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

John Needham has been named as the new studio boss at Microsoft owned developer Lionhead. He’s the former CEO of both Cryptic Studios and Gazillion Entertainment and has seemingly been hired for his expertise in MMOs, subscription models and free-to-play gaming. Other former employers include Sony Online Entertainment. This is …

John Needham to report to Phil Harrison as he manages Fable outfit

Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of Indiagames and currently managing director of DisneyUTV Digital, is set to resign at the end of June, the company has announced. Gondal will be replaced by Sameer Ganapathy, who previously headed DisneyUTV’s media networks distribution business. Indiagames started out in 1999 as a mobile …

Lab Zero Games unable to pay staff as crowdfunded money frozen

Former THQ VP to head live game operations for online publisher

THQ bankruptcy auction nets $6.5 million for defunct publisher

Namco Bandai has localized and ported the three versions of its iDOLM@STER: Shiny Festa title, bringing the Japan exclusive PSP franchise to iOS for the seemingly absurd price of $54.99 each. The different versions – Honey Sound, Funky Note, and Groovy Tune – come with their own song lists, episodes, …

Gearbox Software has emerged as the mystery party that outbid the rest for the acquisition of the Homeworld franchise at THQ’s auction. The winning $1.35m bid by the Borderlands developer won’t become official until next month if and when it receives court approval. "Gearbox Software has prevailed as the highest …

Nexon America has hired former THQ VP Ron Moravek as its new senior VP of live game operations. The publisher confirmed the hire to Games Industry, following Moravek listing the new job on his LinkedIn page. Moravek worked at THQ for 15 years, before the publisher was forced to shut …

Developer to re-release original and sequel on 'leading digital platforms'