The company responsible for operating the local versions of industry trade publications MCV, Develop and Esports Pro, announced on Monday morning that they have chosen not to renew the Australian license for the brands after six years.
In a post on their website, Trade Media announced that the future of the local brands MCV Pacific, Develop and Esports Pro is still undetermined. Kotaku Australia understands that the decision rests with owners Datamedia Group and Future Publishing, with the former having begun the process of acquiring MCV and other publications from Future Publishing at the end of last year.
MCV Pacific’s local operations often involved reporting on Australian video game sales figures, industry specific announcements and movements, jobs in development and marketing, and news relevant to the local gaming industry. MCV Pacific was the Australian arm of the British brand, which produces the MCV trade magazine and various industry conferences.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done in raising the profile of the ANZ Industry and its members, especially across our Women In Games and Game As You Are programs, the 30 Under Thirty, and of course, the MCV Pacific Awards, Esports Pro Oceania Awards, and Interface @ PAX Aus,” Joel Van Daal, Trade Media’s director, said.
Trade Media will continue operating locally, with their next event being the 2019 Australian Games Awards later this year. A survey is currently running for suggestions and improvements to this year’s awards, which members of the public can contribute to.
Along with Van Daal, Trade Media also employed Jordan Alty as a full-time writer, with contributors and contractors assisting the group at events and trade shows throughout the year.
The post noted that The Influence, an offshoot that focused on the influencer industry and its cross-section with gaming, would “continue in a new format” with details to be announced “over the following weeks”.
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