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

CodeDev (fondly known as ‘The Unreal Guys’), the UK-based co-development studio has today officially announced the launch of The Performance Guys. Operating as a highly specialised division, this elite team is debuting as the world’s only dedicated group of bespoke Performance Engineers and Technical Artists explicitly built to tackle project-critical optimisation challenges.

Appcharge, the leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) payments platform for mobile game publishers, today announced the appointment of Bernard Kim, a 20-year veteran of the global gaming and consumer technology industry, to its advisory board. Kim will support Appcharge’s continued growth, global expansion, and strategic development as it establishes DTC monetisation as standard infrastructure for the games industry.

Indie developers can sign up now for the Ludeo Indie Program, a new initiative from Ludeo designed to help indie game developers transform creator-driven discovery into instantly playable gameplay experiences.

This is a press release posted in addition to our usual editorial content. As MIAM! celebrates 10 years of independent animation and international success, the French group announces the launch of MIAM! games, a new activity dedicated to the development and production of premium video games for kids and family …

Mintrocket, the award-winning developer behind DAVE THE DIVER, formally unveiled its next genre-blending title: BANCHO THE CHEF. This all-new adventure follows the enigmatic Bancho through his early formative years as an aspiring cook, travelling across Asia to study regional cuisines, refine his craft, and ultimately become the master chef fans know and love. 

As organisations face increasing pressure to stand out in saturated markets while operating with leaner teams and tighter budgets, communications veteran Sam Forrest has launched GunDog Communications, a specialist consultancy designed to give SMEs and growing businesses access to senior-level communications expertise without the cost of a full-time Communications Director.

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, has today announced the appointment of Elaine Green as its Chair.

IO Interactive, the independent video game developer and publisher behind the HITMAN franchise, and Amazon MGM Studios are thrilled to announce that 007 First Light, has reached 1.5 million units sold within the first 24 hours, making it the fastest-selling title in IO Interactive's history. 007 First Light is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, on Amazon.com, on PC, on Steam and Epic Games Store, as well as at key retailers.

Room 8 Group, a leading external game development partner, has today announced the appointment of Juanita Draude as Chief Executive Officer, marking the next phase of the company’s growth and evolution.

The Dubai Films & Games Commission is stepping up its ambition to build a games industry defined by positive impact by announcing a strategic headline partnership with the Good Game Club podcast at GamesBeat Summit 2026 in Los Angeles. The partnership positions the Dubai Films & Games Commission at the centre of a growing global movement around the positive cultural, economic and societal impact of video games, joining Good Game Club’s existing founding partner Tencent.