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[PlayStation 3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ps3-hurdles-over-the-5-million-mark-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ps3-hurdles-over-the-5-million-mark-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/ps3-hurdles-over-the-5-million-mark-in-the-uk/#comments PS3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UKPlayStation 3 is now over the 5 million mark for UK sales, Sony announced today. The milestone followed soon after the release of the 500 GB PS3, which upped the console's sales during its launch week by 138 percent. The 12 GB model launches across Europe tomorrow. Earlier this month Sony also announced 4 million PS3 sales in France.

"This is another historic moment for the PlayStation brand, and something I'm incredibly proud of," said Fergal Gera, SCE vice-president and managing director for UK & Ireland, "I'd like to thank all our consumers, retailers and 3rd party partners for helping us achieve this figure, and look forward to continued success."

The last revealed UK milestone for PS3 came in early 2011, when Sony announced 4 million sales of its home console. Microsoft tends to stick to worldwide sales figures, and the last time the company did that was in May, revealing a figure of 67 million. That compares to 64 million sales for PS3, which Sony revealed two months prior in March. The Nintendo Wii remains the home console leader according to latest figures, with 96.5 million worldwide sales as of June 2012.

Continue reading PlayStation 3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UK

JoystiqPlayStation 3 hurdles over the 5 million mark in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12gb500gbeuropeirelandplaystationps3salessonyukworldwideThu, 11 Oct 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PopCap Dublin shuts down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/popcap-dublin-shuts-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/popcap-dublin-shuts-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/popcap-dublin-shuts-down/#comments PopCap Dublin shuts down, 96 reportedly laid offPopCap closed its Dublin office this morning, former PopCap Mobile Associate Producer JP Vaughan confirmed the closure, later tweeting that the studio had "30 days to prepare" for the news. Last month, a round of layoffs at PopCap's Seattle offices saw 50 employees lose their jobs, with reports of jobs at the Irish office being under threat.

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Joystiq the closure occurred following a meeting which took place at 11AM UK time. Our source confirms the company's official line that 96 people have been affected in total by the layoffs, which began last month, with the closure of the Irish studio today merely completing the consultation period. The consultation period is a concept under Irish law where if there is a particular amount of layoffs, employees must receive 30 days notice.

"Europe remains a critical market for PopCap and we will continue to grow our presence through centralized services operated from our North American offices and through the extensive European EA network," PopCap informed Joystiq in a prepared statement.

The news follows the creation of 300 jobs at EA's Customer Service Center in Galway, Ireland. PopCap is an EA subsidiary. No sense in EA doubling up on tax havens.

JoystiqPopCap Dublin shuts down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAeuropeirelandlayoffsmobilepopcapMon, 24 Sep 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EA expands European customer service, 300 jobs created in Ireland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/ea-expands-european-customer-service-300-jobs-created-in-irelan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/ea-expands-european-customer-service-300-jobs-created-in-irelan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/ea-expands-european-customer-service-300-jobs-created-in-irelan/#comments EA expands European customer service, 300 newhttpwwwjoystiqcom20110926biowareirelandopensas400personcustomerservicecenter jobs created in IrelandEA is expanding its European Customer Experience Center, with 300 new jobs created for the facility based in Galway, Ireland. The announcement comes nearly a year after EA first opened its Irish studio, then dubbed 'BioWare Ireland'.

EA says the expansion allows its European center to deliver multilingual support, and to provide customer service across its major titles. Earlier this year, EA opened its Worldwide Customer Experience center in Austin, Texas.

Continue reading EA expands European customer service, 300 jobs created in Ireland

JoystiqEA expands European customer service, 300 jobs created in Ireland originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customer-serviceEAeuropeirelandjobsTue, 18 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/psa-netflix-uk/#comments As of today, the lands of the UK and Ireland will use Netflix not only as a noun, but as a verb. Today they begin saying, "Wait, you haven't seen that? Netflix it!" The movie rental company's streaming service is available now on PC, certain televisions, PS3 and Wii. The Xbox 360 app will hit later today.

Netflix is available to try at no cost for one month, and after that it's £5.99 or €6.99, depending on your region. Netflix for the UK was announced late last year, shortly after the PR disaster that saw the birth and death of Qwikster in a little under a month. The company's stock is still recovering from the free fall.

JoystiqPSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeIrelandmicrosoftNetflixnintendoplaystationps3streamingstreaming-videoUKunited-kingdomwiixboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix streaming to UK, Ireland in 'early 2012']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/netflix-streaming-to-uk-ireland-in-early-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/netflix-streaming-to-uk-ireland-in-early-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/netflix-streaming-to-uk-ireland-in-early-2012/#comments Movie (and perhaps game) rental service Netflix will launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2012, the currently volatile company announced this morning. Similar to the service's expansion into Canada, the company will only offer its streaming service. Netflix also began streaming in 43 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean in September 2011.

Netflix stated that streaming will be available on TVs "via a range of consumer electronics," but no specific consoles are mentioned. Streaming will also be available on PCs, Macs and mobile devices. Specifics about pricing, content and supported devices will be announced closer to launch.

This is a bit of good news from the company that recently crawled out of a PR debacle and has seen its stock drop by over half, following several missteps over the past three months.

JoystiqNetflix streaming to UK, Ireland in 'early 2012' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneIrelandmicrosoftmobileNetflixnintendopcplaystationps3UkwiixboxMon, 24 Oct 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ireland planning to double its game industry jobs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/ireland-planning-to-double-its-game-industry-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/ireland-planning-to-double-its-game-industry-jobs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/ireland-planning-to-double-its-game-industry-jobs/#comments Ireland is planning to double its game industry employment numbers by 2014, targeting 4,500 jobs from the current estimate of 2,000. The country, which has been dealing with a financial crisis, and acting as a corporate tax haven as the same time, is looking to back sustained growth in digital creative industries.

Develop lays out the six initiatives the country has to grow in the sector. "As a pioneering sector within the wider digital economy, the games sector is dynamic, innovative and exciting," said Richard Bruton, the minister for jobs, enterprise and innovation. "What is apparent is that Ireland already has a number of strengths on which we can build success for the future and that will differentiate its offering internationally."

Ireland is already off to a good start, with the recent opening of BioWare Ireland (pictured), a 200-employee customer service center expected to double in size.

JoystiqIreland planning to double its game industry jobs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioware-irelandBusinesseaelectronic-artsIrelandtaxtaxesWed, 12 Oct 2011 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA['BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/bioware-ireland-opens-as-400-person-customer-service-center/#comments Following up its tax incentive-fueled studio opening in Austin, Texas, EA this morning revealed the opening of a new customer service center in business friendly Galway, Ireland. When fully staffed, "BioWare Ireland" will task approximately 400 employees with making this year's big BioWare release go as smoothly as possible, employing customer service agents primarily. Star Wars: The Old Republic is set to launch December 20 in North America, and December 22 in Europe, so the service center is opening just in time for business.

During a speech at the grand opening, BioWare co-head Ray Muzyka called out to potential employees across all parts of Europe to join BioWare's Ireland team. "We've got a solid base of people here already in Galway ... we're looking for more. From Ireland ... from the rest of Europe to support our German and French customers ... from all over the world. We want you to join us here at BioWare Ireland." Muzyka was no doubt trying to fill out the studio's current staff of 200, which is expected to double at full capacity.

BioWare's Galway service center marks the first installation the company will operate outside of North America.

Joystiq'BioWare Ireland' opens as 400-person customer service center ... in Ireland originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-irelandcustomer-serviceeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgalwaygreg-zeschukirelandmmopcray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicMon, 26 Sep 2011 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[White PS3 coming to Europe and Australia this November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/white-ps3-coming-to-europe-and-australia-this-november/#comments If you're currently taking up residence in Europe or Australia and don't already possess a PlayStation 3, you might want to hold off on making the big purchase until the holiday season. According to retailer listings in the two continents, Sony will launch the 320GB Ceramic White PS3 model (which has been available in Japan for almost a year) in November for €300/£250 or AUD$448.

Why would you wait? Isn't this particular SKU of the consoles functionally identical to those currently available? Well, sure, but don't you want as many options available to you as is possible? Do you prefer if someone makes all your decisions for you? You've really gotta start thinking outside the box, man.

JoystiqWhite PS3 coming to Europe and Australia this November originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaceramic-whiteeuropeirelandplaystationps3skuukwhiteFri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Assassin's Creed Revelations 'Animus Edition' tempts Irish fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/assassins-creed-revelations-animus-edition-tempts-irish-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/assassins-creed-revelations-animus-edition-tempts-irish-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/assassins-creed-revelations-animus-edition-tempts-irish-fans/#comments A special edition of Assassin's Creed: Revelations found on GameStop in Ireland includes either more stuff than shows up in the American "Signature Edition" or provides additional info about what that edition will hold. Of course, the whole situation is a lot simpler if you're Irish, as the listing just tells you what is in this version you can buy.

The €99.99 ($143) "Animus Edition" comes in special packaging, and includes rather a lot of stuff: a soundtrack, the Assassin's Creed Embers short film, and an "in-depth encyclopedia." In addition, it features in-game content including a mission set in the prison of Vlad the Impaler; gun, bullet, bomb, and arrow upgrades; the Armour of Brutus item from Brotherhood; two multiplayer characters, the Crusader and a new "Ottoman" version of the Jester; and "one exclusive customization item."

To contrast, the US "Signature Edition" promises only an "extended gameplay mission, enhanced weapon capabilities, bonus multiplayer character, animated short film," and "in-game soundtrack." No big box, no encyclopedia, and no details about what those missions, characters, or upgrades are.

JoystiqAssassin's Creed Revelations 'Animus Edition' tempts Irish fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animus-editionassassins-creed-revelationsassassins-creed-revelations-animus-editiongamestopirelandmicrosoftpcplaystationps3special-editionubisoftxboxFri, 17 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft treats kid hacker with kid gloves in wake of PSN debacle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/microsoft-treats-kid-hacker-with-kid-gloves-in-wake-of-psn-debac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/microsoft-treats-kid-hacker-with-kid-gloves-in-wake-of-psn-debac/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/29/microsoft-treats-kid-hacker-with-kid-gloves-in-wake-of-psn-debac/#comments Soon after Sony's aggressive pursuit of hacker George Hotz -- and potentially in an act of retaliation -- other hackers shut the whole PlayStation Network down and made off with millions of users' data.

Microsoft seems to have learned a valuable lesson from that ("don't incite hackers"). During a keynote presentation at the Bank of Ireland Business Week, MS's Ireland General Manager Paul Rellis revealed that the company is dealing with a 14-year-old who hacked Modern Warfare 2 not by suing him, but by working with him. According to the Herald, Rellis said that Microsoft was helping the youngster "use his skills for legitimate purposes."

It's a happy ending in this case, but we doubt this will work every time. If you get all up in big companies' systems, you're still a lot more likely to end up with police confiscating your computer than with a cool internship.

JoystiqMicrosoft treats kid hacker with kid gloves in wake of PSN debacle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionhackerhackinginfinity-wardirelandmicrosoftmicrosoft-irelandModern-Warfare-2xboxSun, 29 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infamous 2 hits Europe June 8, coming in so, so many bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infamous-2-hits-europe-june-8-coming-in-so-so-many-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infamous-2-hits-europe-june-8-coming-in-so-so-many-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/infamous-2-hits-europe-june-8-coming-in-so-so-many-bundles/#comments Infamous 2 is coming out in the UK, Germany and Ireland on June 10, and the rest of Europe on June 8. Yes, we usually make a bigger deal out of release dates than just dropping them all plain-like in the first sentence like that, but we need as much space as we can get to explain the different bundles available to European shoppers. No joke, you guys: There are five different versions of Sucker Punch's dichotomous action title available in Europe's shops.

So, there's the basic, vanilla flavored standard edition, the Special Edition (which includes extra powers and an "Original Cole" character skin) and the Hero Edition (which includes a lot of things, including a replica messenger bag). However, Europe also gets a bundle that includes the game and a "good" blue or "evil" red DualShock 3 controller, as well as a 320GB PS3 bundle. No prices have been announced for the bundles, but really, what price is too high for premium crimefighting? Or ... um, crimemaking?

JoystiqInfamous 2 hits Europe June 8, coming in so, so many bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledualshock-3europegermanyinFamous-2irelandpalplaystationps3release-dateSony-Computer-EntertainmentSucker-Punch-ProductionsukTue, 17 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3, PSP get Music Unlimited service in UK, Ireland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ps3-psp-get-music-unlimited-service-in-uk-ireland/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ps3-psp-get-music-unlimited-service-in-uk-ireland/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/ps3-psp-get-music-unlimited-service-in-uk-ireland/#comments Sony's cloud-based, digital music service, "Music Unlimited" ("powered by Qriocity"), is now available in the UK and Ireland. Similar to Microsoft's Zune Pass, the service is also coming to the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand at some point in 2011. Two available plans are charged monthly, with the "Basic" service being £3.99 in the UK and €3.99 in Ireland; and the "Premium" service £9.99 and €9.99, respectively. The basic service is like radio, with preset playlists, but users can skip songs at will, while the premium option offers customizable lists and "premium Top 100 channels which are regularly updated with the latest hits."

Music Unlimited's current catalog is approximately 6 million songs deep, with tracks from leading indie labels, as well as corporate behemoths like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. The service will be available on a wide range of Sony devices, including PS3, PSP and "Android-based mobile devices."

Continue reading PS3, PSP get Music Unlimited service in UK, Ireland

JoystiqPS3, PSP get Music Unlimited service in UK, Ireland originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudirelandmusicmusic-unlimitedplaystationps3psnpspqriocitysonyukxmbFri, 24 Dec 2010 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/two-worlds-2-coming-to-america-jan-25-has-sold-a-million-in-eu/#comments TopWare and SouthPeak's double-delayed RPG, Two Worlds 2, has finally received a North American release date of January 25, 2011. Later that week, the game will arrive in the U.K. and Ireland, where Topware will take over as sole distributor, allowing SouthPeak to focus on promoting the game in North America. That sounds like a decent strategy, but we're not sure the extra attention is necessary -- it's always been our experience that games with perfectly symmetrical titles practically sell themselves.

Two Worlds 2 has already been received with moderate success in Continental Europe, with the Xbox 360 and PC versions selling over one million copies combined since their releases in early November. (The PS3 version, remember, was held up due to a Blu-ray printing delay.) There's no telling how well the game will be received in new regions next month, but if its critical reception remains positive, we're guessing it'll do a great deal better than its predecessor.

JoystiqTwo Worlds 2 coming to America Jan. 25, has sold a million in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeirelandmicrosoftnorth-americapcplaystationps3release-daterpgsalessouthpeaktopware-interactiveTwo-Worlds-2ukxboxWed, 08 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scotland fighting to keep Realtime Worlds, other native game developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/scotland-fighting-to-keep-realtime-worlds-other-native-game-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/scotland-fighting-to-keep-realtime-worlds-other-native-game-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/scotland-fighting-to-keep-realtime-worlds-other-native-game-dev/#comments It seems Scottish government officials aren't going to let the nation's game developers get stolen away without a fight. Last week, we reported on Ireland's attempts to court Scotland's biggest game developers, starting with APB creators Realtime Worlds. Scottish Secretary of State Jim Murphy recently met with Realtime Worlds owner Dave Jones to talk about how Scotland can convince the company to stick around -- specifically discussing the option of tax breaks and other modes of government support.

If you found that last paragraph boring, here are the CliffsNotes: Ireland and Scotland are fighting over Scotland's game developers. As their incentives continue to escalate, we completely expect to see a "free ponies" offer on the table within the next few weeks.

JoystiqScotland fighting to keep Realtime Worlds, other native game developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbeuropeirelandpoliticsrealtime-worldsscotlandtax-breakstaxesFri, 09 Oct 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Ireland trying to court Realtime Worlds, other Scottish devs with tax holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/ireland-trying-to-court-realtime-worlds-other-scottish-devs-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/ireland-trying-to-court-realtime-worlds-other-scottish-devs-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/29/ireland-trying-to-court-realtime-worlds-other-scottish-devs-wit/#comments In an attempt to kick-start its own video game industry, Ireland has begun to target a number of high-profile Scottish game development studios, attempting to woo them over to the Emerald Isle by offering a five-year tax holiday. Colin Macdonald, manager of Dundee-based APB developer Realtime Worlds, responded by saying "if the package on offer in Ireland was attractive we'd have to give it serious consideration." Other Scottish developers who could be influenced by the tax holiday include Rockstar North, Denki, Ruffian Games and Dynamo Games.

Macdonald went on to say that Scotland's going to need to do more to preserve its burgeoning gaming industry in light of attractive offers from countries such as Ireland and Canada, who Realtime "lost some of [its] key staff to" in the past few years. We can't help but wonder if this might have had less to do with the strength of Canada's gaming industry, and more to do with the deliciousness of their bacon.

[Via Gamasutra]

JoystiqIreland trying to court Realtime Worlds, other Scottish devs with tax holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbcanadadenkidynamoeuropeirelandpoliticsrealtime-worldsrockstar-northruffian-gamesscotlandtaxTue, 29 Sep 2009 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Two men arrested in Ireland for selling fake Wii consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/two-men-arrested-in-ireland-for-selling-fake-wii-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/two-men-arrested-in-ireland-for-selling-fake-wii-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/two-men-arrested-in-ireland-for-selling-fake-wii-consoles/#commentsFiled under:

In Northern Ireland, a pair of men were apparently selling counterfeit Wii consoles (no, not the Vii). When searching a car in the New Lodge Road area of Belfast, police discovered several counterfeit consoles. The men, aged 19 and 22, were then detained by police.

We'd just like to take this moment to warn that it could happen to any of you. If you're still desperate for a console (you should be able to track one down at a store by now, if you check early enough every day, we would think) and using services like craigslist or eBay, take caution. The person selling the Wii could be trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

JoystiqTwo men arrested in Ireland for selling fake Wii consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>counterfeitcounterfeitingcrimeirelandukWed, 22 Oct 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Wii Fit and Super Smash Bros. Brawl have combined to conquer Europe this week (apart from Denmark where -- gah! -- the Brawl slayer Pro Cycling Manager 2008: Tour De France is now top!).

In fact, it's been a week for Nintendo to cherish, with games for the Wii and DS taking up eight places in Holland's top ten, and every single spot in the German chart. Howzat?! In slightly more upsetting news, Carnival: Funfair Games has been spotted skulking around the UK top ten again. Ewww.

Check out the full charts from across the continent past the jump.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelanditalynetherlandspalspainukSat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Pokémon Mystery Dungeon pair Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness reached mainland Europe this week and performed well on the whole, achieving lofty positions in the charts of Holland, Germany, Spain, and Italy (in the UK, they're occupying 21st and 24th place respectively). Cooking Guide (top ten in Ireland, Spain, and Italy) continues to help most Europeans to be better cooks (I emphatically do not count myself in that number), and would you check out that German top ten. Ho boy, go Deutschland!

Next week, we'll see whether or not Guitar Hero: On Tour can match the runaway success of the U.S. version. Will Activision's outside-the-box marketing techniques have worked?

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelanditalynetherlandspalspainukSat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Ah, only in Europe could Pro Cycling Manager 2008: Tour De France beat Super Smash Bros. Brawl in Brawl's second week on sale (cheers, Denmark). Thankfully, that occurrence is a minor aberration, because Nintendo's fighter is soundly thrashing the opposition everywhere else.

Actually, it's been a strong week for Wii showings in general, with Wii Play, Wii Fit, and Mario Kart Wii ranking high. And check out Big Beach Sports -- number two in the UK! Shame it's a load of codswallop.

Next week: lol, Summer Athletics. This week's charts lie past the break!

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelanditalynetherlandspalspainukSat, 12 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Last week, we nonchalantly predicted that the two Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games would lay siege to various European top tens. And we were right, if you replace "various European top tens" with "Germany." Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness came fourth and fifth respectively in Germany, 30th and 34th in Britain, and ... that's it. Such is the limited commercial appeal of the roguelike, we suppose.

Meanwhile, Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat? continues to look like a slow-burning hit, rising to fourth in Spain, second in Italy (yes, we're covering Italy from this week onwards! Go us!), and holding on to tenth place in Ireland.

Make the jump for the latest sprinkling of Euroland charts.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelanditalynetherlandspalspainukSat, 12 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:



108 days after it originally launched in the U.S., Super Smash Bros. Brawl was released in Europe and promptly flew to the upper echelons of Europe's sales charts. Nintendo's scrapper was top of the Week 26 pile in Sweden, Germany, Britain, and Holland, was only beaten into second place by the absurdly popular LEGO Indiana Jones in Denmark and Ireland, and will probably be top when the one-week-behind Spanish charts are revealed next week.

Yet it wasn't all smooth sailing. In the UK and Ireland, Brawl very nearly had its high position compromised by a game we haven't seen in a while -- Wii Fit. Thanks to the Balance Board game getting restocked, the title leapt 27 places in the UK to third place, and was also third in Ireland, after being outside the Top 20 last week. A remarkable recovery, but it just shows how overweight desperate we all are for Nintendo's wobbly creation!

Check out what Europeans are buying after the break.


Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 05 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

In a week when Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift and Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword failed to penetrate any of Europe's charts, the locals instead turned to the non-game. Ubisoft's My Health Coach: Manage Your Weight (My Weight Loss Coach in North America) was the highest-ranking new DS entry on the continent, with a TV campaign ensuring it reached 27th in the UK. Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What To Eat? also enjoyed a more successful second week, rising eight places in Britain and just squeezing into Ireland's top ten.

Next week, Europeans welcome the arrival of Bakushow and Arkanoid DS, and will hopefully not stave off the newest Space Invaders. Let them take you over, puny Earthlings! Heck, they'd run this planet better than us anyway.

As far as serious chart contenders go (because let's face it: none of the aforementioned three are going to sell in the bajillions), the two latest Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games are hitting stores. Expect some top ten finishes from those.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 05 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:



If Europeans feel their food has lacked variety and flavor this week, they've only themselves to blame. Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat? was a bit of a failure with consumers, despite our predictions of great things for the title last week, so don't come moaning to us when your beef bourguignon goes awry! Only the UK showed a mild appetite for the non-game, pushing it to 19th. New International Track & Field, meanwhile, didn't even get close to any chart.

Still, it's not as though Euro consumers Can't Decide What to Buy -- most top tens are filled with the usual suspects, at least until next week, when Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift and Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword arrive on our fair shores. Until then, scour all manner of charts past the break!

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalswedenukSat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:



Even though Wii Fit continues to be as common as chicken teeth everywhere, Nintendo finally seems to be sorting out its Mario Kart Wii stock issues in Europe. After dipping in recent weeks, the racer (which nearly made this blogger sob with frustration at our last Game Night) has risen in Ireland, Holland, and the UK. Wii Play had a fine few days, sensationally nabbing second spot in Britain, while Sports Island is raking in the euros in the Netherlands. Those crazy Dutch.

Not much on the horizon next week, except for some beat-'em-up. Super Crash Bros. Fighter, or something. We forget. Charts follow the break, folks.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalswedenukSat, 28 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:



Never, ever, ever, ever rule out the power of Kawashima. We're going to have that tattooed across our foreheads, because despite us slyly noting Brain Training's slow decline in the Euro charts these last few weeks, the blighter has bounced back mightily -- bugger.

Next week could be interesting, mind. Were we gambling types, we'd put good money on Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What to Eat? (which two of the Fanboy team have already purchased) and My Weight Loss Coach doing pretty well, what with their angle on training and self-improvement (and Europe's baffling collective urge to improve itself). And what of New International Track & Field? Well, as much as we'd like it to do well, we can't see it leaving much of a dent. I mean, a track and field game starring famous characters and mascots from the franchises of a major gaming company? El-oh-el! It'll never work.

Charts after the break!

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

You don't have to be a gas mask-wearing, telepathic oddball to know what dominated Europe this week. Metal Gear Solid 4's ascent to numero uno throughout most of Europe was thoroughly predictable, though that's not to suggest that Wii titles had it rough.

Most managed to maintain high spots (seriously, Britain, what is it about LEGO and Indiana Jones?), while there was a heartwarming comeback for Wii Fit, which finally seems to be getting restocked here. It's reappeared in the Irish and Dutch top tens, and made 11th in the UK. Sports Island debuted in European countries that aren't Britain this week, and for the most part had a storming start, with a third place in Holland and eighth in Germany. Yet there is also sad news, reader: Okami -- beautiful, stunning, endlessly gorgeous Okami -- only reached 20th. In Sweden. Gah.

Next week, brace yourselves for the arrival in the charts of Ferrari Challenge and Alone in the Dark (except in Scandinavia, of course).

Check out this week's charts beyond the break. Lederhosen optional.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 21 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Having watched the in-the-flesh Harrison Ford creak and grimace his way through Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on the big screen, this week European consumers got a chance to give the LEGO version a leg-up to the top of the charts.

And mostly, that's just what they did. The Wii edition of LEGO Indiana Jones: Original Adventures showed Grand Theft Auto IV who was boss in the UK by nabbing top spot, and versions for other consoles charted well elsewhere on the continent. It's no surprise that LEGO Indy did so well in Blighty -- we still recall the whole country tripping over itself in the rush to pick up the LEGO Star Wars games. Evidently, the titles have that oft-discussed crossover appeal that most marketing types would slaughter their entire families for.

On a sadder note, Mario Kart Wii bowed out of the Dutch and UK top tens, Deca Sports Sports Island only reached 15th in Britain, and Wii Fit is keeping up its disappearing act ... everywhere but Germany. So much for your empty, empty promises, Nintendo! Oh, and the Spanish charts failed to materialize this week, probably because they're all busy gawking at the footy.

Check out what Europe is buying past the break, and don't forget to join us next week, when we'll be sulking about how nobody bought Okami.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalswedenukSat, 14 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Everybody knows that Europe is frequently treated like a second-class citizen of the gaming world, and one of the best examples of this is Etrian Odyssey, which was finally released in Euroland last week, a whole damn year (and then some) after it arrived in the States. Predictably enough, it's not appeared in one European chart during its opening week, but are we surprised? Are we heck. Anybody with a serious interest in Etrian Odyssey would have already imported the game, completed it, and be looking forward to importing the second title. In fact, this sort of makes the European release feel futile; you have to wonder why they even bother in the first place. Oh, woe, woe.

It's not as though much else is selling on our beloved handheld, either -- even though the Spanish charts weren't released in time for this week's update, the current charts are worryingly low on DS software. Hit the break to see what we mean.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalswedenukSat, 14 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

DS software is feeling the strain in Europe this week as big names on other consoles continue to shake things up. This week it's the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Codemasters' Race Driver: GRID that have mostly disrupted the standings (note: the DS iteration didn't appear in any charts), forcing Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training to actually drop out of the UK top ten for the first time in several months (though the polygonal prof has still performed respectably in Ireland, Holland, and Germany).

That aside, it's mainly all about Mario where DS games are concerned. The plumber has sprinted, jumped, and karted his way into a number of Euro charts, and it was also nice to see Phantom Hourglass rise back into the UK top 30 (it's currently 28th). Next week, we'll see if European folk have the stomach for an Etrian Odyssey (yes, the first one), though we suspect that LEGO Indiana Jones is more likely to register high on the chart.

Make the jump for this week's full rundown of numbers from Europe!

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 07 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Finding a copy of Wii Fit has become increasingly similar to a particularly frustrating edition of Where's Waldo? here in Europe. After totally disappearing from the UK's top 40 last week, it's now also vanished from the Dutch charts, and dropped several places in Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. The only place that is getting the title seems to be Germany, where it sits at the top of the charts. Way to distribute evenly, Nintendo of Europe!

Away from the Wii Fit famine, Sega Superstars Tennis continues to yo-yo its way through the British charts (up this week from 24th to 9th), Wii Play is still flying high in Spain, Ireland, and Britain, while the rest of the Wii games to have charted all feature Mario, and include Galaxy, Kart, and that Olympics one that will never, ever, ever, ever go away.

As usual, full charts follow the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 07 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:



Yeah, that's right: we're number one! Take that, world! It's just a shame that us Europeans can't also be the best in the category of buying totally rad games, because things aren't looking too hot for DS software right now -- even Brain Training is showing signs of tiring this week, and we all know how long that has been knocking around.

Other than that, this week is only really notable for Grand Theft Auto IV's continuing dominance and Wii Fit's dramatic plunge. Truth be told, we think those new DS Lite colors might just be arriving in the nick of time -- the PSP benefited from a boost in sales when it received a fresh lick of paint in Japan, so maybe the same will happen here.

As usual, charts are after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europeeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 31 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Stock shortages cruelly deprived Wii Fit of a Top 40 spot in the UK this week (which constitutes one heck of a drop, considering it was third last week), but the rest of Europe seems to have plentiful supplies of the title, thanks very much. Wii Fit bumped Grand Theft Auto IV off of top spot in Germany and Spain, and reached fourth place in Ireland and Holland.

In fact, don't be surprised to see desperate Brits in the coming weeks smuggling the thing back to the UK from mainland Europe, much like what happened with the Wii itself before Christmas. Then again, maybe they're happy to get fleeced -- some quick browsing reveals that the game is already going for waaaay over its recommended retail price on eBay's UK site -- just take a look for yourselves. Yowza!

Wii Fit fever aside, Mario Kart Wii is showing no signs of running out of steam, while Mario and Sonic and Wii Play are also keeping the Wii flag flying high.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 31 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii continue to fly the flag for the Wii in Europe, with the former appearing in every European top ten this week. Mario & Sonic also put in a characteristically strong performance, while Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 (ninth in the UK) and Mario Party 8 (tenth in Holland) seem to be enjoying a second burst of shelf life after their release last year.

But heck, you can tell all that simply by inspecting the charts after the post break. What you probably won't remember is that Boom Blox launched in Europe this week, yet never threatened any of Europe's top tens/twenties/forties; looks like this Spielbergian gem has been given the same frosty reception by consumers that it experienced in the U.S. Weaksauce (as my American colleagues might say)! It's sadly ironic, really -- EA's best game for donkey's years, and it's not even charted.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europeboom-bloxdenmarkeuropegermanyirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kartnetherlandspalpro-evolution-soccerraymanspainsuper-mario-galaxyswedenukwii-fitwii-playSat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/17/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:


Hey, you! No, not the guy on the next screen along with the muffin -- you. That's right. You a European? You are? Great! So let's hear it: why have we just checked the latest European charts and found that Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney charted absolutely nowhere? If yours truly can summon up the the effort to scour the high street give his credit card details to an online retailer, you can do the same! No wonder Capcom seems to be thinking twice about releasing Trials and Tribulations here.

And now look what you've done! There are bits of Brain Training and Mario and Sonic everywhere! Eww.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europebrain-trainingcooking-mamadenmarkeuropegermanyirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kart-dsmy-word-coachnetherlandsnew-super-mario-brospalspainswedenukSat, 17 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Grand Theft Auto IV has absolutely steamrollered everything else in this week's European charts, with only plucky Spain holding out and wedging Wii Fit between the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 version of Rockstar's hooker-killing simulator.

Essentially then, everything has been bumped down a notch, with Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit mostly leading the rest of the pack (and giving young girls complexes in the process), and games such as Sega Superstars Tennis and Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 suffering the biggest drops.

Next week, we'd put good money on the arrival of Boom Blox shaking things up a little, though sadly won't be expecting any sales miracles from the likes of Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors and Speed Racer.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 10 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/10/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

You know things are going badly for sales of DS games in Europe when Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games doesn't get a look-in in most European charts.

The launch of numerous big titles in the last few weeks (Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, Mario Kart Wii, Wii Fit, and now Grand Theft Auto IV) has seen more and more software for the handheld slide ominously down the charts, and this week only the two Brain Training games register consistently high positions.

So hey, we figure that the DS needs a hero to save it. Somebody who's smart and savvy. Somebody who won't stand down, even in the face of immeasurable odds. Ladies and gentlemen, we present you with Apollo Justice, ace attorney and star of next week's DS releases. Series continuity be damned, we want a high position for this! Spin past the break for lots of European chartage.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegermanyirelandnetherlandspalspainswedenukSat, 10 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

For a continent that gave the world tiramisu, Audrey Tautou, and the Renaissance, Europe sure does disappoint us at times. Yep, it's another week of gray, predictable drudgery when it comes to sales of DS software.

All you truly need to know is that More Mario & Dr. Kawashima's Olympics Training sold really, really well, and almost everything we care about didn't. Except for Animal Crossing: Wild World, which popped in to the German top ten, and Mario Kart DS, which secured eighth place in Ireland, and fifth in Germany. So maybe the world isn't all that rubbish, after all. And if you really believe that, we advise you go and rent Eurotrip.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-europebrain-trainingdenmarkeuropegermanyirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kartmaths-trainingmy-word-coachnetherlandsnew-super-mario-brospalspainswedenukSat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/03/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Wii Fit is selling like gangbusters in Britain, where it accounts for half of all Wii software sold in the last week, and has given Nintendo its first one-two finish in the All Formats Chart since 2003. And guess what? It's more or less the same story throughout the rest of Europe.

The Irish are shedding the Guinness pounds, the Germans are working off those brätwurst, and Sweden ... well, we don't really have a lazy, go-to food stereotype for the Swedes. Anyhow, the point is: they're all loving it, and if Wii Fit doesn't appear in a chart (see: Spain, Denmark), it's probably because a country hasn't got it yet, or the charts have fallen behind.

Mind you, don't expect any of this Nintendo dominance to last: next week's charts are guaranteed to be all about one game (yet we suspect Wii Fit might give you have better legs than GTA IV in the long-term). Lean past the break for this week's European charts.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europedenmarkeuropegame-partygermanyguitar-heroirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kartnetherlandspalpro-evolution-soccersega-superstars-tennisspainswedenwii-fitwii-playSat, 03 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Featuring charts from across the region, Another Week in Europe documents the buying habits and quirky tastes of a whole continent of DS lovers.

It's business as usual for the DS in Euroland, where Brain Training and Mario & Sonic have once again ruthlessly harvested the wallets of gullible (probably non-DS Fanboy-reading) consumers. We would love to suggest that this madness will end soon, but Brain Training has been around these parts for almost two years now, while the for-real Olympics will surely only boost people's interest in assaulting their DS's poor touch screen. In a word: gah.

More pleasingly, there's been a mini-renaissance for (of all games) Mario Kart DS. Sales of the game rose in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Sweden, and we're pinning this sudden rebirth on the success of Mario Kart Wii, which continues to run down the opposition at an alarming pace. Then reverse back over it, just to make sure.

More charts await your attention past the break, though we're sorry to say that the Spanish top ten is taking a siesta this week (see what we did there?). With any luck, it'll be back next Saturday.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europebrain-trainingdenmarkeuropegermanyirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kartmaths-trainingmy-word-coachnetherlandsnew-super-mario-brospalswedenukSat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/26/another-week-in-europe/#commentsFiled under:

Featuring charts from across the region, Another Week in Europe documents the buying habits and quirky tastes of a whole continent of Wii lovers.

While yours truly had trouble tracking down a copy of Mario Kart Wii on the high street (for our review), it appears plenty of others around Europe had no such problem.

Bar Denmark (where it has now dropped to fifth), the title sits at the top of every European chart, and we suspect it might even be influencing the sales of other games. Surely the rise of Mario Kart DS to 8th in Ireland, 8th in France, and 7th in Germany can't all be a mere coincidence? By our reckoning, Mario Kart Wii has ramped up Europe's interest in Mario Kart generally. Fortunately, Mario Kart DS is the bee's knees!

Finally, this week's overachiever award goes to Sega Superstars Tennis -- despite the Wii version's lack of online play, Sega's tennis/blue skies extravaganza climbed to fourth in the UK. Head beyond the break for more European chartage, and please accept our humble apologies for the lack of a Spanish top ten -- that should be back next week.

Continue reading Another Week in Europe

JoystiqAnother Week in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-europecarnival-gamesdenmarkeuropegame-partygermanyguitar-hero-iiiirelandmario-and-sonicmario-kart-wiinetherlandspalpro-evolution-soccersega-superstars-tennisswedenukwii-playSat, 26 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST