MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Microsoft’s statement about pre-owned licences on Xbox One last night has sent a shiver up the back of indie retailers. MCV has spoken to a number of indies from across the UK and while some are happier than others the message is clear – many are worried that their livelihood …
Read More »Q1 2013 halts decline of US games market as digital grows 15% to claim majority share
The US video games market has ceased its decline, according to the latest numbers from NPD. Game Informer reports that $3.5bn was spent on game content in Q1 2013. That’s around the same as was reported in Q1 2012. There is a difference, though. The physical games market has declined …
Read More »New iOS SpongeBob Squarepants game includes £69.99 IAP
Another big children’s IP has chosen to pursue the premium in-app-purchase route. Apps Playground reports that Nickelodeon’s new SpongeBob SquarePants game for iPhone and iPad, which was released yesterday, includes an eye-watering 69.99 IAP. The game relies on two forms of in-game currency – gold coins and Jellyfish Jelly. These …
Read More »GamesAid Develop Conference Poker Tournament dated
The annual GamesAid Develop Conference Poker Tournament is returning. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday July 9th at the Grosvenor G Casino, Brighton. There are sixty places available on a first come first served basis. Entry costs 50 – secure your seat here. The game will be Texas …
Read More »Kiefer Sutherland is the new voice of Metal Gear Solid’s Snake
The Lost Boys and 24 star Kiefer Sutherland is to be the new voice of Metal Gear Solid star Snake. He replaces the outgoing David Hayter who has not, despite calls from fans, been recast in the role. The events of Metal Gear Solid 5 will take place in 1984, …
Read More »"It as unlikely that GameStop will agree" to Xbox One pre-owned fees
The industry could be on the verge of an unprecedented standoff between retailers and platform holders. That’s the prediction of Baird Equity Research’s Colin Sebastian, who reckons that E3 could be mostly bad news for platform holders. The announcements were mixed for GameStop, alleviating some concerns over used game restrictions, …
Read More »OPINION: Xbox One pre-owned backtrack puts the blame where it belongs – on publishers
Make no mistake about it – what you saw last night was a retreat from Microsoft. As if the weeks of deafening silence and increasingly confusing clarifications” weren’t confirmation enough, this line buried at the bottom of the platform holder’s statements speaks volumes. Loaning or renting games won’t be available …
Read More »Unanswered questions remain despite Xbox One pre-owned statement
Xbox One owners look unlikely to face any fees for buying or selling used games on Xbox One. That seems to be the message in a new set of statements issued by Microsoft tonight. Today, some gamers choose to sell their old disc-based games back for cash and credit,” it …
Read More »Creutz: Wii U is struggling mightily, has abandoned the field to Microsoft and Sony
Another US analyst has poured scorn on Nintendo’s Wii U and said that the opportunity for success will soon pass. "After seven months on the market, Nintendo’s Wii U is struggling mightily," Cowen & Company analyst Doug Creutz told investors, as reported by GameSpot. We note that the company has …
Read More »VIDEO: See the Sony and Microsoft E3 2013 trailers
There are just hours left – well, around 97.5 at the time of writing – until E3 2013 kicks off. Nintendo might be skipping its chance to take to the stage and Ouya might have based itself in an LA car park, but both Sony and Microsoft are preparing to …
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