MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
A new independent-friendly distribution firm has been set up just in time for Christmas. A Game Distribution – which also sponsored the MCV/Xbox 360 industry Pub Quiz last week – focuses on independent retailers across Europe. It also offers logistics and promotional services. The London-based firm was established last month …
Read More »Sceptical reaction to Panorama
Having finally been broadcast on BBC One last night, the media has reacted with cynicism to what is being widely labelled as an inconclusive and sensationalist report on the potential effects of video games addiction. Check your calendar for a second. That’s right, this is 2010. Why, suddenly, is the …
Read More »The era of big sites is coming to an end
The days of dominant gaming websites are numbered, says The Games Tribe’s Richard Keith. Instead, smaller and stronger communities of core gamers will be targeted with more relevant and specialist content. The ex-Future exec made the comments to MCV this week as The Games Tribe expands its network with a …
Read More »The importance of games merchandise
Christmas approaches, and video games once again find themselves competing with toys, gadgets, books and other items as they try to grab gifters’ attention. But the industry has found additional ways to generate revenue with its most popular brands. As with any other major form of entertainment, gaming lends itself …
Read More »Google announces piracy crackdown
In what could prove a very big blow to the activities of internet pirates, Google has announced a number of new policies designed to limit the accessibility of illegal content online. In a document entitled ‘Making Copyright Work Better Online’ on its Public Policy blog, Google has ledged to radically …
Read More »THQ to limit kids licensed games
It’s one of the most successful publisher’s in the sector, but THQ has indicated that it’s to focus less on licensed kids titles in the future. In 2010 THQ has released games based on licenses such as Megamind, Marvel Super Hero Squad, Madagascar, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Last Airbender. But …
Read More »Tax breaks hopes fade
The culture minister, Ed Vaizey, has claimed his department will resist calls for game tax breaks in what he calls a three or four year hiatus”. That would suggest the Coalition Government won’t promise state support for the British games industry until the next election looms. The Conservative Party, of …
Read More »EA thinks Apple console could prosper
Microsoft’s incredible financial might may have allowed it to break into the console market in the last decade, but what chance could any potential new contender realistically have of doing the same? Not much, according to EA vice president Eric Soderlund, though he can name one company who might just …
Read More »Future triumphs at Xbox Xmas Quiz
Future Publishing took home the grand prize at the MCV and Xbox 360 Industry Pub Quiz last night. The team beat out the likes of Comet, Ubisoft, HMV and rivals Gamespot, Dennis and IGN. It was in fact a trio of media darlings in the final top three, with IGN …
Read More »EA claims 40/60 digital/boxed split
Publisher EA has pledged a big drive toward emerging digital markets – a strategy in direct contrast to rival Activision, which just yesterday pledged to exact opposite. Speaking at the Credit Suisse 2010 Technology Conference, chief financial officer Eric Brown said that a principal growth driver has been downloads for …
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