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

GAME Group’s decision to expand upon its previously announced store closure programme does not, as some have feared, mean the end of the Gamestation brand. That’s the claim of interim CEO Christopher Bell, who when asked by MCV if the Gamestation brand still has a future gave the following blank …

In the wake of this morning’s confirmation that former GAME CEO Lisa Morgan is to depart the retailer after 14 years at the helm, interim CEO Christopher Bell has insisted that the decision is not linked to the company’s recent financial performance. She had been in discussion with the board …

It’s been a tough morning for GAME. Profits have been falling, execs have been departing, and now the interim management team has had to defend its decision to expand upon its store closure plans – the end result of which will mean the end of an additional 127 outlets. When …

Special guests at Oliver twinsâ?? UK dev base

If you’re going to the MCV Awards, make sure you bring an extra tenner for a very good cause. Everyone at the prestigious trade event is being encouraged to donate 10 in return for the chance to win a brilliant prize offered by Gem Distribution and Logitech. All tenners collected …

Warner Bros. has acquired indie MMO developer Turbine in what is reported to be a $160 million deal. Turbine – the Massachusetts-based studio responsible for Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online – is now fully owned by Warner following sixteen years of independence. Warner Bros.’ latest …

Microsoft is allegedly in discussions with Peter Chernin, the former president of News Corp, to launch an Xbox 360-dedicated TV channel. Controversially, however, Chernin wants Microsoft to raise the monthly price of a subscription to Xbox Live by between $1 and $2 to fund the venture. Bloomberg reports that the …

The flight disruption caused by Europe’s volcanic ash cloud has meant a last minute switch of host for the MCV Awards. Over 650 top retailers and execs from the UK games business will squeeze into The Brewery in London’s Barbican tomorrow night (Thursday April 22nd), but original presenter Dom Joly …

Chancellor Alistair Darling has personally endorsed the game industry as a creative force” that deserves, and needs, support in Westminster. The second most powerful man in UK politics told Develop that his recent visit to Dundee, where he toured Realtime Worlds and Abertay University, was immensely enjoyable”, and heaped praise …

The first paid-for DLC for EA’s Battlefield: Bad Company 2 has been revealed – and it’s called the Kit Upgrade DLC. Each class in the multiplayer game will receive new uniforms, camouflaged weapons, two multiplayer awards and one Achievement. They can be bought individually for 160 Microsoft Points or as …