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

If pictures obtained by Joystiq are accurate it appears as if Microsoft is to release a second hardware bundle alongside the arrival of Kinect later this year. The site reports that the SKU will include a 250GB variant of the console – complete with high-end glossy finish – as well …

Developer Blizzard has told MCV that the work it has put into refining its online network Battle.net is part of the reason that recent release Starcraft II has proved so resistant to piracy. For World of Warcraft we have been able to work well around the piracy issue and we …

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The Metroid franchise makes a dramatic return next month and is backed by a substantial marketing spend. Nintendo is preparing extensive promotions to ensure the upcoming Wii title Metroid: Other M matches the success of its acclaimed predecessors when it hits shelves on September 3rd. The build-up to the game’s …

505 will once again host the drinks reception at the Games Media Awards – this year theming the pre-awards bash around its forthcoming Grease game. The publisher has been a long-term supporter of the event, which annually recognises the best in specialist and mainstream games media, in print and online. …

Amanita Design, the widely applauded Czechoslovakian adventure games studio, is calling for amnesty after its most recent title has been reportedly stung by widespread piracy. The studio’s official website – where Machinarium was being sold at $20 – has announced the game will retail at $5 until Thursday August 12th. …

Free-to-play studio will close soon, with assets up for sale

20 teams to do battle at the next Develop Quiz. Flurry of studios already signed up

Best Buy’s entertainment boss Marc Spence will leave the electronics retailer on Friday, August 27th. Spence oversaw the launch of Best Buy in Europe and developed the firm’s entertainment departments – which included large video game demonstration areas and a pre-owned range. During his UK retail career, Spence has worked …

Neversoft lost its soul and spark in the pursuit of chart success, according to one of its senior staff. Guitar Hero project director Brian Bright described the mood at Neversoft in the last two years – a period which saw the team chase fame in the face of Rock Band, …