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

EA-Land, formely known as The Sims Online, is to be closed on August 1st. Next-gen reports that news was announced in an EA blog post, which said EA would be focusing its resources elsewhere. Subscription billing ends immediately, which means the game will be free for its final 60 days. …

No matter what country you're in, the economic climate is a cloudy one - and getting stormier by the day. But does that mean that tighter purse-strings will mean less people willing to shell out for games? Not so, says

Rainbow Studios and Sandblast Games see staff cuts

German developer blames piracy for multi-platform direction change

EA Sports president Peter Moore has likened the marketing strength of the label to that of Hollywood movies – calling it the only real brand in video games”. In an interview with GameDaily, Moore said that EA Sports division has the opportunity to touch more people than hardcore sports gamers” …

We find out what makes Kuju's kids game studio tick

The third of Kuju's studios to rebrand, Nik Nak was set a clear mission: to develop games for kids. But as the studio ramps up production of its first two titles, how are they finding the process of chasing after a famously fickle demographic?

The developer of Sierra’s upcoming movie adaptation The Bourne Conspiracy has revealed why actor Matt Damon refused to lend his voice and likeness to the title: because he dislikes violent video games. High Moon director of business relations Meelad Sadat told MTV that Damon was in negotiations to contribute but …

The PC Gamer Showdown will boast tournaments on titles including Counter-Strike, Team Fortress 2 and will take place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire over the weekend of September 27th and 28th. Future is hoping to attract more the 500 gamers to the event, offering cash prizes for victorious gamers – …

The highly anticipated Soul Calibur IV will arrive in the UK around the same as the US. The beat ‘em up, which features Star Wars characters for the first time, will appear on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in July. Earlier in the month Namco announced the game is to …