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

Blockbuster’s UK operations are not in the process of being sold, the firm has told MCV. MCV was contacted yesterday with reports that Blockbuster’s global parent – US-based satellite broadcaster Dish Network – was finalising the sale of the company’s 550 UK stores to one of two interested parties. But …

This week’s million-selling UK superhit continues to impress on the global stage. EA last night announced that FIFA 13 has now sold 4.5 million copies worldwide. In just five days. By EA’s reasoning that makes it the ‘biggest video game of 2012’, and so far that’s not wrong. (We’re sure …

A survey recently conducted by research firm EEDAR shows nearly 60 per cent of mobile gamers are women. The survey contained 2,491 respondents ages 15 to 64 who qualified as ‘active’ mobile gamers. The findings, reported by USA Today, revealed women are more likely to play mobile titles than men, …

Bethesda has announced the establishing of Battlecry Studios, a new studio led by former Star Wars: The Old Republic executive producer and BioWare Austin VP Rich Vogel. The development house joins Arkane Studios as the second Austin-based studio for Bethesda’s parent company Zenimax. "I have always admired and respected Bethesda’s …

Star Wars: First Assault appears to be heading to XBLA despite the fact that it hasn’t been announced yet. IGN first spotted a leaked image of the game’s box art with an XBLA header and reached out to Lucasarts. "It is an exciting time at our company right now, however …

Sources claim Apple producing 7.85 inch screen tablet

Gears of War creator quits after 20 years at the studio 'to take a much needed break'

Cliff Bleszinski, the familiar face and design director of Epic Games, is to leave the studio. It is not known what comes next for the outspoken figure, with the official note simply saying he is departing to chart the next stage of his career”. I’ve been doing this since I …

Rich Vogel to head up new development outfit

Mike Bithell, Andrew Smith, Jim Griffiths and Peter Theophilus-Bevis to write for Develop this weekend