MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Valve continues to refine Steam Greenlight, adding several new features to its crowd-sourced indie games selection service. Valve’s community blog announces that game pages now feature an ‘Ask me again later’ button; on top of the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ voting options. When games or software are skipped over, they will …
Read More »US Senator: Video games a bigger problem than guns
In a demonstration of both ignorance and apparent loyalty, US Senator Lamar Alexander has spoken out against video games – calling them a bigger problem than guns”, because they affect people.” The Tennessee state republican representative made the seemingly indefensible statement during an appearance on The Daily Rundown with Chuck …
Read More »Steam concurrent user growth rate up significantly compared to 2012
Valve’s PC digital distribution platform Steam is currently growing 300 per cent faster than it was a year ago. PC Gamer reports Steam reached the high point of 6.6m concurrent users online this month, compared to 5m users in January 2012. The 6m mark was surpassed in November, meaning Steam …
Read More »Monaco dev calls out Kickstarter stretch goals’ ‘variable budget’ effect
Andy Schatz, developer of the upcoming award-winning indie Monaco, has expressed his concern with Kickstarter stretch goals – calling the idea total bullshit” when going about designing a game. Speaking to Penny Arcade Report, Schatz stated that while happy for the people that have found success on the crowdfunding platform; …
Read More »Spector departs Disney as Junction Point Studios shut down
Disney has confirmed the closure of Junction Point, following last night’s murmurings that Warren Spector’s studio had gone under. The developer was responsible for the Epic Mickey franchise, which saw low sales numbers for its latest offering Epic Mickey 2. According to Joystiq, the game has sold just 529,000 units …
Read More »Crytek USA Corp rises from Vigil’s ashes
Crytek has announced the opening of a new studio in Austin, Texas that is staffed in part by the core team of the recently closed Vigil Games. Dubbed Crytek USA Corp, the studio will be led by Vigil co-founder David Adams. The new CEO is one of three dozen ex-Vigil …
Read More »Playstation Plus annual term adds 3 months free for limited time
Sony is running a limited time deal on Playstation Plus, offering an extra three months for free when you purchase a year membership. The three added months provides added time to take advantage of the premium service’s popular Instant Game Collection. The feature provides free access to a revolving door …
Read More »George Andreas departs Rare for Sony
Industry vet George Andreas has left Microsoft-owned developer Rare for Sony Europe. Eurogamer reports Andreas, who had been with Rare since 1996, has accepted a position as creative director of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Andreas is credited as the creator or creative advisor on several of Rare’s titles including GoldenEye …
Read More »Sony launches Playstation Web Store
The Sony Entertainment Network has launched in select territories, allowing users to purchase Playstation Network and Sony Online Entertainment content from their web browser. Sony announced that the new branch of PSN’s redesign is available now for users in US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. The firm did not mention when …
Read More »GTA: Vice City hits PSN this week
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City will be the latest addition to the PS2 Classics collection, with Rockstar announcing its arrival on the Playstation Network this week. The digital offering will land in North America on January 29th for $9.99, and in Europe the following day on January 30th for 7.99. …
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