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

Microsoft has announced three new Xbox 360 holiday bundles for arrival later this week, including the previously rumoured 500GB Call of Duty-themed package. The Special Edition Blue Bundle will only be available at Wal-Mart as reported – though launching earlier than expected. Another bit of info we didn’t know at …

Microsoft’s rumoured impending deal to acquire Minecraft developer Mojang could be announced as early as Monday, according to a new report. Reuters cites a source briefed on the matter” that claims the acquisition’s formal unveiling is set for when the upcoming work week kicks off, adding that the total purchase …

Market analyst Piers Harding-Rolls has said that the expected union of Microsoft and Mojang is a very low-risk move for the platform holder. Minecraft is a franchise built to last, making the likely heavy investment required to secure Mojang significantly less risky than many other recent acquisitions within the games …

Lionel Messi is the big name who is this year fronting EA’s TV campaign for FIFA 15. The ‘Fell the Game’ short depicts gamers experiencing their immersion on the pitch, while Messi himself acrobatically jumps about a living room. And a fish jumps out of some water. FIFA 15 is …

Developer Larian Studios has revealed that PC RPG Divinity: Original Sin has sold in excess of 500k units. The game has been the single best selling on Steam for much of the summer and has already recouped its development costs. It has sold well over half a million units by …

The release of Grand Theft Auto V in November will leave a number of big-game publishers nervous about the potential sales impact it may have on their games. The PS4 and Xbox One title will arrive on November 18th (with the PC game waiting until January 27th) placing it slap …

Christopher Brookmyre will reveal all about his Bedlam novel and its video game follow-up

Trade body issues new policy manifesto calling for more support following games tax relief and Next Gen Skills report

PS4 and Xbox One versions add new foliage system, enhanced damage and weather effects and more

Rockstar has confirmed that the PS4 and Xbox One versions of Grand Theft Auto V will be released this year, with the PC version slipping to early next. Specifically, the next-gen releases will arrive on November 18th. The PC game, meanwhile, will not land until January 27th. It’s bad news …