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

The public survey element of the OFT’s investigation into in-app purchases has been revealed. The OFT last week launched an investigation into whether children are being unfairly pressured or encouragedto buy additional content in ‘free’ web and app-based games.The move follows repeated incidents where children have paid for virtual items …

UK Govt asks parents to answer questionnaire about IAPs

World of Tanks creator Wargaming has taken its first tentative steps toward console development. The company acquired FEAR and MechAssault developer Day 1 Studios in late January and then two weeks later followed this up with the acquisition of Gas Powered Games. "The hardware cannot constrain the player from getting …

Nintendo appears to be on the verge of releasing a brand new 3DS SKU in the UK. Joystiq says that retailer ShopTo was yesterday carrying a listing for the Animal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL bundle that was previously released in Japan. The SKU reportedly contained the patterned 3DS (as …

The Indian games industry grew to Rs 15 billion ($277m) in 2012, recording a growth of 16% over the previous year, the FICCI-KPMG Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2013 has stated. The report also estimates that the games industry in India will grow at a 22% CAGR to reach …

Having gained approval in the March 2012 Budget, plans for UK tax breaks for video games developers are now in doubt. The European Commission (EC) has announced that it plans to investigate the proposals, questioning whether there is an obvious market failure in the UK games industry. Specifically, it is …

European Commission unconvinced aid is necessary as it opens investigation into proposals

Training and talent acquisition is highest on issues facing developers

Blockbuster was rescued out of administration last month, and its new owner wants to turn the rental giant into a retail powerhouse. MCV speaks to the firm’s new MD Gary Warren Why was Blockbuster worth saving in the UK? There is an opportunity here. The business is predominantly rental, with …

PS4 could launch at a lower price than its predecessor the PS3. Admittedly, the PS3 launched in the UK at an eye-watering 425. Launching PS4 above that would be ‘brave’ to say the least. But with the new console packing plenty of tech, just how low can we expect it …