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

Following the news that Activision Blizzard is to reassess its IP catalogue and existing studio structure, it has been confirmed that Ludlam Entertainment has reacquired the gaming rights to its Bourne brand, GameDaily reports. The move follows Activision Blizzard’s release of its first Ludlam-branded title, The Bourne Conspiracy, in June …

Some 600 games development professionals packed into the Metropole Hotel in Brighton last night to see the best of UK games development talent honoured at the sixth annual Develop Industry Excellence Awards. Rockstar was the big winner, with the Rockstar North team taking home the Visual Arts and Audio Accomplishment …

ELSPA has spoken out today following the DCMS Select Committee report and the launch of the DCSF’s formal government consultation into age rating systems in the UK. Managing director of ELSPA Michael Rawlinson said of the DCMS Select Committee report: We agree entirely that there should be a single ratings …

With consumer anticipation for the game already sky high – and some hardline PES supporters even admitting that it could be a Pro Evo beater – EA has exclusively revealed to MCV that FIFA ‘09 is set for release on October 3rd. The latest in the ultra-successful FIFA series is …

Rockstar takes home four prizes; Frontier, Splash Damage and others all win big, too

ELSPA has this evening responded swiftly to media suggestions that the Government has already picked the BBFC as the ‘official’ age ratings body for games – pointing out that the Byron review consultation period has only just begun. A report in The Telegraph states that the Government is set to …

The Government has ignored the industry’s backing of the PEGI system and has plumped for an expansion of the BBFC’s role in age ratings. A report in The Telegraph states: In a consultation document that will spark a fierce backlash from the software industry, the Government will propose expanding the …

Microsoft is the latest suitor to be linked with a bid for Take Two after Seeking Alpha’s Stephen Frankola stated on the site that the format holder ‘has the cash, the takeover desire, and the rationale’ to buy the firm. I think that Microsoft is a likely bidder for Take …

Capcom’s net sales for the quarter ending June 30th has hit 16,352 million yen ($1.07 billion), a rise of 14.5 per cent when compared to the same period last year. The Resident Evil publisher also saw operating income leap 43.5 per cent to 2,978 million yen, with net income hitting …

Developer Slitherine is to publish its own titles on PC and consoles from January 2009, and has raised an initial sum of €5 million to kickstart its move into the sector. The strategy games specialist has ‘already started a strategic development plan to approach the retail market’, says a freshly-released …