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

One of the world’s biggest games companies is set to buy back its independence from owner Vivendi. The Call of Duty publisher Activision will buy 429 million shares from the French Media and Telecoms conglomerate for $5.83bn. Meanwhile, Bobby Kotick (current CEO) and co-chairman Brian Kelly have formed a investor …

Public is majority shareholder after $8.2bn stock buyout

Rayman Legends, which originally started out as a Wii U exclusive only to be delayed and subsequently announced for Xbox 360, PS3 and PS Vita, is now also headed to PC. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, Legends is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Rayman Origins. Ubisoft Chengdu will handle the …

This week’s issue of MCV is filled with great interviews and analysis, as we reveal why Nintendo 3DS is the console of the year. Meanwhile, we reveal Disney’s plan to ditch licensed games, launch our first in a series of Gamescom guides and speak to Halo creators 343 Industries. That’s …

We all know channels like Twitter and Facebook are essential to promoting your products, but what is the most effective way to use them? James Batchelor asks community managers and other games indutry experts for their top tips… Jonathan TownCommunity and Social Media Manager, Nintendo Don’t be a constant salesman. …

Another Android console is heading to market later this year. CVG reports that Mad Catz hopes to have its Mojo microconsole on sale in the UK before the end of the year. The SKU also includes a Bluetooth 360-like joypad that, incidentally, is compatible with Android phones. One way in …

With less than two months to go for Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar Games is looking to get you in the mood with discounts on its mobile offerings. From now until 30th July, Max Payne, Grand Theft Auto Vice City: 10th Anniversary Edition, Grand Theft Auto III: 10 Year Anniversary …

In what is likely to become a recurring theme, GameStop has revealed a Grand Theft Auto V specific trade-in offer. The UK website has released a list of 200 games, any two of which can be handed over allowing GTA V to be had for just 4.97. However, this offer …

Those who pick up an eShop download code for Pikmin 3 from retailer GAME can download the game right now. That’s effectively granting early access as the game doesn’t officially arrive until in the UK until midnight tonight. Nintendo Life reports that these codes were discovered to work on the …

Gatherings open to entire community; May start in September