MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Alawar Entertainment has announced Treasures of Montezuma Blitz, a puzzle title in the style of Bejeweled and the very first free-to-play game for the PlayStation Vita. Vita owners can download the title on the PSN for free, and all power-ups can either be earned in-game or purchased as micro transactions …
Read More »‘Fus Roh Dah’ trademarked by Skyrim devs
ZeniMax Media has submitted several trademark applications for the iconic ‘Fus Ro Dah’ saying in Bethesda’s action RPG Skyrim. The six different trademark applications (submitted last week) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office all relate to the dragonborn shout, and include goods, computer game software, and entertainment services. …
Read More »BBB concludes Mass Effect 3 falsely advertised
The Better Business Bureau has examined claims from Mass Effect 3 owners that BioWare falsely advertised. Specifically, the accusation falls on the developer’s promise of a player’s ability to ‘completely shape’ outcome and overall experience. "Did BioWare falsely advertise?," Marjorie Stephens asks on BBB.org. "Technically, yes, they did." The problem …
Read More »Zynga spends over $1m on security for Mark Pincus
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Zynga spent $1.37m in 2011 on security for CEO Mark Pincus and his family. Security for management isn’t uncommon in large companies, but the amount puts Zynga at number three in a list of 24 businesses according to a pay survey by Hay …
Read More »California GameStop stores must post DLC warnings for used titles
GameStop shops in California must post warnings when their used games come with one-time-use online passes or extra fees for downloadable content. As part of a class-action settlement by law firm Baron & Budd, the retailer giant will be forced to put up signs both online and in California shops …
Read More »Mass Effect 3 estimated at 1.5 million units sold
Cowen & Company’s VP Doug Creutz has estimated some 1.5m in console sales recorded during Mass Effect 3’s launch month of March 2012. Creutz described the release window as ‘challenging’ for the title in an investor note via GameSpot. The analyst also reaffirmed Michael Pachter’s recent predictions that software sales …
Read More »Sony forecasts $6.4 billion loss
Sony has announced it anticipates a $6.4b loss for the past year (ending in March 31st), upped from a previously announced forecast of $2.7b. Those math magicians can work out that’s a $3.7b difference in the wrong direction. The news follows Japanese outlet Nikkei’s report that Sony may be about …
Read More »Infinity Ward versus Activision court date set
Infinity Ward co-founders and defunct Activision employees Jason West and Vince Zampella will be taking their former publisher to court next month. The trial date for the case, originally set for May 7th, will now take place on May 29th according to GameInformer. The date was moved back at the …
Read More »Call of Duty Elite April DLC hits today on Xbox 360
Xbox 360 owners will net themselves new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 DLC later today, so long as they’re premium members of the franchise’s Elite program. This month’s content offers up two new maps: Sanctuary & Foundation. The official CoD Twitter account has posted a screenshot of the former. …
Read More »Pachter: PS3, Xbox 360 cuts likely at E3
Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter has rolled out his notes and predictions on console hardware sales, including the possibility of price cuts for the PS3 and Xbox 360 as soon as E3. The price reduction predictions stem from lagging sales from both consoles; and even with the cuts, Pachter expects …
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