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

GSC Game World, the developer behind critically applauded post-Chernobyl FPS S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has been confirmed as an Xbox 360 developer, paving the way for the studio to branch out into multiplatform development. "Obtaining such a status for an independent developer based in ex-USSR means a lot, and it took us over …

Develop reports that six developers have been named as the winners of the Nordic Game Program’s second funding round of 2007. The six studios win a share of 2.3 million DKK, with the largest amount going to Tarsier Studios, developers of the previously announced audio recording-based game The City of …

Japanese games site Game Watch reports that Sony’s redesigned Slim & Lite PSP has broken the one million unit sales barrier faster than the company’s original model. The new model, whose official name is the PSP-1000, hit the milestone on November 22nd, just two months after its launch and a …

There’s a scene in seminal 1990s buddy vehicle Wayne’s World 2 in which the eponymous protagonist is breaking down under the strain of overseeing his magnum opus – the gargantuan rock concert, Waynestock. With bands dropping out and attendance figures on the wane, he visits fantasy guru Jim Morrison, whose …

IF ANY doubts remained over Warner Bros’ commitment to hitting its target of becoming a billion dollar publisher in five years, its recent acquisition of TT Games was a potent symbol of its desire to invest in games. Having made some pretty bold statements in the press as it set …

Indie chain CHIPS has added a new store to its impressive tally, opening its 33rd UK outlet in Gloucester. The shop was previously owned by celebrated indies ePlay and The Software Store before CHIPS arrived. It will now be run by Steven Ford and Chris Popple. CHIPS’ joint managing director …

Square Enix is relying almost completely on the power of online marketing to shift copies of its latest Final Fantasy MMORPG. Final Fantasy XI Online: Wings Of The Goddess is the fourth expansion pack in the series, following on from Rise of Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht, …

PC peripherals specialist Saitek has told MCV that it is eager to use its relationship with its new owner to gain a handle on the Xbox 360 market. MadCatz, which is an official Xbox 360 licensee, acquired Saitek for $30 million last week, following its swoop for fellow peripherals giant …

The MD of Eurogamer network, Rupert Loman, has been named as the ‘Media One to Watch’ business figure in the Courvoisier Future 500, a list of top figures from a wide variety of industries. Printed in the Observer at the weekend, Loman got the nod for his entrepreneurial skills in …

Event to return in May for more talk on all things online