Thursday 13th December/…MCV, the leading trade publication for the videogames industry, has today published the results of its annual independent retailer survey – with the release of Halo 3 being lauded as the best single moment in 2007.Microsoft claimed a triple-whammy, as the publisher was voted the best in terms of overall quality and attitude throughout the year. In addition, Xbox 360 is considered the format to win the next generation battle, with 49 per cent of the vote. PlayStation 3 came second – with 35 per cent – and Wii third with 16 per cent of the vote. It’s probably no coincidence that the Nintendo format’s notoriously tight supply issues was voted the biggest disappointment of the year.

The independents’ biggest concern is the supermarkets – their increased market share was specified by 62 per cent as the biggest problem facing games retailers at the moment. Discounting on new releases – often driven by the same supermarkets – came second in the list of greatest concerns, with 28 per cent of the vote.

Despite this, 85 per cent of stores reported being confident about their business in 2008 – a huge endorsement on the games industry, which continues to generate more and more revenues year by year.

“It’s software, not hardware, which provides a continual revenue stream for UK retail, so it’s no surprise that one of the year’s most celebrated games proved to be the independents’ highpoint,” says Neil Long, editor, MCV. “Of greater concern are the more general supply issues which not only impact takings, but disappoint customers. But despite this, the outlook looks incredibly positive.”

What title will be the All Formats Christmas Number 1?

1. Need For Speed: Pro Street 42%
2. Call of Duty 4 16%
3. Assassin’s Creed 10%
4. Mario Galaxy 6%
5. WWE Smackdown 5%
6. Guitar Hero III 4%
7. FIFA 4%
8. Pro Evo 2008 4%

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Today is all about the lucky number, 13 as today is the 13th and Popcorn Arcade gains number 13..unlucky for some but for Popcorn it means Gold…

www.popcorn-arcade.com Stourbridge, …
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