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

EA says it will spend more on marketing FIFA 11 in the coming weeks than it did in the build-up to the best-selling football title. FIFA 11 sold 821,000 units in its first week on sale, raking in 28.93 million. In terms of units it sold 21 per cent more …

The mood at camp PlayStation has changed. It’s subtle, almost imperceptible, but speak to any of its execs now and they are confident and assured. They are no longer facing the crisis of confidence that surrounded the firm when the once-expensive PS3 first arrived and was suffering from the clichd …

Codemasters’ decision to drop subscription charges from Lord of the Rings Online and switch to microtransactions has been a big success for the game. Since making the switch, which was announced in June, developer Turbine says that revenues for the game have doubled. In addition, a million new accounts have …

What’s most interesting is the context around the game’s arrival at UK retail in 2010. The supermarkets were, as ever, the noisiest promoters of the game. What always makes sense as, Wii aside, you don’t get more mass market than FIFA. But there were no quick cut-price deals this year; …

We breakdown EA's abstract create-'em-up

FIFA had its largest launch ever this week, and the third largest of any game in the UK. Well done EA, pats on the backs for everyone, yes yes. But as night follows day, No.1s follow FIFA. What’s most interesting is the context around the game’s arrival at UK retail …

Kinect’s success in allowing users to play games with nothing other than their body is a remarkable technical achievement and a significant milestone in the history of gaming. So quite why you’d want to buy an inflatable boat to stand in as you do is, if MCV is being honest, …

Blockbuster UK is on the offensive following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of its US parent. The company says it is unaffected by the development and has revealed to MCV its business plan for the next five years, which includes selling TVs and relocating stores. The firm’s commercial chief Gerry Butler …

X-Men: Destiny entrusted to Canada-based Too Human studio

Publisher Rising Star Games has announced a fresh deal with Namco Bandai that will see that firm handle distribution duties for both Harvest Moon: Animal Parade on Wii and Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands on DS next month. The deal applies to EMEA regions. The Harvest Moon series has a very …