NEWS 8 MCV 24/09/10
Licence ambush scares off new IP
James Bond: Blood Stone developer says big franchises will win out this Christmas by James Batchelor
UK STUDIO Bizarre Creations has warned that new IPs might suffer in the run-up to Christmas.
The firm behind upcoming Bond game 007: Blood Stone believes recognisable names and licences are the only way to stand out against heavy hitters such as Call of Duty, Medal of Honor and Assassin’s Creed. “If I were working on another game, or if I were releasing a new IP, I would be worried,” Bizarre’s level designer Peter Collier told MCV.
“But because Bond has such a broad appeal and such an aspirational feel about it, fans are certain to buy it. “We may miss out on the hardcore consumers that will go for Black Ops, but that’s a smaller percentage of the broad audience who like Bond.” There is a string of big licences coming to market before Christmas, including
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Gadget Show Live targets UK gamers
THE 2011 Gadget Show Live will feature a gaming hall twice as big as last year’s event. Several key games firms and pro gamers will attend the consumer electronics event at Birmingham’s NEC from Tuesday, April 12th to Sunday, April 17th.
LICENCE TO KILL: A double helping of Blood Stone and GoldenEye will keep 007 competitive this Q4
Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, Glee
“
major new IPs due out this year. The Bond franchise is
If I were working on a new IP, I would be worried. But Bond’s broad appeal means fans will buy Blood Stone. Peter Collier, Bizarre
and The X Factor. Namco Bandai’s Enslaved and Sega’s Vanquish are the only
Venom signs
Weenicons deal PERIPHERALS firm Venom has signed a new licensing agreement with Weenicons.
The company has developed a series of iPhone cases that feature classic Weenicon designs, which are based on iconic faces from TV, film and music. Weenicons have adorned a variety of items in the past, including stationery, clothing, figures, key rings and more.
The first set of iPhone 4 cases are due for release this October. Further products are planned for a range of Weenicon-branded gaming accessories, too. Venom also produces a selection of coloured mobile phone cases. Venom: 01763 284181
to arrive on shelves shortly after Eurocom’s fellow Bond game GoldenEye, which arrives on November 5th. “Fans are getting a
particularly powerful this Q4 thanks to a duo of releases in November. Blood Stone is set
”
THE WORLD RALLY Championship is making its long overdue return to video games next month, and Tradewest is giving away a rally car to help promote it. The 360, PS3 and PC game is one of many big-name racers coming this quarter, including F1 2010 and Gran Turismo 5. And Tradewest is confident that the familiar WRC name will help its title stand out. Senior brand manager Aidan Minter told MCV: “For Tradewest, WRC is probably one of the biggest and most respected franchises in the driving game genre. “With so many driving titles on the market at one time,
double whammy with these games,” he said. “They have been
designed to complement each other so GoldenEye’s success is our success. I hope both games sell well, as I’m sure Eurocom does.”
Event director for The Gadget Show Live 2011 Matt Hodgins told MCV: “There will be a much larger Game Zone – more than double-sized – at next year’s event. “The world’s biggest gaming firms and the most innovative new developers will be at The Gadget Show Live 2011. Our Game Zone hall will be dedicated to gaming with all of the latest consoles and games on the market – whether consumers want a quick game or to play a top professional.” Visitors will have the opportunity to try the latest games, talk to developers and even buy products from the show floor.
www.gadgetshowlive.net
Big marketing push for WRC return
consumers put their faith into franchises they’re familiar with.” Tradewest has prepared a two-month ad campaign running in publications and websites including The Sun, The Mirror, Top Gear, Eurogamer and Max Power, allowing readers to win a Subaru WRX STi rally car.
The vehicle – kitted out with a PS3 and worth £10,000 – will also make appearances outside key UK retailers and at track events. WRC is the first title in the series for over five years and arrives in stores on Friday, October 8th. Tradewest: 0207 382 7720
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