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

After its successful rollout last year, Microsoft is to make NXE a mandatory upgrade for 360 users wanting to play the latest titles on their machines, according to reports . NXE, or New Xbox Experience, was released last year and completely overhauled the Xbox 360’s previous dashboard ‘blade’ system. It …

US publisher Midway has confirmed that it is holding talks with parties interested in acquiring its cherished Mortal Kombat property – but it added that it would still ideally like to hold on to its brand. There are conversations for certain,” spokesperson Geoff Mogilner told MTV. There’s definitely interest in …

Famed guitar maker Gibson has seen its lawsuit against Guitar Hero publisher Activision Blizzard thrown out of court after it ruled that Neversoft’s game does not infringe any existing patents. Edge reports that Gibson had claimed its US Patent 5,990,405 for a system and method for generating and controlling a …

In an exclusive interview with MCV’s sister site CasualGaming.biz, Square Enix president and CEO John Yamamoto has said that online distribution channels such as Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and WiiWare form a significant part of his company’s ongoing plans. There is a large audience for casual titles that is growing …

Giant entertainment retail chain Blockbuster is close to collapse, according to national reports. The US chain, which has 700 stores in the UK, has been suspended on the New York Stock Exchange after its shares fell more than 76 per cent. The firm has asked law firm Kirkland & Ellis …

RETAIL BIZ: MCV visited Staines, Middlesex, this week for its latest retail price check, looking at the price differentiation between High Street and online outlets on the latest releases. Play.com was the cheapest retailer overall, undercutting both its online and bricks-and-mortar rivals on three out of five titles. It sold …

New prototyping solution to be showcased at GDC09

Localisation teams to grow at firm's Canadian offices, says CEO Leinfellner

Oxford studio used for chart-topping game's motion capture

Saint John Walker to have remit overseeing animation sector as well