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

Netflix has revealed it aims to bring its service to all formats in future, expanding on its successful partnership with Xbox 360. While the rentailer currently provides downloadable films through Microsoft’s console, the company’s CEO Reed Hastings has stated it hopes to arrange similar deals for Wii, PS3 and more, …

Speculation is mounting that THQ is to be the subject of an acquisition bid in the next few months – with insiders suggesting that Warner is readying an offer. Shares in THQ soared 13 per cent on Tuesday amid rumours that the publisher – which holds the lucrative WWE game …

The recommended retail price of an Xbox 360 Elite has been cut by AUS $100 in Australia. The high-end version of Microsoft’s console will now retail for AUS $449 in all stores throughout the territory, according to IGN. The Arcade’s RRP will remain at AUS $299, while the last units …

Casual leader PopCap has announced intentions to bring two of its major IPs to both DSiWare and US retail. Word puzzle Bookworm, which is one of PopCap’s most successful properties, will be released on Nintendo’s digital delivery platform some time in October. This will be followed by a boxed retail …

Antic Entertainment aims to bring "AAA quality to free-to-play titles"

Both digital and boxed versions of Bookworm and Bejeweled Twist coming to DS

GAME Group has reported that its pre-owned sales have jumped to 177 million for the six months ending July 31st. It is a 12.3 per cent increase over 2008’s figure of 157.8 million, and means that pre-owned sales accounted for 25.7 per cent of the company’s first half sales. Last …

The much-debated SingStar SKU of Beatles: Rock Band has been officially touted by EA and is already available at UK retail with an RRP of 49.99. Dubbed The Beatles: Rock Band – Two Microphone Pack, the disc comes with the same 45 tracks featured in release already on the market, …

THQ shares rocket as acquisition rumours intensify

GAME Group’s profits have fallen from 35.5 million to 14.5 million for the six months ending July 31st, a drop of 60 per cent. The fall is in line with company expectations, while sales have dipped seven per cent to 690.8 million and like-for-like sales were down 16.3 per cent. …