MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Microsoft is giving away two downloadable games as part of an advertising deal with crisps brand Doritos. Avatar-based racer Doritos Crash Course is similar to Trials HD, while Harm’s Way is a more traditional car racing game. Both multiplayer titles can be downloaded for free on Xbox Live. The games …
Read More »Tiga founder joins games investment firm
Fred Hasson departs from Redbedlam after a two-year stint
Read More »Games market thaws big freeze fears
The games market has triumphed over the elements and even retail trends, achieving a third week of growth despite heavy snow. Retail analyst agency BDO released figures that show both High Street and online sales have declined when compared with last year. The firm said that harsh winter weather kept …
Read More »ITV promises fair games addiction investigation
A flood of angry emails has prompted ITV to assure the industry that any investigation into video games addiction will be fair. Yesterday, the broadcaster sent out invitations for gamers or their parents whose education or relationships have suffered because of video games – or have suffered from violence connected …
Read More »New vision for Gem as Croft joins team
Gem wants to move into new areas of games, and claim more business from its rivals in 2011. And it’s hired former GAME man Alex Croft to help make that happen. Croft, who left the retailer in the summer, strengthens the distributor’s exec team as group strategic development director. He …
Read More »FIFA DLC makes $45m in two years
Electronic Arts has revealed its Ultimate Team DLC packs for FIFA have generated $45 million in the last two years. Ultimate Team enables consumers to assemble fantasy teams by purchasing footballer trading cards. It was introduced in FIFA 09, for which the trading card DLC packs brought in 15 million, …
Read More »Activision silent over Harmonix buyout
Activision has spoken of its love for Rock Band developer Harmonix but refused to speak about a possible acquisition. Last month Viacom announced plans to sell off Harmonix, the studio which created the Guitar Hero franchise, following a third-quarter dip in earnings. When asked by Industry Gamers whether Activision would …
Read More »Intel tricks: Scalable 3D particle systems
Intel software engineer Orion Granatir explores two approaches for both high- and low-end PCs
Read More »Prices dropped for MCV Awards 2011
The biggest night on the trade calendar returns on April 7th, but will be cheaper to attend. Table prices have been cut by up to 200, whilst individual seats have also been cut by 20. The MCV Industry Excellence Awards moves into its ninth year in 2011 and will take …
Read More »HMV sales plummet 15.3%
HMV UK and Ireland sales have fallen 15.3 per cent for the 26 weeks ending October 23rd, 2010. The overall group sales – which includes book retailer Waterstones – are down 6 per cent to 749m, compared to the 797m posted in 2009. The loss after tax is at 30.5m, …
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