 2006. The game is sure to have a long (raccoon) tail.

Meanwhile, London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games took bronze after a couple golden weeks.

Continue reading Sleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart

JoystiqSleeping Dogs conquers UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklylego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnew-super-mario-bros-2pcplaystationps3sleeping-dogsukxboxMon, 20 Aug 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympics and Batman group up for winning UK sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/olympics-and-batman-group-up-for-winning-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/olympics-and-batman-group-up-for-winning-uk-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/13/olympics-and-batman-group-up-for-winning-uk-sales/#comments Official Olympics game takes gold on UK chartsOlympics and Batman... peanut butter and jelly? London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games takes the gold for a third consecutive week on the UK charts, with the top four titles remaining in their same positions for a second week. Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes took silver, followed by Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games with bronze and finally Batman: Arkham City with the "participation award."

There were no new games to break the top 40 last week, which should hopefully change with the launches of Sleeping Dogs and Darksiders 2 this week.

Continue reading Olympics and Batman group up for winning UK sales

JoystiqOlympics and Batman group up for winning UK sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklylondon-2012microsoftpcplaystationps3UKxboxMon, 13 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Olympics games take gold and bronze for second week on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/olympics-games-take-gold-and-bronze-for-second-week-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/olympics-games-take-gold-and-bronze-for-second-week-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/06/olympics-games-take-gold-and-bronze-for-second-week-on-uk-charts/#comments Official Olympics game takes gold on UK chartsThe quality may be tin, but sales in the UK have been golden for London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games. Olympic fever has been epidemic, as sales of the game were up 88 percent from the week prior. Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games also had a bump of 42 percent, placing it at bronze again, directly behind the Lego Dark Knight and friends.

The only new game this week was Risen 2: Dark Waters, which debuted in spot 14, far better than its predecessor's number 29 premiere in 2009. Sail past the break for the UK top ten.

Continue reading Olympics games take gold and bronze for second week on UK charts

JoystiqOlympics games take gold and bronze for second week on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklylego-batman-2-dc-super-heroeslondon-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftOlympicsplaystationps3UKxboxMon, 06 Aug 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retail software sales last week lowest since records began]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/uk-retail-software-sales-last-week-lowest-since-records-began/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/uk-retail-software-sales-last-week-lowest-since-records-began/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/03/uk-retail-software-sales-last-week-lowest-since-records-began/#comments UK retail software sales last week lowest since records beganSoftware sales in the UK at retail last week were the lowest since records started being kept, generating £8.4 million. MCV reports that 394,688 games were sold last week, according to data provided by Chart-Track.

Several factors could be contributing to last week's soft retail sales, but it's a pretty safe bet that a lack of major new titles and the Olympics going on in London would be a significant factor.

The sad sales at retail do not factor in any business done through digital distribution networks, MMOs or freemium titles. And let's face it: those can be significant.

JoystiqUK retail software sales last week lowest since records began originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBritainchart-tracklondon-2012microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3UKunited-kingdomwiixboxFri, 03 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Olympics game takes gold on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/official-olympics-game-takes-gold-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/official-olympics-game-takes-gold-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/official-olympics-game-takes-gold-on-uk-charts/#comments Official Olympics game takes gold on UK chartsThanks to the start of the Olympics, sales of London 2012: The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games were up 25 percent last week in the UK, helping the global event tie-in game step up to the top pedestal.

The official game, which held the silver last week, wasn't the only Olympics game to benefit from the event's starting gun. Mario & Sonic London 2012 Olympic Games also saw a bump of 21 percent, raising it from eighth to bronze. Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes finds itself wedged between the two sports minigames in silver.

Pokémon Conquest was the only new game last week to break the top 40, storming spot 17 in its debut week. Now we wait to see if the Pokémon X Nobunaga's Ambition franchise crossover converts poke-fever into a desire to buy strategy games based on feudal Japan. Scout out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Official Olympics game takes gold on UK charts

JoystiqOfficial Olympics game takes gold on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklylego-batman-2-dc-super-heroeslondon-2012mario-and-sonic-at-the-london-2012-olympic-gamesmicrosoftnintendoOlympicsplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Jul 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes flies five weeks over UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-flies-five-weeks-over-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-flies-five-weeks-over-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-flies-five-weeks-over-uk-charts/#comments Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes arrest top spot on UK chartsLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes has held the top spot on Chart-Track's UK sales chart for five consecutive weeks, the first game this year to maintain that pace. Batman: Arkham City also swooped back into the top ten at the seven spot, likely boosted by The Dark Knight Rises film.

Despite a price drop to Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, which helped boost sales 40 percent, it held third behind London 2012: The Official Video Game. Speaking of the upcoming Olympics boosting sales, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (in 8th) also saw a 13 percent increase.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance was the only new entry in the top 40. According to Chart-Track, it is the second biggest 3DS launch this year behind Resident Evil: Revelations. See the UK top ten in 3D after the break*.

*Quality of 3D may vary... or not exist at all.

Continue reading Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes flies five weeks over UK charts

JoystiqLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes flies five weeks over UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfuture-soldierlego-batman-2lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierukwiixboxMon, 23 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes arrests top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-arrests-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-arrests-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/25/lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroes-arrests-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#comments Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes arrest top spot on UK chartsIt was a quiet week on the UK top ten as Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes served justice at the top spot. The Dark Knight and pals' game is the latest chart-topper from Traveller's Tales' Lego series, with this latest title besting the first Lego Batman from 2008, which premiered in second place.

The rest of the top ten is the usual rogues' gallery, with a couple exceptions like Skyrim, which flew up from spot 23 to grab number eight. FIFA Street also re-entered the top ten, climbing from 13 to storm the last spot.

Civilization 5: Gods and Kings held court at No. 16 for its debut. We present the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes arrests top spot on UK charts

JoystiqLego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes arrests top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12ghost-recon-future-soldierlego-batman-2lego-batman-2-dc-super-heroesmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 25 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Solider bides time at No. 1 UK sales spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/ghost-recon-future-solider-bides-time-at-no-1-uk-sales-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/ghost-recon-future-solider-bides-time-at-no-1-uk-sales-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/11/ghost-recon-future-solider-bides-time-at-no-1-uk-sales-spot/#comments
The UK's All Formats chart has seen very little change over the past three weeks, with Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier and Rockstar's Max Payne 3 holding tight at first and second, respectively. FIFA 12 also maintained its position in third for a second week, as the stalwart game hasn't left the top ten since its debut last year.

Game of Thrones was the only new title to break the top 40 last week, certainly a blessing of the franchise's name more than the quality of the game. The UK top ten vying for the iron throne.

Gallery: Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (3/1/12)

Continue reading Ghost Recon: Future Solider bides time at No. 1 UK sales spot

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Solider bides time at No. 1 UK sales spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12Ghost-Recon-Future-SoldierMax-Payne-3microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3sniper-elite-v2UKwiixboxMon, 11 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST<![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