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

A device that allows gamers to play downloadable DS titles has been released for Nintendo’s DSi. Entitled the Acekard 2i, the new accessory allows the storing of data on a MicroSD card, and is fully compatible with the DSi’s features. Nintendo revealed to MCV last month that the R4 was …

JJ Richards assumes new role, as Microsoft ad company signs 18-game deal

The lead designer on Starbreeze’s upcoming next-gen take on the Chronicles of Riddick franchise has spoken enthusiastically about the game’s move from Activision-Blizzard to Atari. For the full stroy, head over to Developmag.com.

Jerk Gustafsson says upcoming Assault on Dark Athena will be Starbreezeâ??s most â??polishedâ? title to date

GameStation’s festive price bonanza will continue tomorrow with further cuts to high-profile titles – this time it’s Fallout 3 and Sonic Unleashed receiving a discount. The High Street retailer is offering Sonic Unleashed, released a mere six days ago, for 20 this week, as well as reducing the price of …

Expansion continues in spite of economic downturn

Microsoft’s VP of strategy and business development for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business Shane Kim has warned that the games industry will not be completely insulated from the effects of the global economic crisis. Of his own business, Kim told Reuters that he was cautiously optimistic” about Xbox sales, adding: A …

US games retail giant GameStop has tabled a bid for around half of Woolworths’ 815 stores, MCV understands. If accepted, that would immediately make the firm the UK’s biggest specialist chain – eclipsing GAME’s 397 stores. However, the Basingstoke-based retailer also owns 51 concessions – and, of course, 253 Gamestation …

Valve has published sales figures for the past decade, revealing how much each of its titles have sold at retail. From the original Half-Life to recent release Left 4 Dead, the company claims to be nearing the 36 million mark. The statistics were published in the latest issue of US …

The Mastertronic Group has sold a stake in the business to Dutch entertainment firm Hermans – in a move that has given the company financial security and the opportunity to grow in 2009. The deal follows on from a joint venture between the two parties in 2005 which saw the …