HMV to Role Out Gaming Centres

HMV has been running a trial multiplayer gaming centre in its HMV Trocadero store in London and it's gone down so well that the company has announced plans to roll out gaming centres in stores across the UK.

The centre was provided by multiplayer gaming outfit, Gamerbase, which HMV has just bought, and the first gaming centre outside London will be at HMV's Manchester store. That Gamerbase will be located next to the games department, have 50 gaming units for the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii Fit, Microsoft XBox 360 & Sony Playstation3. Over 2,000 sq ft and allow punters to have a 'try before you buy' experience.

It will also play host to a host of gaming competitions. The decision comes as the first Gamerbase increased games sales in the Trocadero store.

Tim Ellis, HMV Head of Games, commented:

"We've been developing our games offer in a number of ways, and we see instore gaming as an important strand in our overall strategy. Where we roll them out, we'll be looking to locate the Gamerbase centres next to our games departments to bring the whole offer together for our customers - so if someone's enjoyed playing a game online, they can pre-order or purchase it there and then."

"The Trocadero Gamerbase has gone down really well - even games publishers and technology partners have been using it for product promotion and launches, and quite a few companies have been hiring it for corporate hospitality and staff events."

Let us know if Gamerbases crop up near you