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

Rumours suggest Apple will release a smaller iPad this Autumn at a lower price point. Dubbed the iPad Mini, the new device will reportedly boast a 7-inch Retina Display, according to iMore (via Stuff). It will initially only be available as an 8GB model. Sources also claim it will retail …

31-year low in Japan; 19-year low in the US; Sweeping cuts to follow dismal FY

Same-store sales at US retailer GameStop dropped 12.5 per cent year-on-year. These include sales at stores which have been open for at least one year, and exclude revenue generated at newer shops. The games chain blamed the decline on a lower demand for new games, but said it had outperformed …

Rovio switches from Caseyâ??s Contraptions to new IP

High Street retailer Blockbuster has struck a deal with media giant IGN to promote its new customer reward scheme VIP Gamer. An IGN Recommends microsite will showcase the retailer’s latest game competitions and deals to an audience of more than three million. Blockbuster VIP Gamer was unveiled earlier this week. …

Dixons Retail says its like-for-like sales fell three per cent for the 52 weeks ending April 28th, while overall sales remained flat. The group – which owns PC World, Currys, Dixons and other retail chains worldwide – ‘enjoyed good performances in the UK and Ireland and Northern Europe, trading ahead …

Company to integrate Kinect gestures, report suggests

Sci-fi action fans can now pick up Sony’s Starhawk for PS3. The multiplayer-centric shooter is the spiritual successor to 2007 PlayStation hit Warhawk. Players take on the role of a hired gunman and battle for control of planets. The new Build and Battle system allows them to turn the tables …

The money generated from overall game sales in the US during April has been estimated at a whopping $1bn. This figure from The NPD Group includes sales of hardware, accessories, new and used physical games at retail, rentals, digital downloads, add-on content, subscriptions, mobile games and social network titles. It’s …

Jagex will finally show off Transformers Universe to the UK public later this month. MCM Expo will be the first UK event to host the MMO based on the popular Hasbro toys. Attendees will be able to meet members of the Transformers Universe development team and learn more about the …