SONY: The format-holder is currently finalising details for its PS3-4000, a version of the console with an even smaller form factor. However, the device will not be shown at Gamescom, MCV understands, and will likely not herald any major price cut on the platform.
UBISOFT: The publisher claims that the lack of new consoles has “penalised” it. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said that not having a new console every five years has stifled creativity for publishers and developers.
MOJANG: Markus ‘Notch’ Persson confirmed via Twitter that Minecrafthas sold over three million via Xbox Live Arcade. The XBLA version shattered records by moving over one million units in just five days of its release and shortly became the best- selling XBLA game ever.
GREE: The mobile games company is opening a new studio in Vancouver.
PIRATE BAY: Several UK ISPs have expanded their block on file-sharing site The Pirate Bay. Virgin Media, Sky Broadband and Talk Talk have all widened their block while the website tries to counteract with new proxy sites and bypasses.
Seventh store for Games Centre
Scottish indie ready for the opening of a new branch in Dumfries Eighth outlet opens soon by Lauren Wainwright
INDIE CHAIN Games Centre is opening its seventh store this week. The Dumfries branch, which opens this week, will be the only indie in the area with just national retailers to compete with. Games Centre director
Robert Lindsay told MCV that plans are already away for store number eight: “We now have the infrastructure and correct proposition in place to continue expanding and we have already identified our next location which will open in the next coming months. “There are no other independents in the area, only the nationals that you
Publishers and distributors are still willing to help indie retailers.
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Robert Lindsay, Games Centre
by James Batchelor
CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
Guild Wars 2 PES 2013
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
Videos are available within the free iPad Edition of MCVon iTunes and the free browser-based Digital Edition, which can be accessed at MCVUK.com
MAD CATZ showed off its range of peripherals for Wii U to UK retailers and consumers at its Unveiled event earlier this month. The products will arrive alongside Nintendo’s new console later this year. Mad Catz’s initial line-up includes the new Tritton
Kunai Stereo Gaming Headset, stylus pens and Jumbo stylus pens and a charging dock for the tablet controller.
The new range follows the release of Mad Catz and Microsoft’s co-branded Tritton headset for 360, with the Warhead model due next month.
Mad Catz: 01908 336 538 July 27th 2012 7
would expect to see in a town the size of Dumfries.” Games Centre has received great support from several distributors and publishers with EA, Sony, Gem, Centresoft and Advantage offering merchandise to give away to the new store’s first customers.
Lindsay added: “The support has been tremendous and has highlighted that there is still a willingness there to help independent retailers.” Games Centre has an online shop and six stores across North Landarkshire, Ayrshire, Hamilton and Renfrewshire. Along with further expansion in terms of online and brick-and-mortar stores, Games Centre will be relocating its head office to larger premises next month and plans to expand the range of products it offers. “Our aim is to keep the indie feel of the company but with professionalism to match the nationals.” Games Centre: 01563 521717
DARK KNIGHT APP TOYS RISE AT RETAIL
THERE may be no official Dark Knight Risesgame but retailers can still cash in on the Caped Crusader’s latest flick with Mattel’s Apptivity range. Retailing at around £11.99, these stylised miniature figures interact with free Dark Knight RisesiPad apps. Each one comes with a different weapon for taking down Gotham thugs, including the grapnel gun, riot gear or EMP blaster. Mattel: 01628 500000