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

At the time of writing MCV is unable to confirm whether or not HMV is to press ahead with plans to offer LA Noire for just 4.99 to anyone who trades in a copy of Brink. The offer was advertised in stores throughout the weekend, appeared in at least one …

Disney-owned social games studio accused of violating young gamers' privacy

The High IQ group Mensa will get its own 3DS game this year, courtesy of Barnstorm Games. It will also arrive on a variety of other platforms including NGP, Wii, Xbox Live, PSN and PC, as well as Facebook, Android and iOS devices. Publisher Barnstorm is aiming for a pre-Christmas …

Football Manager and Total War maestros beat expectations, publisher claims

Retailers GAME and Gamestation are to be the exclusive stockists of the Gears of War 3 Epic Edition SKU. Priced at 99.99, the pack will include a limited edition 28.5cm Marcus Fenix statue designed by Epic Games art director Chris Perna. As well as a copy of the game, it …

Survey finds majority of UK devs anticipate a more robust economic year

With the price of games becoming increasingly competitive between retailers, it’s not the easiest time to be an independent. But many indie stores and chains are still continuing to shine through innovation and by embracing new business avenues. These include the top 20 UK indies of 2011, revealed this week by …

Kongregate teams with Ubisoft with a $10,000 grand prize on offer

SHOPTO ShopTo continues to go from strength to strength. The site won best Independent Retailer at this year’s MCV Awards, and has drawn a large customer base in the five years it’s been running. It has many strings to its bow including its own iPhone app, text message ordering service, five-minute …

Microsoft’s E3 presentation next month will be packed to the brim with new Kinect software announcements, it has been claimed. Eurogamer reports that Rare will unveil Kinect Sports 2. The studio is apparently also working on a second title not associated with any of its existing IP. In all, the …