OFF THE RECORD
This week, THQ promotes its uDraw accessory, Rare gets robotic and Future finds a new FIFA champ, while Activision, Ubisoft and GAME throw events. We’ve also got another Tag Team interview and more Industry Gamertags for you to add to your friends list
GET INVOLVED Send your event snaps to
offtherecord@intentmedia.co.uk TAG-TEAM INTERVIEW
Sony’s Mark Howsen grills Tesco’s senior buying manager for games John Stanhope about beaches, squash and more
Mark Howsen, UK Sales Director, SCEE
Vs
A few years ago a famous YouTube video showed Tesco invading Denmark. Can you confirm or deny the existence of a secret Tesco tripod army?
I can only confirm that you have to have a secret weapon or two to thrive at Tesco.
Beach or Piste – and why? Piste on the beach – there is no better feeling.
UDRAW GETS THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING THQ held a retail showcase to promote its upcoming Wii accessory uDraw last week. A drawing competition saw the device given away – along with all three launch titles – to the most creative retailer. The winning Halloween-themed entry (above)was from GAME’s Alison Frazer.
One of your passions is smashing a small ball against a wall. I remember playing Jonah Barrington’s Squash on Spectrum as a kid, but do you think there is a mass market for a next- gen squash title? If so, how many would you order? In a few years time, it might be the only way I’ll be able to play the game, so I’ll order one copy – for myself.
UBI DO THE CONGA The Just Dance 2disco bus toured across London last weekend to promote the new Wii game. Party-goers ranged from the young, the old, the drunk and even the newly wed.
You’re a bit of an entertainment industry veteran. What are the changes that have amazed you most in our industry? The success of Wii. I remember thinking Nintendo had made a mistake at E3 when they presented a non- HD machine alongside Sony’s PS3 and Microsoft’s 360. I’ve also not got over the change that comes over people who attend the Golden Joysticks.
Like myself, you’re a family man, and the recent cuts by
108 October 29th 2010
John Stanhope
Senior Buying Manager for Games, Tesco
the current Government are going to hit us all in some way. What will you be economising on in the next six months?
I’ll be joining our customers in trading in pre-owned games in Tesco. Apart from that, I’m desperately trying to kick my latte addiction. It’s not helped by the newly installed Costa Coffee bar in our reception.
Tesco works with thousands of suppliers. What makes a great working relationship? High quality business planning, joint risk taking, honesty and a bit of fun along the way. A few thousand shops also helps.
Who is the most
inspirational person you have worked with and why? Jim Batchelor. I worked for Jim running DVD at Woolworths and MVC, and he helped me understand the true meaning of ‘leadership’.
Whats the weirdest thing you’ve seen in the industry? Watching the group of people that somehow managed to get on the plane after the Sega and THQ event in Malta. It was around 6:30 in the morning and they hadn’t been to bed.
Who will you be interviewing for Tag Team next week? Adam Roberts, THQ.
www.mcvuk.com
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