Game industry business news

Google has launched a rival to the likes of PS3 Home and Second Life in the shape of Lively – a new 3D virtual world. Players use Avatars and interact virtually with others, and can create their own 3D ‘rooms’ , which they can then decorate. Users can also stream …

Peripheral specialist Mad Catz has secured a license from Ubisoft to produce and distribute Petz accessories in North America. There are seven different Petz games on store shelves, with two more scheduled for release before the end of the year. There’s currently no news on if these new accessories will …

A ‘violent’ UK TV ad for Rockstar’s Bully: Scholarship Edition has escaped a ban, despite 31 complaints from offended viewers. Complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority – which included grievances from those who had suffered from bullying – said the ad ‘glorified, trivialised and encouraged bullying and violence’. According to …

Next-gen has reported that EA cannot acquire Take Two until August 21st due to a Federal Trade Commission request for more information related to the proposed $2 billion deal. EA has agreed to comply with the FTC’s demands, having previously set a decision deadline for Take Two of July 18th. …

Activision’s shareholders have agreed by majority to approve a ‘merger’ with Vivendi Games. The deal between the two video game giants will see the formation of new publishing superpower Activision Blizzard, and was first announced in December. 92 per cent of Activision’s shareholders approved to deal, which is expected to …

Fidget, a brand new website and print magazine dedicated to video gaming ‘for real people’, has launched today . The first issue of the print magazine, which will be distributed free through shops, bars, clubs and games stores, is due later this year. The publication’s team pledges to produce: ‘accessible, …

Electronic Arts has taken the top three sots in the latest weekly US PC chart, according to data from the NPD Group. The firm’s Spore Creature Creator debuts at No.1, whilst The Sims 2: IKEA Home Stuff Expansion pack takes second spot. The firm’s The Sims 2 Double Deluxe nestles …

Ubisoft has heralded its acquisition of the VFX firm responsible for effect in movies such as Sin City and 300 as "a groundbreaking event for digital entertainment". At a press conference in Montreal today Ubisoft Montreal, the firm’s biggest internal studio, announced the purchase of local VFX outfit Hybride, which …

The UK is to host a new, high-profile event dedicated to the business of casual games in October. The Casual Games Forum will debut during London Games Festival on Thursday, October 30th in the centre of the Capital. The event – organised by Tandem Events – will be a one-day …

French publisher's global stampede continues with swoop for Montreal VFX team Hybride