Game industry business news

The Games Convention 2007 has opened with record figures, including a massive increase in exhibitor numbers, general attendees and floor space. A record beating 200,000 visitors are expected to attend in total. They will join 503 exhibitors from 31 countries – 34 per cent more than ever previously recorded. "This …

Five years after its withdrawal, Microsoft has revived its PC gaming peripheral brand – Sidewinder – with the announcement of a new mouse that it claims redefines customisation. Sidewinder, which for many years was a byword for PC gaming hardware, was retired by Microsoft back in 2002. Before that the …

The nominee list has been announced for the Leipzig Games Convention’s ‘Best Of GC Awards’ taking part over the next few days. The award winners will be announced on Friday morning at 11am in the Leipziger Messe Press Conference room. The categories and nominees are as follows: PC: – Sam …

Proposed ban on production of violent games may force hand

Electronic Arts announced further plans for its Harmonix-developed rhythm game Rock Band at its conference in Leipzig today – including the release of a PS2 version of the game. The publisher also confirmed that the titles would be released in the first quarter of 2008 in Europe – as previously …

Off to Leipzig? Taken aback by the hoardes of German gamers, industry types and enormity of the convention centre? We highlight the key players showing off their wares in Germany, and offer some insight into what to expect from Europe’s biggest games show – click through for more.

Viacom has hired former Take 2 Germany MD Arwed-Ralf Grenzbach for the role of VP for videogames, music and special products at its Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products division. Based in London, Grenzbach will oversee the development of NVCP’s international videogame, music and special products strategy spanning brands including MTV. …

Xbox 360 Games for Change challenge seeks young talent

10TACLE STUDIOS HALL ONE, I50 The company has a number of titles on show, including Codename Panzers: Cold War (RTS, PC), Black Prophecy (Sci-Fi MMO, PC), a new next-gen project (Action, PC/XBOX360), Boulder Dash – Rocks (Puzzle Game, Nintendo DS and PSP) and Panzer Tactics DS (Strategy, DS). ACTIVISION HALL …

MCV sister magazine Mobile Entertainment reports that the former Vodafone Global games boss had a brief tenure with industry standards thinktank OMTP, before re-emerging with this major role. EA Mobile hasn’t been around that long, but already dominates decks the world over with its huge brand portfolio. Harrison will lead …