Publishing

Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer has told MCV that the new Project Natal controller will effectively relaunch the 360 when it is released. Speaking to MCV in an exclusive interview, Spencer likened the arrival of the camera-based kit – which senses player movements and requires no physical games controller …

The expected rollout of Microsoft’s chains of retail stores later this year could see the software giant deliberately pitching some of its outlets right next to existing Apple stores, one MS exec has claimed. TechRadar quotes COO Kevin Turner as saying of the shops: We’re going to have some retail …

Leeds and North studios praised at big night for games development

Former Sony Studios head takes home key accolade at Develop Awards

UK team crowned with New IP, Visual Arts, Technical Innovation, New Studio and Independent Studio

The full list of who won what in our 19 awards

Speaking at the Develop Conference, Sony’ Peter Edwards revealed that the return rate for PlayStation Home stands somewhere between 25-30 per cent, meaning that over 70 per cent of those who download and try the service do not return for a second time. Click here to read the full story …

Develop '09: And market for digital was $600m last year says GfK ChartTrack

Platform-holder Sony is aggressively courting developers around the world to work on digitally distributed games for PSP in a bid to grow the software offer on its handheld. And, MCV’s sister site Develop has also revealed, the firm is planning to introduce a streamlined content pipeline for the platform – …

Speaking in a panel at the Develop Conference 2009, Playfish CEO Kristian Segerstrale as revealed he is yet to be convinced by the prospect of the Xbox 360’s forthcoming social networking service, Facebook Connect. To read the full stroy, click here to visit CasualGaming.biz.