Koch expands its game plan

Koch Media claims it can exploit the fall out from Activision's acquisition of games distributor CentreSoft by picking up games publishers.

Many in the industry have expressed concern that developers will be less willing to use CentreSoft because of fears that Activision, a rival developer, will have access to its trade secrets.

One source said: 'I would not want a competitor knowing our inventory, shipping dates and trade prices. Even assuming that Activision does stay at arm's length, who would believe it?'

Lance Brown, sales director at Koch Media, claimed the company was well placed to exploit any unhappiness with the CentreSoft buy-out and could offer manufacturing, sales and distribution to publishers.

Chris Peacock, sales director at Gem, said: 'Everyone is in a position to take business. The key is the publishers - they could look elsewhere.'

Richard Steele, managing director of CentreSoft, refuted the allegations. He said: 'We will put every effort into every publisher we represent. We will continue to work as a fully independent company.'