MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
45-strong California-based Underground Developments will close at the end of May; staff offered jobs at other Activision studios
Read More »Activision-Vivendi deal approved by EU
Vivendi has officially been give permission to proceed with its proposed merger with former rival Activision, according to Reuters. The terms of the deal mean that French telecom and media group Vivendi will boast a 52 per cent share in new industry giant Activision Blizzard. As the European Commission rubber-stamped …
Read More »Activision: European market worth more than US
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 …
Read More »Vivendi to raise $1.4bn in bond issue
Vivendi is planning to raise around $1.4 billion in a US bond issue, to assist its acquisitions of Activision and French telecoms company Neuf Cegetel. The French media giant – and parent of Vivendi Games Universal – said it will raise the $1.4 billion through the issue of five- and …
Read More »Gibson to sue games retailers
Gibson Guitar has filed infringement lawsuits against five large retailers, including US giants Target and Wal-Mart, according to MMR news. Software developer Harmonix and publisher Electronic Arts are also being sued in a separate lawsuit, with both relating to ‘popular guitar simulation games and their alleged infringement of Gibson’s 1999 …
Read More »Guitar Hero: On Tour announced for DS
IGN has the scoop on the long rumoured but never confirmed DS version of Activision’s Guitar Hero – and reports that the game is due out later this year. The title, named Guitar Hero: On Tour, is being developed by Vicarious Visions, the studio behind certain versions of Activision’s Tony …
Read More »Vivendi titles facing uncertain future?
A report on Variety’s The Cut Scene Blog has suggested that there is unrest amongst Vivendi developers ahead of Activision merger – read the full story on Develop here.
Read More »‘Future of Vivendi Games is quite uncertain’
Unrest amongst Vivendi developers ahead of Activision merger with possible project cull in the offing, says report
Read More »Call of Duty rules on PS3
And to celebrate, the publisher plans to celebrate with a high profile consumer event. Alongside a renewed marketing push that will include online promotions with The Sun, SkySports, FHM, Kerrang and the MSN network, Activision will be inviting gamers to a special Boot Camp event where they can play for …
Read More »Now Guitar Hero is accused of patent enfringement
Guitar manufacturer Gibson says Activision property violates copyright over music simulation software
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