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

Author, graphic novelist, Doctor Who writer – and now video games developer; It seems Neil Gaiman wants to sample every form of creative medium. The author of Stardust and Amercian Gods has lifted the lid on his first video game project, a puzzle game entitled Wayward Manor. Gaiman will work …

This year’s edition of Sourcebook, the essential guide to agencies and service companies working in games, technology and entertainment, is out now. Over 10,000 copies of the print edition have been inserted into this week’s MCV and selected reader codes of sister brands Develop and PCR. A digital copy of …

Third party support for Nintendo’s new console has been erratic at best, but Activision has confirmed it will support Wii U with six titles this autumn, including Call of Duty: Ghosts. The publisher has already said that it will be bringing its next blockbuster shooter to Wii U, but has …

Company is to stay focused on social and free-to-play titles

Zynga won’t continue down the avenue of investing into the real-money gambling market in the US, according to the publisher’s recent financial report. The company – which has heavily invested in the UK gambling market – hadn’t officially announced its intentions regarding North America prior to this week, but a …

Newcomer CEO Mattrick outlines a 90 day plan, but says recovery won't be quick

Zynga has announced financial results for the second quarter in its fiscal year, reporting a $15.8m loss for the three month period concluded at the end of June. Revenue saw a 31 per cent year-over-year decline to $213m, versus the $332m brought in for the same period in 2012. Perhaps …

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 …