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

Gem-owned accessories firm Exspect has heralded this week’s deal with SCEE a ‘significant milestone’ in the company’s development. The agreement will see Exspect launch a range of officially licensed screen protectors and cases for both PSP 3000 and PSPgo, with the first products due to hit shelves towards the end …

After weeks of speculation, MCV can finally confirm that tomorrow is the day that Microsoft will reveal its new intentions for the Xbox 360. The announcement is expected to include the ditching of the mid-range Pro SKU and a price drop for the high-end Elite model. It’s also likely that …

Collaboration with Ideaworks3D produces Backbreaker for Apple platforms

Record giant EMI has called on game makers to feature more new artists in titles such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero to attract the younger user. The British music company, manages new artists including Babyshambles, Lily Allen and Bat For Lashes, as well as classic acts such as The …

Electronic Arts believes Need For Speed: Shift will see the franchise reclaim its crown as king of the racers, after a disappointing showing in 2008. The company is preparing a major marketing plan to support the title when it hits PS3, Xbox 360, PSP and PC on September 18th. Shift …

European distributor EBS Benelux has acquired independent rival Favour Games. The takeover comes as EBS moves to strengthen its position as a distributor of home and portable entertainment products in the Benelux region. We are very excited and proud to welcome Favour Games into the EBS family,” said EBS Benelux …

THQ has declared WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2010 the biggest release of its financial year – and said that its release will cement its place as the fighting genre’s No.1 publisher. The firm will unveil the game this weekend at WWE event Summerslam – a show it says emphasises the crucial importance” …

The world’s largest BitTorrent site has been ordered to remove all Copyright files on its site or face a fine of up to €5 million (4.4m). A Dutch Court has given the site three months to complete the order, say reports. The Utrecht District Court agreed with Stichting Brein, a …

Okay, so it’s really being sold for 2.51, given there’s a ‘transaction fee’ added into the mix, but it’s still the lowest ever price for a new game release. It’s not strictly an original move – misery rock band Radiohead did a similar thing with its 2007 album In Rainbows …

Publisher to release digital PSPgo games; Minis a possibility