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

Xbox 360 hackers have found an exploit that has cost Microsoft $1.2 million. The users calculated an algorithm that allows them to re-use previously redeemed codes and stockpile Microsoft Points, according to Save and Quit. The method could be used over and over again, giving hackers 160MSP each time. One …

$100 million fund to facilitate smartphone game switch

The need for a sales chart that integrates both physical and digital sales has never been greater. The industry has been living under the assumption that following the record performances posted in 2008 the market has been suffering a steady rate of decline. But the problem is that our market …

Strauss Zelnick says a high Metacritic rating is crucial to the success of a new IP. The Take-Two Interactive CEO and chairman told the audience of Wedbush Morgan’s media conference in New York that review scores are more important in gaming than in any other entertainment business, according to Gamasutra. …

Sony’s ongoing patent battle with electronics manufacturer LG has taken a turn for the worse with news that Dutch customs officers have seized "tens of thousands" of additional PS3 consoles from ports in the Netherlands. The move leaves an increasingly high number of hardware units in limbo and seriously threatens …

Sony’s networked products and services boss Kaz Hirai has been promoted to head up the consumer products unit. 50-year-old Hirai currently looks after video games and other digital Sony businesses such as music and movie steaming. His new role will include the entire Sony consumer electronics line which consists of …

Sony has announced a brand new perk for members of its exclusive PlayStation Plus service – cloud storage for game saves. As of today, 150MB of storage will be available " for peace of mind and easy access from any PlayStation 3 system in the world". The key advantages are …

Just one day after claims linking video games to sleeplessness emerged, Lancashire based therapist Steve Pope has made some of the most bewildering accusations yet about the possible harmful effects of gaming. Spending two hours on a game station is equivalent to taking a line of cocaine in the high …

Forget what you’ve heard about Japan getting it first – third party licensees insist that NGP will arrive in Europe this year. Sources have told MCV that development deadlines have been set to ensure key Western releases are finished before the end of the summer for deployment in the autumn. …

The charming industry veteran gets the rapid-fire question treatment