As 2009 is quickly coming to a close, IndustryGamers takes a look back at the exciting year in news it was for the global games business. There was seemingly an endless stream of interesting, and at times earth-shattering, news to follow this year. We sort through it all to bring you what we feel were the 20 most important stories of the last 12 months. Dig in...
#20 Midway Suffers Fatality, Absorbed by Warner Bros.
Some of the companies in the toughest position this generation have been mid-level publishers who have difficulty reigning in the budgets of their games. While Midway hadn't been profitable for years, a sketchy stock sale left many of the company's creditors worried and brought Midway to the brink of insolvency. Eventually, Warner Bros. ended up the one (and only) party interested in the publisher. Midway's executive team was promptly laid off, Midway Newcastle was shut down and reborn as Atomhawk, Midway San Diego was picked up by THQ and Midway Europe revived the Tradewest trademark. Meanwhile, we're left wondering what Midway will do with the Mortal Kombat studio, reportedly renamed by Warner Bros.
#19 Eidos Levels Up with Square Enix
Tomb Raider publisher Eidos had been floundering for years as a mid-level publisher (see also Midway above) but the company found its white knight in Square Enix earlier this year. This led to a realignment of the new company's European distribution and to an amending of Eidos' relationship with Warner Bros. (an alliance that ended with the best-selling Batman: Arkham Asylum). Members of Eidos and Square Enix will notably collaborate on a new game in the company's Montreal studio.
4 Comments
December 21, 2009
Sorry about midway and especially about eidos going with square enix. They were big when I really somewhat cared about gaming during sega and ps1 times.
Pspstop, how clever.
Guess we should be grateful for #13.
slim & Okay i'd say. The big old 6 gig is a lot more attractive imo.
Anyway way very good list. Motion controls, price cuts and music games. #1 and 2 stand out but it's especially good to read 2.
December 23, 2009
Best story has to be #2. Really more like an epiphany for the industry though. Core-gamers are sustainable sources of revenue unlike the generally whimsical casual crowd.
December 23, 2009
I meant 60 gig. I think I need recharge my keyboard batteries lol.
January 4, 2010
Yep gamers, your commitment to your hobby of choice pays off. Congrats!