Joystiq

PSA: Get a free 3DS eShop game when you buy an XL in Europe

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST

If you live across the pond and have heavily considered bringing a 3DS XL into your life, you might want to do so within the next 10 days. New 3DS XL units registered with the Nintendo Network between now and Tuesday, January 15 can download any one of the following five eShop titles for free:

Super Mario 3D Land
Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask
New Art Academy
New Style Boutique
Freakyforms Deluxe Your Creations, Alive!

Okay, granted, the list kind of peters out there at the end, but a free digital copy of Super Mario 3D Land or Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is still a pretty sweet deal. Once received, download codes must be redeemed by January 31, at which point they'll magically transform into a pumpkin in your inbox.

PSA: Get a free 3DS eShop game when you buy an XL in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision UK managing director Peter Hepworth leaves company

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST

Peter Hepworth has been with Activision in the UK for years now, first answering the call of duty (sorry!) back in 2005. Hepworth would assume various roles during his tenure, starting as CFO of Europe and eventually taking over as UK managing director in August of 2011, the current position he has left vacant today.

Hepworth decided to step down amidst the ongoing layoffs initiated by Activision back in October, layoffs which have only affected the publishing side of its Minneapolis branch so far. Taking over for Hepworth is his predecessor and current VP of sales, Andrew Brown - the individual whom preceded Hepworth. Brown will now oversee the UK territory on an interim basis, until a new managing director is selected.

[Image credit]

Activision UK managing director Peter Hepworth leaves company originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time

Mike Schramm — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST

The UK's Entertainment Retailers' Association has released its final report for 2012, and video game sales in that country are down more than 17 percent. Total entertainment sales, including music and movie sales, are down by about 12 percent. The culprit seems to be physical sales, with video game shares of that category dropping from 73 percent to 65.4 percent, and physical sales overall dropping by about 5 percent.

ERA Director General Kim Bayley actually cited the drops as a success for physical media, in that "despite digital's seemingly inexorable growth, the CD, the DVD and the physical games disc show incredible resilience." Bayley added that despite the shrinking numbers, "physical formats still account for three quarters of the entertainment market."

On the digital side, sales crossed a record of £1 billion for the first time ever. Digital video game sales rose by 7.7 percent, just slightly less than the overall growth trend in digital. For now, however, digital growth isn't enough to keep the industry at large growing. The ERA says the lack of growth was largely due to a "dearth of attractive releases" last summer, and the organization hopes to "offer the public a much better release slate in 2013."

UK game sales down 17% in 2012, digital crosses £1 billion for first time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kickstarter now an option for UK game developers

Jordan Mallory — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:30:00 EST

Indie developers looking for free money from Americans no longer have to rob tourists at knife point in the busy London Underground (not that any lovely Brits would do such a thing), as Kickstarter has now established itself in the United Kingdom.

Rather than being separated into their own website, UK-based Kickstarter projects will be interspersed alongside American fundraisers in the site's main ecosphere. Pledge levels will be listed in pounds sterling and monetary transactions will take place through a different third-party intermediary via Kickstarter itself, rather than Amazon Payments, but otherwise the donation process is identical to Yankee 'starters.

Previously, Kickstarter had been limited to projects originating from the colonies due to the limitations of the Amazon Payments system. Now though, British creatives of all type can reap the benefits inherent to the Kickstarter system, as can Americans looking to exploit the current state of our exchange rate.

Kickstarter now an option for UK game developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK retail software sales last week lowest since records began

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST

Software sales in the UK at retail last week were the lowest since records started being kept, generating £8.4 million. MCV reports that 394,688 games were sold last week, according to data provided by Chart-Track.

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

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

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

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Modern Warfare 3 ad too violent for UK soccer time

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has placed restrictions on an ad for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, reports MCV. The ASA took exception to the copious gunfire, explosions and the depiction of "New York under military assault" - you know, Call of Duty stuff. The ad originally aired in November during an afternoon soccer match and, although Activision followed the advertising guidelines it had been given at the time, the ASA has decided that the commercial "could cause distress to some children who might see the ad." As such, the ad can no longer be show prior to 7:30pm.

It's a shame, really. Activision needs all the help it can get spreading the word about Call of Duty.

Modern Warfare 3 ad too violent for UK soccer time originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Activision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST

After shutting down Bizarre Creations last February and restructuring DJ Hero studio Freestyle Games, Activision's reach in the UK was recessed for the past year. But with a renewed mobile push at Activision, the publisher is now looking to build a new studio across the Atlantic - and Team17 co-founder Martyn Brown is in charge of building said studio.

Develop confirmed the news with Activision, who only allowed this vague statement: "We are investing in mobile initiatives and that includes a UK studio." For Brown's part, he's staying mum, but the job description falls right in line with Brown's, following his departure from Team17 last year.

Activision employing Team17 co-founder to create mobile studio in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GAME also not stocking Street Fighter X Tekken, Asura's Wrath

David Hinkle — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST

Shoppers on the other side of the pond looking to snag two of Capcom's latest from GAME will have to look elsewhere, as the retailer will not be stocking either Asura's Wrath or Street Fighter X Tekken. The retailer also recently announced that it won't carry Mass Effect 3 and future EA titles. Street Fighter X Tekken and Asura's Wrath are both slated to launch in the UK this Friday, March 9.

Capcom confirmed the news to MCV, which notes that the availability of Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Capcom's next big title, is still up in the air. A spokesperson stated, "Capcom wants to reassure its consumers that both these titles, including the Special Edition of Street Fighter X Tekken, will be available at a wide variety of retailers across the UK and Ireland." The spokesperson added that refunds will be issued to those with pre-orders for either Asura's Wrath or Street Fighter X Tekken, advising customers to contact their local GAME or Gamestation.

GAME also not stocking Street Fighter X Tekken, Asura's Wrath originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sky TV to offer cable access via broadband in the UK

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST

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

Sky 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.

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

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST

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

Terraria 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.

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Modern Warfare 3 holiday numbers indicate franchise sales decline in UK

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

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.

Modern 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.

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Report: GAME outs new Need for Speed, reaffirms Medal of Honor sequel

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

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]

Report: 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.

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PSA: Netflix live on PS3, Wii in the UK and Ireland; 360 app up later today

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:20:00 EST

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.

PSA: 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.

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UK Ministry of Defence finds modern shooters more realistic than its sims

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST

Apparently the UK's Ministry of Defence has some pretty unexciting war simulators. So unexciting, in fact, that the MoD's Science and Technology lab - the folks responsible for managing said simulators - is looking to the likes of Battlefield and Call of Duty to help up its game.

Speaking to UK newspaper The Guardian, technical team leader Andrew Poulter ran down a brief history of the UK's past with simulators, and detailed the current predicament he believes the MoD is facing. "Back in the 1980s and 1990s, defence was far out in front in terms of quality of simulation. Military-built simulators were state of the art. But now, for £50 [$77], you can buy a commercial game that will be far more realistic than the sorts of tools we were using."

The MoD has been employing a simulator known as "Virtual Battlespace 2," which, strictly from a sequels perspective, is way behind pretty much every video game that exists. The simulator was originally created by Operation Flashpoint dev Bohemia Interactive, which itself is not exactly considered at the forefront of game development. According to Poulter, that'll be changing in the coming months, with a reinvestment in his team from the MoD to bring in new technology from more modern shooters.

"The weapons need to be credible. If they fire a rifle and the bullet travels three and a half miles, then that is not right. If they are steering a vehicle, then that has to be right too. Realism is more important than entertainment. Levels of immersion are very important," he said. And it definitely doesn't hurt that the soldiers tend to be more engaged with virtual simulations than paperwork. "It is certainly a lot more fun than going through lists of checks and box-ticking. We want them to think 'I would quite like to do a bit more of that kind of thing'. So they might spend 10 minutes [on a simulation] after reading papers in the morning, or in their spare time."

And let's be fair, wouldn't soldiers be playing games like these in their spare time anyway? Why not direct that attention to something that could potentially save their lives? Poulter seemed to agree, as he concluded, "It has been invaluable. It is being taken seriously. It's not just a game." We feel the same way about our Battlefield 3 sessions, but don't tell anyone.

UK Ministry of Defence finds modern shooters more realistic than its sims originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyrule's Market Village getting brought to life in the UK

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST

The Legend of Zelda's iconic Market Village is being brought to life for an upcoming Nottingham, UK game festival, GameCity6. But don't worry about ReDeads, as the real-life recreation won't represent the village from Ocarina of Time's adult Link world, but rather a pastiche of several games.

Attendees can get their fetch questing on with a Triforce piece collection game, they can create swords and shields (we're guessing of the wooden or cardboard variety), and they can even go lips-on with an ocarina. If that weren't enough, you could always hang with the Hyrulian droogs in the LonLon Milk Bar. The entire day is actually dedicated to Zelda-themed activities, so perhaps this is finally a chance to bake those Navi-shaped sugar cookies. After waiting for what seemed like forever, too!

Hyrule's Market Village getting brought to life in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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THQ UK studio officially shuttered, three new companies take its place

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST

It's been exactly one month to the day since THQ announced plans to close both Kaos Studios (creator of Homefront) and its UK-based digital studio, THQ Warrington (creator of Red Faction Battlegrounds and Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team). And while the former studio has been closed since last month, the latter has just finished up its legally required "notification process." But enough with the upsetting stuff -- there's good news, too!

Though the Warrington studio just closed, three companies have already sprung from its ashes: D3T, a "concept team" named Alien Apple Studios, and an unnamed studio helmed by former creative director Don Whiteford and former production director Richard Badger.

Of the approximately 50 employees at THQ Warrington when it closed, 36 had their employment terminated "effective immediately," while another 10 are said to be seeing the studio through the PSN release of Warhammer 40K: Kill Team, set for some point later this summer. Additionally, THQ Warrington founder Colin Bell will be taking an extended break from game development, though he couldn't help but point out before leaving that the Juiced franchise (which his team developed) has moved "over 5 million" units in its lifetime, and that Kill Team "will be a great parting product for the studio."

Sony UK and Motorstorm studio Evolution have apparently extended offers to some ex-THQ employees for consultancy work, and we have high hopes that the rest of the studio's affected devs will land on their feet.

THQ UK studio officially shuttered, three new companies take its place originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 preview: COGwarts

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST

Last November, our review called the first Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows game a "failure on many, many levels." It ran down the various ways that the game didn't deliver: as a representation of the franchise, as a game, as a demonstration of Kinect and, finally, as an overall product.

EA's proprietary engine, used to build DH Part 2, has been beefed up a bit, giving Harry and co. a bit more sheen than before, and the spell-switching has been streamlined to rely on face buttons to swap spells. Otherwise, it's still a pedestrian third-person shooter with a Harry Potter wrapper, with few meaningful ties to J.K. Rowling's series. (And the Kinect part is just gone).

Gallery: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Continue reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 preview: COGwarts

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 preview: COGwarts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST

Black Rock Studios' excellent racers, Pure and Split/Second, are sliding to OnLive, the streaming game service announced today. The duo of arcade racing titles will lead the charge for Disney Interactive titles on the service, with LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean up next on the list. And that's not all -- OnLive had a bunch of news to drop just before E3 begins next week.

For starters, the service will be officially launching in the UK at some point this fall. As with the company's North American debut, UK residents are encouraged to sign up for early "Founding Members" access -- the official UK site goes live in the coming days. Additionally, OnLive revealed intentions to make its way to a variety of "Intel-based consumer TVs, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes" later this year. The first such devices will begin arriving this fall, and will reportedly stretch beyond the company's currently deal with consumer electronics manufacturer Vizio.

Alongside the Intel deal, OnLive plans on launching a "universal wireless controller" that will work with said Intel-based devices. It looks and operates very much like the OnLive MicroConsole controller, and will come with a USB dongle for non-wireless devices. It's said to contain several different radio signals for working with a multitude of devices.

You'll be able to brag to your friends all about how you're playing high-end PC games on your Intel-based TV on a wireless controller right from within games, pushing brag clips to Facebook. Which is to say, yes, OnLive is getting Facebook integration as well, starting June 7. Now, you'll excuse us if we take a moment to catch our breath.

Gallery: OnLive (E3 2011)

Continue reading OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall

OnLive gets Disney Interactive support, universal controller, heading to UK this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Danger devs working on new game, hiring

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:44:00 EST

Live in the UK and looking to work somewhere with an adorable logo? Nope, we're not talking about Cadbury -- Joe Danger dev house Hello Games is looking for a new tester, and this new tester will spend all of his or her time making sure the studio's next, unannounced title is up to snuff.

The Hello Games blog asks that said tester "loves gaming, is hard working, ambitious and enjoys learning," though it doesn't necessarily require all applicants to be super experienced. "You'll be testing our latest games day-to-day, but you'll also be exposed to things that will astound you ... think of it as a gateway drug for the games industry," it reads. We have to imagine, if Hello Games is the "gateway drug," presumably AAA, 3D, and motion titles are soon to follow -- a dark path indeed!

Joe Danger devs working on new game, hiring originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LittleBigPlanet 2 used to create N-Dubz music video

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:40:00 EST

Ready to be impressed? UK pop group N-Dubz chose the path of adorableness in its latest trailer, employing LittleBigPlanet 2's creation tools rather than a film crew. The results, we think, speak for themselves. Which is to say it's very, very impressive. The song? It speaks for itself too.

Continue reading LittleBigPlanet 2 used to create N-Dubz music video

LittleBigPlanet 2 used to create N-Dubz music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dance Central sponsors Sky dance contest

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST

Sure, you like dancing in your living room with robots tracking your every move, but what about dancing in the sky?! Okay, not quite, but folks in the UK attending tapings of SKY1's "Got To Dance" could end up strutting their stuff to Harmonix' Dance Central, perhaps winning one of 15 4GB Xbox 360s, each bundled with a Kinect and a copy of Dance Central.

Sky and Microsoft inked a deal that will see the entire second season of "Got To Dance" sponsored by Kinect's most popular dancing game, with viewers at home able to participate in the show's competitions through a corresponding website. UK residents can catch the show weekly on SKY1 and SKY1 HD (check local listings), and Sky subscribers can watch it through their Xbox 360s.

Continue reading Dance Central sponsors Sky dance contest

Dance Central sponsors Sky dance contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ITV and Channel 4 on demand coming to PS3s in the UK this week

Mike Schramm — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST

After long last, British television services ITV and Channel 4 are coming to PlayStation 3 in the UK this week. The BBC's iPlayer service launched on the console a little while back (first unofficially and then officially), but this new development brings some of Britain's most popular on-demand content, including shows Coronation Street and The Inbetweeners (both of which many US readers have probably never heard of), to Sony's console.

Channel 4 tells the Guardian that it is "not saying no" to a similar deal with Microsoft for the Xbox 360, but that the other console company isn't seeking out a deal either. And the Wii is a no-go, apparently, because the platform can't offer advertising options. Both services should, however, launch on the PS3 for free to UK users sometime this week. If you're jealous of the UK's extra video content, US viewers, just head on over to Hulu and imagine what life would be like if every video you hit play on just told you it was "not available in your region." Yeah. Let them have their fun.

Update: A previous version of this post stated that the BBC owned ITV and Channel 4, but they are actually competing public television services in Britain. Sorry for the confusion.

ITV and Channel 4 on demand coming to PS3s in the UK this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Def Jam Rapstar competition offers record deal to UK flow masters

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:05:00 EST

Atlantic Records UK has teamed up with Def Jam Rapstar to give one lucky UK resident a chance to spit hot fire all over his or her very own record. By employing the game's freestyle mode, contestants will upload their hottest 40 bars (give or take) to be judged by the Def Jam Rapstar community website's membership.

The top regional finalists will then have to compete in front of a live audience at UK HMV locations, "8 Mile style," next February. What this means, of course, is that the winner will have said the most egregiously offensive thing about the other contestants' mothers, resulting in a crowd-wide "OOOOOHHHHHH SNAPPPPPPP."

Ten word stylists who survive that round will then proceed to a central London event where "a panel of Hip-Hop / Music aficionados" will parse who's best. We're getting ourselves pumped up for the competition starting right now by putting Dizzee Rascal's "Fix Up Look Sharp" on permanent repeat.

Continue reading Def Jam Rapstar competition offers record deal to UK flow masters

Def Jam Rapstar competition offers record deal to UK flow masters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Blacklight: Tango Down 2 may already be in production and on schedule for next summer, but Zombie Studios isn't letting go of its promise to bring Blacklight: Tango Down to PlayStation 3 owners across the globe. Publisher UTV Ignition has announced an October 26 release date for the download-only FPS in North America, followed by a November 3 release on the European PSN.

In the announcement, UTV says the game will come with "PSN-exclusive content," including a "join-in-progress" option for multiplayer -- the publisher teases more info on the exclusive content will be revealed "shortly." Like it's Xbox 360 and PC counterparts, the PS3 version of Blacklight will be priced at $15 (£10/€13) when it arrives on PSN.

Continue reading Blacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26

Blacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Allotment bar in Glasgow pays homage to Pong

David Hinkle — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST

You know, the United Kingdom isn't a great place to go if you enjoy drinking. The folks there, they just aren't big drinkers. It's difficult for them to find reasons to partake in the time-traveling powers of alcohol. Enter: Allotment, a new bar in the Glasgow area that offers thirsty patrons live performance art, music and a bit of the in-between.

Right about now, you're probably wondering what this has to do with games. Well, this Saturday, the bar will be transformed into a living dedication to retro gaming, with a central theme of "gaming and morality." There'll be roulette and karaoke, some arcade gaming. But, more importantly, coordinators will envision a real-life Pong tribute in the space, allowing attendees to participate at any time in the recreation by simply walking up and changing it.

If you're looking for more information on Allotment, or tickets to attend, then head on over to the National Theatre of Scotland. If after reading this, you're in the mood to watch that awesome video of Japanese Matrix ping-pong, well ... you aren't the only one.

[Via GamePolitics]

Allotment bar in Glasgow pays homage to Pong originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK: DSi sells 92,000 units in first weekend

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST

Following reports that the DSi is the fourth-fastest selling system of all time in the UK, MCV has now confirmed the numbers from GfK-ChartTrack and reports that the camera-sporting new handheld has sold a whopping 92,000 units over its launch weekend. GfK-ChartTrack UK director Dorian Bloch expects the launch will "very much stimulate" DS software sales, though he notes that there's no way to tell how many of the purchases were from first-time DS consumers. Still, Bloch states that the DS market it "primed for Easter" and the firm expects "big numbers."

You heard it folks, the hot Easter gift this year isn't candy and fake, plastic grass. It's DS games. You'd best not forget that, Mom.

UK: DSi sells 92,000 units in first weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP software sales in the UK dropped dramatically during 2008

Alan Tsang — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

The UK sales figures for the PSP during 2008 are looking downright abysmal. According to PocketGamer.co.uk, 4.1 million games for Sony's portable were sold during 2008, meaning sales have dropped approximately 27% from 2007's figure of 5.6 million. It looks even worse if you go by revenue -- 70 million pounds in 2008, as opposed to 111 million pounds in 2007, indicating a decline of about 36%.

It is hard to say this comes as a surprise to anyone; there just weren't any high-profile releases during the latter half of the year for the PSP. Hopefully, Sony can get third party publishers interested in the platform again in this new year. Incidentally, there are still a few games we are looking forward to in 2009 -- take a look at our picks here.

PSP software sales in the UK dropped dramatically during 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EA gets Steamed in Europe, except for UK

Ross Miller — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: PC

European* Steam users can now join its American brethren in downloading Electronic Arts titles from Steam. The release schedule is mostly identical to that of the US and Canada, with Spore, Spore Creepy & Cute Parts Pack, Mass Effect, Need for Speed Undercover and FIFA Manager 2009 available now (notable exception: Warhammer Online) and Red Alert 3, Dead Space and Mirror's Edge coming in a few weeks.

... What's that, reader? What's the asterisk for? Turns out, the EA library is available on Steam only to "most of Europe," with the odd man out being the United Kingdom, according to both Eurogamer and independently verified by our mates at the Joystiq UK offices. We've extended an offer of Earl Grey and a scone to Valve for answers.

[Via BigDownload]

EA gets Steamed in Europe, except for UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK entices young to get tested for STDs with Wii raffle

David Hinkle — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: News

There really isn't a better way to get young folks to get tested than a free Wii, if we may say so. Unless you handed them a wad of cash, a home-cooked meala and a 24K gold limousine driven by Mr. Peanut, there really isn't a more effective way to get the young's attention. Maybe if Hannah Montana sponsored the thing, we guess ...

Anyway, we're getting off the subject here. In the Northumberland and Tyne and Wear areas, the NHS Chlamydia Screening Programme will allow folks to get tested for STDs. Of those that get tested between the ages of 15 and 24, they'll be entered into a raffle to win a Wii, which was donated by South Tyneside Youth Support Service.

Really, it shouldn't have to come down to this to get youngsters in and caring about their health and that of those around them. Be responsible, folks.

UK entices young to get tested for STDs with Wii raffle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fable 2 slays Far Cry 2 in UK sales charts

Ross Miller — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

More appropriately, we should probably say, "Fable 2 slayed Far Cry 2, then farted on it, did a heroic pose for the crowd, brought it a shoddy necklace, bought it a house to live in and invited it to unprotected group sex with three random villagers." Peter Molyneux's farcical epic debuted at the top of Chart-Track's UK sales chart, followed by Ubisoft's African-based shooter at number two. Can somebody get Pete a tissue?

Other fun facts about Fable 2's launch:

It was Microsoft's first All Formats #1 since Halo 3.
It outsold the first Fable's launch by a margin of 3.8 to 1
It was the 5th fastest selling Xbox 360 game in the UK, behind Grand Theft Auto IV, Halo 3, FIFA 09 and Call of Duty 4.

European's virtual football sensation FIFA09 dropped down to number three, followed by Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and Saints Row 2. Full top ten list after the break.

Continue reading Fable 2 slays Far Cry 2 in UK sales charts

Fable 2 slays Far Cry 2 in UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIFA is the new Madden, in the UK

Ross Miller — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sports, Business, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Some interesting statistics about Electronic Arts' recently launched FIFA 09 in the U.K. (via Chart Track):

It is currently beating the sales rate of FIFA08 -- itself a bestselling UK game last year -- by 37.5%.
It debuted at the top of the PlayStation 2, PS3, PSP and Xbox 360 charts.
Of those sales, 42% were on Xbox 360, making it the 3rd fastest selling game on Microsoft's format (behind GTA IV and Halo 3), while 40% were on PS3 where it is the 2nd fastest selling game (behind GTA IV). 11% go to PS2, 3% to PSP and the rest for PC, Wii and DS.

Just goes to show you that no matter the culture or continent, EA owns football. See the full top 10 list of All Formats software sales after the break.

FIFA is the new Madden, in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retailers hoping for R4 ban in UK

Candace Savino — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

Retailers in the UK are losing sleep over DS flash carts, and that's turning them into big old grumps. As you probably know, flash carts not only offer interesting homebrew opportunities, but they also provide owners with the means to pirate games. Piracy has been cutting into DS software sales, and retailers? They're not very happy.

The cart under attack is, of course, the R4DS -- it is the most mainstream one, after all. Retailers don't want R4s to be sold anymore, and are calling for a UK ban on the product. SimplyGames.com has already pulled the flash card from its site after a "conversation with Nintendo." (As far as we can tell, the site isn't selling alternative carts, either.)

We know what you're thinking -- the R4 isn't the only piracy option out there. Yet, it's likely that other flash cards will find themselves on the chopping block, too. A nationwide ban on the R4 and others probably won't happen, though, and even if it does, many will just turn to imports.

Being the good souls that we are, we're assuming that most of you aren't pirates and can sympathize with suffering retailers. Still, do you think that warrants a ban on flash carts?

Retailers hoping for R4 ban in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Metareview (UK Edition) -- Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

Justin McElroy — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action, Metareviews

Well, this is certainly interesting. Though Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots has been getting positively glowing reviews from many UK outlets, there seems to be an undercurrent of ... dissatisfaction among many in the reviewing community. Completely unsurprisingly, it seems that most of the high-90s/100s reviewers are hyperbolically positive. (They've been saving up their good writing all year!) Regardless, it seems that general consensus is that fans of the series are going to have a ball. Read on:

IGN (99/100): "If you've ever loved any one of the Metal Gear games, or any moments from the series, there will come a moment when MGS 4 will send your spirits soaring. If you've loved them all, well then there'll be many, many more. It's a masterpiece."

PSM3 UK (95/100): "Will you enjoy it? Yes, definitely, but while most hardcore fans will adore it, a tiny minority may be left slightly deflated by the weight of their expectations, despite the game's unarguable quality."

Edge Magazine (80/100): "MGS4 is not the game it could have been; nor is it the game it would have been had the series grown with the benefit of hindsight; nor is it the game it should have been if you believed that early trailer. But it is faithful to its fans, its premise and its heart, delivering an experience that is, in so many ways, without equal."

Metareview (UK Edition) -- Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brain Training celebrates 100th week in UK charts

Chris Greenhough — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Sales

Every Saturday, we document sales charts from the UK and other European countries, and every week, there's one game that appears in the UK top ten without fail: Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training. The sheer longevity of Brain Training's stay in the charts is genuinely exceptional, with this week marking the game's 100th consecutive week in the British charts.

Since its June 2006 release, us Brits have seen the likes of Chris Tarrant (in happier times), Nicole Kidman and Patrick Stewart shilling Nintendo's mind-honing software, but we're curious: has it worked? Well, decide for yourselves.

Brain Training celebrates 100th week in UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit preorders through the roof in Britain

Chris Greenhough — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Having already whipped Japanese consumers into lean, mean ~~killing~~ spending machines, Wii Fit debuts in the west later this month, when it hits Europe on April 25th. And, unsurprisingly enough, its impact is already being felt in the region, with Jersey-based UK retailer Play.com reporting that it sold through its entire allocation of preorders for the game in just one day, a company record.

"Wii Fit is going to be huge. Let's hope that we can keep up with demand." panted Play.com head of games Gian Luzo as he waded through his home, waist-deep in banknotes, before subtly hinting: "We are expecting more stock before launch." You've been warned, Brits: if you want the wobbly slab from day one, get those preorders in, pronto.

Wii Fit preorders through the roof in Britain originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mario Kart VW Beetle sadly lacks shell-dispensing ability

Chris Greenhough — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Forget Swarovski-slathered Wiis -- UK retailer GAME has just absolutely trumped every other Nintendo prize in history by offering up this totally dorky/awesome Mario Kart-themed Volkswagen Beetle in a forthcoming Mario Kart Wii competition. All you have to do is pop along to one of the thirty participating UK stores on April 5th and get the fastest lap in the country. Easy!

There are tons of other prizes on offer, not to mention the chance to play Mario Kart Wii a whole week early, but we've got our eyes set firmly on the car. It's probably not the kind of thing for anybody wishing to attract the opposite sex, but who cares? They're not the ones with a damn Mario Kart Beetle.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Mario Kart VW Beetle sadly lacks shell-dispensing ability originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony sells 1 million PS3s in United Kingdom

Chris Powell — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business, News

Who ever said the PlayStation 3 was in trouble? Well, for those of you who subscribe to that line of thought only need to keep reading because you'll see why you're wrong. Sony has announced that it has sold more than one million PS3s in the United Kingdom.

What makes this feat even more impressive, especially to the naysayers, is that Sony reached the milestone faster than it did with the PlayStation 2, which took 50 weeks to hit the mark.

Sure, some might sum this up to the video game industry becoming more popular throughout the world, but if Sony can keep up this momentum, it's possible that EA's prediction of the PS3 overtaking the Xbox 360 in worldwide sales could come to pass.

Sony sells 1 million PS3s in United Kingdom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guardian: UK plans legally enforceable game ratings

Ross Miller — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Politics

According to British newspaper The Guardian, a new classification system is set to be introduced for video games sold in the United Kingdom. The proposal would deem the rating system legally binding, making it against the law for retailers to sell games to persons below the recommended age rating.

The Guardian does not state who would be responsible for administering the new ratings, although a likely candidate would be the British Board of Film Classification, who spearheaded the Manhunt 2 ban. Although we're hesitant whenever the government tries to step in and tell us what to play (that whole censorship thing), perhaps with a new system they can implement a rating that would allow games like Manhunt 2 to be carried. (Hey, we can dream.)

The proposal also goes into ways the government can restrict children from seeing unsuitable games (don't forget all new consoles have family settings) and internet content. A commissioned review of violence and video games is due next month.

Guardian: UK plans legally enforceable game ratings originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIFA, Brain Training best selling UK games in 2007

Ross Miller — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, PC, Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PSP, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, First Person Shooters, Sports, Business, Casual, Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

EA Sports football (or "soccer" for the US audience) title FIFA 08 was the best-selling video game in the United Kingdom last year according to Chart-Track (via GamesIndustry.biz). The game reportedly sold 25% percent more than its closest rival, Dr Kawashima's Brain Training.

Perhaps surprisingly, Microsoft's flagship Halo 3 came in sixth place with only half of FIFA 08's sales. Both FIFA 08 and Halo 3 were released in late September within days of each other. It should be noted that FIFA 08 was a multiplatform title available on six different consoles and the PC. Top ten list after the break.

Continue reading FIFA, Brain Training best selling UK games in 2007

FIFA, Brain Training best selling UK games in 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Queen Elizabeth II on Wii: One approves

Chris Greenhough — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff

We always suspected that the Wii, much like the toilet, could be a great social leveller. After all, no matter how blue your blood, anybody is going to look like a bit of a plum playing Wii Sports. Obviously, that doesn't remotely faze us (we're not very cool people anyway), it shouldn't faze you, and it certainly doesn't faze Queen Elizabeth II.

Yeah, you heard us: according to British red-top The People, Her Maj is the latest fan of Nintendo's console, and something of a pro at Wii bowling. The monarch discovered the Wii after her grandson, the prematurely balding Prince William, received one of the rare consoles as a Christmas gift from his girlfriend. We actually really love the mental image this story conjures up: the 81-year-old Queen swinging blissfully away while being watched by Wills, Harry, Phillip, several corgis, and various Royal Family underlings, and then getting roundly applauded for knocking down a single pin.

Seriously though, ma'am, it's good to know you're having fun with ~~our taxes~~ your new console. Welcome aboard!

[Via NeoGAF]

Queen Elizabeth II on Wii: One approves originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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