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

The cloud-based Gaikai service, which lets players enjoy traditional disk-based PC games through a browser without the need to install any files or own the physical media, is entering closed beta in Europe later this month. The cloud-based Gaikai service, which lets players enjoy traditional disk-based PC games through a …

Electronic Arts has announced the Live Season premium service has been expanded in a new standalone game mode for FIFA 10. The service, first introduced in FIFA 09, provides subscribers with weekly updates that tweak the game’s content to reflect the latest developments in real-world football. Updates will affect player …

A wealth of great new racing IP will help usher in a new era for the racing genre. That’s according to System 3 CEO Mark Cale, whose upcoming racer Supercar Challenge is due to hit shelves later this week. I believe that we have the best handling model yet on a …

Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens has told MCV that recruiting the ‘might’ of PlayStation’s European sales team will ensure the success of upcoming racer Dirt 2. In a surprise move recently, Codemasters confirmed that Sony is to take over sales and distribution duties for the upcoming title on both PS3 and …

Helen Jones, THQ’s senior PR manager for UK and Europe, has left the firm. The long-standing THQ staffer is now seeking local employment in Brighton. Jones joined THQ in 2004, following a stint as PR and communications manager at Mindscape. She was promoted in 2007, when former senior UK PR …

Mastertronic Group has signed Osborne Clarke as its provider of legal services. As part of the arrangement, general counsel at Mastertronic Group Nav Sunner joins Osborne Clarke as co-head of its interactive entertainment group. He will continue to work with Mastertronic as well as other clients, with a particular focus …

Sega has confirmed that development is well underway on a brand new 2D Sonic title, which is currently going under the name Project Needlemouse. Little is known about the game as of yet, though Sega’s associate brand manager Ken Balough told GameSpot that the game has been built from the …

Cloud-based gaming service enters testing phase

Sony has allowed consumers to get to grips with 3D PS3 games for the first time at a Berlin trade show. Titles such as Wipeout HD were available to play in full 3D at IFA. The games on show were standard PS3 titles processed through a new 3D Bravia TV. …

The PS3 Slim sold 40,000 units in its first week of release in the UK, MCV can reveal. It was reported earlier this week that sales of PS3 climbed 999 per cent week-on-week following the launch of the new model. However, no sales figures were released at the time. The …