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

PopCap has made a special version of one of its most popular titles available for free, taking influence from Blizzard’s phenomenally popular MMO. The World of Warcraft themed version of Peggle is free to download, and combines the worlds of the two games across 10 new levels that hope make …

Sony has ruled out a PS3 games-on-demand service for the PlayStation Network, leaving Microsoft with a clear run on trialling the ins and outs of a potentially retail-free future for software. [A games-on-demand service] is not something we have planned, just because the size of the games is massive,” PSN …

EA’s Battlefield 1943, the latest high-profile brand to try its hand at cutting boxed retail distribution out of the loop, is out now and ready to buy. Priced at 1200 Microsoft Points (10.20) the game is an online multiplayer-only affair and sees authentic weapons and vehicles take it to one …

Zushi has announced a range of games that will break new ground for the publisher and drive its growth in 2010. Over the next six months, the company will release a selection of brand new IPs, including Family Gameshow and Jigapix. Zushi will also break away from its traditional position …

Maryland-based media empire Zenimax media had raised $105 million in debt financing to facilitate the acquisition of landmark Texan developer id.

 That’s according to an SEC filing, found here.

 The public filing itself did not disclose the total amount Zenimax put forward to acquire id, and it’s not known if …

First of all it took control of the browser market. Then Google attempted to become a software provider with apps like Gmail, Google Docs and Google Maps. Next came its bold new mobile OS but nothing to date compares to Google’s recently unveiled next move – the Windows-rivalling Google Chrome …

Middlesbrough establishment's BSc in programming lauded for its links with industry

Ed Boon, the lead developer of Midway’s Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe has confirmed that the DLC that had been previously touted for the game will not now be released. The news is not surprising considering Midway’s ongoing struggles and the recently completed buyout at the hands of Warner Interactive. …

THQ’s former UK managing director has taken over the global marketing reigns at up-and-coming Polish games publisher City Interactive. Tim Ingham asks the questions…What are the major differences between working for City Interactive and THQ? Scale, really. The principles of business are the same for every publisher in this industry. …

Emerging publisher Warner has dated its upcoming slate of Watchmen game offerings, with Watchmen: The End is Nigh Part 2 heading to Xbox Live Arcade later this month in Europe and on August 26th in the US. There’s plenty more to come, too. Whilst Watchmen was once destined for a …