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

The Japanese video games market grew by 1.2 per cent year-on-year for the 12 months ending March 31st. No, that is not a typo. It’s the first annual growth the Japanese industry has reported in five years. Tech In Asia reports that the region’s games market hit $4.6bn in the …

Halo 4’s executive producer has said that Microsoft is considering the introduction of microtransactions in the game. The news comes as the last piece of DLC included in the game’s Season Pass – the Castle map pack – is released worldwide. "I think Halo certainly has the potential for those …

Developer calls for a switch to a no-fee ratings system

Outgoing Square Enix president Yoichi Wada has revealed the exact extent of the publisher’s console game sales disappointments. As revealed last month, Sleeping Dogs has sold 1.75m units, Hitman: Absolution 3.6m units and Tomb Raider 3.4m units. Let’s talk about Sleeping Dogs,” Wada said in a financial briefing as reported …

The deadline for nominations is April 16th

Putting a game on iOS and Android 'feels like a lottery' for many developers

The sheer number of points cards at retail is confusing, warn publishers. Points and subscriptions have been a significant area of growth for retail over the last 12 months. But Activision’s VP of Call of Duty, David Tyler, admits that publishers and payment specialists are still testing out what works. …

Publisher has raised almost $3m for organisation in grants and scholarships since inception

One of the most popular YouTube channels for games content is setting up a dedicated UK business. US firm Machinima has told MCV it plans to target British gamers as part of a European expansion that will deliver new and localised video content. It has already promoted former UK community …

Blockbuster is on a charm offensive with the UK games industry. The company wants to be taken seriously as a major video games retailer. Blockbuster UK fell into administration in January, shedding hundreds of stores. But the brand, plus 264 outlets, were rescued by Gordon Brothers Europe last month The …