MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Gamescom will emerge as the leading European trade and consumer games event next year, as top industry executives back the Cologne show – leaving the future of Leipzig Games Convention hanging in the balance. Despite the success of GC 2008 – which drew upwards of 200,000 visitors – Gamescom’s favourable …
Read More »Vivendi reveals strong Q2 financials
Vivendi posted its second quarter results with its EBITA (Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation) totalling €92 million. Blizzard Entertainment’s EBITA amounted to €197 million (excluding allocation of company overheads), while Sierra entertainment reported a negative EBITA of €80 million. The firm blamed Sierra’s negative results on increased development costs, …
Read More »Key Woolies exec leaves for Universal
Universal Pictures UK has taken on former Woolworths man Jim Batchelor as its new sales director, according to a report on Music Week. The new hire follows Universal Music’s swoop for HMV e-commerce director Gideon Lask – the second instance of Universal flexing its muscles and swiping key execs from …
Read More »Celebrity Status
It may feel like a modern-day phenomenon, but the relationship between the video games industry and the celeb world has been around for years. David Platt appeared on the cover of FIFA long before Wayne Rooney had even seen the inside of a changing room, whilst Bruce Lee starred in …
Read More »Midway plans MK marketing blitz
While there was still no word on David Zucker’s replacement as CEO, Midway’s top execs were left raving after a Leipzig showing that whipped the media in attendance into a frenzy. The star of the publisher’s press conference was undoubtedly Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, and after The Joker was …
Read More »Trade reacts to new SKU effect
Publishers have applauded new Xbox 360 and PS3 console SKUs – but criticised Sony and Microsoft for indulging in ‘one-upmanship’. Third-party publishers have generally reacted well to Sony’s announcement of an 80GB and 160GB PS3 – as well of news of Microsoft’s 60GB 360 – in our MCV Forum this …
Read More »Top comics announced for Games Media Awards 08
This year’s Games Media Awards will be hosted by the brilliant Canadian stand-up, Tom Stade, and will also feature sets from top comics Terry Alderton and Ricky Grover. With the venue being the Jongleurs Comedy Club in Camden, it made perfect sense to build the evening’s entertainment around some of …
Read More »UK gaming has grown up
The UK gaming market has grown up – and that’s why old-favourites such as Mario and Sonic and retro titles are performing so well at retail. That’s according to games analyst firm GameVision, which told MCV that UK gamers’ average age is the highest in Europe. 29 per cent of …
Read More »Square Enixs Crisis Core reigns supreme over PSP chart
Square Enix has praised the performance of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, calling it an incredible success” after its tenth week at the top of the PSP charts. Since it knocked LucasArts’ LEGO Indiana Jones off the top spot in mid-June, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII has ruled the Sony …
Read More »eBay slashes fees to support indie sellers
Online giant eBay.co.uk is altering its fee structure to encourage more High Street retailers to sell through its website. The auction specialist has done away with Gallery costs, improved its Buy It Now service and cut up-front listing fees, in an initiative designed to reduce the risk for retailers. eBay …
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