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

France is one of the biggest gaming markets in Europe, and one still dominated by boxed sales. NPD figures released last month showed that French consumers purchase fewer downloadable games than neighbouring Germany. France has a strong retail network with mass merchandisers and specialised stores that allow publishers to target …

Angry Birds boss praises 'incredibly talented and experienced team'

Consumers have spent more than 7m on Rovio’s new iOS release Angry Birds Space in just five days. The 69p app went straight to the top of the App Store charts at launch on Thursday, March 22nd. But a quick check today shows Draw Something from OMGPOP is back at …

Warner Brothers International Entertainment has signed a deal for the distribution, sales, and marketing of the complete 2012 Codemasters lineup in North and South America. Codemasters’ distribution has previously been handled by THQ, which has hit trouble of late, closing several studios and laying off hundreds of employees. AsGamasutrapoints out …

Established Xbox rumour-monger ‘MS Nerd’ has claimed Microsoft will reveal a new Xbox Lite console at E3 in June. The device, he says, will be similar in design to Apple TV, containing an ARM-based architecture and retailing for something in the region of 100. It will focus on Xbox’s networked …

The indie phenomenon that is Minecraft has hit a stout $80m in revenues, with over five million copies sold. Along with the gaudy sales stats, the game also boasts a whopping 25m registered players. Five million new users have joined just in the past month. Developer Mojang currently employs 25 …

South Park Digital Studios has announced that its XBLA exclusive title South Park: Tenorman’s Revenge will arrive this Friday, March 30th. The downloadable sidescroller has players controlling the typical quartet of Cartman, Stan, Kyle and Kenny in a platforming adventure through time and space. The game boasts drop-in multiplayer and …

Infinity Ward lead and Activision employee Robert Bowling has stepped down from his position as Call of Duty creative strategist. "Today, I resign from my position as Creative Strategist of Call of Duty, as a lead of Infinity Ward, and as an employee of Activision," Bowling stated onTwitter. He leaves …

Second package in two months for charitable indie platform

Call of Duty Creative Strategist announces resignation via twitter