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

Microsoft is targeting the global toy press in its efforts to spread the word about Natal ahead of its global launch later this year. Writing for MCV, the deputy editor of Toy News Katie Roberts explains that the platform holder very much wants to leverage space for the device at …

Despite working in the same office as the UK’s leading games trade title, I’m going to have to admit to knowing next to nothing about games. While it’s clear there is a growing crossover in retail terms between games and toys, the gaming world is something that has left me …

The recent ‘Putting Quality First’ report, which urged the BBC to cut spending and focus on less content, won’t stop the plans its Worldwide division has to licence out new games titles. Last week a strategic review confirmed that the world-renowned broadcaster will drop two radio stations and cut internet …

A Sony representative has admitted to 1UP that SCEA’s decision not to publish From Software’s PS3 RPG Demon’s Souls in North America was a mistake”. The game, which was published by Sony in Japan, has become one of the surprise hits of recent months. Initially regarded as a niche project, …

Cross-party support for awards night celebrating the UKâ??s creative industries

EA has officially kicked off the closed beta for experimental online MMO racer Need for Speed World and is welcoming applications from potential new members. Set across 150 miles of open world roads, the game aims to create the largest persistent online race world ever seen and represents the series’ …

Next week’s edition of Five’s The Gadget Show (Monday March 22nd) will feature what is being called the ‘Modern Warfare 2 Challenge’. The segment will see keen gamer and presenter Jason Bradbury take on a former SAS soldier in a real-life replica of MW2’s opening training level. The idea is …

Tickets are now available for the upcoming Gamescom 2010 via the event’s official website. Open to trade, fans and visitors, the site allows for instant purchase. E-tickets can then be printed out and used on the day. Savings of up to 25 per cent are available to those buying early, …

Stereoscopic technology to be integrated into Epicâ??s leading engine

The Open Rights Group has announced that it is to organise a public protest in response to the Lords’ passing of the Digital Economy Bill. The campaign page on the organisation’s website reads: It’s time to show MPs what we think about the Digital Economy Bill. As it stands now, …