APPLE CORPS LTD., MTV AND HARMONIX COME TOGETHER FOR UNPRECEDENTED DEAL
New York, NY – October 30, 2008 – The Beatles’ extraordinary music and phenomenal legacy is set to rock across the universe in the form of a video game through an exclusive partnership between Apple Corps Ltd., Harmonix and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
This partnership marks the first time that Apple Corps, along with EMI Music, Harrisongs Ltd, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing, has agreed to present The Beatles music in an interactive video game format. Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company and creators of the best-selling Rock Band®, the game will be an unprecedented, experiential progression through and celebration of the music and artistry of The Beatles. The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.
“The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out,” Sir Paul McCartney said.
Nintendo Co., Ltd., today announced in Japan consolidated first-half financial results for the six-month period between April and September 2008, highlighted by record high sales and profits, and increased shipments for the company’s popular Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ video game systems.
Because of the strength of the yen against the dollar and the euro, Nintendo revised its annual forecast for operational, recurring and net profits downward. However, the annual sales forecast of two trillion yen was left intact mainly because the company increased its shipment forecasts for Nintendo DS software (to 207 million from 197 million), Wii hardware (to 27.5 million from 26.5 million) and Wii software (to 200 million from 186 million).
Other highlights announced by Nintendo today include the following cumulative shipment figures from launch through the end of September 2008:
“We [at EA] think we can take a more Western approach to fitness, something a little more active that gets you moving. “[Our peripheral will] measure intensity, how strong your thrusts are, [and] how high you jump.” – EA Sports executive producer Dave McCarthy
01. [NDS] Wagamama Fashion Girls Mode (Nintendo) 76,000 / NEW
02. [PS2] Devil Summoner: Kuzunoha Raidou tai Abaddon Ou (Atlus) 63,000 / NEW
03. [NDS] Pokémon Platinum (Pokémon) 53,000 / 1,810,000
04. [WII] Rhythm Tengoku Gold (Nintendo) 44,000 / 1,051,000
05. [WII] Wii Music (Nintendo) 38,000 / 129,000
06. [PSP] Yuusha no Kuse ni Namaikida Or 2 (SCE) 27,000 / 86,000
07. [PS2] Devil Summoner: Kuzunoha Raidou tai Abaddon Ou (Special) (Atlus) 25,000 / 25,000
08. [NDS] Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (Konami) 19,000 / 19,000
09. [PSP] Bleach: Soul Carnival (SCE) 18,000 / 18,000
10. [WII] Wii Fit (Nintendo) 15,000 / 2,756,000
“It’s early days to talk about how much we will spend to support the game, but the buzz that HVS have already generated for The Conduit is absolutely outstanding. All metrics indicate extremely high awareness with Wii consumers. We will absolutely put a world-class marketing campaign behind the launch of the game – but we’re helped by the fact this game is so good that it sells itself!” – SEGA of America’s president, Simon Jeffery
Other tidbits coming from Simon Jeffrey:
– SEGA drawn to The Conduit by the reaction of the gaming community
– Not talking about publishing other sequels yet
– Might publish other High Voltage Software games
The Conduit is one of those games that I would hope would receive a considerable amount of marketing. The hardcore audience obviously knows about the game, but what about the average Joe?
