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

Buyers of the Heavy Rain special edition released today will have to wait until March 4th until they can download the game’s soundtrack. Sony posted a comment on its PlayStation Blog today apologising for a last-minute technical delay. Heavy Rain’s European product manager Alex Pavey said: If you redeem your …

Microsoft will directly challenge Nintendo’s mass-market media efforts when it launches Natal later this year. MCV understands that format-holder Microsoft is already planning early promotional efforts for the camera device to include celebrity endorsements and coverage in non-games media. Microsoft this week invited an ‘elite selection of media’ and non-games …

When Natal arrives later this year it will have a key USP over rivals Wii and Sony’s motion device – a truly controller-less interface. But SCEA boss Jack Tretton has stated that his company’s experience with the EyeToy has taught it that the approach brings with it its own disadvantages. …

EA-Owned Playfish plans to seriously grow the audience for its social games – by forging partnerships with leading High Street brands. The otherwise online-only firm has tied-up with the likes of Sainsbury’s, HMV and even games-shy WHSmith to sell in-game currency cash cards. While the developer offers a range of …

The Entertainment Retailers Association has defended Tesco and Asda’s decision to take their first tentative steps into the pre-owned market. Given the size and success of the pre-owned market, it is only logical that existing games retailers are expanding into the pre-owned sector alongside their new games offering,” ERA director …

So, were you one of the chosen ones? Finalists for the 2010 MCV Industry Excellence Awards have been chosen (scroll down for the full list below if you just can’t wait) – and over 60 companies are in the running for the hotly-contested awards. Activision and Ubisoft score the most …

Having made the headlines for suggesting that Valve’s ownership of digital distribution portal Steam lead to a conflict of interest” last year, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford has moved to calm the waters surrounding his comments. Look, Valve and Gearbox have had a relationship for a long time and it’s incredible …

Studio CEO says the project was put on hold after a license was attached to it

The VVVVVV creator gets the rapid-fire question treatment

While the Avalanche CEO implies that reckless studio acquisitions are â??an American thingâ??