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2K business and news from across the web.
Killing a main character in Baldur's Gate 3 on his second playthrough had a massive impact on how BioShock creator…BioShock creator Ken Levine discussed how his experience with Baldur's Gate 3, particularly losing a main character in a second playthrough, has influenced his approach to player choice in his upcoming game, Judas. He highlighted the power of emergent narrative possibilities and how this contrasts with the more linear storytelling of his previous works like BioShock.
Ken Levine says Steam Machine shows we're hitting 'diminishing returns' with bleeding-edge graphics tech—just look at BioShock to see why art is more importantKen Levine believes the industry is hitting diminishing returns with cutting-edge graphics technology, citing BioShock's enduring art style as more important than hyper-realism. He argues that strong art direction, rather than the latest tech, is key to creating visually striking games. Levine also mentioned that his current project, Judas, focuses on intensive narrative work rather than demanding CPU resources.
Sega has canceled its live service 'Super Game' due to 'intensifying market competition,' and I really, really hope it's a sign that the industry is finally correcting itselfSega has canceled its ambitious 'Super Game' project, which aimed to be a major live service title, citing intensifying market competition. The company is reallocating around 100 developers to traditional full-game development, signaling a potential shift away from free-to-play models. This decision is seen by the author as a positive sign for the industry, suggesting a move towards more sustainable and less risky game development practices.
Ken Levine On Why He Quit Making BioShock Games--"Scary And Risky And Crazy"Veteran game developer Ken Levine explains his decision to step away from the BioShock series after BioShock Infinite, citing a desire for new creative challenges and a feeling of having nothing more to say within that world. He discusses the risks involved in leaving a successful franchise and how established series can define their creators. Levine's new game, Judas, developed by Ghost Story Games, reportedly contains much of BioShock's DNA.- NBA 2K26 Season 7 release countdown: Exact date and time and Season Pass rewardsNBA 2K26 Season 7 is set to launch globally on Friday, March 15, with specific release times confirmed across various time zones including 11am ET and 3pm UTC. While the exact rewards for the Season 7 pass have not yet been revealed, it will feature 40 levels of rewards for both MyCareer and MyTeam modes, with an optional paid version offering additional items.
How a trio of Canadian modders stumbled into making an official Die Hard game: 'I've had projects disappear that had 10 times the promise that this did'This article details the journey of Canadian modders Russ Bullock, Bryan Ekman, and Jay Holtslander as they transformed an unofficial Half-Life mod into the official Die Hard: Nakatomi Plaza game. The founders of Piranha Games faced challenges with engine choices, creative differences, and the transition from modding to commercial development, ultimately leading to Holtslander's departure before the game's release.
Project ETHOS Faces Layoffs as 31st Union Head Says “Changes Need To Be Made”31st Union, the developer of Project ETHOS, has conducted layoffs, with studio head Ben Brinkman citing the need for the team to work more quickly and nimbly. Publisher 2K confirmed the news, which follows a period of silence since the game's reveal in October 2024. The studio described Project ETHOS as a skill-based PVP roguelike experience.- Business and FinanceNintendo reported a 98.6% surge in fiscal year sales, reaching $14.6 billion, boosted by the launch of the Nintendo Switch. In separate news, 2K has laid off staff working on the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, indicating a shift in focus for the project.
2K Lays Off Staff at Project Ethos Dev 31st Union2K has laid off employees at its studio 31st Union, which is developing the free-to-play roguelike shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the cuts are necessary to align with the game's development, despite expressing confidence in its future. The exact number of employees affected and the game's current development stage remain unclear amidst concerns about the viability of live-service titles.
2K makes layoffs at Project Ethos developer 31st Union2K-owned studio 31st Union, developer of the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, has undergone layoffs. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the downsizing is necessary for a renewed direction and to work more quickly. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January 2024 and the reported firing of former studio head Michael Condrey.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.- 2K lays off staff at 31st Union, studio behind Project Ethos2K has laid off staff from its 31st Union studio, which was developing the live-service hero shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman cited the need to work more quickly and nimbly as the reason for scaling back the team. This follows earlier layoffs and a change in leadership at the studio, with Project Ethos reportedly undergoing a visual and directional overhaul.
2K lays off staff working on free-to-play shooter Project Ethos, while hinting at "new direction and focus"2K has laid off staff at its studio 31st Union, which was developing the free-to-play shooter Project Ethos. Studio head Ben Brinkman stated the team was scaled back to align with the game's development stage and a renewed direction towards a skill-based PVP roguelike experience. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick previously championed the title as part of a strong upcoming lineup.- Developer Behind 2K's Project Ethos Suffers Layoffs, but Take-Two Is Sticking With the GameThe developer working on 2K's Project Ethos has experienced layoffs, but publisher 2K and its parent company Take-Two Interactive have confirmed their commitment to the game's development. Despite the workforce reduction, the project is expected to continue.
BioShock 4 is not cancelled as Take-Two boss owns up to Civilization 7 failingsTake-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed that BioShock 4 is not cancelled and is currently in a good development state, though he acknowledged past wasted resources. He also took responsibility for Civilization 7's perceived shortcomings and explained that the delay of the Borderlands 4 Nintendo Switch port is to prioritize fixing the PC version.
Civilization 7 is getting a mammoth update with all new mechanics, reworked victories, and the ability to play as a…Firaxis Games is releasing a major 'Test of Time' update for Sid Meier's Civilization VII on May 19, 2026, overhauling core mechanics like victory conditions and introducing 'Time-Tested civs' that can be played for an entire game. The update also includes balance changes, new narrative events, and a free new leader, aiming to address player feedback on the game's departures from the franchise's established formula.
Project Ethos, The New 2K Shooter, Undergoes Changes As Dev Lays Off Staff2K's 31st Union studio is undergoing significant changes for its third-person shooter Project Ethos, shifting its direction to a skill-based PvP roguelike and laying off staff. Studio head Ben Brinkman confirmed the renewed direction, aiming to make the game more nimble and aligned with development goals. This pivot follows a previous report in February 2025 suggesting the game needed to change or face cancellation.
Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick is as "deeply disappointed" as players at the absence of a new BioShockTake-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed deep disappointment regarding the prolonged development of the next BioShock game, acknowledging that the company has invested significant resources into exploring creative directions. While the project has faced challenges and potential creative resets, Zelnick is now more optimistic, stating that the team is committed to delivering a great experience rather than just a good one.
Civilization 7 devs Firaxis finally slap a release date on the Test of Time update, acting on "over a year's worth of listening" to moans about the Age systemFiraxis Games announced that the free 'Test of Time' update for Civilization 7 will be released on May 19th. This significant update overhauls the game's Age system, introducing new mechanics like Syncretism and Affirmation, a new victory system, and Legacy Paths replaced by a Triumphs system. The update also includes a new leader and a Fractal Continent map.
Borderlands 4 Must Be “Fully Addressed” From A Consumer PoV Before Switch 2 Release, Says Take-TwoTake-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Borderlands 4 will not be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 until its performance on existing platforms is fully optimized from a consumer perspective. Development on the port has been paused, with Zelnick expressing optimism that a Switch 2 version is ultimately achievable. The company is prioritizing ironing out performance kinks on the PC version before considering additional platforms.