Tag: Industry - Page 39
News THQ Selling Assets, Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Oh no
The writing’s been on the wall for a while, but publisher THQ has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. The company’s currently in the process of selling all of its assets to Clearlake Capital Group, a private equity firm. Once complete, Clearlake will control “THQ's operating business, including THQ's four owned studios and games in...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Closes for Good
You only live twice
Blighted British developer Eurocom has been forced to close its doors just weeks after announcing huge redundancies. The Derby-based studio employed over 200 people prior to releasing 007 Legends earlier this year. It slashed that headcount to just 50 in November, before letting the remaining staff go earlier today. “Today...
News Nintendo: Our Competitors Need to React to What We're Doing
Gadgets and gizmos
Following his controversial interview with CNN earlier in the week, Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has suggested that Sony will need to offer more than just upgraded visuals with the next PlayStation console. Chatting with CNET, the outspoken executive brushed aside claims that the recently released Wii U will be...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
Rumour Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Was Developed in Five Months
Urgh
People have been pretty harsh on developer Nihilistic Software, but it turns out that the studio may have actually worked miracles in order to release Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified at all. According to reliable online super sleuth Supererogatory, the PlayStation Vita exclusive shooter was developed in just five months – which explains...
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Have You Ever Wondered How Sony Could Afford Gaikai?
Convertible bonds
Sony is supposedly a shuffling financial wreck, but it still stumped up the $380 million required to acquire Gaikai. That doesn’t quite add up. Indeed, it turns out that the company is not quite as broke as it seems, having recently offloaded a slew of convertible bonds to the tune of $1.9 billion. A third of that cash will be...
News EA Resurrects Gothenburg Studio as Ghost
Will haunt your hardware soon
EA’s new Gothenburg studio has been renamed Ghost, according to a snazzy makeover on its website. The team is thought to be working on a next-generation entry in the Need for Speed series, with legendary producer Alan Baker at the helm. Former DICE executive Marcus Nilsson is currently in charge of the new developer...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Andrew House Is Quickly Becoming One of the Most Important People in Sony
New roles
Andrew House has continued his rapid ascension through Sony's corporate hierarchy by being named as the new president of Sony Network Entertainment. The affable executive will replace Tim Schaaff, who is set to retire on 31st December. The former SCEE boss will juggle the role alongside his current commitments as the CEO of Sony Computer...
News THQ Delays Its Entire Upcoming Line-up, Seeks Additional Capital
Gulp
Things sure aren't looking particularly rosy for troubled publisher THQ. Despite cutting its operating losses to $19 million compared to last year's terrifying $97 million, the company still can't catch a break. During a financial briefing earlier this evening, the organisation reported net sales of $107 million – before delaying its entire...
News Cliff Bleszinski Offers to Help Turn Resident Evil Around
Gears of gore
Currently unemployed video game luminary Cliff Bleszinski has offered to help resurrect Capcom’s ailing Resident Evil series. The former Epic Games employee Tweeted over the weekend, “Hey, Capcom. Call me. We can fix Resident Evil. Together.” The distinguished designer played a pivotal part in transforming Microsoft’s Gears of...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Developer Changes Name, Focuses on Mobile
Dramatic turn of events
You’ve officially tarnished Nihilistic Software’s name to the point where the studio has had to completely rebrand. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified developer announced this morning that it is renaming itself to nStigate. The stud
News Starhawk Developer Shrinks, Switches to iOS Development
Times are changing
We didn’t expect Starhawk developer LightBox Interactive to stay exclusive to Sony following the release of its most recent online multiplayer shooter, but we’re a little bit disappointed by the company’s decision to step away from console development altogether. Alas, company president Dylan Jobe confirmed overnight that...
News More BioShock Infinite Developers Depart on Sky-Lines
Job done?
That brand new BioShock Infinite trailer can’t come soon enough. Following rumours of a troubled development, a further two Irrational Games employees have departed the company. Both combat designer Clint Bundrick and AI lead Don Norbury have parted ways with the project, according to
News Backbone Entertainment Is on the Cusp of Closure
Troubling times
Port specialists Backbone Entertainment may be shut down, according to sources cited by IGN. The publication notes that the company is currently downsizing, with the hope that it will be able to continue to operate with a much “smaller” team. Of course, that won’t come as much comfort to the dozens of employees facing the chop...
News Sony Is Suing Bridgestone and, Erm, Kevin Butler
Bizarre twist
Switch off Match of the Day and replace that cup of cocoa for something stronger, because things are really heating up online. A handful of court documents have revealed that Sony is in the process of suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek – which just so happens to be managed by Jerry Lambert, the actor best known...
News Sony: Gaming Habits Are Evolving at an Alarming Pace
Going through changes
The launch of PlayStation Mobile this week underlines Sony’s drive to keep its gaming brand relevant, according to UK gaffer Fergal Gara. The likeable executive was talking candidly with Eurogamer.net about the growth of the industry and the changes that are taking place. "Gaming habits are evolving at a hell of a pace,...
News Sony Opts Against Slashing the Vita's Price This Year
Staying put
Despite increasing pressure from the Nintendo 3DS and smartphones, Sony has decided not to drop the price of the PlayStation Vita this year. Speaking with Eurogamer.net, SCEUK managing director Fergal Gara explained that, while the company is considering a price-cut, it will not happen until next year. “We always aim to establish...
News Shuhei Yoshida Laments Limited Third-Party Vita Support
Hot pursuit
For the amount of stick the PlayStation Vita gets regarding its upcoming software line-up, there’s actually a lot of content to look forward to. Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified and Street Fighter X Tekken are all on the way before Christmas, with Killzone: Mercenary and
Reaction What Sony's TGS Tells Us About PlayStation's Future
Through the looking glass
Sony shocked attendees at its Tokyo Game Show press conference earlier this week by announcing the PlayStation 3 Super Slim. Unfortunately, the corrugated console itself was not the reason for open-mouthed attendees – that accolade was reserved for its flummoxing price-point. Indeed, as opposed to positioning the aging...
News Patrick Seybold Exits Sony Computer Entertainment
Greener grass
Patrick Seybold – the employee saddled with the unfortunate task of spinning Sony’s often disappointing NPD sales results into something positive – has left PlayStation after 12 years. The veteran SCEA employee announced the news on Twitter earlier this week, confirming that he has a new role at mobile outfit TapJoy lined up...
News Darksiders II Leads The Way in August NPD Results
Don't mess with Death
The NPD results for August have been released, which were no doubt greeted by many sweaty brows within the gaming industry. The overall picture for U.S. game sales is worrying, with a drop in software sales of 9% compared to the same period last year, though PS3 has reportedly produced improved sales compared to July. The...
News Assassin's Creed 3 Development Was a "Rare Opportunity"
Last of the triple-A "dinosaurs"
Assassin's Creed III on PS3 is one of the triple-A titles heading to the system this Holiday season, alongside a certain Activision behemoth, of course. It's undoubtedly a big budget title, with a lengthy development period and a big team from across Ubisoft's various studios. Yet, as new hardware emerges in the next...
News Sony Shuts Down WipEout Developer Studio Liverpool
No, no, no
Sony has shut down legendary WipEout developer Studio Liverpool. The unfortunate news was originally revealed on the GRCade forum, but has since been confirmed by a slew of staff on Twitter. The British outfit – which originally started life as Psygnosis – has been in business since 1984. Sandy Lobban, an audio lead at the developer,...
News Sony Struggling to Secure Third-Party Content for Vita
Keep calm and carry on
According to an Official PlayStation Magazine interview with the brutally honest Shuhei Yoshida, Sony is struggling to secure third-party support for the PlayStation Vita. The system's sales have stumbled since release – a factor which may be contributing to the uncertainty. “We’re having a more difficult time than we...
News Sony Reps Planning to Storm Anaheim, CA on 18th August
Water balloons at the ready
This year marks the 4th Annual Gathering of Video Game Legends at Westwood College in Anaheim, CA. The event is free to attend and features panels, workshops and even pitch sessions, but one event (you can view a complete list here) stands out in particular: Water Balloon Trebuchet. And while Water Balloon Trebuchet...
News THQ Shelves Guillermo Del Toro's inSANE
Not exactly crazy
In arguably the most unsurprising turn of events, THQ has ceased development on Guillermo Del Toro's inSANE and returned the rights to the Mexican director. The information was announced during THQ’s quarterly financial call overnight, in which the troubled publisher actually exceeded expectations. It recorded a net income of...
News UK Retail Software Sales Slump to Lowest Ever Tally
Gulp
Retail software sales in the UK smashed records last week – by sinking lower than they’ve ever sunk before. MCV reports that 394,688 games were sold during the seven day period, generating just £8.4 million. It’s not entirely surprising that the figures dipped so dramatically – the games industry is essentially on holiday, and...
News E3 Staying in Los Angeles Until 2015
Looks like another perfect day
In an announcement that will mean very little to the majority of you, the Electronic Software Association has announced that E3 will remain in Los Angeles until 2015. A sojourn to Vegas had been rumoured while the West Hall of the LA Convention Center is reconstructed into an epic new Farmer’s Field stadium – but...
News Konami Opens New PES Studio in London
Cultural excursion
Pro Evolution Soccer is locked in a fierce battle with FIFA. Despite dominating the PS2 era, Konami’s once-world beating soccer sim has struggled against the new-found enthusiasm of EA’s franchise. But the Japanese publisher is eager to topple its closest competitor – and one way it hopes to achieve that is by opening a new...
News Ubisoft Isn't Too Happy About the PS3's Protracted Lifespan
Brain drain
Assassin’s Creed III may be poised to become one of the biggest games of the year, but Ubisoft gaffer Yves Guillemot still isn’t particularly happy about the length of the current console generation. Chatting with Gamasutra, the company executive claimed that publishers are being “penalised” by the lack of new consoles, and...
News Murky Outlook for Silent Hill: Downpour Developer
It's raining, it's pouring
If, like us, you totally forgot Silent Hill: Downpour was even coming out (it’s available now apparently), then you’re probably partially to blame for the unclear future of Czech developer Vatra Games. The studio’s future has been plunged into doubt following a management reshuffle at parent company Kuju...
News Gaikai's David Perry: 'I Have to Start Thinking Differently Now'
Opening doors with Sony
Sony's acquisition of Gaikai, the cloud gaming service, for $380 million was a major statement of intent. It may not necessarily bring dividends in the imminent future, but the potential for cloud gaming under the Sony banner is clearly an exciting prospect. Speculation has ranged from Gaikai featuring prominently on PS4, to...
News David Perry Pushing for Core Focus with PlayStation 4
Lip service
When Sony acquired cloud gaming service Gaikai for $380 million earlier this month, it also picked up a rather valuable asset in the form of the company’s founder David Perry. The industry legend (who had a hand in creating the original Earthworm Jim) is now a PlayStation employee – and he’s already looking to making an impact on...
News Rockstar Vancouver Studio Shuttered, Toronto Expanded
Out with the old
Rockstar has shut down its Vancouver studio in favour of a new facility in Toronto. The company announced overnight that it has opened a new office in Oakville, Ontario at the expense of the Max Payne 3 developer. The move comes with full support from the local government, though financing details were kept unsurprisingly quiet...
News Sony Stresses the Importance of Retail Despite Gaikai Purchase
Brick and mortar
If you’re worried that PlayStation is going to exist exclusively in the cloud from now on, then Sony has a silver lining for you. Chatting with industry website MCV, Sony UK’s Fergal Gara explained that while the high street is going through a “readjustment” period, it’s still massively important to the platform holder's...
News Radical Entertainment Reduced to "Support" Role at Activision
Staff cuts
Radical Entertainment is the latest developer to fall foul to Activision’s high expectations. The developer – which recently released the middling Prototype 2 – has been dropped to a support role after a significant reduction in staff. Activision explained that it had explored “various options for the studio, including a...
News Andrew House Stresses the Importance of United Sony
Sticking together
Sony is not in a good position. While core elements of its business – including the PlayStation division – are ticking over nicely, the company as a whole is bleeding money. The worry for Sony is that it’s been struggling for a while. But while the company's situation is becoming all too familiar from the outside, key...
News Media Molecule Recruiting for New "AAA Title"
The next big thing
LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule is staffing up for a new “AAA title". The UK-based studio has been alarmingly quiet ever since the release of LittleBigPlanet 2 last year, but it looks like the inventive team is starting to seriously consider the future. There’s some conflicting information amongst the multiple job...
News Kaz Hirai Drops Sony Computer Entertainment Chairman Role
Bigger fish to fry
New Sony president Kaz Hirai is a busy man. The former Sony Computer Entertainment gaffer has been handed the daunting task of turning the troubled Japanese manufacturer’s fortunes around. As such, the likable executive has decided to step away from his role as chairman on the SCE board. He will still serve in a part time...
News James Mielke Departs Lumines Developer for PixelJunk Studio
All change
Former 1UP writer James Mielke has departed Lumines developer Q Entertainment, and, in a twist that you almost certainly couldn’t make up, has announced his arrival at PixelJunk studio Q Games. He’ll serve as a producer on an unannounced project. Speaking with CVG, Mielke paid tribute to his former employer Tetsuya Mizuguchi:...
News Crystal Dynamics Staffing Up for Next Generation Project
Thinking ahead
Crystal Dynamics is recruiting for a “cutting edge, original IP for future platforms”. The mysterious title is described as a “third-person action adventure”. Previous rumours had hinted that the Californian studio was a working on a Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver reboot, but that doesn’t quite line up with the scant details...
News EA Admits That Its Syndicate Reboot "Didn't Pay Off"
Performance review
If the real world of business was as ruthless as the fictional one in Syndicate, then EA’s Frank Gibeau wouldn’t have time to lament the poor performance of Starbreeze’s series reboot. Thankfully, it’s not, and the executive can openly acknowledge the fact that the first-person shooter didn’t quite live up to...
News thatgamecompany Raises $5.5 Million, Goes Fully Independent
Travelling alone
Journey developer thatgamecompany has announced that it has raised $5.5 million in funding – allowing it to cut its ties with Sony, and go fully independent for the first time since its formation. Earlier in the year, we revealed that the creative studio was looking to move beyond PlayStation. Speaking specifically about the...
News Ubisoft Bullish About PlayStation Vita's Prospects
True believer
Ubisoft was one of the few third-party publishers to deliver the goods for Vita at this year’s E3. The company announced a full-blown spin-off in Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation – a title that’s been getting a lot of buzz in the aftermath of the show. That support shows serious belief in the platform’s future prospects,...
News Sony Executives Take Pay Cuts, Return Bonuses
Trying times
While the PlayStation business is doing reasonably well for Sony, the Japanese giant is not in great shape overall. New CEO Kaz Hirai has promised to return the company to profitability over the next 12 months, but on the back of four straight losses, the executive has been forced to take a pay cut. The cut will affect the...
News Slant Six Slashes Workforce By 25%
Rotten news
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City developer Slant Six has been forced to cull its workforce by about 25%. However, the studio hopes to rehire those affected employees in the coming months. Speaking with GameInformer magazine, a company spokesperson said: Regretfully, we can confirm that there have been some temporary layoffs at...
News Don't Worry, Sony Is Going to GamesCom After All
Snap decisions
Seems like Sony’s comments yesterday managed to panic GamesCom's management team into giving the platform holder better terms. The organiser hurriedly announced this morning that PlayStation will have a presence at the show. Yesterday, a German spokesperson for SCE said the company was still undecided about whether it would attend...
