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

HMV’s admission last week that it may well breach its bank lender covenant has led to a weekend of fervent speculation in the media. Retail Week reports that Apollo Global Management last week acquired ten per cent from Allied Irish Banks, sparking rumours that it is lining up an acquisition. …

Administrator Deloitte has confirmed that all remaining Comet stores will close their doors tomorrow (December 18th). Many closed for good over the weekend. The move will result in the loss of some 6,600 jobs just days before Christmas. 2.1m in holiday and back pay will be paid to employees. It …

With just one week left until the unveiling of the UK Christmas No.1, Call of Duty: Black Ops II is looking like the firm favourite. Activision’s shooter claims its fifth successive Gfk Chart-Track All Formats Top 40 No.1 this week, and actually manages to grow sales 14 per cent week-on-week. …

Tim Schafer says his studio is considering roads not taken in Middle Manager of Justice

Platinum Games’s Anarchy Reigns will arrive in India on 11th January, distributor E-xpress Interactive has announced. The game will be available as a Limited Edition at launch, which will include the game as well as Bayonetta as an extra playable character, and two new game modes: Mad Survival Mode – …

Research details trends for successful video game crowdfunding campaigns

Publisher admits cuts, denies they will effect consumer

Double Fine headman and industry icon Tim Schafer has expressed concern regarding whether small studios will have the chance to succeed on next generation consoles. Speaking with Polygon, Schafer explained he’s unsure if the next-gen space is viable for smaller outfits such as Double Fine – adding that large companies …

Following the results of the Humble THQ Bundle, president Jason Rubin has revealed his company is considering Linux for its upcoming releases. Got the Linux message load [sic] and clear via HumbleBundle feedback. Evaluating cost/benefit as we speak,” Rubin said in response to a request on Twitter over the weekend. …

Valve has revealed Steam’s top selling products chart for the past week, which features a couple of familiar faces atop the list. For the second week running, Far Cry 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops II have finished first and second respectively. After that, it gets a bit more …