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

Nintendo has stated that first party Wii U games will be available to buy digitally on the same day that they are released at retail. It’s a big move for the typically internet-shy platform holder and one that places even more pressure on the already squeezed retail sector. We will …

EA shares has enjoyed a sharp jump on rumours that South Korean gaming giant Nexon has made a bid for the publisher. Both Forbes and Bloomberg are carrying the rumour, which originated from a South Korean newspaper. As a result of the chatter EA shares surged by over eight per …

EA has filed a trademark for ‘SimOcean.’ Silconera (via Shacknews) spotted the filing yesterday by the publisher. Unfortunately little is known beyond that bit of info at the moment, but it seems a strong hint to what new direction at least one potentially upcoming Sim game is looking to go. …

Sony Computer Entertainment America has hired Adam Boyes as head of publisher relations for the company. Boyes is a 15-year industry vet and former director of production at Capcom USA. GI.biz reports he will fill the opening Rob Dyer left when departing to join Zynga as their head of platform …

EA is preparing to launch their MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic in countries across the Middle East and parts of Europe. SWTOR will be released through retail and digital distribution in 38 additional countries on top of the ones the game is already available in. The news comes after …

Smash Bros creator and Nintendo icon Masahiro Sakurai has revealed his intentions to bring Wii U and 3DS dual support for the hit franchise’s next title. "There is a certain dead end we come to if we just expand the volume of the game," Sakurai told IGN. "I intend to …

Ubisoft has registered a pair of new domains containing ‘Rayman Legends’ in their URLs. RaymanLegends.com and Rayman-Legends.com have been reserved for the as of yet unannounced effort according to WhoIs Search(via Shacknews). The developler/publisher makes the move just days after a leaked marketing survey pointed to a Rayman Origins sequel. …

Wedbush Securities analyst says takeover 'cannot happen'

Shares up by six per cent following buyout rumour

Rory Donnelly is the latest high-profile departure from THQ. He was a THQ veteran, having joined the firm in 1999 as MD for France. His most recent role was SVP of European publishing. He has been instrumental in growing THQ’s Southern European business. A company statement read: THQ confirms that …