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

ChartTrack has confirmed to MCV that the first half of 2008 has broken all previous records and become the most successful ever. Games retail has benefitted hugely from the release of major titles including GTA IV, Wii Fit, Mario Kart Wii and Metal Gear Solid 4, while ‘long tail’ and …

Whether or not a formalised plan comes together to bring in UK buyers remains to be seen, but major chunks of European retail are well and truly sold on IDEF. This business-only show, which prohibits media attendance, ran for the third time in Cannes last week and once again received …

Despite claims that the PS3’s entire software catalogue will eventually boast support for PS3’s new Trophy system, three developers have now come out and stated that they will not be patching their existing titles. Infinity Ward has said on its forum that it has no plans to patch Call of …

The Games Media Awards 2008 will take place on Thursday October 16th, at Jongleurs Comedy Club in Camden, London. This time, the voting panel will be MCV’s entire readership. In other words, the UK video games industry. There will also be fewer awards in total – a move designed to …

Silverstar-owned Empire Intreractive is to undergo a huge re-organisation in order to maximize efficiencies within the company, eliminate certain unprofitable operations, and better position the company for growth,” according to a statement released this morning. The company expects to reduce Empire’s active headcount by approximately 30 per cent, largely through …

Though Sony has experienced a little teething trouble with its long-awaited 2.40 PS3 firmware update, the excitement about the machine’s new Trophy system continues to build – and Sony has now confirmed that Trophies will eventually be rolled out into every single PS3 title. Though Super Stardust HD is the …

GAME Group’s latest trading statement has revealed that it plans to open up to 60 new stores for the Christmas trading period, with the majority of the new outlets pencilled in for its international business. The statement continues: As part of our International growth strategy we are continuing to buy-in …

As part of GAME Group’s first-half update in which it revealed stunning sales and its plan to open 60 more stores, it also updated the trade on the integration of Gamestation into its business as the 74 million deal continues to reap rewards. Gamestation continues to perform well and the …

GAME Group has appointed Dennis Woodside as a non-executive director. Woodside is currently the managing director of Google for the UK Ireland and Benelux, and has joined the retailer to help it improve its online business. I am pleased to join the GAME Board at such an exciting time,” stated …

Northern Irish game designer and founder of Shiny Entertainment David Perry was awarded an honorary Docturate of science for distinction in computer game development and design. Perry was presented with his degree by Dr Maire O’Neill, a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow at Queen’s University, who said: Awarding David …