Game development news

The Imagine Cup, Microsoft's yearly digital media competition, has this year added an AI programming battle to its roster of prizes - and now the company is inviting games tech students to take part.

Big audiences and trade gatherings can work together says the organiser of March's GO3, an Australian contender on the event circuit which has added a game developer conference to its busy schedule.

The creative industries minister Shaun Woodward has called for developers to solve the problems facing recruiters by forming an academy to educate those looking to get into the games industry.

Lego Star Wars developer Traveller’s Tales has snapped up Embryonic Studios for an undisclosed fee, and assumes control of the firm’s 20-staff operation in Cheshire.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has revealed the Korean launch of its DS Lite handheld will soon be supported with local content including a game co-developed with MMO company Nexon.

The founders of veteran UK studio Rare, Chris and Tim Stamper, have left the company to “pursue other opportunities”.

The Video Games Live music concert returns to GDC this year for an event in San Francisco.

North East games development association Game Horzion plans to lift the lid on the business opportunities presented by the PlayStation 3 at an event taking place next month.

SPECIAL REPORT: Rising budgets, new studios and surprise deals have brought 2006 to a tremendous close for Western games production – $600m was invested in European and North American studios over the last 12 months, taking the year’s spending past the $1bn mark.

Warner Bros' big money deal with Eidos-owner SCi will help the UK publisher expand its development base, with expansion into China and Canada plus new acquisitions, a priority.