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

Mike Hayes has a lot on his plate after stepping up from his Euro role to oversee Sega’s entire Western business. Colin Campbell asks him how he’s finding life in his new San Francisco office – and handling the tricky job of managing two territories… Two years ago, Sega moved …

Nintendo has announced that the Wii-specific Opera web browser will from now on be free to download for all owners of the console who are connected to the internet. Until today, anyone not quick enough to grab the download for free in the weeks after its release has faced paying …

Microsoft is to hold a press conference in Hong Kong tomorrow where it is expected that a price cut for the machine will be announced for key territories across the region. Kotaku claims that the new prices, which have not yet been outlined, will go live in countries such as …

The combination of a UK bank holiday and Microsofts £30 reduction in the cost of an Xbox 360 Elite lead to a 43 per cent week-on-week sales increase for the next-gen console last week, ChartTrack has told MCV. Those who were expecting a more significant upturn should, ChartTrack added, note …

The boss of Sony-owned developer Polyphony Digital has stated that his upcoming racer Gran Turismo 5 is likely to get a simultaneous worldwide release – with many still tipping the title for an arrival in 2009. Thegame is still under development but itsrelease is not too far,” Kazunori Yamauchi stated, …

In what we’re already comfortably predicting will be the oddest gaming news of the week, Cherie Blair has become a director of an e-sports games company. The wife of ex-PM Tony, 54, and son Nicky, 23, have joined the board of Magnitude Gaming – a semi-professional outfit that play video …

Japanese games giant Namco Bandai wants to be one of Europe’s top five publishers within five years by releasing a string of new Western-specific IP. The firm’s ambitious plans follow the acquisition of Atari’s European distribution business in July, and a series of new game announcements at last week’s Gamescom …

Codemasters believes its Operation Flashpoint sequel will benefit from fellow publishers moving major rival game releases from Q4 to Q1 next year. The firm has revealed that it will be backing the title withan ‘explosive’ Christmas marketing blitz, which will concentrate on exposure in nationwide cinemas. Brand manager Dan Robinson …

Activision Blizzard has underlined the importance of retail in the success of Guitar Hero 5. The publisher has arranged to have a strong in-store presence, as well as some appealing pre-order incentives to drive customers to retailers on September 11th. Retailers are absolutely crucial to every Guitar Hero launch,” senior …

Platform holder Nintendo has stated that its highly anticipated fitness sequel Wii Fit Plus will be released in North America on October 4th. In addition, the hardware manufacturer is also brining some new colour options to both its handheld and home console range. All the details are over on CasualGaming.biz.