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

The North American and Japanese versions of the Square Enix Members websites have been taken offline following a suspected security breach. Square Enix is currently trying to determine if any personal information has been compromised. We have reason to believe that unknown parties may have gained unauthorized access to a …

An internet rental specialist has promised to share its used game profits with publishers. OnePlayS offers a video game rental subscription service similar to LoveFilm. The difference is it lets users buy the game they’ve rented – second-hand – if they like it. Then it shares the money with the …

Online indie ShopTo has expanded its warehouse facilities so it can operate around the clock. The firm says it will pick and pack stock 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will send customers a photo of their packed item, to show that it’s ready for dispatch. We …

South Park and Fallout New Vegas developer Obsidian has made its feelings on pre-owned games pretty damn clear. In an interview with IndustryGamers, chief creative officer Chris Avellone championed the power of digital distribution, hoping that it kills off trade-ins at traditional retail as soon as possible. "Of course, one …

Ubisoft has released a physical starter pack for its browser-based game and popular girls’ property Imagine Online. This launched in France last week but will arrive in the UK and the rest of Europe next year. It is priced at €14.99 and includes one-month diamond membership for the browser-based free-to-play …

An accessory that lets PSP owners view games in 3D is available to order online. RealView Innovations’ V-Screen clips onto the PSP and provides greater depth and richer environments than standard 2D”. It is priced at 19.99 and is available to order from AntiGrav. E-tailers such as Ladz.biz and Electrolounge …

Staff and more head to the studio that made its name with Worms

Vita owners will be able to pick up a copy of Plants vs Zombies when the Sony handheld launches on February 22nd. Sony revealed the news in a Tweet earlier which said: Surprise! Plants vs Zombies is coming to PS Vita. Thanks @popcap @SonyOnline.” The tower defence strategy titlejoins other …

UK consumers will be able to go hands-on with PlayStation Vita games such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss before the handheld launches. Sony is bringing ‘Vita Rooms’ to UK cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London in January and February 2012. The first event will kick off on Friday, January …

Star Wars enthusiasts have been invited to GAME’s flagship Oxford Street branch for a special launch event. The retailer will celebrate the release of EA and BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic tomorrow evening. While the game doesn’t officially go live until December 20th, GAME has told MCV it will …