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

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

Following a recent overhaul, GAME’s online retail arm has enhanced its site with a set of new features – including customer product reviews – which it hopes will maximise sales in the run-up to Christmas. The new Gift Selector is designed to give specialist guidance when buying for others, while the …

Staff shortage may lead to increased demand for overseas workers

Entertainment retail chain Zavvi has teamed up with Nintendo to create a dedicated in-store area designed to promote the publisher’s consoles plus first and third party titles. The format holder’s devoted section has been set up in Zavvi’s flagship store in Oxford Street, London. The set-up is part of the …

Dubai International Capital, an investor acting on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, has purchased an estimated $500 million worth of Sony shares, or around one per cent of the company, Bloomberg reports. "The combination of Sony’s truly global brand, its leadership position in product design and its global footprint …