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

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 …

And new studio has already launched first title via casual games giant Big Fish

A new format is heading to shelves this Christmas that merges the likes of plug-and-play TV games, iPod functionality and motion sensitive gameplay. The iGame Family, a TV games dock from UK IT service providers Elonex, will be available to retailers from September 21st and works as both an iPod …

Koch Media believes its upcoming RPG Risen can become an on-going series. The original IP is due for release under the distributor’s Deep Silver publishing label for PC and 360 on October 2nd. It has been developed by German developer Piranha Bytes, which is best known for its Gothic RPG …

Handset maker reveals special incentives for premium partners during global roadshow

In a move designed to expand both the DSi’s multimedia credentials and its mass-market appeal, Nintendo has entered into a deal with renowned UK animators Aardman. All the details are over on CasualGaming.biz.

PlayStation 3 platform holder Sony has told MCV that it has nothing to say concerning the possibility of a PS3 hardware bundle to accompany the upcoming release of Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Microsoft this morning lifted the lid on a surprise 250GB Xbox 360 bundle arriving alongside …

The French National Assembly has passed one of the toughest laws against internet piracy that the world has ever seen. Under the new legislation, backed by President Nicolas Sarkozy (pictured), illegal downloaders of games, music and movies will be sent two warnings – first by email and then by recorded …