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

Following rumours of a significant restructuring to Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division, an internal memo from CEO Steve Ballmer has confirmed the retirement of EDD president Robbie Bach and, as rumoured, the departure of J Allard. Bach leaves after 22 years at the company, though Allard – himself a 15-year …

Distributor Gem has announced an exclusive partnership with French publisher Mindscape that will see its upcoming games distributed across the UK. The first game to be included in the deal will be Wii karaoke title U-Sing Girls Night which hits retail on June 18th. We are thrilled to be working …

Free-to-download MMO racer Need For Speed World won’t be released at retail, but retailers will be able to sell pre-paid game cards for the franchise’s latest title. Speaking to MCV at EA’s European showcase in London last week, Need For Speed’s producer Jesse Abney explained the difficulties of making an …

Insomniac Games has today announced a new deal with EA Partners and says that the agreement is all part of a new bid to reach a wider audience. The deal will see the studio responsible for Ratchet & Clank and Resistance: Fall of Man develop its first multiplatform project. Until …

Insomniac Games, the PlayStation studio best known for key Sony franchises Ratchet & Clank and Resistance is working on a new 360/PS3 title that will be released by EA Partners. Under the terms of the deal, Insomniac will own the IP for the game, which EA Partners will handle sales …

Leaked memo suggests Microsoft shake-up underway [Update: Microsoft confirms]

New game will see studio break beyond its PlayStation confines

But itâ??s hard to negotiate for many, key Sony partner and indie studio confesses

Much-loved PlayStation developer to make its first multiplatform game â?? but firm will still work with Sony

Ubisoft Toronto is already working on a new Splinter Cell sequel, under the watchful eyes of general manager Jade Raymond. Raymond confirmed that a number of key personnel that worked on Conviction have transferred to the studio to work on the next entry in the series, as well as an …