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

The games market has triumphed over the elements and even retail trends, achieving a third week of growth despite heavy snow. Retail analyst agency BDO released figures that show both High Street and online sales have declined when compared with last year. The firm said that harsh winter weather kept …

A flood of angry emails has prompted ITV to assure the industry that any investigation into video games addiction will be fair. Yesterday, the broadcaster sent out invitations for gamers or their parents whose education or relationships have suffered because of video games – or have suffered from violence connected …

Reloaded Productions gains access to online animation catalogue

Gem wants to move into new areas of games, and claim more business from its rivals in 2011. And it’s hired former GAME man Alex Croft to help make that happen. Croft, who left the retailer in the summer, strengthens the distributor’s exec team as group strategic development director. He …

'P4Ant' gives Java developers more options for managing source code

A lawsuit has been filed against Rockstar and parent Take-Two for allegedly using a musician’s likeness without his consent. Michael ‘Shagg’ Washingston, previous backup singer of rap group Cypress Hill has filed a legal complaint against the firms over Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’ central character. Washington claims Carl ‘CJ’ …

Electronic Arts has revealed its Ultimate Team DLC packs for FIFA have generated $45 million in the last two years. Ultimate Team enables consumers to assemble fantasy teams by purchasing footballer trading cards. It was introduced in FIFA 09, for which the trading card DLC packs brought in 15 million, …

Activision has spoken of its love for Rock Band developer Harmonix but refused to speak about a possible acquisition. Last month Viacom announced plans to sell off Harmonix, the studio which created the Guitar Hero franchise, following a third-quarter dip in earnings. When asked by Industry Gamers whether Activision would …

Intel software engineer Orion Granatir explores two approaches for both high- and low-end PCs

Graeme Devine nevertheless hails his former employer