Long-term partnership pairs PC hardware firm's PhysX with animation specialist's tools

Nvidia's Roy Taylor has told Develop that his firm - which cut its teeth and built a reputation as a supplier of PC hardware - has 'shaken up' its practices and is now targeting multiplatform games development via a new deal inked with British animation specialist NaturalMotion.

Under the terms of the deal, Oxford, UK-based NaturalMotion's v2.0 release of animation engine Morpheme will incorporate PhysX, Nvidia's recently-acquired physics technology it obtained as part of its purchase of Ageia earlier this year.

The product development and marketing agreement will mean the PhysX and Morpheme technologies will become...........

Developer will start axing jobs unless it becomes more mainstream, say rumours

Square Enix honcho Yoichi Wada has allegedly issued an ultimatum to staff: unless the company stops making non-mainstream games, job cuts will follow.

According to Kotaku's 'company insiders', the order came during a 'fierce meeting over a month ago' regarding the company's recently-released ......

Analyst predicts that upcoming title could ignite PS3’s fortunes in Japan

Chief designer says Heavenly Sword has completely filled Sony’s 25GB disc

It was Sony’s decision to include its high-capacity Blu-Ray disc format in PS3 that has been attributed with driving up the price of the machine – so Sony will be delighted that yet another industry voice has spoken out in praise of the format.

Nina Kristensen, chief designer

EA Playground release date has been announced

The title will arrive in October in the and November in Europe  

Publishing powerhouse EA has announced that EA Playground will be released for the DS and Wii on October 23rd in the and November 2nd in Europe .
The game includes a selection of playground games including............

Users of Microsoft's homebrew initiative get access to GarageGames' C# drag and drop engine

Microsoft has announced via the

In an interview with The New York Times, recently-installed ESA president Michael Gallagher acknowledged that the game industry lacks the star power that can seduce politicians.

"Washington is very enamored with glitz and the appeal of stars," Gallagher said. "Whenever Bono shows up he creates this bow wave as he comes through, and it's true that stars do help drive messages. And it is true that Master Chief and Mario are not yet household words on the Hill, but wait for the years ahead."

Gallagher defended the industry's record on self-regulation, noting the ESRB's recent decision......

British Classification body rules Rockstar cannot release upcoming PS2 and Wii sequel in the UK

With Take 2 already in turmoil following the recent company-wide restructuring, the group has been dealt another blow with the news that Rockstar’s upcoming sequel Manhunt 2 has been rejected by the BBFC, meaning it cannot legally be supplied anywhere in the UK.

The only other game to ever be rejected by the body was

Harry Potter, Command & Conquer and more coming to OS X

Electronic Arts is to use Canadian developer TransGaming’s Cider engine to port its titles to OS X, allowing Mac users to play the publisher’s games for the first time.

The deal was revealed at the Worldwide Developers

COO Bing Gordon says IP is key to any possible move

In an interview with Gamasutra, EA’s COO Bing Gordon has refused to rule out a possible acquisition of rival French publisher Ubisoft – adding that it is IP, and not people, that is the determining factor in any takeover.

When asked if the .........

Look out Sports Interactive, Monumental is kicking about on your turf with a new football MMO.

Yves Guillemot warns that Sony could lose its leadership of console market

Sony UK dismisses Aussie site speculation alleging that PS4 is to launch in 2008

8.5 per cent of young gamers ‘pathologically’ addicted, claims Harris Interactive.

Neil Thompson says that if Blu-Way wins format war, Microsoft will back it.

New demos and premium content announced as PS3 launches in Europe.

US publisher’s annual meeting postponed, sell-off to be considered.

Elder Scrolls IV, F.E.A.R. and Splinter Cell to arrive in a few weeks.

Ubisoft’s shooter beats FFXII to number one in the ChartTrack All Formats Top 40.

Rumours resurface that a redesigned handheld is in the works.

New milestone for Xbox online service announced.

New publisher also questions the potential of digital downloads.

Studio boss outlines past PS3 PR errors, but talks up finished product.

Rockstar announces date for next-gen Grand Theft Auto trailer.

EA is developing a new Sims title especially for Wii and DS.

Sony’s launch titles for PS3 will be £10 cheaper than Microsoft’s Xbox 360 releases.

Climax is to focus on its two UK studios, following a strategic exit from US games development.

Vivendi Games has confirmed that Empire Earth III is now in development.

Due out under the Sierra Entertainment label, the third title in the popular RTS series is expected later this year.

“The Empire Earth series has been the recipient of much deserved praise from the media and fans alike, making it a multi-million unit selling franchise for Sierra Entertainment,” said chief strategy and marketing officer for Vivendi Games Cindy Cook.