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

It has emerged that following yesterday’s release of Nintendo’s version 3.0 firmware for Wii, Datel’s Freeloader, a piece of software that allows users to play US and Japanese games on their PAL Wii, is no longer compatible with the machine. Freeloader originally appeared for use on GameCube, but has subsequently …

UK developer Free Radical has confirmed that it is working on Timesplitters 4 – though details currently remain thin on the ground. The studio’s Rob Yescombe told Kotaku that the team is currently hard at work on the title – though work is still ongoing on next-gen FPS Haze. In …

Top industry analyst Michael Pachter has predicted that Sony will drop the Price of PS3 at the start of next year – as Metal Gear Solid 4 and GTA IV are released. In a note to investors on Tuesday, Pachter said: We do expect Sony to be in a position …

The Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has reacted angrily to the news that U.S. District Judge John Whyte overturned a proposed law to ban the sale of violent software to minors. I signed this important measure to ensure that parents are involved in determining which video games are appropriate for …

After cutting the price of the Xbox 360 in the US, Microsoft has done the same on various models in Canada as well. The Premium and Core consoles have been dropped by CA$100, reported Kotaku . However it should be noted that the consoles were nearly $100 more in Canada …

SIGGRAPH 07: UE3-licensing serious games firm hires Takayoshi Sato

Another studio has pledged its allegiance to Nintendo, Develop has discovered: UK games firm Oxygen has founded a new development studio in London that will be committed to making games for just the Wii and DS. Publishing director Kevin Hassall explained to us that Oxygen Studios’ Nintendo-only focus was spurred …

New studio to focus on downloadable console titles

Cryptic Studios, the team behind MMO City of Heroes, has formed an advisory board made up of veterans from the development, financial, retail and publisher communities to help it in its expansion, reported Games Industry . Joining the board will be Jeff Braun, co-founder of Maxis, id Software co-owner Kevin …

The Advertising Standards Authority has banned a Sony PS3 internet advert in the UK, reported Life Style Extra. The organisation said that the advert "could be deemed to condone or glamorize violence or anti-social behaviour.” After forcing it to be withdrawn, the ASA issued Sony with a warning regarding its …