News (Page 3872)

A London developer linked with a jaw-droppingly beautiful PS2-exclusive game allegedly called "Stolen" has refused to confirm that the game exists, despite a website listing to the contrary.

CEO Larry Probst will soon know whether next-gen consoles will launch in 2005 or 2006, and whether Sony plans to cut the price of PS2 again this fiscal year.

After the success of Nintendo's Zelda demo disc promotion, publisher LucasArts is planning a similar incentive for fans of its popular Rogue Squadron series, due out later this year.

But the GBA continues its hardware dominance moving further ahead of the PS2, despite no new releases and the top title on Sony's platform reaching 131,000 units sold.

Your weekly guide to the hottest jobs in the games industry, courtesy of Aardvark Swift. This week - positions from across the industry, ranging from artists to marketing managers to public relations executives.

Scotland-based development group VIS Entertainment has been forced to shut the doors of its studio on the Isle of Wight as a crisis over funding affects the company despite a recent move into profitability.

Publisher Eidos has changed its logo and branding, effective from today, in a move which the company claims "marks the success of a turnaround programme and the beginning of a new era". Crikey.

Nintendo of Europe continues to warn retailers of potential legal action over the importing of Game Boy Advance titles, with the firm now targeting those selling US versions of Advance Wars 2.

Publisher Ubi Soft has also announced results for the first quarter today, revealing a massive rise in sales of 107 per cent, driven by the success of key titles including Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon and CSI.

Publisher Atari has announced its results for the first quarter of financial 2003/04, revealing a boost in sales and operating profit provided by the successful launch of movie tie-in Enter The Matrix.

The complete spec for the forthcoming PSP has been announced, revealing a versatile multimedia system much closer to the PS2 in power than expected, and even outperforming its home console sibling in certain areas.

In a trading statement issued today, Eidos has announced that following a review of both the Tomb Raider franchise and Core Design, development on the series is to be moved to the Crystal Dynamics studio in the USA.

UK developer Warthog has announced its financial results for the year ended March 2003, showing a major climb in turnover and profits (pre exceptional costs) as the studio grows into one of Europe's largest.

Speaking to developers in Tokyo today, Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi has confirmed that the PlayStation Portable will come equipped with wireless networking functionality.

The Japanese games industry trade body, the Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA), has released its annual white paper outlining the performance of the market in Japan, revealing a significant decline in the region.

The first Game Boy Advance outings for the massive Pokemon franchise, Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire, have taken the two top spots in the UK sales charts and driven the market to its highest point since mid-March.

The vital Christmas line-ups for both the Xbox and the GameCube are beginning to look increasingly sparse, with key titles such as Big Blue Box' Fable and Square Enix' Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicle slipping to 2004.

Another British development studio appears to have shut down, with Croydon based HotGen reportedly laying off its entire development staff with the exception of one team and entering liquidation procedures.

Console giant Nintendo is set to have a presence at ECTS this year for the first time in three years - but it won't be within the event hall, instead opting for a large tour bus outside the Earls Court venue.