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

Facebook gamers spending less on their consoles; Microtransactions to climb as new 'hardcore social' segment emerges

It’s perhaps the best idea ever conceived. The Australian arm of Swedish furniture giant Ikea has launched Mnland – an adult crche for men. The idea is that women are able to drop of their fellas at the beginning of their shopping spree and collect them at the end. As …

A controversial new clause in the terms of service for PlayStation Network users arose as a result of a recent US court ruling in favour of AT&T, the platform holder has said. Earlier this month it emerged that Sony had inserted a new clause into PSN’s TOS that prevented users …

Microsoft will be running unique ‘live’ TV ads throughout the next week to promote Gears of War 3. As detailed by MCV earlier this month, the advertisements will show off game footage complemented by live statistics of how many people are playing online as the ad airs. The ads start …

Digital games experts from around the world will convene in London this November. The final schedule for November 10th’s London Games Conference has been set, with speakers from leading online games firms PopCap, OnLive and Good Old Games plus analyst Nick Parker joining the roster. A full schedule can be …

Microsoft has outlined dates for a six-month Kinect tour which will visit UK shopping centres, Disney on Ice shows and The Clothes Show. The ‘Your Kinect Experience Tour’ kicks off in late September and will run to March. Consumers will be able to play several upcoming games compatible with the …

Rovio is the first games developer to bring crowd gaming to the masses with its new Angry Birds title. The new social game will be introduced at the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. Finnish group Uplause, which has experience of audience entertainment at around 200 events, created the technology for …

Wii owners can escape the cold this winter with a new sports compilation that hits shelves on November 4th. The summer-themed Go Vacation features 50 activities, ranging from sports mini-games to dance-based challenges. These games also vary depending on which resort players choose. So surfing and scuba diving can be …

Hit TV drama series NCIS will be heading to consoles next month in the form of a point-and-click-style adventure game. Ubisoft will publish the title on Xbox 360, PS3, PC, 3DS and Wii on October 28th. Players will be able to control their favourite characters from the show in third-person …

The game of TV sensation X Factor is getting a second audition at retail next month. Deep Silver will be re-releasing last year’s Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii singing title on October 14th with a budget price of 19.99. Microphone bundles will also be available. The products will be available …