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

Last year, MCV predicted that Skylanders would struggle in the face of Disney Infinity 2.0. We were quite critical, but although Disney’s game did outsell Skylanders in the UK, the Activision franchise still performed well overall. In fact, it is still the No.1 toys-to-life game globally. We’re thrilled to have …

Disney Infinity is currently the most popular toys-to-life game in the UK. And this year’s title is generating a lot of attention due to the inclusion of one major brand – Star Wars. Disney Infinity 3.0 will feature three Star Wars ‘Play Sets’: one inspired by the prequel movies, another …

There is an onslaught of toys-to-life products about to hit retail. In total, there are almost 30 different software SKUs between Amiibo, Skylanders Superchargers, LEGO Dimensions and Disney Infinity 3.0. In terms of figures, playsets and level packs, there are more than 95 extra products for retailers to stock associated …

Can a killer be called a hero? That’s the interesting question posed by the co-director and co-writer of Dishonored, the Definitive Edition of which is now out. In an interview with Kotaku, Harvey Smith revealed that his team came under pressure to cut what they felt was a key moment …

UK games industry trade body UKIE has joined the call for more sharing of digital and download sales figures. The firm has long tried to push forward the debate around digital data, and even attempted its own digital chart in partnership with members. UKIE tried to circumvent reluctance from Xbox, …

Alan Wake was such a frustrating game. Not in how it played, but rather in how it sold. Its Twin Peaks-inspired setting, silly dialogue, and compelling, episodic narrative made it a hit with critics. But although it was no commercial failure – over 3m copies were eventually sold – it …

The UK trade body’s community and engagement assistant Jenny Brammall has been promoted. Brammall will now be serving as UKIE’s commercial services coordinator, I’m thrilled to continue to work with UKIE’s lovely community, especially the Video Games Ambassadors scheme and student membership who I have grown very close to,” she …

Tips and tricks to enhance the FX in your game

Nintendo’s increased fraternising with the indie community has been stepped up with confirmation of the first Amiibo based on an indie title. The game in question is Shovel Knight. It’s the first non-first party figure from the company to appear outside of the Smash Bros range. There are also some …

Surprise hit racing game Project CARS is getting its first lot of TV advertising this weekend – almost four months after launch. The game arrived on May 8th, and this post-launch advertising highlights a growing trend of games being promoted long after they first reached shelves. Although post-launch TV activity …