Aonic
Aonic business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Deus Ex director Warren Spector is retiring after nearly 45 years in game dev
Veteran game developer Warren Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex and System Shock, is retiring after nearly 45 years in the industry. Spector announced his retirement via LinkedIn, citing changes in the game business and a desire to pursue writing, lecturing, and consulting. His most recent project, Thick as Thieves, was released with a significantly reduced scope.
Lou’s Lagoon is landing on Nintendo Switch 2
Lou's Lagoon, a cozy exploration and crafting adventure game, is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 with improved performance and visuals. Developed by Tiny Roar and published by Megabit, the game will also be available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Players can wishlist the game now and explore the tropical archipelago of Limbo to unravel the mystery of Uncle Lou's disappearance.
OtherSide Entertainment lays off 18 from Thick as Thieves team
OtherSide Entertainment has laid off 18 employees from its Thick as Thieves development team, bringing the total number of recent layoffs to 36. The studio cited the increasing difficulty of commercially viable development for immersive sims as the reason for the cuts, despite a recent investment from Aonic and a reduced scope for Thick as Thieves.
nDreams co-founder launches indie game and music studio Atmospheric
Former nDreams CEO and co-founder Patrick O'Luanaigh has launched a new independent entertainment company named Atmospheric. The studio, based in Woking, UK, will focus on creating original franchises that blend video games and music production, utilizing a purpose-built facility that houses both a professional recording studio and a game development environment. Atmospheric plans to reveal more about its initial projects later this year.
nDreams founder launches new studio Atmospheric to create "original IP across games and music"
Patrick O'Luanaigh, founder of VR studio nDreams, has launched a new independent entertainment company called Atmospheric. The studio aims to create original intellectual property across games and music, exploring innovative ways to integrate audio and narrative into immersive worlds. O'Luanaigh, who stepped down as CEO of nDreams in May 2025, is currently the sole employee and is self-funding the venture, with plans to seek a publishing partner next year.
Thick as Thieves Sneaks onto Steam Today
The stealth action title Thick as Thieves, developed by OtherSide Entertainment and published by Megabit Publishing, has launched today on PC via Steam for $4.99. The game features a solo or two-player online co-op campaign with dynamic stealth gameplay and replayable maps. The developers plan to expand the game's setting and stories with future content.
Fresh Look at Hello Sunshine Unveiled at Future Games Show Spring Showcase
Red Thread Games and Megabit Publishing revealed new details for their survival mystery game, Hello Sunshine, during the Future Games Show Spring Showcase. The game focuses on surviving a scorched world by staying out of the sun and managing resources, with players building a relationship with a giant robot companion. Hello Sunshine is available to wishlist on Steam and upcoming playtests can be signed up for on its official website.
nDreams announces restructuring with "significant" staff reduction, two studios closed
VR developer nDreams has announced a significant restructuring, including the closure of its Brighton-based Near Light studio and the Compass team, resulting in 78 jobs being at risk. The company's CEO, Tom Gillo, cited challenging market conditions for the painful decision, aiming to focus on the Elevation studio and XR R&D. This news follows similar reductions in VR investment from companies like Meta.
VR specialist nDreams proposes significant layoffs and two studio closures
VR studio nDreams has proposed a significant restructuring plan that includes the closure of two internal studios, Near Light and Compass, and puts 78 employees at risk of redundancy. The company cited challenging market conditions in the VR games sector as the reason for these necessary changes to ensure future viability. CEO Tim Gillo expressed his belief in the VR medium despite the commercial difficulties.
