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

After THQ announced its new deal with Marvel for up-and-coming kids’ franchise Super Hero Squad , Variety’s games blog is reporting that the two firms are set to make their partnership a long-lasting one. The Cut Scene interviewed both THQ CEO Brian Farrell and Marvel’s head of videogames Simon Phillips …

Dreamworks’ exclusive five-year contract with Activision will be coming to an end in 2010 – and it looks like the movie animation firm won’t be renewing the deal. According to Variety, THQ has successfully pitched for the game adaptation of Dreamworks’ autumn 2010 movie release, Master Mind. Activision has published …

THQ and Marvel Entertainment have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to create video games based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise. The multi-year agreement sees THQ obtain the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as Windows PC. The …

The former chairman of Nintendo Hiroshi Yamauchi is the richest person in Japan, according to Forbes. Yamauchi topped up his personal wealth with more $3 billion in the past year alone, mainly from Wii’s success. According to the article, Japan’s 40 wealthiest businesspeople are worth $89.9 billion, up $10.7 billion …

Austin-based developer reacquires rights to space-opera universe

Best Buy – the massive US electronics retail chain with a large games selection – is set for a massive expansion into the UK and the rest of Europe next year. The news follows a deal between the chain and The Carphone Warehouse, which has sold 50 per cent of …

Could you explain what Martin’s recent change of role will entail, and what it means for the European market’s relationship with you? Martin Spiess: You’ll have to ask Matt. After all, he promoted me… Matt Booty: We would really like for Martin to get more involved worldwide – not just …

Technical lead on Metroid Prime: Hunters joins Turn 10

Californian developer's new SparkWorkz division to be headed by former Microsoft exec

The next chapter in the Doom series is under production, according to id Software. The firm told Game Informer last month that there would be a fourth Doom, although it added no team was currently assigned to the project. "Doom is part of the id Software DNA and demands the …