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[Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/namco-bandai-extends-codemasters-eu-distribution-deal-through-20/#comments Namco Bandai extends Codemasters PAL distribution deal through 2013Namco Bandai Europe is continuing to distribute British developer/publisher Codemasters' games throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this year. That distribution now covers "all key" EU territories, including the UK & Ireland. The new agreement represents both an extension and expansion of the two companies' distribution partnership, first cemented in 2010, and includes Grid 2 plus some "unannounced" Codemasters games.

The news follows the recent announcement of restructuring at Codemasters, with 80 people reportedly laid off as a result. As for this side of the ocean, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment handled Codemasters' distribution in the Americas throughout last year after taking over from THQ - we can't see Namco Bandai America going back, somehow.

Continue reading Namco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013

JoystiqNamco Bandai extends Codemasters EU distribution deal through 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacodemastersdistributioneuropenamco-bandainamco-bandai-europePALMon, 11 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/rising-star-and-aksys-partner-for-american-distribution/#commentsImageRising Star Games will have help in its mission to release Japanese games in North America, coming from another company with a similar focus: Aksys Games.

Aksys announced that it will handle distribution duties for Rising Star's 2012 lineup, which currently consists of the Cave shooter Akai Katana and ... probably some other stuff, none of which has been announced. Given that Aksys has published Cave shooters itself, it would seem the partnership doesn't really take the publisher out of its comfort zone.

And that marks the only time Cave shooters have been referred to as a "comfort zone."

Continue reading Rising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution

JoystiqRising Star and Aksys partner for American distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aksys-gamesdistributionmicrosoftrising-star-gamesxboxThu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega signs distro deal with Atlus parent company Index Holdings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/sega-signs-distro-deal-with-atlus-parent-company-index-holdings/#comments Index Holdings, parent company of developer and publisher Atlus, is looking to take advantage of Sega's significantly larger distribution network in Japan, announcing intentions to partner with the Japanese publisher for future distribution. The deal kicks off in April 2012 and will see games across Atlus' various properties distributed under the Sega moniker in Japan.

The deal doesn't apply to digitally distributed titles, and it's unclear if this will affect Atlus' distribution in other parts of the world. It seems that the distribution deal arises from Index Holdings' consistently declining revenues and an inability to support Atlus' growth in its most important market. We've reached out to Atlus for further comment.

JoystiqSega signs distro deal with Atlus parent company Index Holdings originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusdistributionindexindex-holdingsjapansegasega-sammysega-sammy-holdingsFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/thq-takes-on-distribution-of-four-codemasters-releases-this-year/#comments THQ announced today that, through its THQ Partners unit, it would be handling the North American distribution of four of Codemasters 2011 releases. In fact, THQ Partners actually began its task today, with the release of Dirt 3 into the retail channel.

The deal also encompasses distribution of Operation Flashpoint: Red River, Bodycount and F1 2011. The new Operation Flashpoint hits June 7, with Bodycount set for "later this summer." Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed, but it has been confirmed that Codies will continue to handle the marketing of all four titles in-house.

JoystiqTHQ takes on distribution of four Codemasters releases this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodycountcodemastersdirt-3distributiondsf1-2011marketingmicrosoftngpnintendooperation-flashpoint-red-riverpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3thqthq-partnersvitaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop cards can buy Kreds on Kongregate, retail sales fueling digital profits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gamestop-cards-can-buy-kreds-on-kongregate-retail-sales-fueling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gamestop-cards-can-buy-kreds-on-kongregate-retail-sales-fueling/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gamestop-cards-can-buy-kreds-on-kongregate-retail-sales-fueling/#comments If you were a little puzzled about why retail chain GameStop invested in the Flash gaming site Kongregate earlier this year, here's (at least part of) your answer. The company has announced that GameStop gift cards will now be able to purchase Kongregate's "Kreds" virtual currency, which can then be used to buy unlocks and items in Kongregate games, or even "tip" developers who upload games to the site. Each dollar on a GameStop card equals 10 Kreds, and since those gift cards can be found not only in GameStop stores, but at grocery stores, bookstores and other places of commerce, that's a lot more Kreds Kongregate kan kapture.

Whoops, sorry, we got a little karried away there. The company is also offering a promotion for the deal, with up to 30 percent bonus Kreds given for any GameStop card used on the site through December 8. You have to give it to GameStop -- it's coming up with some really interesting ideas in its efforts to stay floating above the onrushing tide of digital distribution.

JoystiqGameStop cards can buy Kreds on Kongregate, retail sales fueling digital profits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digitaldistributionflashgamestopkongregatekredspcprofitsretailWed, 01 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tekken movie lands US distributor, coming 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/tekken-movie-lands-us-distributor-coming-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/tekken-movie-lands-us-distributor-coming-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/14/tekken-movie-lands-us-distributor-coming-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anchor Bay Films has acquired the distribution rights to Tekken (the movie), a live-action adaptation of Namco Bandai's fighting game franchise. Produced by Crystal Sky Pictures, the film is expected to be released "widely" in the United States next year, reports ComingSoon.net. (The movie premiered in Japan this past March, courtesy of Warner Bros.)

"The Tekken video game franchise has sold millions of copies over the past decade," said Anchor Bay president Bill Clark. "Crystal Sky has invested millions in the production, making sure they were able to convey not only the incredible fight scenes, but also the emotional journey of the main character, Jin" (as seen above). The movie has grossed just over a half million dollars to date, according to Box Office Mojo.

Gallery: Tekken (the movie)

JoystiqTekken movie lands US distributor, coming 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anchor-bay-filmscrystal-sky-picturesdistributionfilmmoviemoviestekkentekken-movieTue, 14 Sep 2010 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego and Warner Bros. partner on Lego Universe distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/lego-and-warner-bros-partner-on-lego-universe-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/lego-and-warner-bros-partner-on-lego-universe-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/08/lego-and-warner-bros-partner-on-lego-universe-distribution/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an attempt to further expand its digital Lego empire, Warner Bros. has partnered with the iconic brick manufacturer and NetDevil to act as the retail distributor for their upcoming family-friendly MMO, Lego Universe. According to the press release announcing the partnership, Warner Bros. will be responsible for distributing the game "outside of LEGO channels." We assume they're talking about Lego Stores, and Legoland, and the underground Lego black market which operates in the shady corners of most metropolitan cities.

JoystiqLego and Warner Bros. partner on Lego Universe distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionlegolego-universemmonetdevilpcwarner-brosTue, 08 Jun 2010 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Left Behind Games expands Walmart distribution to 'broad area of states']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/left-behind-games-expands-walmart-distribution-to-broad-area-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/left-behind-games-expands-walmart-distribution-to-broad-area-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/left-behind-games-expands-walmart-distribution-to-broad-area-of/#comments
[dennissylvesterhurd]
In an SEC filing of a letter to investors yesterday, Left Behind Games (the publisher of, um, Left Behind games) detailed plans to expand its Walmart distribution model from an initial 100-store testing ground in Texas to the somewhat amorphous "limited number of Walmart stores covering a broad area of states." CEO Troy Lyndon added, "The original test proved that when Christians are aware of the existence of Left Behind Games, they will respond and purchase them."

In a follow-up conversation, Lyndon told Joystiq that the company's games are no longer available in the original 100 stores, and that the new initiative actually puts LBG's games in fewer stores than before (though this time across multiple states). It's Lyndon's belief, however, that a repackaging of the publisher's games -- all 3 Charlie Church Mouse games in a single $20-priced box and the Left Behind titles released with updates applied -- combined with reaching new markets, "will provide us with ongoing market insight and a chance to enhance sales."

Lyndon also told us that the test in Texas was "a huge success; we performed at about the top 10-percent level last Christmas." Oddly, in neither the letter to investors nor in his conversation with us did Lyndon mention his company's upcoming expansion into console game publishing, Bible Adventures. It's like it just got ... left behind.

Update: Left Behind Games CEO Troy Lyndon has told us "Bible Adventures (Charlie Church Mouse 3D) is still on schedule for a 2011 Wii release," so there you have it!

JoystiqLeft Behind Games expands Walmart distribution to 'broad area of states' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bible-adventurescharlie-church-mousechristiandistributionleft-behindleft-behind-gamesretailtroy-lyndonwal-martwalmartThu, 08 Apr 2010 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo distributing Monster Hunter 3 in Europe this April]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-distributing-monster-hunter-3-in-europe-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-distributing-monster-hunter-3-in-europe-this-april/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-distributing-monster-hunter-3-in-europe-this-april/#commentsNintendo appears to be confident in the sales potential of Capcom's Monster Hunter Tri. The company will take on sales, marketing, and distribution of the Wii action RPG in Europe and Australia, as it did for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and Zack and Wiki. Despite Capcom's announcement that the title would be delayed, Monster Hunter Tri will be released in April in the West -- just out of its original Q1 window.

"Nintendo has identified Monster Hunter Tri as a key title for the Wii platform in 2010," Capcom Europe senior director of marketing Michael Pattison said. " We are really excited about partnering with Nintendo to further develop this franchise." Perhaps it could be developed further by releasing the Classic Controller Pro along with it. Just an option.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3

JoystiqNintendo distributing Monster Hunter 3 in Europe this April originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdistributioneuropemonster-huntermonster-hunter-3monster-hunter-triTue, 05 Jan 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two sells Jack of All Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/take-two-sells-jack-of-all-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/take-two-sells-jack-of-all-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/take-two-sells-jack-of-all-games/#commentsTake-Two announced the sale of Jack of All Games to software distribution mega-company Synnex. Jack of All Games, acquired by Take-Two in 1998, distributes games published by Take-Two (and its various brands) to retail. The sale is expected to be completed sometime in the first quarter of 2010, and will cost Synnex "$43.25 million, including $36.50 million in cash and up to an additional $6.75 million based on the achievement of certain items."

In the announcement, Take-Two CEO Ben Feder indicated that the company will continue to work with Jack of All Games after the sale. Though at first this move would seem to be aimed at bringing money in during a period of disappointing performance, the company also reduced its forecasted first-quarter revenues, since it can no longer count money being brought in by Jack of All Games.

JoystiqTake-Two sells Jack of All Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionfinancialindustryjack-of-all-gamessynnextake-twoMon, 21 Dec 2009 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Borderlands shortages reported, Gearbox responds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/borderlands-shortages-reported-gearbox-responds/#comments It looks like Borderlands, well-received by critics, is having trouble getting received at all by some potential purchasers, with retail shortages being reported in the US. Canada is also dealing with supply issues, possibly as the result of the game's $40 price tag in the region.

Gearbox's Steve Gibson has contacted Joystiq regarding the matter, noting that the shortage is mostly limited to the Xbox 360 version, particularly on the east coast. Gibson states that Gearbox is "working with production and distribution at ramping up to catch up with demand," adding that fresh copies should hit "as early as Thursday or Friday."

Meanwhile, the PS3 version has run into supply problems on the west coast, but Gibson says these "are mostly regional and can be addressed by reallocation." Gibson notes that this should happen "quickly."

So, how about it? Have you had trouble snagging a copy of Borderlands?

View Poll


[Thanks, Nick W.]

JoystiqBorderlands shortages reported, Gearbox responds originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesborderlandsdistributiongearboxMicrosoftshortageTake-TwoXbox-360Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix to distribute Disney Interactive titles in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/square-enix-to-distribute-disney-interactive-titles-in-japan/#comments
The long-standing partnership between RPG juggernaut Square Enix and the mouse-eared moguls of Disney just became a bit stronger. According to Andriasang, Squeenix and Disney Interactive Studios have teamed up to distribute the latter's games in Japan. The first title receiving the support of the massive publisher is Stitch! DS Ohana to Rhythm de Daibouken, which we're assuming is a game based on the Lilo and Stitch franchise, and not some sort of sartorial rhythm title.

Though you may be uncomfortable with the expansive publishing empire Square Enix is amassing, think of it this way -- we could see awesome mash-ups between these two companies' respective franchises! Like, say, an action-RPG featuring both Final Fantasy and Disney film characters -- oh, never mind. That's just silly talk.

JoystiqSquare Enix to distribute Disney Interactive titles in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney-interactivedistributionjapanpublishingrpgsquare-enixstitch-dsThu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Atari finished in Europe, Namco taking over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/atari-finished-in-europe-namco-taking-over/#comments
And thus concludes Atari's European operations, reports MCV. Infogrames/Atari announced in March that it was selling its 66 percent stake in Distribution Partners, a retail distribution and marketing company, to Namco Bandai. MCV states Atari Europe will shut down in the coming weeks and the sales/marketing team will transition to the new company. This would also help explain why Sony is publishing Ghostbusters in Europe.

Atari's US offices will now become the publisher's sole headquarters. So sad then that the company can only crash E3, the biggest party of the year. Just wait, there's still more to come from the disgraced, born again and ... well, whatever it's doing now, company.

JoystiqReport: Atari finished in Europe, Namco taking over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinessdistributiondistribution-partnersinfogramesnamco-bandaiThu, 14 May 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Infogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/infogrames-namco-bandai-strike-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under:


After getting the unfamiliar taste of profit out of its mouth, Infogrames is hungry for more. To this end, the parent of oft-addled Atari announced that it has cozied up to fellow publisher Namco Bandai to handle distribution of the latter's titles in both Europe and Asia. GI.biz writes that Infogrames' distribution activities in those regions will be consolidated as a result of the agreement, with Namco Bandai taking ownership of some 34 percent while leaving the remainder in the hands of Infogrames itself.

According to the report, Infogrames expects to find its wallet pleasantly filled with added revenue as a result of the deal thanks to added efficiency and every Economics major's favorite phrase -- economies of scale. The report further notes that Infogrames is also open to partnering with other companies over similar deals in the pursuit of greater profitability, no doubt helped when not weighed down by any pesky big budget monkeyshines.

JoystiqInfogrames, Namco Bandai strike distribution deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaataridistributioneuropeinfogramesnamco-bandaipartnershipprofitTue, 09 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii fever spreads to India this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/wii-fever-spreads-to-india-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/wii-fever-spreads-to-india-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/wii-fever-spreads-to-india-this-month/#commentsFiled under:


If you're a hardware manufacturer aiming to succeed in previously untapped markets, then the two most populated nations in the world would seem like a sensible place to start. If everything goes to plan, Nintendo will be launching Wii in China later this year, and India now has a set-in-stone release date for both the Wii and DS: September 30th.

Official distribution is being handled by dynamic duo Samurai-India and HCL, but Indian gamers excited at the thought of finally getting their waggle on will have to cough up a considerable wedge: there, a Wii is set to cost INR 19,990 ($445). The DS is more reasonably priced at INR 7,990 ($178).

[Thanks, Abhi!]

JoystiqWii fever spreads to India this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionhclindiasamurai-indiaTue, 09 Sep 2008 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Nintendo of Australia to solve New Zealand's distribution problems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/rumor-nintendo-of-australia-to-solve-new-zealands-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/rumor-nintendo-of-australia-to-solve-new-zealands-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/rumor-nintendo-of-australia-to-solve-new-zealands-distribution/#commentsFiled under:

We recently fretted over neglected Nintendo fans in New Zealand, as the country's Nintendo distributor had to file for receivorship (effectively taking them out of them distribution picture). Now, though, it seems that there's a light at the end of the tunnel for the Kiwis, and the loss of Softprint Interactive might not be all doom and gloom.

When we last mentioned the issue, we hoped that Nintendo would step up and take care of things themselves, but we never thought they actually would. Yet, current rumors are putting our doubts to rest. While an Australian company called All Interactive Distribution seems to be taking up things on the distributing end, Nintendo of Australia will supposedly support them and promote Nintendo products.

While this is certainly good news for Kiwis, we think it's also good news for Nintendo, as the company has had trouble gaining a foothold in New Zealand.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqRumor: Nintendo of Australia to solve New Zealand's distribution problems originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-interactive-distributionaustraliadistributiondistributornew-zealandnintendo-of-australiasoftprint-interactiveMon, 21 Jul 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii leaves India alone and in the dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/wii-leaves-india-alone-and-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/wii-leaves-india-alone-and-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/03/wii-leaves-india-alone-and-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under:

While most readers of Wii Fanboy don't have to face this kind of problem, there are many nations throughout the world that force gamers to resort to the gray market to pick up their system of choice. Take India, for example, the second most populated country in the world.

Sony and Microsoft have distributors in the country, but the Wii doesn't. However, that may change soon enough, after Milestone Interactive tests out the market for Wii software. We're not entirely confident in Milestone's approach, though. For one, it hardly seems smart to base results on game sales when the console itself hasn't even officially released yet. On the other hand, since that's just how things are in India (and they're not likely to change anytime soon), we can understand Milestone's rush to get the ball rolling.

Here comes the other, less excusable problem: the game Milestone chose to distribute is Alone in the Dark Wii. Not even critics are playing the Wii version of Alone in the Dark, so is it fair to assess the Wii's chances based on Atari's survival horror title? Also, because Indian gamers import their Wiis, we wonder if the region of the disc will have any effect on sales.

At least this is a step in the right direction, but now that supply for the Wii is starting to meet demand globally, we hope Nintendo branches out into some of the areas it currently neglects.

Gallery: Alone in the Dark



[Thanks, Vijay!]

JoystiqWii leaves India alone and in the dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alone-in-the-darkataridistribuidordistributionhydravision-entertainmentindiamilestonesurvival-horrorThu, 03 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Wii trails behind competitors in New Zealand]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-wii-trails-behind-competitors-in-new-zealand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-wii-trails-behind-competitors-in-new-zealand/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/02/the-wii-trails-behind-competitors-in-new-zealand/#commentsFiled under:

Apparently, Korea isn't the only place on the globe where the Wii is selling poorly. Yet even in Korea, the Wii isn't the bottom-feeder of this generation -- not so in New Zealand. Nintendo's great white hope is the country's last-place current-gen console, selling only 16,000 units compared to the PS3's 34,000 and the 360's 45,000.

Perhaps the Kiwis wouldn't be so adverse to the Wii if Nintendo actually showed some love to the neglected country. In the current climate, though, New Zealanders are distributor-less. Phoenix Distribution is picking up the slack for Activision's games in the region, but according to the company's founder, "Nintendo is a lemon." To top it all off, Nintendo doesn't even bother advertising the console to its beloved casual crowd, making the Wii a system for the Nintendo hardcore only. Obviously, the distribution problem needs to be fixed, but will it be?

If any of you Kiwis want to shed some light on the situation, feel free to do so in the comments.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqThe Wii trails behind competitors in New Zealand originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondistributiondistributornew-zealandphoenix-distributionps3softprint-interactivexbox-360Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Zealand: Nintendo's new red-headed stepchild]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/new-zealand-nintendos-new-red-headed-stepchild/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/new-zealand-nintendos-new-red-headed-stepchild/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/new-zealand-nintendos-new-red-headed-stepchild/#commentsFiled under:


Those of you in the UK or Australia can complain all you want about how Nintendo doesn't love you, but New Zealand is probably the most deprived English-speaking region out there -- or at least, it will be.

Softprint Interactive, the company that distributes Nintendo and other companies' games in the land of the kiwis, has recently filed for receivership (aka bankruptcy). Hopefully, someone will step up (perhaps Nintendo themselves) to fix this distribution disaster, otherwise New Zealand might be in trouble. Activision will also have to find a new distributor in the country, as Softprint was responsible for their games as well. Yikes-- we hope none of you kiwis were looking forward to Guitar Hero: On Tour.

[Via Go|Nintendo]

JoystiqNew Zealand: Nintendo's new red-headed stepchild originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondistributiondistributornew-zealandsoftprint-interactiveMon, 02 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Phoenix Wright: Ace Strategic Planner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/phoenix-wright-ace-strategic-planner/#commentsFiled under:

As consumers, we hardly look into the business side of gaming. That doesn't mean we don't take a look at stocks and sales numbers, because we like to play the part of video game analyst at times. Yet, we usually don't think about the behind-the-scenes decisions that publishers have to make.

When we want games, we just want them, publishers be damned. Games like Electroplankton bother us because they're so hard to find, and even when Electroplankton was available way back when, it was only available online and at the Nintendo World Store. We never stopped to think that maybe retailers refused to put the game on their shelves. (Note: We're not saying that this was the case with Electroplankton, only that it may have factored into Nintendo's decision).

MTV Multiplayer's interview with Christian Svensson, the Senior Director of Strategic Planning & Research for Capcom, brings some of these issues to light. Svensson talks a lot about the first Phoenix Wright game specifically, and how it was difficult to convince retailers to stock the title despite fan interest.

There are also many other issues that come into play, like first week sales and production speeds. If companies can't provide retailers with games almost immediately after orders are placed, stores will just move on to the next hot title on the market. This makes proper estimates for DS games especially important, since they take about two months to manufacture. No pressure.

The article is definitely worth a read, and the next time you find yourself irritated because so-and-so game is impossible to find, you might be a little less quick to yell out objections.

JoystiqPhoenix Wright: Ace Strategic Planner originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneybusinesscapcomchristian-svenssondistributionphoenix-wrightpublishingWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly expanding to Tampa, Florida]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/gamefly-expanding-to-tampa-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/gamefly-expanding-to-tampa-florida/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/gamefly-expanding-to-tampa-florida/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's like the GameFly Austin, Texas post all over again, except now it's Tampa, FL. Heck, we'll just copy the first part of the post from last time with a few small edits: A very observant reader noticed while searching job listing website Monster.com that GameFly, the online game rental service, is looking for a manager in the Austin, Texas Tampa, Florida area. The job description clearly states: "GameFly, the leading subscription based video game rental company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA will be opening a satellite Distribution Center in Tampa. We have an outstanding opportunity for an OPERATIONS MANAGER." The listing looks completely legit and we're happy to see GameFly continuing to open distribution centers -- anything to cut down turnaround time is a good thing. We've contacted GameFly for confirmation.

If our strange deja vu keeps up and this plays out exactly like last time GameFly will respond saying, "GameFly is definitely looking at a variety of locations for an additional distribution center, but we don't have anything firm to announce just yet." The simple fact of the matter is the Ops. Manager is one of the first pieces of the distribution center puzzle. We're not expecting the Austin or Tampa announcements for a little bit, but we're glad they're happening. For those keeping track, when Austin and Tampa open, GameFly will have four distribution points in the US. We're also happy to report the East Coast center has cut down our turnaround to a week.

[Thanks Anonymous]

JoystiqGameFly expanding to Tampa, Florida originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionDSexpansiongameflyPS2PS3rentalrentalserviceWiiXbox-360Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly expanding to Austin, Texas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/gamefly-expanding-to-austin-texas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/gamefly-expanding-to-austin-texas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/25/gamefly-expanding-to-austin-texas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A very observant reader noticed while searching job listing website Monster.com that GameFly, the online game rental service, is looking for a manager in the Austin, Texas area. The job description clearly states: "We are the leading subscription based video game rental company headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. We will be opening a satellite Distribution Center in Austin and we have an outstanding opportunity for an OPERATIONS MANAGER." The listing looks completely legit and we're happy to see GameFly continuing to open distribution centers -- anything to cut down turnaround time is a good thing. We've contacted GameFly for confirmation.

This would mean the rental service will have two distribution centers beyond their original California location. They just recently opened and expanded service at their East Coast branch located in Pittsburgh. For many on the East Coast, they've seen their turnaround time go from two weeks to around one week. Sadly, GameFly's growth has caused Xbox 360 and Wii game availability to appear in short supply and there was a recent $1 increase (although Netflix recently did a $1 decrease, so for subscribers of both it balanced out). We're guessing the tech-friendly city of Austin's distribution center will service the middle of the country. Don't expect the distribution center to open for a couple months though, they're obviously still staffing the place.

[Thanks Raymond]

JoystiqGameFly expanding to Austin, Texas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionDSexpansiongameflygamerentalPS2PS3PSPrentalWiiXbox-360Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GameFly East Coast distribution center opens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/gamefly-east-coast-center-opens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/gamefly-east-coast-center-opens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/08/gamefly-east-coast-center-opens/#commentsFiled under: ,

On the heels of revamping their system, making it easier to understand for customers, GameFly announces the official opening of their East Coast distribution center today. We reported last month that Gamefly was planning on opening an East Coast distribution center in the next couple months to cut down on the week-long turnaround for East Coast members.

The new center is located in Pittsburgh and is intended to "serve East Coast and midwest members." This means that members within three states of Pittsburgh,PA can probably look forward to Netflix-style turnaround now. It's also worth repeating that GameFly really does have some of the most ridiculously good deals in used games on the market. Nothing wrong with good service and reasonable game prices.

JoystiqGameFly East Coast distribution center opens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2007 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributioneast coastgameflyTue, 08 May 2007 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamefly opening East Coast distribution center ... finally!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gamefly-opening-east-coast-distribution-center-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gamefly-opening-east-coast-distribution-center-finally/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/gamefly-opening-east-coast-distribution-center-finally/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

In a move that should bring much rejoicing by Gamefly members, compounded by their distance from Inglewood, Calif., Gamefly is finally opening up an East Coast distribution center. The site is located in Pittsburgh, PA. An official announcement has not been made by Gamefly about this new hub because they are working out the kinks to "supply the best experience possible."

Part of the email sent to certain members read, "Initially, we are launching this new distribution center for only a small subset of our members so we can complete our testing and training efforts. Over the next several weeks, we'll broaden the reach of this new distribution center to more members." Gamefly says the official announcement of this new center is not expected for a month or two.

East Coast members of the service have become accustomed to week and a half long waits in receiving their next game. Gamefly's fast return, which was meant to recognize when a member dropped a game back in the mail and then send out the next title on the queue, has been a hit or miss system. This new distribution site should cut down shipping times and alleviate traffic in the West Coast center, meaning faster turnaround there. All good consumer news. Gamefly also has some of the best deals in used games, they'll even ship the buyer the "new" case and manual.

JoystiqGamefly opening East Coast distribution center ... finally! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionDSeast coastefficientGameCubegameflyPS2PS3WiiXboxXbox-360Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[SXSW: Digital Distribution: The Way of the Future for Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sxsw-digital-distribution-the-way-of-the-future-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sxsw-digital-distribution-the-way-of-the-future-for-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/sxsw-digital-distribution-the-way-of-the-future-for-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Almost everyone who has gone online with the computer or a game console has probably downloaded something at one time or another, whether it's been a song, a photo, a game, or a set of horse armor for their equine friend. But are digital downloads the wave of the future for full-on distribution? Developers are hoping so, because it will cut down tremendously on competing for shelf space at the local Mega-Lo-Mart, not to mention all those costs for printing games, manuals, boxes, shipping, and the like.

The panel consisted of Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimted one of the big "shelf" retailers, especially with their newly announced mega-game Turning Point: Fall of Liberty due this coming November. From the other end of things was Dan Conners, CEO of Telltale productions who is in the middle of releasing Sam & Max as an episodic game, before packaging everything up into a retail edition. In the middle (and sadly, without much to offer) was David Burks, the marketing manager for Seagate Technology. You gotta store the downloads somewhere, right? In all fairness, Seagate was one of the SXSW sponsors, and he probably felt a bit shoehorned into this panel.

Continue reading SXSW: Digital Distribution: The Way of the Future for Gaming

JoystiqSXSW: Digital Distribution: The Way of the Future for Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digitaldistributedistributiongamesonlinePlayStation 3Playstation HomePS3SXSWSXSW07WiiXBLXbox 360Xbox-360Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. to distribute Codemasters games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/warner-bros-to-distribute-codemasters-games/#commentsFiled under:

The on-again, off-again game-industry history of Warner Bros. seems to be "on," with the announcement just days ago that the company plans to buy 10 percent of SCi; now Warner Bros. says it will distribute Codemasters games in North America. According to Reuters, the distribution deal will begin in April, 2007 and will run through May, 2008. Financial details haven't been announced.

Time Warner has maintained a positive attitude about its online distribution-and-publishing business, GameTap; could the Warner Bros. announcement be a step towards original retail publishing?

JoystiqWarner Bros. to distribute Codemasters games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionSCiWarner Bros.WarnerBros.Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:25:00 EST