Need for Speed must rank as one of the most improved brands we’ve seen – in terms of commercial success, at least. EA has noticed, of course, and now has plans for Need for Speed Live. Negotiations are underway to hold the event next summer at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent, and a better location I cannot imagine – Brands Hatch is ace. There will be drifting and time attack racing, as well as games, music, cars and such gubbins on show.
Sticking with live events, The Gadget Show Live is due to take place at the more traditional venue of the NEC Birmingham next April. Exhibitors will include PlayStation and – most excitingly – Belkin, producers of cables and stuff.
Other exciting brand extension news includes the North American launch of UbiPetz, a range of plush toys based on Ubisoft’s Petz series, which includes Dogz, Catz and Monkeyz. Slender Lorisz are not expected at this stage.
If you’re after a more expensive variety of game-related tat, then you need look no further than the £100 World Exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4 Watch at Gamestation. There are only 500 worldwide, so order now to ensure disappointment.
But for sheer range of tat – some even more expensive – why not visit the new European arm of the Square Enix Official Online Merchandise Store? That orders must total over £23 to be processed is just one of doubtless many good reasons.
I could only find one item for under £23 at the Square Enix store so I don’t think that’ll be too much of a problem…
£140 for a silver pendant!