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

How has 2008 been for Mastertronic so far? It has been very challenging. But it was always going to be challenging, especially for those making core games. What’s interesting this year is that the whole entertainment space has become jumbled up – which I see as a good thing. The …

Jeremy Vickery to give talks on 'digital lighting and practical colour'

Ghostbusters and 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand could be sold off as Activision Blizzard assumes Vivendi’s release slate, the new publishing powerhouse has told MCV. While Crash, Spyro and Prototype have been confirmed for release by the new giant, the rest of Vivendi’s release schedule hangs in the balance. …

Jin Hasegawa to head internal team; has three games in the works

Following the bombastic departure of acclaimed developer Tomonobu Itagaki from Tecmo’s Team Ninja, many had thought the studio to be destined for disbandment – but news has emerged that not only is it alive and kicking, but it has an impressive three titles in the works. Team member Jin Hasegawa …

Nintendo has finally confirmed a UK release date of November 7th for the tremendously popular Professor Layton and the Curious Village on Nintendo DS. The title combines over 100 logic puzzles with a charming story line and an appealing graphical style reminiscent of French animation. New puzzles are released over …

As much as Sony is pioneering the release of full-price titles via its own PSN network, it is also going to great length to preserve its presence at retail – as can be seen by the news that it is to release many of its downloadable PSP titles on boxed …

Having literally just announced that it has rejected the acquistion offer from Final Fantasy developer and publisher Square Enix , Japanese firm Tecmo had made the surprise announcement that it is planning to merge with Koei. Kotaku reports that talks are already underway following the creation of an ‘integrated management …

Executive-aimed conference selling out; only two days left for reduced rates

Sainsbury’s won out at last night’s MCV and Xbox 360 Industry Pub Quiz, beating The Sun in a nail-biting tie-breaker. The champs received the top prize of an Xbox 360, a 12-month subscription to Live and a copy of Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise, all courtesy of sponsors Microsoft. 17 …