NEWS uDraw is ‘a platform, not a fad’
THQ says rival publishers want to develop for new peripheral Over 1m unit sales predicted by James Batchelor
THE UDRAWWii Gaming Tablet is a new ‘platform’ that has already attracted attention from other publishers, according to THQ. The firm showcased the product in London to retailers last week. The peripheral and its first titles will arrive early next year. THQ says it has a five- year plan for the device and is considering proposals from third-parties who are interested in developing for it. “This is a platform launch, not a one-off proposition,” said UK marketing director Jon Rooke.
“ by Christopher Dring
REALTIME DISTRIBUTION will now handle products for UK-based peripherals specialist Venom. The deal represents
Realtime’s continued push into the console sector. The company will
distribute the majority of Venom’s console portfolio, including the VX Comms headset range, charging
Realtime’s Darrington says the Venom deal brings in new users
by Christopher Dring
Consumers can now buy their games while topping up for fuel, picking up the morning paper and even buying a shrubbery, under a new initiative by Bright Red Entertainment.
The distributor has launched its new pallet concept Game Depot into non-traditional retail, such as petrol stations, garden centres and newsagents.
www.mcvuk.com
This is a new platform and it’s great having people propose more for uDraw. Jon Rooke, THQ
“We’re approaching this as a long-term commitment – at least, three to five years – and we believe the software will sell well long after launch. “We can only create so much software ourselves, so it’s great to have people proposing more products
for uDraw. A lot of them have even questioned why Nintendo hasn’t created this device themselves, which is very flattering. “We’d love uDraw to become part of people’s everyday lives, rather than only being used at parties.” The announcement of uDraw back in August was well-received, with responses that even surprised THQ. Rooke added: “We were amazed to hear analysts predicting uDraw could sell up to one million units. I hope we do sell that much – on day one. That would be lovely.”
THQ: 01483 724500
THQ exec Jon Rooke showed off uDraw to UK retailers last week
Venom signs partnership with Realtime
stations for 360, PS3, Wii, DSi and PlayStation Move, Wii Remote and Nunchuck packs, cases for Nintendo DS products and more. “Venom will be a key manufacturer in our console peripherals portfolio,” said Realtime purchasing director Julie Darrington. “When Realtime became an official Activision Blizzard distributor at the beginning of the year it
launched us into the console market. “We were able to supply our console gaming customers with Nintendo Wii accessories, but we did not have peripherals for any other console platform. “Our partnership with
Venom will enable Realtime to offer our customers the most sought after peripherals across all platforms.” Realtime: 01480 435 881
Gaming heads to garden centres with Bright Red
The first of these depots launched in garden centre chain Nottcutts last month, and Bright Red says it is about to sign a deal to supply a chain of 100 newsagents nationwide. “The target is to have 300 Game Depot branded FSDUs in circulation by March 2011,” said commercial director Mark Williams. “We have support from most of the UK-based publishers. We present a
“
We have support from most UK publishers and tailor our range to individual retailer’s needs. Mark Williams, Bright Red
replenishable range that is tailored to the individual retailer’s demographic.” Products on offer are budget-priced licensed titles, with price points of £14.99 on Wii and DS and £19.99 for PS3 and Xbox 360. Williams continued: “Placing a £50 new release in a petrol station and expecting high sell-through numbers is, in my opinion, highly mis-placed.” Bright Red: 01908 582477
October 29th 2010 9
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