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

Fizz Factor shuts down while Amaze merges with Griptonite amid widespread layoffs

Focus Home Interactive has set its sights on snaring share as a publisher in the UK games market with its action sports title, Blood Bowl. The French publisher first told MCV last year that it was looking to break into the UK games market – and the firm is confident …

Since it was revealed at Leipzig back in 2008, things have been mostly quiet on the EyePet front – but Sony of America last night confirmed that the title will be released on that side of the Atlantic in time for Christmas this year.

 And seeing as EyePet had until …

Independent video game chain CHIPS has opened a new store in Leicestershire. Based in Market Harborough, the new outlet sells software and hardware for all major consoles, as well as accessories, books, cards, merchandise and pre-owned. The store is run by former accountant and local resident Andrew Colclough. I first …

Watch out Codemasters – System 3 has pledged to become the greatest racing publisher in the world beginning with the upcoming SuperCar Challenge on PlayStation 3. Developed by Eutechnyx, the new game is based on last year’s multi-format hit Ferrari Challenge, and will hit shelves in August. The title boasts …

Best Buy Europe has named its CEO ahead of next year’s introduction of ‘big box stores’ into Europe. Scott Wheway, 42, moves up from his role as COO – which he accepted in May, and now relinquishes. Wheway will report to the shareholder board of Best Buy Europe. He assumes …

Publisher Capcom has vowed to keep up the TV advertising to promote its new Monster Hunter game. The title has sat at the top of the ChartTrack PSP Top 10 since its launch last month, and the firm is hoping to build on these sales to establish a ‘body’ of …

Exspect has released a new gaming-specific case for the iPhone which functions as an ergonomic grip for the Apple portable. Available for both the iPod Touch 2G and the iPhone 3G, including the new iPhone 3G S, the Gaming Grip promises to deliver an experience similar to that of a …

Summer of Widgets competition looking for innovative ideas

Earlier this week Peter Jackson, the acclaimed director behind Hollywood film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, claimed that he is no longer working with Microsoft on a new Halo title – but the Xbox 360 platform holder seems less sure.

 On Monday Jackson said of Halo: Chronicles: That Halo …