Game industry business news

Microsoft will launch its first own-brand retail outlet in the UK in March of next year, a new report claims. The Verge says that it learnt of the plan through sources familiar with the company” and that the High Street arrival will be preceded by the launch of an online …

The lucrative tablet PC market will welcome another high-profile competitor later this week – Google. DigiTimes reports that the seven-inch Nexus 7 will be revealed at the Google I/O Conference that begins this Wednesday. In addition, Gizmodo Australia claims to have obtained a set of detailed specs for the device. …

If you’re considering attending the Develop Industry Excellence Awards, here’s a gentle reminder to book you place. Tables and seats are selling fast, as the industry readies itself for a decent on Brighton to recognise – or be recognised as –the finest talent from across the dev sector. It’s looking …

The 3DS XL could yet be available to pre-order for just 149.99 before the machine arrives in the UK on July 28th. GameStop is the current cheapest in the market with a pre-order price of just 167.97. It is followed by ShopTo (179.84) and HMV which has today unveiled a …

Blackberry manufacturer RIM is said to be considering selling off its handset business and becoming a messaging service specialist. The Sunday Times (via The Verge) reports that both Facebook and Amazon are potential buyers” for the division. The plan would see RIM retain its messaging and data network operations which …

There’s just a week to go until the Games Britannia education and careers festival, which brings together the industry with youngsters and educators with a view to enthuse the next generation of games sector talent. The UK event kicks off with a special keynote and opening event lead by Eidos …

Capcom has announced plans to open a Resident Evil Caf. Called the Resident Evil Caf & Grill S.T.A.R.S., the outlet will open in Shibuya, Japan on July 13th, Andriasang reports. It will remain open for one year before closing its doors. The publisher has yet to divulge details about the …

Square Enix has confirmed that ten-year-old MMO outing Final Fantasy XI remains the profitable title in the series ever released. Looking at profitability, it’s the top of all past Final Fantasy games,” Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada told the Vana Fest 2012 audience, Andriasang reports. The publisher recently announced yet …

Hyderabad-based BlueGiant Interactive today announced its next game – a competitive real-time strategy title named Tryst. Currently in development for release on PC and Mac, Tryst is set in the distant future where humans find themselves at war with a mechanical alien race – the Zali. Players will take command …

The latest issue of Official PlayStation Magazine in the US has confirmed the existence of the Journey Collector’s Edition for PS3. OPM reports that the SKU will include all three of Thatgamecompany’s PS3 titles – Flow, Flower and Journey – on a disc for the first time. There are a …