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

Investment could pull away from companies new to the market

Nintendo may have taken the first step toward reversing the fortunes of its 3DS by cutting the price, but further action is needed. That’s according to analyst Billy Pidgeon of M2 Research, who told IndustryGamers that a change to its boxed software pricing strategy is also needed if the console …

With the barebones bricks and mortar retail charts becoming increasingly redundant, two US bodies have joined forces to bring digital sales figures into the fray. NPD and EEDAR have announced that they are to collaborate on future retail reports so that they combine both boxed retail sales and digital expenditure. …

EA stock down 9%; Activision down 5%; Take-Two down 9%; THQ down 8%; FTSE suffers record losses

Since the beginning of 2010 the total number of US internet users who have been legally approached regarding BitTorrent piracy has now hit 200,000. TorrentFreak reports that the tactic has now become a feasible new revenue stream for copyright holders. Typically, once the contact details of those who have allegedly …

Following a quarter of decline for the publisher, Take-Two has pledged future diversity in its software offerings. That’s not to say the period was without success. Recent release LA Noire has now sold 4m units, though considering Rockstar has been bankrolling that game for half a decade it’s unknown whether …

iPhone indie giant ZeptoLab has opened a new UK satellite group to accompany its Moscow-based headquarters. Company documents seen by Develop show the new UK division is based in London’s inner city and run by new director Zuy Spartak. And the group appears to have ended its partnership with EA’s …

Though Enfield largely escaped the widespread violence and looting that swept the UK last night, the Sony DADC distribution centre in the town was set alight. There are not believed to have been any injuries as a result of the attack. The significant blaze is still being tackled by fire …

Dare to be Digital 2011 team Team Swallowtail talks exclusively to Develop about working on their entry title Tick Tock Toys.

The Australian Classification Board is reporting that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Defiance has just been rated M. The title doesn’t exist on Activision’s release schedule or web site anywhere. Activision has told MCV that Defiance is the title given to the Nintendo DS version of Modern Warfare 3, …