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

Despite charting at number four in the UK Charts this week behind fierce rival Guitar Hero 5, EA’s The Beatles: Rock Band has so far exceeded the sales expectations of developer Harmonix’s parent company Viacom. It’s been terrific,” Viacom CEO Philleppe Dauman told investors in a conference call, according to …

Activision Blizzard, Sony Online Entertainment and Turbine in new PalTalk lawsuit

MCV understands that Nintendo’s unique tie-up with Ant and Dec includes an agreement for the pair’s likeness to be used in future games from the platform holder. Ant and Dec have given the thumbs up to being involved with Nintendo at a development stage, increasing their involvement with the firm …

Rick Gibson turns his eye to the social network games specialist

Nintendo UK is banking on its biggest ever Christmas campaign to see off the threat from a freshly-discounted Xbox 360 and PS3 this Q4. The platform holder has signed family TV favourites Ant and Dec to head up its Christmas campaign and future marketing endeavours, MCV can reveal. Sources close …

Following yesterday’s Modern Warfare 2 bundle announcement, Microsoft has revealed a second 250GB special edition console – this time for its highly anticipated racer, Forza 3. This Forza Motorsport 3 Super Elite Bundle will be racing to all UK stores on October 23rd, and comes with the aforementioned 250GB hard …

Bite-sized PSP games get feature cuts to allow â??3-5 day QA processâ?

Microsoft has told MCV it believes that an exclusive beta key for Halo Reach will entice 360 owners to purchase Halo: ODST next week. The FPS title is released on September 22nd in Europe, and offers players a chance to experience Halo: Reach – which isn’t released until next year …

Microsoft has confirmed its plans to release downloadable apps and games for its new Zune HD device, but only a few titles have been announced, and they won’t be available until November. The Zune HD went on sale in the US yesterday, alongside new Zune software. The relevant section of …

Microsoft’s flagship series returns next month with Halo 3: ODST. But can it be a global smash like its predecessor? James Batchelor grills Xbox boss Stephen McGill… How important is Halo 3: ODST to Microsoft and to your Q4 plans? Halo 3: ODST is an absolutely key title for us. As …