Analysis: Game Marketing Gets Harder

SEPTEMBER 27, 2010 • Video game marketing is changing radically. A quick look at the traditional advertising vehicles such as enthusiast magazines would suggest that marketing budgets are shrinking. But that isn’t necessarily the case. True, some publishers will have decreased their ad spend significantly as a result of the impact on revenue.  True, publishers are releasing fewer titles, which suggests fewer dollars spent overall. The reality, however, is not so clear cut. The maj.....

1 Million Clone Wars Adventures Players

SEPT. 25, 2010 • Sony Online Entertainment’s Clone Wars Adventures F2P Star Wars MMO has attracted 1 million players in one week in release. The title features update content tied with the popular animated television series. Impact: As we have noted before, browser-based titles are getting much more gameplay depth, and the quality of the experience delivered is rising fast. Clone Wars Ad.....

THQ Testing Free-to-Play

SEPT. 23, 2010 • THQ chief executive explained on an investor conference call how the publisher will be testing an adapted F2P model with its retail titles. The concept is to release stripped down versions of selected titles for between $29 and $39, and providing consumers the option of purchasing up to $100 in addition DLC. The model will be tested next year with THQ’s MX vs ATV off-road racing game. .....

Interview IMVU Banks On Chat

SEPT. 20, 2010 • Somewhere between social networks and text chat is IMVU. Since 2004 the service has been perfecting a 3D virtual environment where users deck out their avatars in the fashion style of their choice, and go out to chat with the people they meet. In many ways the concept reads like The Sims Online stripped of the simulation gameplay elements, in favor of a doubling down on user-generated content and player interaction. .....

Need For Speed Word Adds Free-to-Play

SEPT. 9, 2010 • Since its launch on July 27 Need For Speed World attracted 1 million registered players. The racing MMO was initially free-to-play up to level 10, at which point advancement in the game ceased until the $20 Starter Pack was purchased. But following the announcement, Electronic Arts opened up all levels to free play, and will monetize the title using virtual items to made available later. .....

Duke Nukem Forever Has Risen

SEPT. 3, 2010 • Duke Nukem Forever is getting resurrected thanks to Gearbox Software, which acquired the rights to the oft-delayed project from 3D Realms. Take-Two will continue as publisher. Gearbox started work finishing the game in 2009, and plans to release it in 2011. The sequel to the mid-’90s hit FPS Duke Nukem 3D has been in development since 1997. Impact: Duke Nukem Forever fell.....

Best Buy Adds Trade-in Program

AUG. 26, 2010 • Despite game publishers intent on discouraging purchasers of used titles by charging for DLC, Best Buy Stores took its online game trade-in program to 600 retail locations. The retailer will roll the program to the remaining 489 stores by October. In related news, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that the First Sale Doctrine that permits legitimate owners of copies of copyrighted works to resell those copies is unava.....