UK PC download chart

London, United Kingdom, 11th August 2010 – ELSPA, the computer and video games publishing trade association has today announced that it will produce a UK download chart for PC games. Partnering with long term packaged goods charts specialist GfK Chart-Track, ELSPA has formed a working group of full members who all sell PC games by digital download. This working group have agreed to produce a closed beta chart with Chart-Track, the intention being that once all parties are happy with the process of data collection and the output, a chart will be available through Chart-Track.

The group represents some of the key players in digital distribution, including Ubisoft, THQ, Sega, NCsoft, Mastertronic, Kalypso Media, Midas Interactive and Square Enix. There are three other major publishers about to announce their formal involvement imminently. The group has been working on the project for a number of months and the scoping and data collection processes are advanced enough to now announce that a digital chart will be published. All stakeholders have committed that sales data from third party resellers will be included, allaying fears that data from Steam would be missing from this chart.

Andy Payne, Chairman of ELSPA commented, 'We formed this group specifically to deal with the supply of an official download chart, initially for the PC and initially for the UK. We are really glad that ELSPA members have stepped up to the plate and we have a legal agreement with Chart-Track for them to do the heavy lifting as they have the experience and knowledge of the industry. This chart will be owned by ELSPA and I would call for other members to join the group as soon as they can and not miss out in helping to form and shape this important development for all of us. We in the process of reaching out to TIGA and their membership and hope to have more on that very soon.’

John Pinder, Managing Director of GfK Chart-Track added, 'We at Chart-Track are thrilled to have been invited to extend our remit for the packaged goods charts into the digital space. Working with ELSPA and their members makes total sense and we look forward to delivering a chart very soon'.

Sam Collins, Commercial Manager at ELSPA added, 'It is great to be working with members to build a report which will not only deliver member value, but one which will help the UK interactive entertainment industry realise its potential in an increasingly connected digital economy'.

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Contacts:

For all press enquiries, please contact the ELSPA press office on T: +44 (0)20 7300 6143 or E: press@elspa.com

About ELSPA

The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association represents all the major publishers of games in the UK. Founded in 1989 to establish a specific and collective identity for the country’s interactive leisure software industry, membership includes companies publishing and distributing leisure software in the UK. As a gateway to Europe, ELSPA works to protect, promote and provide for the interests of all its members as well as addressing issues that affect the industry as a whole, such as age ratings, child safety and IP protection.

ELSPA works with members and media to illustrate the beneficial contributions that the UK videogames industry makes to the British economy as well as its influence in other industries. In addition, ELSPA works with GfK Chart-Track to compile weekly, monthly and annual retail charts and sales reports for the UK market.