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

Respawn Engineer Jon Shiring has said that gamers shouldn’t view Microsoft cloud computing claims as a marketing gimmick. Speaking in a Major Nelson podcast, as reported by MP1st.com, Shiring said that Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure has opened up new possibilities for the recently launched multiplayer shooter. I know that the internet …

RuneScape senior narrative designer David Osborne on community-driven narrative in games

Rovio has released the first gameplay footage for recently revealed turn-based RPG Angry Birds Epic. The game, announced earlier this month, features a story-driven campaign that Rovio decribes as challenging”, although no doubt the challenge will be alleviated for those willing to buy into the IAPs if the most recent …

While many studios currently shun the tech, Develop visits Salvaged developer Opposable where second-screen matters

European Commission said to have given the greenlight for tax breaks

Valve has released a picture of the latest iteration of its upcoming Steam Controller. It had already been confirmed that the joypad’s central touchscreen has been ditched. What we now see, however, is that in its place we have not only a four-button dpad and four Xbox-like XYAB face buttons …

Tax relief for UK games developers have been ‘all but confirmed’, and could even be announced during Wedenesday’s Budget speech. That’s according to an MCV source close to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who said that preliminary meetings have already been held with senior games industry executives. If …

New gamepad features standard button inputs

Electronics giant DixonsRetail is partnering with The Gadget Show Live. The firm is sponsoring the show’s 4,500 seater Super Theatre, which hosts daily hour-long live Gadget Show performances. Hosted by the Channel 5 show’s presenters Jason Bradbury, Rachel Riley, Jon Bentley and Ortis Deley, the Super Theatre is also home …

The Pokemon Company has secured am amazing branding coup by placing Pikachu as Japan’s official World Cup 2014 mascot. The deal was announced in conjunction with Japan’s national kit sponsor Adidas. While Pikachu is the official sponsor he’ll also be joined by ten other Pokemon including G1 favourites Squirtle, Charmander …