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

A European retailer is cancelling pre-orders for the Wii U version of Watch Dogs. Wiitalia reports that the Italian arm of GameStop has informed customers who have pre-ordered the SKU that it will no longer be released. The site says that specifically GameStop is telling customers that Ubisoft has scrapped …

Microsoft continues its push for original Xbox One programming this week, with word that AMC executive Ari Mark has been hired on at Xbox Entertainment Studios. Games Industry reports AMC Network’s former VP of development has joined the Santa Monica-based studio as the new head of unscripted programming. While with …

Notable strategy and RPG publisher Paradox Interactive aims to branch out from its PC roots, pledging to bring games based on existing and new brands” to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Shacknews reports on company CEO Fred Wester’s declaration of support for the recently launched next-gen consoles. "You can be …

Microsoft has reported revenue of $24.52bn for the quarter ending on December 31st, 2013 – a 14 per cent increase in net sales fueled by what the firm described as a great” holiday period. Xbox hardware sold 7.4m consoles during the quarter. Xbox One’s output in terms of units shipped …

Quebec government contributing $510,000 towards expansion

ARM developer resources manager Anand Patel details a new image compression technique

Intel Developer Blog: Softtalkblog looks into the debate surrounding IAPs

Get a job at the Forza Horizon developer

A blockbuster roster of voice talent has been revealed for Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls Online. Fronting the list are Monty Python’s John Cleese, Harry Potter and Shaun of the Dead’s Bill Nighy star along with acclaimed actors Michael Gambon and Malcolm McDowell. Also starring are Kate Beckinsale, Alfred Molina and …

Millions of people around the world are playing their favourite games right now. The majority do so for fun in their free time. But others are seasoned professionals, celebrated for their gaming prowess – and even make a living through their in-game abilities and accomplishments. And then there are the …