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

Microsoft has rolled out its experimental $99 Xbox 360 offer to GameStop and Best Buy in the US. The deal, which offers a cut-price console to consumers who sign up to a $14.99 Xbox Live contract for two years – arrived in May but has until now only been available …

Eugene-based Buzz Monkey becomes social gaming giantâ??s 18th satellite studio

In the sixth of a series of features answering the biggest questions about the industry’s future, Christopher Dring explains why publishers must work with – not against – the trade-in market. Should we kill off pre-owned?NO The debate over used game sales has raged for years. On one side, developers …

Wii U will support two GamePads, but not with out a huge effort from the console manufacturer

Square Enix has shown off the technology that will power its next-generation of video games. The engine is called Luminous Studio, and it offers a depth of visual detail never before seen – even in high-end PCs. Demonstrating the tech was a demo called Agni’s Philosophy, based in the Final …

Location-based smartphone game Mojostreet is now available free of cost on the Windows Markpetplace for Windows Phone. The game lets users to discover and check-in to various locations (ATMs, restaurants, etc) in their cities, ‘own’ them, compete with others, and share their experiences with friends. Mojostreet currently has a network …

Nintendo has confirmed that it is working on a method that will allow gamers to transfer Wii content to the Wii U. This will include existing game downloads and save game information. However, the platform holder did add the caveat this it is preparing” the tech, suggesting that it has …

Gaming audio peripherals specialists Turtle Beach has revealed an array of licensed products at E3 and also unveiled its fall line-up of headsets. In its continuing partnership with Activision, Turtle Beach has worked with developer Treyarch to develop a line of headsets specifically for Call of Duty: Black Ops II. …

Sony Worldwide president Shuhei Yoshida has refused the chance to categorically confirm that The Last Guardian will still definitely be released. The game – a spiritual successor to PS2 (and subsequently PS3) hits Ico and Shadow of the Colossus – was first revealed at E3 2009. However, development has been …

Nintendo has confirmed that the Wii U GamePad will run for between three and five hours per charge. That puts it roughly in line with the Vita and 3DS and means that dedicated gamers will likely have to spend much of their game time tethered to their consoles while recharging. …