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

Some of Blockbuster’s 650 UK stores could be at risk as the company seeks to slash property costs. MCV understands that the retail giant has recruited KPMG to help renegotiate rents and leases with landlords, which could result in the closure of UK stores if agreements can’t be reached. However, …

Indies and analysts have already written off plans by supermarket chains to sell pre-owned games – just a week after trials began. Last week MCV reported that Asda and Tesco had started to test the viability of a trade-in offer in a small number of stores – two Tesco branches …

They came, they drank their weight in beer, and they were quizzed – and, in the end, Splash Damage proved it was the smartest games developer in London last night. Developer of upcoming console shooter Brink, Splash Damage triumphed over second placed Curve Studios and third placed Rocksteady after answering …

In what is quickly becoming a very common trend, Take-Two has admitted that it is investigating the possibility of embracing the recent trend for including DLC codes in the boxes of their releases. The scheme offers free digital content to those buy their games brand new, but requires those who …

The highlights of Jason West and Vince Zampella’s court documents against Activision can be found here. The complaint, posted online by IGN, accuses Activision of forcing the two former Infinity Ward bosses out so the publisher can avoid paying substantial bonus payments, as well as claim creative control of the …

Take-Two can deny the claims until it’s blue in the face, but analysts are seemingly unwilling to believe that Grand Theft Auto V is not in the works – and now one has gone a step further by predicting a full reveal for the title in the coming weeks. There …

The startling events surrounding the dismal of Infinity Ward’s Jason West and Vince Zampella earlier this week has been laid out in a court document posted by IGN. West and Zampella were dumped by Activision following an investigation into insubordination and breach of contract. Reports suggested security staff escorted the …

We’re still waiting to see what games will be fronting both Sony’s and Microsoft’s motion control offering when the pair go to war on the High Street this Christmas – but rumours are pointing to a big hardcore title for Sony’s device. Specifically, CVG claims to have word from a …

UK studio beats London teams Curve and Rocksteady to claim industry glory

Sony has revealed the identity of its surprise sequel” – a fourth instalment in the SOCOM series, which is headed to PS3 later this year. Zipper Interactive, developer of the first SOCOM title and recently released online PS3 online shooter MAG, will take charge of the game. European project manager …