Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[UK: Buy a 3G Vita from Vodafone, get free memory card, Wipeout 2048]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/uk-buy-a-3g-vita-from-vodafone-get-free-memory-card-wipeout-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/uk-buy-a-3g-vita-from-vodafone-get-free-memory-card-wipeout-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/uk-buy-a-3g-vita-from-vodafone-get-free-memory-card-wipeout-2/#comments
Vodafone's got a quite a deal for UK customers looking to pick up a 3G PlayStation Vita. The store is currently offering a free 4GB Vita memory card with the £280 purchase of a 3G Vita. Furthermore, if customers "top off" their 3G sim card for £5, Vodafone will throw in a copy of Wipeout 2048 and 250MB of mobile data for a month.

The memory card is bound to come in handy, given that the proprietary cards are required for all PSN downloads and many Vita titles -- like Wipeout 2048, for example.

JoystiqUK: Buy a 3G Vita from Vodafone, get free memory card, Wipeout 2048 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-vitaukvitavodafonewipeout-2048wipeout-ngpFri, 10 Feb 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailer Game cuts 46 jobs from HQ]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/uk-retailer-game-cuts-46-jobs-from-hq/#comments Retailer Game's problematic financial condition has caused the troubled retailed to cut 46 jobs from its UK headquarters.

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainGamelayoffsUKTue, 07 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Risen 2: Dark Waters unearths UK collector's edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/risen-2-dark-waters-unearths-uk-collectors-edition/#comments Risen 2: Dark Waters, the pirate RPG coming in April from Piranha Bytes and Deep Silver, is getting a collector's edition in the UK only. We find that part a little strange, considering pirates are supposed to be pretty good at traveling overseas. Sorry; we had to.

The UK collector's edition will include a "making of" DVD, a soundtrack CD, double-sided poster, pirate flag, amulet, art cards and three Risen 2 stickers, all for £69.99. The UK version of Risen 2: Dark Waters drops anchor on April 27, while the US version drops April 24.

JoystiqRisen 2: Dark Waters unearths UK collector's edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrrrcollectors-editionDeep-silvermicrosoftpcpiranha-bytesPiratesplaystationps3risen-2-dark-watersukxboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/tiga-71-of-uk-startups-focused-on-digital-distribution/#comments Digital distribution is the future in the UK -- for the sake of a lot of jobs, it had better be. UK game industry trade organization TIGA issued a new census report today, revealing a heavy focus on downloadable or social games.

71% of UK game company startups between 2008 and 2011 are "focused exclusively on network gaming," the report indicates. Taking all of the UK industry in consideration (not just new companies), 67% work on digitally distributed games.

"For too long developers have laboured under the traditional 'give your IP away, never see royalties' model," said TIGA Self-Publishing Committee Patrick O'Luanaigh. "So TIGA strongly supports the trend towards online gaming and self-publishing. Online gaming can deliver greater company stability and revenue sustainability for studios. This is because studios can circumvent traditional publisher business models and build relationships directly with customers. Network gaming businesses can create original games, retain their IP and attain greater financial stability."

We suspect this boost in digital gaming involves two major factors: the rise of iOS and Android games, and the end of large UK game companies like Bizarre Creations.

Continue reading TIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution

JoystiqTIGA: 71% of UK startups focused on digital distribution originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionindustrytigaukMon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII-2, Metal Gear Collection debut atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/final-fantasy-xiii-2-metal-gear-collection-debut-atop-uk-charts/#comments Three new titles entered Chart-Track's UK sales top ten last week, led by Final Fantasy XIII-2. Sneaking the silver was the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, which includes MGS2: Sons of Liberty (2002), MGS3: Snake Eater (2005) and MGS: Peacewalker (2010). Rounding out the top three is Battlefield 3, up two spots, as FIFA 12 slides from first to fourth.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battlefield-3Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12final-fantasy-xiii-2metal-gear-solid-hd-collectionmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3soulcalibur-5UKwiixboxMon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/psn-maintenance-starts-this-thursday-at-9am-est-through-friday/#comments Sony has announced on its European forums that maintenance time has been scheduled for the PlayStation Network this Thursday, February 2, from 2PM GMT until 8AM Friday morning. If the maintenance carries over to the US (and it usually does), it'll start at 6AM PST Thursday until midnight PST, or 9AM to 3AM for those of you on the East Coast.

Fortunately, the outage doesn't seem to include gameplay -- Sony says that it will only affect the PS Store, Customer Account Management and Registration services. PlayStation Home, however, will be offline the entire time. So ... that doesn't sound so bad! Just pour yourself a cup of tea, grab something good to read and wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and the outage will be over before you know it.

JoystiqPSN maintenance starts this Thursday at 9am EST, through Friday morning originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehomeplaystationps3psapsnpsn-homepspsonyukWed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/sky-tv-to-offer-cable-access-via-broadband-in-the-uk/#comments Unlike its unflinching US equivalents, News Corp-owned Sky TV is readying its service for availability via broadband, rather than solely through traditional cable box delivery. The company announced plans today to bring a mixed on-demand/pay-per-month streaming service to the UK in the coming months -- a move we've yet to see made on this side of the Atlantic from any major cable provider.

Sky's first step is competing with the likes of Netflix and LoveFilm with an on-demand video service, as well as a pay-per-month unlimited option. And that service is set to expand not long after the initial "first half of 2012" launch time frame, with sports and entertainment offerings said to be coming "soon afterward."

What does any of this have to do with gaming, you wonder? Well, silly, Sky TV is offered via both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and the plan going forward is to continue that support on "a wide range of connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and connected TVs." It's unclear how currently available apps will be affected, but we'll assuredly see more from the UK TV provider as we move through the first half of 2012.

Continue reading Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK

JoystiqSky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidenglandiosipadiphonemacmicrosoftmobilenewscorppcplaystationps3sky-tvskytvstreamingstreaming-televisionstreaming-tvukunited-kingdomxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Jurassic Park: The Game skipping retail on Xbox 360 in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/jurassic-park-the-game-skipping-retail-on-xbox-360-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/jurassic-park-the-game-skipping-retail-on-xbox-360-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/jurassic-park-the-game-skipping-retail-on-xbox-360-in-uk/#comments North Americans have been able to purchase the Xbox 360 version of Jurassic Park: The Game at their favorite brick-and-mortar store since November. It seems that won't be happening for our brothers and sisters abroad looking to snag a disc rather than download episodes a la carte through PSN.

MCV confirmed the news with Kalypso Media, Jurassic Park's publisher in the UK. There the game will only see a boxed PC retail release on February 24, supplementing the current PSN release. "Currently we won't be publishing this on 360 -- just on PC. No one else is bringing the game to retail," Kalypso's marketing and PR head Mark Allen said.

JoystiqJurassic Park: The Game skipping retail on Xbox 360 in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jurassic-parkKalypso-mediamicrosoftpcplaystationps3telltale-gamesukxboxTue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rising Star Games to bring JP titles to US, starting with Akai Katana]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rising-star-games-to-bring-jp-titles-to-us-starting-with-akai-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rising-star-games-to-bring-jp-titles-to-us-starting-with-akai-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/rising-star-games-to-bring-jp-titles-to-us-starting-with-akai-k/#comments

Rising Star Games, UK publisher of Japanese franchises such as Harvest Moon and No More Heroes, is making a foray into US publishing, MCV reports. Rising Star has opened an office in California and plans to release its first title, Cave's Akai Katana, on Xbox 360 in Q2 2012. We've watched with bitter jealousy as Japan and Europe enjoyed some of these releases exclusively, and Cave in particular has been very good at rubbing it in our faces. Party's over, Cave.

Rising Star has also launched an offshoot to handle its downloadable releases, called Rising Star Games Digital. "Rising Star Games Digital has been something we've been working on for a while," company MD Martin Defries said. "We envisage a huge growth in downloadable product over the coming years, and intend to play a big part shaping the future development of our exciting industry."

JoystiqRising Star Games to bring JP titles to US, starting with Akai Katana originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akai-KatanaJapanmicrosoftrising-star-gamesRising-Star-Games-DigitalukusxboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/resident-evil-revelations-debuts-strong-on-uk-charts/#comments Resident Evil: Revelations for 3DS is the first launch of the new year to break the UK Top 40, debuting in sixth on this week's chart. According to Chart-Track, it is also the seventh largest launch for a 3DS title.

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

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

Continue reading Resident Evil: Revelations debuts strong on UK charts

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 30 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terraria goes retail in EU with 'Collector's Edition' on March 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/terraria-goes-retail-in-eu-with-collectors-edition-on-march-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/terraria-goes-retail-in-eu-with-collectors-edition-on-march-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/terraria-goes-retail-in-eu-with-collectors-edition-on-march-1/#comments Despite selling over 1 million copies of Terraria across Terra Firma, Merge Games believes the title has yet to reach a key demographic: PC game buyers without internet connections. Okay, okay, it's also possible that the Merge Games-published "Collector's Edition" of the Re-Logic-developed 2D indie hit is popular enough to warrant a version made especially for superfans, but we much prefer the concept of a board meeting to discuss a gradually disappearing group of people.

Anyway, the collector's edition of Terraria will run EU residents £19.95 (€23.80/$31.30) when it arrives at retailers on March 16, and will come packed with "an exclusive in-game item, a poster, a key ring, and trading cards." That's about $20 more than the digital copy costs you on Steam right this minute -- but does that contain the adorable little pickaxe keychain (seen after the break)? Yeah, we didn't think so.

It's unclear if the collector's version of Terraria will arrive in North America or Asia, but we've asked Merge Games for clarification.

Continue reading Terraria goes retail in EU with 'Collector's Edition' on March 16

JoystiqTerraria goes retail in EU with 'Collector's Edition' on March 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectors-editioneueuropean-unionmerge-gamespcq1-2012re-logicrelease-dateterrariaukunited-kingdomThu, 26 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Boingo offers free Wi-Fi to 3DS users at select UK airports]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/boingo-offers-free-wi-fi-to-3ds-users-at-select-uk-airports/#comments No longer will exotic StreetPasses be the sole reason for you to loiter around the airport. In between the acquisition of traveling Miis, you can now pass the time with some free Wi-Fi.

Similar to its deal in North America, Boingo has set up free Wi-Fi hotspots that will allow 3DS users to automatically connect when in range at London Heathrow, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Gatwick and Stansted airports ... unless you plan on checking out some PDF files or watching a Flash cartoon online, that is. We don't know about you guys but that's, like, 90 percent of what we do on the internet over here in America.

The other ten percent of the time? Google image searches of Atsushi Inaba, of course. Best hair in the biz!

JoystiqBoingo offers free Wi-Fi to 3DS users at select UK airports originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsboingodsmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoukwi-fiTue, 24 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's new UK studio is 'Hardlight']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/segas-new-uk-studio-is-hardlight/#comments The UK games industry is going through a bit of a rough patch, but Sega will hopefully slow the brain drain by opening Hardlight, a new studio located in the West Midlands. The "boutique" developer will work on "high quality, innovative game experiences for both current and future platforms," with its first project, a Vita title, due in late 2012.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BizarreBizarre-Creationsbrain-drainbritainlayoffsmacmicrosoftmobilepcplaystationps3TigaukxboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog store offers one-stop Jet the Hawk memorabilia shopping]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/sonic-the-hedgehog-store-offers-one-stop-jet-the-hawk-memorabili/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/sonic-the-hedgehog-store-offers-one-stop-jet-the-hawk-memorabili/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/sonic-the-hedgehog-store-offers-one-stop-jet-the-hawk-memorabili/#comments Sega of Europe just opened a new online Sonic the Hedgehog shop, allowing you to get all the backpacks, school supplies, figurines and other hedgehog-bearing material you could possibly want. Need a figure of one of the robot bug enemies, or Jet the Hawk on a hoverboard? You got it! Need Sonic the Headhog? No problem!

Right now, the shop is only available in Europe -- and offering 15 percent off almost everything -- but Sega plans to open an American version later, for those of you stateside looking to get a ring binder (for paper, not rings).

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog store offers one-stop Jet the Hawk memorabilia shopping originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemerchandisesonic-the-hedgehogukWed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA spends fourth week atop UK charts, exercise games perform well]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/fifa-spends-fourth-week-atop-uk-charts-exercise-games-perform-w/#comments FIFA 12 remains at the top of the UK chart for a fourth straight week, despite a 54 percent drop in sales. Nearly all the games on this week's top ten saw double-digit percentage drops in sales, as consumers adjust to the post-holiday rhythm. For example, Just Dance 3 had a 21 percent reduction, but moved up two spots into second. Skyrim had similar falling upwards, as it moved up two spots into third, with a 23 percent sales drop. It's currently a race of stamina on the charts.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Britainchart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3skyrimUKwiixboxzumba-fitnesszumba-fitness-2Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: UK retailer GAME's customer database breached]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/report-uk-retailer-games-customer-database-breached/#commentsA customer database belonging to UK retailer GAME has been breached, as has one belonging to Australian website Catalyst-Gaming, MCV reports. A list of over 2000 customer usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords has been released.

GAME denied that it's been hacked. "The published email addresses are not registered users of GAME.co.uk, and there has been no breach of our database security." That leaves catalyst-gaming as a potential source of email addresses. Regardless, if you've used either site recently, a password change wouldn't hurt.

JoystiqReport: UK retailer GAME's customer database breached originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breachcatalyst-gaminggamehacksecurityukMon, 16 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mcv-2012-uk-salary-survey-shows-industry-pay-up-10-percent-year/#comments MCV's 2012 UK Games Industry Salary Survey, which polled 975 people (597 of whom worked in United Kingdom), showed an average UK games industry salary of £33,123 ($50,741), more than a 10 percent increase from 2011's average of £30,667 ($46,979).

That figure was created using survey results from "all sectors - development, publishing, retail, PR & marketing, services, technology and business development," according to MCV. Ten percent of respondents were women, which is reportedly in-scale with their overall presence in the British gaming industry.

The study's average salary figure is a median average rather than a mean average, we should note, and does not include "the group of very senior, and very well paid, execs" that also participated in the survey. Including their data, the average salary is £35,790. If you include the 378 non-British respondents, the average rose to £34,263, indicating that junior-level employees may be earning more outside of the UK.

The survey also showed a disparity between the average salaries of men and women, with industry women making £1.35 an hour less than their male counterparts. This is disproportionate to MCV's global findings, which show that women in the games industry earn more than men on average, albeit only by a few hundred pounds. Here is your reward for making it all the way through a facts-oriented article about salaries and averages.

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

JoystiqMCV 2012 UK salary survey shows industry pay up 10 percent year over year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20123dsandroidaveragedsiosiphoneMCVmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationps3pspsalariessonysurveythe-queenUKwiixboxFri, 13 Jan 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 holiday numbers indicate franchise sales decline in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/modern-warfare-3-holiday-numbers-indicate-franchise-sales-declin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/modern-warfare-3-holiday-numbers-indicate-franchise-sales-declin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/modern-warfare-3-holiday-numbers-indicate-franchise-sales-declin/#comments While the Call of Duty franchise has enjoyed year-over-year growth in terms of worldwide sales, numbers released this week for the UK tell a different story for that particular region. According to the UK's Entertainment Retailers Association, Modern Warfare 3 moved 2,814,298 units between launch on November 8 and December 31, 2011, while Call of Duty's 2010 entry, Black Ops, sold 3,266,298 across the same holiday sales period in the previous year.

That's a decline of 452,000 units from Treyarch-developed Black Ops in 2010 to Infinity Ward/Sledgehammer Games-developed Modern Warfare 3 in 2011, though the latter was the fastest entertainment property in history to reach $1 billion in sales. As MCV points out, FIFA sales were also in decline in the UK, with nearly 200K fewer copies sold during 2011 than in 2010. All that said, let's not lose any sleep over the declines -- both CoD and FIFA's 2011 entries sold in the many millions in just the UK, let alone worldwide.

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 holiday numbers indicate franchise sales decline in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-opscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3fifafifa-11fifa-12infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3salessledgehammer-gamestreyarchukunited-kingdomxboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: GAME outs new Need for Speed, reaffirms Medal of Honor sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/report-game-outs-new-need-for-speed-reaffirms-medal-of-honor-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/report-game-outs-new-need-for-speed-reaffirms-medal-of-honor-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/report-game-outs-new-need-for-speed-reaffirms-medal-of-honor-s/#comments Someone at British brick-and-mortar franchise Game seems to have confirmed our expectant attitude towards EA's Need for Speed franchise. The British retail outlet's Twitter account documented a trip to EA for a presentation, and casually noted plans for a new Need for Speed ("Need for Speed 13!"), not to mention a word on the as-yet-unseen Medal of Honor sequel. As Eurogamer reports, the tweet is no longer available, though other volleys from the account confirm the retailer's presence at an EA presentation.

EA has spoken about a Medal of Honor sequel in the past, though this is the first we've heard of it in quite some time. It's said to be developed by EA's Danger Close studio, and we're not sure if Battlefield studio EA DICE will be once more tasked with handling the multiplayer component. Meanwhile, following the pattern of annual Need for Speed releases, it's likely that Burnout studio Criterion will be tasked with the thirteenth (!!) entry in the series.

We've reached out to EA for comment, but aren't expecting much more than some light under its breath cursing.

Update: In response to this report, an EA rep told Joystiq, "We do not comment on rumor or speculation."

[Image credit: GAME]

JoystiqReport: GAME outs new Need for Speed, reaffirms Medal of Honor sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danger-closedanger-close-gameseaelectronic-artsgameleakmicrosoftneed-for-speed-13pcplaystationps3twitterukunited-kingdomxboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, FIFA 12 top UK sales in 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-fifa-12-top-uk-sales-in-2011/#comments
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was easily the best-selling game in the UK for 2011. Data released today by UKIE (compiled by Chart-Track) has Activision's behemoth franchise grossing a record-breaking £83 million in sales during its first week, which also turned out to be the biggest week of video game sales ever in the UK at £121m. The year 2011 was also the third year in a row Activision had the top-selling game -- and all from the same franchise, fancy that -- with Call of Duty: Black Ops in 2010 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2009.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsBattlefield-3Britaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3UKUKIEwiixboxzumba-fitnessWed, 11 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/uk-game-industry-holiday-snapshot-suggests-weakening-retail-sale/#comments Two major UK video-game retailers, HMV and Game, saw a drop in sales over Christmas, prompting HMV to reconsider its investment in games as a whole, The Telegraph reports. HMV's gaming market share fell 16 percent over the holidays, while sales in music and DVDs saw no change; games now account for 20 percent of HMV's sales. Chief Executive Simon Fox said HMV may focus only on AAA titles in the future.

Game's Christmas retail sales were down 15 percent, while year-on-year it lost 13 percent in sales, GamesIndustry.biz says. Online sales rose 4 percent, and sales for the year ending January 2012 dropped 12 percent, less than the UK gaming market's total loss of 13 percent. Game recently closed 39 stores and is expected to have 550 in the UK by 2013, GamesIndustry notes. CEO Ian Shepherd is banking on the Wii U and PS Vita to revitalize sales in 2012.

JoystiqUK game industry holiday snapshot suggests weakening retail sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113dsdsgameHMVkinectmicrosoftmovenintendopcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsalessonyukvitawiiwii-uxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 kicks off year atop UK charts, Zumba returns]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/fifa-12-kicks-off-year-atop-uk-charts-zumba-returns/#comments
The first week of 2012 sees massive double-digit percentage drops across Chart-Track's UK sales top ten. FIFA 12 remains at the top, with a 63 percent drop, as Battlefield 3 takes second, despite it being hit with the exact same decrease in sales. Modern Warfare 3 moves into third and Just Dance 3 maintains fourth, with sales slipping 76 and 67 percent, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[mffoto via Shutterstock]

Continue reading UK retail game market fell in 2011

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbritainchart-trackdsmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukukiewiixboxFri, 06 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: EA shuts down Bright Light after consultation process]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/report-ea-shuts-down-bright-light-after-consultation-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/report-ea-shuts-down-bright-light-after-consultation-process/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/report-ea-shuts-down-bright-light-after-consultation-process/#comments EA's Bright Light Studio in the UK has been officially shuttered, Develop reports. In October Bright Light was in the midst of a formal consultation process, a period of time required by UK law before a company can shut down completely, dependent on how many employees it has. Bright Light, responsible for three of the most recent Harry Potter games, closed late in 2010, Develop says.

EA said previously that it would consider Bright Light employees for positions at other EA Studios, and Develop reports some have indeed moved to EA's Criterion and Playfish, while others have joined nearby studios Jagex and Supermassive Games.

We have contacted EA for confirmation on the closure.

JoystiqReport: EA shuts down Bright Light after consultation process originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bright-lightclosuredsEAElectronic-Artsharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-2microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3ukwiixboxThu, 05 Jan 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[FIFA 12 finishes year atop UK charts, Old Republic slides way down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/fifa-12-finishes-year-atop-uk-charts-old-republic-slides-way-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/fifa-12-finishes-year-atop-uk-charts-old-republic-slides-way-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/fifa-12-finishes-year-atop-uk-charts-old-republic-slides-way-do/#comments
Chart-Track's UK sales chart for the week ending December 31, 2011, is up, showing the family-friendly footie time (don't go to a dark place, don't go to a dark place!) of FIFA closing out the year as champion. Nearly every game in the top eight held its position from the Christmas Eve list, except for Battlefield 3, which twirled Just Dance 3 around to take its spot in third.

Chart-Track notes this is the second year in a row that the FIFA franchise has held the top spot during the final week. It's also the fourth time FIFA 12 has scored a first place finish, tying with FIFA 10 and FIFA 11's glory days.

Star Wars: The Old Republic takes one of the largest dips we've seen on the charts, going from tenth place during launch week to 38. This would certainly be a time to call in the Ewoks for reinforcements, if it weren't for Old Republic being a PC game. It's reasonable to guess many sales are occurring through EA's Origin digital distribution network.

Continue reading FIFA 12 finishes year atop UK charts, Old Republic slides way down

JoystiqFIFA 12 finishes year atop UK charts, Old Republic slides way down originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3ukwiixboxTue, 03 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Old Republic debuts in 10th, FIFA runs up UK charts before Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/02/old-republic-debuts-in-10th-fifa-runs-up-uk-charts-before-chris/#comments
Chart-Track's UK sales list for the week leading up to Christmas Eve had FIFA 12 rallying, with sales up 34 percent, to score a first place finish. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 moved up one spot replacing Just Dance 3, which despite having a seven percent increase in sales, simply couldn't maintain its position and oscar mike'd into third.

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsBattlefield-3BritainChart-Trackchart-track-weeklyfifa-12fifa-soccer-12Just-Dance-3microsoftmodern-warfare-3nintendopcplaystationps3UKwiixboxMon, 02 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Here's where UK residents can play the Vita early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/psa-heres-where-uk-residents-can-play-the-vita-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/psa-heres-where-uk-residents-can-play-the-vita-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/psa-heres-where-uk-residents-can-play-the-vita-early/#comments You UK residents are such a lucky lot. Not only do you get all the episodes of Doctor Who way, way earlier than us Americans, you'll also get a chance to play the PS Vita before us, too. Check out the full list of PS Vita Room events after the jump, as well as all the games featured therein.

Continue reading PSA: Here's where UK residents can play the Vita early

JoystiqPSA: Here's where UK residents can play the Vita early originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeplaystationplaystation-vitaukvitaMon, 26 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe's 'NintendoTV' now streaming outside of Wii and 3DS systems]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/europes-nintendotv-now-streaming-outside-of-wii-and-3ds-syste/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/europes-nintendotv-now-streaming-outside-of-wii-and-3ds-syste/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/europes-nintendotv-now-streaming-outside-of-wii-and-3ds-syste/#comments
Now you can watch Future Publishing and Nintendo's "NintendoTV" without having to buy a European Wii or 3DS. The show has been relaunched, and with that relaunch comes a fancy new YouTube embed, so you can see footage of big new Nintendo games, coverage of launch events, and other such fun stuff ... right here, in this post!

Watch it yourself to see how it compares to the "Nintendo Week" available through North American Wiis, and the "Nintendo Show 3D" you can watch through the 3DS eShop. Alternately, marvel at the existence of three different Nintendo-produced video programs available through consoles, which you quite likely have never heard of.

JoystiqEurope's 'NintendoTV' now streaming outside of Wii and 3DS systems originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseuropefuture-publishingnintendonintendo-tvnintendotvukwiiWed, 21 Dec 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a Skyrim Christmas on the UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/its-a-skyrim-christmas-on-the-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/its-a-skyrim-christmas-on-the-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/its-a-skyrim-christmas-on-the-uk-charts/#comments
Skyrim rested high atop the UK charts last week, breaking an eight year stint by EA and Activision. Bethesda's massive RPG occupied the top spot during week 51 -- dubbed the "Christmas Chart" by Chart-Track. Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City owned the chart in 2002, prior to EA's Medal of Honor: Rising Sun and Activision's Call of Duty franchise.

Just Dance 3 came in about 15,000 units behind Skyrim. Followers of the charts can probably predict what's coming in the new year, as the Just Dance series has been a sleeping giant that rises once the holidays are over for the past two years.

The rest of the top ten (after the break) consists of the usual suspects. When the UK charts return in the new year we'll find out how Star Wars: The Old Republic did during its Christmas week launch.

Continue reading It's a Skyrim Christmas on the UK charts

JoystiqIt's a Skyrim Christmas on the UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklydselder-scrolls-5Just-Dance-3microsoftnintendoplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimUKwiixboxMon, 19 Dec 2011 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario busts a move in Just Dance 3 in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mario-busts-a-move-in-just-dance-3-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mario-busts-a-move-in-just-dance-3-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/mario-busts-a-move-in-just-dance-3-in-the-uk/#comments
The Japanese version of Just Dance 3 shipped with the above track featuring Nintendo's mascot and now it's coming to the UK as DLC. Players will be able to download the track for 250 Wii Points tomorrow through the in-game store.

There's currently no word on when the track will be available in the US version of Just Dance 3, but Ubisoft has at least confirmed to Joystiq that it's coming.

Continue reading Mario busts a move in Just Dance 3 in the UK

JoystiqMario busts a move in Just Dance 3 in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcjust-dance-3marionintendoubisoftukwiiTue, 13 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita touring the UK next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/playstation-vita-touring-the-uk-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/playstation-vita-touring-the-uk-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/playstation-vita-touring-the-uk-next-month/#comments The PlayStation Vita is taking its act on the road in the US, in both "Social Clubs" and a mall tour. The UK will also play host to some Vita debut events this January and February, called "Vita Rooms." Attendees will get to check out (deep breath) Uncharted: Golden Abyss, FIFA 12, Reality Fighters, MotorStorm RC, ModNation Racers, Little Deviants, Escape Plan, Super Stardust Delta, and Wipeout 2048. "Plus," the PS Blog teases, "there might just be appearances from a few developers too!"

Sony already held one Room event in London, but it's continuing the Vita demo tour starting January 17, in Manchester. You can find details for that event here.

JoystiqPlayStation Vita touring the UK next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoeuropeplaystationplaystation-vitaukvitavita-roomMon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyrim flies past Modern Warfare 3 on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/skyrim-flies-past-modern-warfare-3-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/skyrim-flies-past-modern-warfare-3-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/skyrim-flies-past-modern-warfare-3-on-uk-charts/#comments
It took some time for the Dovahkiin to level up, but Skyrim has slain a fearsome beast and taken the top spot of Chart-Track's UK sales chart. Five weeks after its debut, Skyrim has grabbed first place from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, thanks to the game's continued buzz and an average price reduction of £13 last week.

But an evil still lingers, growing in strength. Just Dance 3, the latest lieutenant in the army of dance darkness, has entered third place. The launch of the PS3 version of Just Dance 3 helped the game on the all formats chart, but the Wii edition still makes up 89 percent of sales.

The rest of the UK top ten is playing musical chairs -- check those out after the break.

Continue reading Skyrim flies past Modern Warfare 3 on UK charts

JoystiqSkyrim flies past Modern Warfare 3 on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklydselder-scrolls-5Englandjust-dance-3microsoftnintendopcplaystationps3skyrimthe-elder-scrolls-v-skyrimUKwiixboxMon, 12 Dec 2011 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[UK indies putting together 'Little Big Bunch' charity bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/uk-indies-putting-together-little-big-bunch-charity-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/uk-indies-putting-together-little-big-bunch-charity-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/uk-indies-putting-together-little-big-bunch-charity-bundle/#comments Indie games travel in packs now. A group of UK indies is concocting another pay-what-you-want offering, in the same vein as The Humble Indie Bundle, that collects several enticing games and lets you split your donation between the developers and charity organization GamesAid. Dubbed "The Little Big Bunch," it's expected to go live (and actually have, like, a website) by December 14th.

According to Develop, the bundle will contain Explodemon, Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee, recent "Humble" headliner Frozen Synapse, and unspecified contributions from New Star Games and Mommy's Best Games (the Indiana-based team behind Serious Sam: Double D).

We'll let you know as soon as The Little Big Bunch opens itself to your unrestrained philanthropy / inability to resist cheap games.

JoystiqUK indies putting together 'Little Big Bunch' charity bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleexplodemonfrozen-synapseindieoddworld-munchs-oddyseepcthe-little-big-bunchukThu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BBC player finally coming to Xbox early next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/bbc-player-finally-coming-to-xbox-early-next-year/#comments Though we focused last night on what's being delayed from the Xbox Live TV service, there are a couple of things we didn't have timelines for in the past to be excited about! Or, at least, for UK residents to be excited about. Like Lovefilm, which will be available tomorrow.

Having finally hammered out an agreement in October allowing access to both Silver and Gold members, the BBC will be available through Xbox Live in the UK in "early 2012." Microsoft and the BBC had better get back to hammering, though, as the actual details of the offering aren't final. "We're still working with the BBC to define exactly what we're going to be bringing, but it's going to be 2012," XBL UK product manager Pav Bhardwaj told Eurogamer. "We're working with them now to make sure it's a really compelling, strong application."

Basically, it's unclear whether the BBC app will be an implementation of the existing iPlayer app or something else. What is clear is that, as required by the BBC, it'll be free to everyone who pays license fees. "As long as you're connected to the internet it will be free to every Xbox Live customer," Bhardwaj said. Once again, that's every Xbox Live customer in the UK. Sorry, New World Whovians.

JoystiqBBC player finally coming to Xbox early next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcdashboard-update-fall-2011europelovefilmmicrosoftukxboxxbox-liveMon, 05 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK gov't recognizes computer science education is important]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/uk-govt-recognizes-computer-science-education-is-important/#comments Eidos "life president" Ian Livingstone's Livingstone-Hope Skills Review has been positively received by the UK government. The paper recommends that the UK's Information and Communications Technology national curriculum be replaced by computer science.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationsBritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklymicrosoftmodern-warfare-3nintendoplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdSkyrimUKwiixboxMon, 28 Nov 2011 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 3 fights off Assassin's Creed: Revelations atop UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/modern-warfare-3-fights-off-assassins-creed-revelations-atop-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/modern-warfare-3-fights-off-assassins-creed-revelations-atop-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/modern-warfare-3-fights-off-assassins-creed-revelations-atop-u/#comments

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 had the biggest entertainment launch in history, so even with an 87 percent drop in unit sales last week, it's little surprise the shooter maintained its alpha position on the UK sales chart for its second week on retail shelves.

Assassin's Creed: Revelations debuted in second, with the strongest opening yet for the franchise. Unit sales and revenue were up four and eight percent, respectively, from last year's Brotherhood launch. Not only was the latest Assassin adventure the strongest opening stab by the franchise to date, it was also the strongest premiere of any Ubisoft title.

Skyrim slips from second to third, with Saints Row: The Third entering in fourth. The latest Saints Row crime spree is another strong sequel, with sales up 43 percent from Saints Row 2's launch three years ago. Last week also saw a slew of prominent premieres from Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Super Mario 3D Land. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Modern Warfare 3 fights off Assassin's Creed: Revelations atop UK charts

JoystiqModern Warfare 3 fights off Assassin's Creed: Revelations atop UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-revelationscall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3chart-trackchart-track-weeklyFIFA-12microsoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3saints-row-the-thirdSkyrimukxboxMon, 21 Nov 2011 08:45:00 EST