New editor for Develop

James Batchelor is to become the editor of Develop at the start of October.

Currently deputy editor of Develop sister title MCV, Batchelor will take over from Will Freeman, who is to take on a contributing editor role on Develop.

Freeman has worked in-house for the Develop brand for five years, and will still contribute to the magazine.

Elsewhere, Craig Chapple has been promoted to deputy editor after two years as staff writer – and growing the Develop Online audience in the last 12 months.

The changes come into effect at the start of October.

Develop is published by Intent Media, and also organises key events such as The Develop Quiz, Develop Awards and The London Games Conference.

"Although Will is handing over day-to-day Develop duties to James, he will still be contributing to Develop, which is the only magazine serving the global games development audiences," said Michael French, editor-in-chief.

French is soon to become publisher of Develop in November after the departure of Intent Media founder Stuart Dinsey, which was announced earlier today.

"Across our website, magazine and events, Develop is the best source of information serving the games development community – these team changes will make us stronger than ever."