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Mafia 2 is top UK earner for third week
Take-Two's Mafia 2 whacked the competition to hold the top of the UK sales charts for a third week in a row. Making that feat even more surprising is the fact that Chart-Track notes the mob epic had a 58 percent drop in sales for the week. Second place went to Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2, which, after premiering the week before, flew up six spots with the launch of the PS3 version. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days suppressed the rest, despite a 50 percent sales drop, to take the bronze. Three new titles entered the top ten: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep and R.U.S.E. took sixth through eighth, respectively. Red Dead Redemption just barely hung onto the top ten, but the real shock is that Just Dance took eleventh place -- we think that's the lowest it's gone all year. Check out the full list of the UK's top 10 bestselling titles for the week after the break.
August NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year
The sun will rise, the moon will set and it would be a sign of the end days if Madden didn't rule August software sales in the United States. The August NPDs are out and Madden NFL 11 sold over 1.8 million units in the month, a six percent increase over last year, with significant increases on PS3. Mafia 2, which Take-Two expects to be profitable, entered with a badda-boom and appears to have sold around 200K units during the month -- the title has been a chart topper in the UK since launch. The Xbox 360 remains the top-selling console for a second month, but its sales did drop nearly 20 percent from July. The only hardware to see sales gains during the month was the PlayStation 3, which according to the NPD has now seen 13 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases. Overall, hardware and software sales were down both year-over-year and year-to-date. Sales for hardware, software and accessories combined was down 10 percent to $818.9M from last year and down 8 percent year-to-date to $8.31 billion. Consoles tried to make up for the sagging handheld market, as NPD analyst Anita Frazier notes, "The 360 and PS3 platforms both grew in dollar sales versus last year. In fact, the 360 platform contributed more than 1/3 of total new physical retail sales across hardware, software and accessories while the PS3 platform contributed over 1/4 of total dollar sales." Oh yeah, one more thing: the top ten list of titles after the break only charts console and portable SKUs, so it's worth mentioning StarCraft 2 sold another 300K units in August, which would make it the second best-selling game for the month... if it were factored in. Frazer also stated, "PC games retail dollar sales saw a 35% increase over last August." 360: 357K, down 83K (-19.7%) DS: 343K, down 55.3K (-13.9%) Wii: 244K, down 9.7K (-3.8%) PS3: 226K, up 11K (5.1%) PSP: 79K, down 4.6K (-5.5%)
Mafia 2 banned in United Arab Emirates
According to a report from ME Gamers, the United Arab Emirates National Media Council has officially banned the sale of Mafia 2 within its borders. No statement has been formally issued by the NMC regarding the ban, though a report from Arabian Business (via Gamasutra) cites "excessive violence and nudity contained in the game." Mafia 2 joins a laundry list of other titles deemed inappropriate by the UAE's media governance body, including this year's Heavy Rain and Darksiders. That said, reports in the past have pointed out the relative ease with which UAE residents can still pick up various "banned" games. Mafia 2 has been criticized by UNICO National, an Italian American organization, as a "pile of racist nonsense." The game was also criticized by Joystiq for forcing us to spend "way too much time in shallow block-counter-repeat fistfights or behind the wheel of a clunky automobile."
Mafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week
Did you think Take-Two's Mafia 2 would slip off the top spot in the UK charts after one week? Well, fuhgeddaboudit -- Chart-Track notes that despite a 23 percent drop in sales, the crime sandbox maintained its Godfather status. Last week, the publisher announced that it expects the game to continue being a good earner. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days maintained its silver status with Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort rallying into bronze (thanks to a Wiimote bundle). Sales stalwarts Toy Story 3 and Red Dead Redemption remain in fourth and fifth, respectively. It appears that the time for one of Ubisoft's Dance titles is over. Older brother Just Dance is still jammin' at seventh, but Dance on Broadway has a bum leg and laryngitis, slipping even further this week down to 22. Check out last week's top 10 selling titles in the UK after the break. Update: Oops, we neglected to mention Metroid: Other M premiered last week at 12. Looks like we weren't the only ones who didn't notice it was available.
Mafia 2 likely to be profitable, Take-Two says
Speaking today during Take-Two's quarterly earnings call, CEO Ben Feder commented on Mafia 2's projected profitability. Perhaps directly rebutting one analyst's recent prediction, Feder assured investors, "Based upon the initial launch, we expect this to be another profitable title for Take-Two." He did not offer specific sales or shipment data for the game's first week at retail, nor did Feder note a general timetable for when to expect Mafia 2 to cross over into the black. Mafia 2 was released on August 24 to somewhat favorable critical reception, following an eight-year development process that began when 2K Czech set to work on a custom game engine. Our first glimpse of the game (pictured above) came just over three years ago.
Mafia 2 faces Jimmy's Vendetta on September 7
After the Betrayal of Jimmy, it only makes sense that Mafia 2 players would be present for Jimmy's Vendetta. 2K Games announced today that the next piece of Mafia 2 DLC will be available on September 7 for $9.99 on PC and PS3, and 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox 360. "Jimmy's Vendetta" adds "more than 30 new quests and leaderboard ranking" as players step into the role of Jimmy, taking care of business left unfinished by other mobsters. As you progress through the series of assassinations and car chases, we'll find out if the storyline sets up our idea for the next content pack, "Let's Leave Jimmy Alone for a While, He's Had Kind of a Rough Couple of Days."
Mafia 2 enters UK charts, biggest launch since Red Dead Redemption
Take-Two's crime drama, Mafia 2, debuted at the top of the UK charts last week, with Chart-Track calling it "the biggest UK game launch since Take-Two's very own Red Dead Redemption 14 weeks ago." Though it's an impressive start, we've yet to see how the game fares in the United States, and whether sales have the stamina to recoup the costs of a lengthy development. Kane and Lynch aren't done with their Dog Days up on the charts just yet. Despite slipping into second place this week, the duo managed a 33 percent increase in sales. Toy Story 3 and Red Dead Redemption found comfortable spots in third and fourth, respectively, and a Wii sale in the region helped boost the system-bundled Wii Sports Resort from 16 to number five. If there's one surprise, it's that one of Ubisoft's Dance titles is out of the top ten. Don't worry, Just Dance is still gettin' down like an all-night rave at sixth, but Dance on Broadway has fallen off the stage and into row 16. Check out this week's top selling titles after the break.
Mafia 2 unlikely to be profitable, Pachter says
According to Michael Pachter, Mafia 2 sales appear unlikely to recoup the cost of the game's six-year development period. The Wedbush analyst told Gamasutra that "consumer interest appears to be waning" for 2K Games' crime drama. Mafia 2 currently holds the #43 position on Amazon's Video Game Bestsellers list, one week after release. In comparison, Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption faced regular shortages when it was first released and sold five million units in just three weeks' time. Take-Two will update its investors with the company's latest financial results later this week. In addition to confirming sales figures, Pachter expects "the company to announce a shift in release dates for LA Noire out of 2010 and into 2011." Now ... wouldn't that be surprising?
See Mafia 2 and get ... a haircut
We, as it turns out, are in a race with PR to the end of civilization. It goes a little like this: they keep coming up with more obstinately dumb ways to promote games and, since we too are dumb, we fall for it and write about it. Then they get dumber and we have to write about it harder. And so on. So we're going to do our part and tell you that 2K Games is offering free haircuts to gamers in the UK to entice them to check out Mafia II (full details after the jump). But we do so with the understanding that we're propagating a cycle that terminates with "Hurl Your Feces at Halo 4 as You Screech in Delight" in the not-too-distant future. So, sorry. For that. (P.S. The title of the press release literally includes the phrase "Invite You To Become A Mane Man." We didn't add that.)
Video: The Naked Gun visits Mafia 2's Empire Bay
The Zucker brothers' classic The Naked Gun and video games are no strangers. We've seen Naked Gun mashed up with GTAIV, and Doom, for example. Now, an enterprising YouTuber has brought the classic intro into Mafia 2's Empire Bay. We're pretty sure it's the first time we've seen a car use a toilet.
Metareview: Mafia 2
Much like the mafioso antics of Mafia 2's Vito Scaletta and co., review scores for the game are all over the place. 2K Games probably wants people to fuhgedabout those on the lower end, but we've collected a sampling of the whole gamut for you below. And hey, if you haven't read our review yet, you should read it first -- capisce? Game Informer (90/100): "In an era when video games are moving away from relying on cinematics for storytelling, Mafia II draws on the rich mobster film history to weave a gripping drama about family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and pragmatism. If you're fond of quoting Don Corleone and Tony Soprano, don't miss this game." GameSpot (8.5): "Mafia II is an excellent return of a franchise with great promise. Vito and his associates are memorable characters in a city bursting with subtle visual details and violent undertones ... While you might be disappointed with what Mafia II doesn't do, it's hard to be disappointed by what this excellent game does do: deliver fun shoot-outs and pockets of shocking brutality in a world you're delighted to be a part of." Giant Bomb (3/5 Stars): "Playing Mafia II gives you the feeling that the developers put more emphasis on telling a great mob story than designing a great video game, but had to split their attention too much to effectively do either one ... There are a lot of great mob stories out there already, and this one needed more focus to stand out next to all the memorable tales that came before." Eurogamer (4/10): "Mafia II gets the last word by destroying the myth that the mafia is interesting at all. It contends that the mob world is a hell of boredom populated by aggressively stupid automatons. These drones wake up each morning, carry out a series of repetitious tasks, and return home. The message: thug life is nothing more than it appears. And Mafia II is even less." %Gallery-97938%
Joyswag: Mafia 2 'Gun Lamp' and suitcase
Is that a gun? No, it's a gun lamp! 2K Games crafted some truly remarkable swag over the course of Mafia 2's promotion -- including a rather authentic-looking suitcase, filled with some "classified documents." One Joystiq reader will be sent the lamp, the briefcase, and a copy of the game on the platform of their choice. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment describing the most deadly furniture you own. Also, let us know what your preferred platform is! You must be 17 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person. This entry period ends at 5:00PM ET on Thursday, August 26. At that time, we'll randomly select one grand prize winner to receive a limited edition Mafia 2 lamp, suitcase, and a copy of the game on either PS3, Xbox 360 or PC. (ARV $100). Two runner-ups will receive a copy of the game. (ARV $60). For a list of complete rules, click here. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Review: Mafia 2
There's a bit early on in Mafia 2 where war veteran and budding crook Vito Scaletta tries to go straight. He takes some grunt work at the docks, just like his late old man, loading hefty wooden crates onto a truck bed. After a few minutes of player-controlled hauling, he abandons his short-lived foray into working stiffery permanently. But after playing though the entirety of his criminal career, after seeing the gameplay and narrative drudgery he was in store for, it's hard to say for certain that he made the right choice. %Gallery-97815%
PSA: Not all Italian Americans are descended from Mafia 2
Wednesday 18 August Weight: Ugh. I don't even want to know what I weigh after inhaling that slice. Food consumed today: Do I really have to spell it out again? P. I. Z. Z. A. And I know for sure the guys running that joint aren't in the mafia or whatever. I don't even think they're Italian. Evening. Cloudy. A good night for the gym. Oh Diary, what to do about these UNICO National people? They've gone and denounced Mafia 2 as a "pile of racist nonsense" -- which is great to get some added publicity a week before launch. Lord knows this game has been in development for-ever. But still, to suggest the game will "indoctrinate a new generation into directly associating Italians and Italian Americans with violent, murderous organized crime" -- really? Mafia 2 is clearly a period piece. I mean, look at the cars in that game. Oh, and those clothes! What a riot! Frankly, and I don't think I'm alone here, when I think Italian American -- sure, I used to think The Godfather, and then it was The Sopranos -- but now it's GTL, you know? Those are good values. I mean, look just how far a strong body can take you. And who wants to walk around looking all pale? Which reminds me! I need to go schedule my dry cleaning to be delivered in the morning. TTYL! -Zelny
EU PlayStation Plus subscribers get Mafia 2 demo early
Sony announced this morning via its EU PlayStation Blog that the demo for Mafia 2 will be a "24-hour exclusive" to PlayStation Plus subscribers on the EU PSN (people presumably still reeling from their bonus copies of LittleBigPlanet). Non-subscribers in the EU will get the demo tomorrow. The demo went live via Automatic Download and on the PlayStation Plus section of PSN this morning. If you can patiently outlast today, you'll find the demo available to every European PS3 owner tomorrow. It's also available worldwide on the Xbox Live Marketplace right now and should be added to the US PSN later today.
Mafia 2 trailer showcases tech behind the game
The latest trailer for Mafia 2 showcases some of the reasons we had such a great time playing it last month: attention to detail. Specifically, 2K Czech team members explain in the clip how the game engine powering the title goes a long way in making the world feel alive. NPCs wait for traffic signals, react naturally when you interact with them (for instance, smashing head-on into their automobile will elicit lots of shouting), and objects in the environment respond accordingly as well. Though we might argue that main character Vito Scaletta probably doesn't need to mow down that totally innocent phone booth (as seen in the video after the break), the action does its job of impressing upon us the physicality of Empire Bay. We'll get another chance to try out the game this coming Tuesday when the demo hits, and will get the full retail release just two weeks later on the 24th.%Gallery-97815%
See Jimmy's betrayal in these new Mafia 2 screens
Remember that famous scene in the The Godfather where Michael tells Fredo to never take sides against the family? Well, in the world of Mafia 2 -- set in post-WWII America -- that movie wasn't filmed yet, so PS3-exclusive DLC protagonist, Jimmy, never learned that lesson. Feel free to see what we mean in our gallery of fresh screens below. The Betrayal of Jimmy DLC will be free to all who pick up Mafia 2 for the PS3 new (via an included voucher) and available for download through PSN for $9.99 when the game launches on August 24.%Gallery-99004%
Mafia 2 kicking in heads with latest trailer
If you didn't know, we've got a pizza slice-shaped hole in our hearts ready to be filled by Mafia 2's mafioso charms. The latest trailer, revealed "exclusively" on the latest episode of GameTrailers TV, only helps a little to abate our excitement for the game's impending release.
Mafia 2 demo is in business August 10
Now for an offer you can't refuse: Mafia 2's demo will hit Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on August 10. Take a ride on the wise guy side and test drive the family business simulator before its August 24 launch. Although we aren't exactly sure what's in the public demo, you can check our latest preview, or the one from E3, for an idea of what to expect. So far, we haven't been disappointed of what we've seen from the game -- and, no, nobody is holding a gun to our head to say that ... maybe. [Thanks, Matthew] %Gallery-97815%
Mafia 2 adds Steam support, serves up Mafia 1 for digital pre-orders
Take-Two sent over a press release announcing a partnership between 2K Games and Valve, whose Steam platform will power the PC version of Mafia 2's online multiplayer and bestow upon those who pre-order a free copy of the original Mafia game -- available to download and play immediately prior to the sequel's August 24 launch date. Don't use Steam? No matter – the deal is good through "select digital retailers" including Steam and applies to both the standard and collector's edition, so you've got some say in the matter. Talk about an offer you can't refuse! Steamworks will help our friend Mafia 2 through its unique feature set, including auto-updates, Steam Achievements, and all of the other data provided by the latest version of Steam. %Gallery-97938%
