Stop online codes and we will share our pre-owned revenue, say retailers
UK High Street would consider striking a deal with publishers over used games sales in return for better terms
by Dominic Sacco PUBLISHERS can get a bigger slice of pre-owned game sales at retail – if they’re willing to reach a compromise with stores. Several games retailers have told MCVthey’d be happy to share revenues from used game sales if publishers scrapped Online Pass codes or gave them a better deal on new stock. A number of publishers such as EA, Ubisoft, THQ and more recently Warner Bros currently include one- time digital pass codes in certain new releases. These give customers free access to part of the in-game content which buyers of second hand versions must pay extra for.
Gordon Crawford from indie Gamespod told MCV: “As a retail store we would happily share part of the sale from a used game if we get something in return. Perhaps new games at better prices and no more online codes.”
In a statement sent to
MCV, HMV said: “We all know how the business model in the industry is changing. So if there is any merit in this idea then it may be worth
looking into.” Julian
Slater from Bits and Pieces added: “If you
want to
Future relaunches Nintendo magazine
by James Batchelor
THE FIRST issue of Nintendo Gamerlanded on shelves yesterday (Thursday, January 5th). The unofficial Nintendo magazine – formarly NGamer– is available in both print and on iPad. The cover price has been cut from £4.99 to £4.50.
A new website,
www.nintendo-gamer.net, will also go live in February, complemented by a strong social media presence. “With 3DS taking a strong foothold in the market and Wii U on the horizon, the Nintendo sector should be a more vibrant place in 2012,” said Lee Nutter, publisher for Future’s Nintendo portfolio. “We’ve positioned Nintendo Gamerto deliver that excitement across print, web and iPad, in its own inimitable way.” Future:
THE PUBLISHER of a brand new climate change game is doing its own bit to save the planet.
Brighton-based Lace Mamba Global is making the boxed version of PC strategy title Fate of the World(due Friday, January 27th) as eco-friendly as possible. The £19.99 release will be made from recycled materials including an eco-friendly sourced paper manual and cardboard packaging, all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The game is also backed by several charities including PETA, The Sea
“Fate of the Worldis a mind-changer,” Lace Mamba Global’s head of PR and marketing Claas Wolter told MCV.
Shepherd and Viva con Agua, with free ads for them appearing in its manual. Even disc manufacturer Sony DADC – which is producing the Fate of the Worlddiscs – is using evironmentally-friendly duplication methods.
“Playing the game helps to understand how hard it is to keep a balance between saving the world and keeping a country’s economy in good shape. “We want to take our share by producing this retail edition as eco-friendly as possible. We are using recycled and responsibly sourced materials for the production of its box.” Fate of the Worldis the sequel to BBC’s award- winng Climate Challenge. Lace: 01273 202 220
January 6th 2012 7
We’d share part of the sale from a used game if we get something in return.
“ Gordon Crawford, Gamespod
stop these one-time codes then yeah, fair enough, we’ll share revenues. If publishers gave me a better deal, then maybe. The publishers are not the poor man here.” Other retailers are less confident publishers will stike a deal at all. ”We’d definitely like to do this, but I don’t see it
being something publishers would implement,” said Chris Muckell from Xpress Games. “With new releases dropping in price after just the second week, I’d have thought their investments would be better in making money from DLC.”