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

For part one of our interview, click hereFor part two, click here. It’s been a tough year for the games industry, with software sales and hardware sales below what was achieved in 2008. In the final part of our chat with Activision Blizzard’s UK management team, the company discuss the …

But series producer Kazunori Yamauchi doesnâ??t see the costs as extravagant

With the PS3 remaining the only current generation console to remain unhacked, platform holder Nintendo – whose DS and Wii remain two of piracy’s largest victims – has admitted that the battle against software piracy is endless”. I recognize there is more software piracy, playing downloaded software data without purchase, …

Some observers would have you believe that Wii HD is just around the corner and whilst a recent Nintendo investor call suggests this is certainly not the case, Nintendo is at long last turning its attentions to the hi-def future of the Wii. We probably cannot swim against the tide,” …

First part of our definitive Q&A with Warren Spector on re-inventing Mickey Mouse

GAME has revealed it will be offering an exclusive limited edition of The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. The set will be available to customers who pre-order the game and comes with an special artistic tin and figurines of Link and the Phantom knight players can possess in the game. …

Konami Corp is in talks with JVC Kenwood Holdings over the possible sale of the music firm’s subsidiary Victor Entertainment Inc, according to reports. The pair are expected to reach a deal by the end of the month, with JVC Kenwood – established by Victor and Kenwood in October 2008 …

Viacom’s luke-warm analysis of its Rock band franchise earlier this week added fuel to the fire of those questioning the long-term viability of the music game franchise – making the news that sales of Guitar Hero are radically up year-on-year all the more impressive. Year to date through September 30, …

IGN-owned digital games firm Direct2Drive is refusing to sell Modern Warfare 2 on PC because of its integration with Valve’s Steamworks. All PC copies of Modern Warfare 2 will come with Steamworks, not just the ones sold on Steam, and will benefit from Steamwork’s variety of features, including community integration, …

Gearbox president Randy Pitchford has dubbed Valve as foolish” for neglecting the PS3. He also questioned the development studio’s insistence on handling its own products through Steam, despite the fact it requires third-part publishers to reach retail. Speaking to Official PlayStation Magazine, he said: I noticed something on the net …