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

A Microsoft exec has seemingly confirmed that the firm is intending to announce some sort of motion sensing accessory for the console at next week’s E3. Talk of a Wii-like controller for Xbox 360 has been gaining momentum for a few weeks now, with many industry bods believing Microsoft is …

Google has launched a rival to the likes of PS3 Home and Second Life in the shape of Lively – a new 3D virtual world. Players use Avatars and interact virtually with others, and can create their own 3D ‘rooms’ , which they can then decorate. Users can also stream …

Brighton-based social and music game studio to establish sister team in UK capital

Peripheral specialist Mad Catz has secured a license from Ubisoft to produce and distribute Petz accessories in North America. There are seven different Petz games on store shelves, with two more scheduled for release before the end of the year. There’s currently no news on if these new accessories will …

A ‘violent’ UK TV ad for Rockstar’s Bully: Scholarship Edition has escaped a ban, despite 31 complaints from offended viewers. Complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority – which included grievances from those who had suffered from bullying – said the ad ‘glorified, trivialised and encouraged bullying and violence’. According to …

Next-gen has reported that EA cannot acquire Take Two until August 21st due to a Federal Trade Commission request for more information related to the proposed $2 billion deal. EA has agreed to comply with the FTC’s demands, having previously set a decision deadline for Take Two of July 18th. …

Activision’s shareholders have agreed by majority to approve a ‘merger’ with Vivendi Games. The deal between the two video game giants will see the formation of new publishing superpower Activision Blizzard, and was first announced in December. 92 per cent of Activision’s shareholders approved to deal, which is expected to …

Organisers facilitate previously 'rigorous' procedure

Sound design day to feature talks from Rare, Zoe Mode, SCEE and DICE

In the second part of our in-depth Q&A, we chat with Eidosâ?? creative director and head of acquisitions about online games, and how Eidos can, after the Hitman and Tomb Raider movies, exploit the crossover and collaboration with Hollywoodâ?¦