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

With the April release of Grand Theft Auto IV rapidly approaching, Microsoft has stepped up the format battle by re-stating that the online multiplayer component of the game will be Xbox 360 only. The fresh news comes in a podcast on the blog of Microsoft’s Major Nelson, where Mattrick states: …

They are changing the law so that every game needs to be classified by the BBFC, just like films are. Here are a few reasons why this is stupid: – Television is more violent and has more sex than video games. Even an early evening soap opera like Eastenders has …

Early adopters receive 20 per cent discount on shipping and support fees

It has emerged that that The European Commission has conducted antitrust raids on the offices of leading global chip maker Intel and Dixons and PC World owners DSG. To read the full story, head over the MCV’s sister site PC Retail.

The time for reflection is past as Geomerics prepares launch of real-time lighting solution Enlightenâ?¦

SPECIAL FOCUS: We talk to the procedural content firm about new technology unveiled at GDC next week

Electronic Arts has unveiled its line up of Sim titles for the coming financial year, according to Shacknews. Citing the success of last years MySims, with over 3 million units sold, EA has confirmed two new titles in the franchise. The first of which, MySims Kingdom, is due this fall …

MCV sister site Develop has the full story – click here for more.

Former DC:UK editor, Edge writer and Eidos man joins Brighton-based Buzz developer

Electronic Arts targets $6 billion in revenues by the end of the 2011 fiscal year, according to CEO John Riccitiello. With revenues for this financial year expected to be around $3.5 billion, EA are expecting a growth of 70 per cent in three years. "It’s a big number. It’s never …