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

Social gaming experts fall under Develop microscope

Interplay is developing a new MMO version of its Fallout franchise – after ‘borrowing’ the rights back to its old licence from current franchise-owner Bethesda. The firm – which has resurfaced this year – also plans to create sequels to some of its most successful games, including Earthworm Jim, Dark …

Wii users will be able to stream a plethora of BBC programmes from midnight tonight, when a message will be sent to all UK-based Wii consoles currently connected to the internet informing users of the new service. Existing Wii owners will then be able to watch BBC iPlayer content through …

The Advertising Standards Authority has outlawed an Eidos advertising campaign for Kane & Lynch. The body has ordered Eidos not to print or broadcast the ads again, after upholding 26 complaints and calling the promotion ‘graphic’ and ‘shocking’. One press ad shows a gagged woman, crying and having her head …

The PC version of Mass Effect will hit stores on Tuesday, May 28th in North America and Friday, June 6th in Europe – a delay to the title’s initial release date of May 6th. The title will be published by EA, following Microsoft’s success with the title as a first-party …

Sega has confirmed yesterday’s report on Develop that it has closed its racing studio. Next-Gen was the first site to report on a statement to the press from the publisher. It reads: ‘Regrettably Sega today announced that it is to commence consultation regarding the unfortunate closure of the Sega Racing …

Ubisoft has told MCV that Haze on PS3 will definitely be released on Friday, May 23rd in Europe. After initially confirming its release date of May 22nd, then changing it last month, fans have been eagerly anticipating the news – and the rubber stamped date is sure to be popular …

Codemasters has revealed an industry crossing agreement with Realtime Technology, a leading provider of high-end visualisation technology to the automotive industry. The two will share tech and expertise for upcoming developments. Realtime Technology AG (RTT) provide 3D realtime rendering and visualisation technologies, and tools that enable car designers to render …

Activision has estimated that the video games market is worth $10.4 billion in Europe, compared to $10.1 billion in the US. The calculation came from Activision’s senior VP of global brand management Will Kassoy, taking into account the strength of the UK pound vs. the US dollar. Kassoy also predicted …

Former president of Sega Enterprises Hayao Nakayama, who oversaw the firm’s 1980s and 1990s hardware boom, has made a personal investment in video games publisher Virgin Play. Nakayama established his reputation by managing the global success of both the Sega Master System and Megadrive (Genesis) – in addition to the …