Game industry business news

If you look back on the year 2007, the thing that seemed to catch most people by surprise was the growth of what is often referred to as ‘casual games’ or the ‘casual gamer.’ The big products were the Nintendo Wii and DS, systems that are not the power technology …

Play N Trade’s battleplan for the UK is typically ballsy – but the US retailer, like its Government, may find the difference between planning and executing a successful invasion rather different. This week’s cover story will come as something of a shock, particularly to GAME Group and the indie community …

The new chief executive of Tiga has been named – Richard Wilson (pictured) is to take over the role from outgoing CEO Fred Hasson. For the full story, head over to MCV sister site Develop.

Woolworths has reached an agreement to refinance its bank revolving credit and other facilities with new four-year facilities totalling 385 million, reports The Retail Bulletin The new financing arrangements provide the Group with flexible long-term facilities which will enable its continued development, and in particular, support the growth in the …

After years of speculation, a major US games retailer has finally promised to take on GAME in the UK – and the shock news is it’s not GameStop. Play N Trade, which boasts that it is the fastest-growing specialist chain over the pond, has unveiled a battleplan that could see …

Electronic Arts has announced it is to launch and operate Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Working closely with developers EA Mythic, GigaMedia will provide marketing, community management, technical support and customer service functions. We are pleased and honoured to become EA’s operating partner on …

Disney Interactive Studios is set to release another title in its popular High school Musical series. High School Musical: Work This Out! Will be released on Nintendo DS in April. The title is described by Disney as ‘an all-new musical adventure game, featuring storylines extending beyond High School Musical 2′. …

Eidos will bring the sequel to 2006’s hit Just Cause to market this year. Developed by Avalanche Studios, Just Cause 2 marks the return of slick protagonist Rico Rodriquez, this time taking on a new destination – the huge playground of the South East Asian islands of Panau. The title …

Reuters reports that the platform holder now expects to have sold 1.5 million fewer PS3s than its initial sales target up to March. But its handheld console has outstripped forecasts – Sony has raised its sales target for PSP for the current business year by three million to 13 million. …

Codemasters, Kuju, Audiomotion, Denki, Finblade and outgoing CEO Hasson take home trade association prizes