Publishing

The success of Grainger Games and the online indies is only half the story. Independents nationwide are continuing to struggle in the face of a stock crisis and a growing price war, so much so that some have turned their back on new releases altogether. With stock of Lego Indiana …

With consumers more pressed then before due to rising fuel, energy and food prices any non-essential spending is bound to be under scrutiny more than previously. However, the games market is performing so well at present and is unlikely to feel the effects of the credit crunch will have this …

‘Sexual predators’ are using home consoles to ‘groom’ young children, according to a USA Today report. Bizarrely, the article doesn’t report on any new cases – instead taking a look back a series of previous convictions with fresh comment from police officials. "Child predators are migrating from traditional methods to …

PlayStation Network director of operations Eric Lempel has reassured consumers that Sony isn’t about to start charging for its PS3 online service – despite continuing with a policy of continual software improvements. Sony this week detailed its 2.40 Firmware update and the introduction of a new trophy system. Lempel told …

Sony has filed two patent applications related to a new touchscreen gaming interface – and the company has codenamed one ‘Phil Harrison’. According to the EETimes: ‘One application shows a handheld touch device that would allow both direct and gesture-based input and which would also provide force feedback across the …

Following Monday’s clarification of Sony’s plans for its new Trophy system , the first games supporting the update have gone live – and more developers have pledged their support for the new rewards scheme. Firmware 2.40 was made live this morning and is now available for download from the PSN …

QA, localisation and testing firm Babel Media been acquired by Indian outsourcing firm Quatrro. The move sees Babel – which already boasts 500 staff across offices in Brighton, Los Angeles, Montreal and New Delhi – become part of a bigger operation that specialises in business process outsourcing. Algy Williams, co-founder …

Electronic Arts has unveiled new details about its flagship football title FIFA 09, which it claims has been designed to ‘take advantage of the hardware specifications of each available platform’. The publisher also claims that the title has over 250 additions and enhancements to the core gameplay seen in its …

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has talked of his fear that the cost of hardware in today’s market may be prohibitive” to new customers. Speaking to The Times, Kotick said that platform holders are going to have to think about reducing their prices” – later revealing that he estimated the adult …

Activision boss says lack of Government support means high cost of living, which impacts staff happiness