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

Following yesterday’s news that the keys to PS3’s most secrets cupboards have been published online, hackers have now released the tools needed to run a custom firmware version on the PS3. Kotaku reports that, for the time being, the exploit itself does not allow the running of either homebrew code …

Ubisoft has confirmed that it has removed its divisive DRM mechanic from some of its biggest PC titles. Reports emerged yesterday that consumers are now able to play Assassin’s Creed II and Splinter Cell: Conviction without a constant internet connection authenticating the games with the publisher’s servers. However, Ubisoft won’t …

A candid insiderâ??s view from Trinigy general manger Felix Roeken

Tradeshow Access Programme to help represent UK on global stage

The two Infinity Ward heads fired from Activation are hoping to block a delay on a multi-million dollar legal suit. It is urged that Activision’s new aim to include EA in the lawsuit should be stopped, as it will extend the case at a heavy price for the former Infinity …

A leaked photo from the set of Microsoft’s CES presentation scheduled for 2:30am tomorrow UK time suggests that the platform holder is to unveil a brand new Kinect feature. Called Avatar Kinect, Winrumours says that the new feature will be offered to Xbox 360 owners via a download on Xbox …

Zampella and West say legal fees have risen above annual salaries

Games downloaded 1.4m times per day, firm says

Entertainment giant HMV is facing troubling times as the chain revealed that it is to close 60 stores (including some Waterstones bookshops) over the next 12 months. That number represents 9 per cent of the chain’s 700 outlets. HMV has 285 shops in the UK and Ireland. Shares in the …

With an announcement now surely not far off, fresh shots of Sony Ericsson’s PlayStation Phone have hit the internet. The most interesting thing about the new pics, which come courtesy of Engadget, is that for the first time they show PlayStation branding on the handset (the Square, Triangle, Cross and …