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

Retailer Blockbuster has signalled its growing intention in the games space by striking its first DLC exclusivity deal. Thanks to an agreement with EA, those who pre-order Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 with the chain will receive two bonus golfer foursome downloads. The first will allow gamers to play with …

There’s only one week left to send in your nominations for this week’s MCV Industry Excellence Awards. This is your chance to highlight the work done by your colleagues, suppliers, customers, or even a rival, for their biggest achievements of the past year. To lobby for your favourites, send a …

An upbeat start to 2012 has seen games and consoles TV advertising increase 28 per cent year-on-year. This growth has been stimulated by six extra campaigns compared to 2011 (22 versus 16). Health and fitness related titles have contributed the lion’s share of 2012 activity, with five games on air …

Sony has announced that as of today consumers will be able to get some personal hands-on time with the PlayStation Vita at all of GAME and Gamestation’s 600 UK stores. The top 150 stores will also feature a Vita dedicated Interactive Display Unit which will be rolled out in the …

Online service sees 18 per cent increase in title growth, claim analysts

Sega’s Aliens FPS has been pushed back to an autumn 2012 release. Gearbox confirmed to CVG that the game would not be released in time for its most recent date of spring. "Aliens: Colonial Marines is process of creativity and invention and those don’t necessarily follow the structure of an …

The UK games retail market generated 12.1m for the week ending January 21st – a 13.6 per cent decrease over the 14m made the week prior. Unit sales also slipped 13.9 per cent from 662,463 to 570,388. FIFA 12 continued its fine run of form with its fifth consecutive UK …

But no details given by publisher on extent of the layoffs

Nintendo has confirmed the inclusion of Near Field Communication in the Wii U controller. The most well known example of NFC-like tech is London’s Oyster travel payment service, which is based upon the very similar RFID standard. The use of such technology opens up a range of possibilities for Nintendo, …

Nintendo has revealed the first details of Nintendo Network – the platform holder’s answer to Xbox Live and PSN. The online platform will replace the current Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service and will work across 3DS and Wii U. Foundations have already been laid – the phrase was first used in …