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

Retailer GAME has lost its landmark legal battle against a consortium of landlords. Retail Week reports that courts have ruled that Game Retail is liable to missed rent payments incurred during its period of administration 2012. It will now be forced to pay back 3m – a sum the chain …

New categories announced for musical composition, QA & localisation, talent investment and special prize Studio of the Year – lobbying now open

Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions over a possible merger. The pair said in a statement: "These discussions are at a very preliminary stage and there can be no certainty that a transaction will be forthcoming. "No decision has been reached regarding the structuring …

Craig Scott leading design on brand new MMO

Virtual reality firm seeking alternate sources

Xbox One can now be had for 30 below its official RRP in the UK. Indie retailer SimplyGames is currently offering the machine for 399.99 via Play.com. That’s nearly 30 off the ‘official’ 429 price for the standalone SKU. The previous cheapest price for the machine was 409.99 from Zavvi …

Professional edition also discounted to $35 for limited time

Finnish mobile giant Nokia has, following a prolonged period of rumours, revealed three Android-based smartphones. The X, X+ and XL all use a Microsoft-centric version of Google’s OS and offers a number of other perks, such as pre-installed Skype with a month’s free call usage. The devices also hook up …

Warner Bros The LEGO Movie Videogame is the UKIE GfK Chart-Track All Formats Top 40 for the second week in a row. Sales of the game were up seven per cent week on week with the film on which it is based also topping the UK cinema listings. The highest …

Amazon is reportedly readying Android-powered hardware for release in March, though details are fuzzy on what entertainment medium will be the focus. Recode cites multiple sources claiming the console or set-top box would pack access to Amazon’s full library of licensed and/or produced video content, along with other television-focused apps. …