MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry

Social games firm sees losses shrink during 2015 as mobile grew to contribute 73% of bookings

The games development services firm has open positions in its St Petersburg office, as well as in the US and Canada

VR headset includes four-month trial of game engine, which was used to create 90% of Gear VR content

Vive headset bolsters existing compatibility with Oculus Rift, Gear VR and PlayStation VR

The head of Sony’s virtual reality development is leaving the platform holder’s London studio. Sony London studio director Dave Raynard is leaving the company after 17 years. He was currently working on VR titles The London heist and Streetluge. Previous credits include SingStar, Wonderbook, EyeToy and The Getaway. "2016 is …

Another major media player is entering theesportsnews space. Internet giant Yahoo will soon launch a dedicated esports vertical and has already hired a team of editors and writers. The move comes shortly after traditional sports powerhouse ESPNlaunchedits own section on Jan. 14. It comes as no surprise that big organizations …

ProfessionalSuper Smash Bros. Meleeplayer Bronson DaShizWiz” Layton has been arrested following an altercation at a gas station. Naples Daily Newsreportedon Jan. 28that Layton faces misdemeanor charges of assault, battery, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Read more at Daily Dot >>>

One of the key figures behind hit MMO Runescape is partnering with toy maker Tomy to launch a new toys-to-life competitor. Mark Gerhard’sPlayFusion has teamed with the Furby, Jenga and the Pokemon maker to launch a rival to existing toys-to-life franchises Skylanders, LEGO Dimensions and Disney Infinity. The as-yet untitled …

Internationally, more industries who are not directly involved in eSports, are taking notice. This leads,not only economic growth for the industry but totheinclusion of people who have in-depth knowledge of business and marketing outside of the industry. Many of these industries include people who have spent decades in the business …

Smite developer Hi-Rez has secured the services of former Warner Bros VP of digital publishing Veronique Lallier. Based in Hi-Rez’s new Brighton office, Lallier will serve as VP of European publishing. The office will primarily focus on community management, localisation and European marketing operations. Development duties will continue to be …