Avalanche Studios
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Nintendo Takes A Hit With Class Action Lawsuit While Gaming Giants Make Major Moves
Nintendo is facing a class action lawsuit from gamers seeking refunds for U.S. tariffs on hardware. Meanwhile, Sony Interactive Entertainment is implementing new age verification for communication features. Separately, Clair Obscur E33 has sold 8 million copies, and Avalanche Studios is hiring for an unannounced AAA open-world project.
Just Cause Studio Working on Unannounced AAA Open World Title
Avalanche Studios, known for the Just Cause series, is developing a new AAA open-world title. While details are scarce, the announcement suggests a return to the studio's expertise in creating large, chaotic environments. The game's direction, whether a continuation of the Just Cause franchise or a new intellectual property, remains speculative.
Just Cause, Mad Max Studio is Hiring For an “Unannounced AAA Project”
Avalanche Studios, known for the Just Cause and Mad Max franchises, is hiring for a new unannounced AAA open-world project. The studio is utilizing its in-house Apex Engine and is seeking a Senior Technical Designer for its Stockholm office. This news follows the closure of its Liverpool studio and restructuring of other locations due to business challenges.
theHunter: Call of the Wild - Multi-Class Weapon Pack
The Multi-Class Weapon Pack is now available for the hunting game theHunter: Call of the Wild. Developed by Expansive Worlds and Avalanche Studios, this new DLC enhances the player's arsenal and is released for PC and consoles.
Our Hype for Samson on PS5 Crashes as GTA-Like Gets Slammed by Reviews
The sandbox action game Samson, initially hyped for its Grand Theft Auto-like gameplay and potential PlayStation 5 release, has received largely unfavorable reviews on PC. Critics cite severe jank, an undercooked combat system, and numerous bugs, leading to a Metacritic score of 48. While developer Liquid Sword, founded by Christofer Sundberg, has indicated console ports are being considered, the current state of the game has significantly dampened initial enthusiasm.
As Just Cause lead's new action game stumbles to mixed reviews, director promise fixes for "unacceptable" bugs and performance woes: "Samson is here to stay"
Christofer Sundberg, co-creator of Just Cause, has acknowledged that his new game, Samson, is experiencing significant bugs and performance issues following its launch. Sundberg stated that these problems are "unacceptable" and that his studio, Liquid Swords, is actively working on fixes to deliver the game as intended.
Samson Studio Lead Says He Can’t Watch Industry Leaders “Just Flushing it All Down in the Toilet”
Christopher Sundberg, studio head at Liquid Swords and former co-director of the Just Cause series, expressed frustration with the current state of the gaming industry, citing numerous layoffs and project cancellations. He stated that Samson: A Tyndalston Story was made as a response to industry practices and a desire to steer development back on track. Sundberg also discussed the studio's careful budget planning, including a significant layoff, to ensure the game's future development and delivery of a $25 experience.
Samson Studio Lead Said He Can’t Watch Industry Leaders “Just Flushing it All Down in the Toilet”
Christopher Sundberg, studio head at Liquid Swords and former co-director of the Just Cause series, expressed frustration with the current state of the gaming industry, citing numerous layoffs and project cancellations. He stated that Samson: A Tyndalston Story was made as a response to industry practices and a desire to steer development back on track. Sundberg also discussed the studio's careful budget planning, including a significant layoff, to ensure the game's future development and a $25 player experience.
Just Cause co-creator made new crime game Samson because he is sick of "swallowing all the crap that the industry…
Christopher Sundberg, co-founder of Avalanche Studios and co-director of the Just Cause series, has released a new crime game called Samson through his studio Liquid Swords. Sundberg views Samson as a statement against current industry trends, which he feels are dominated by established intellectual property and plagued by layoffs. Despite mixed early reception on Steam, citing issues like clunky combat and performance problems, the developer is proud of the project and aims to improve it.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
Avalanche Studios' unreleased game AionGuard was intended to be similar to Crimson Desert, but the project was cancelled. A representative from Avalanche Studios stated that the publisher ended their relationship via text message.
'We Had Everything from Crimson Desert': Just Cause Dev Recalls Cancelled Fantasy Game
Avalanche Studios co-founder Christofer Sundberg recalled the studio's cancelled fantasy game, AionGuard, which was in development during the PlayStation 3 generation. Sundberg believes AionGuard shared many ambitious features with Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert but was ultimately cancelled after its publisher changed business direction. The team also worked on Arcadia Rising, which was also cancelled due to publisher THQ's financial issues.
RPS Verdict: In its best moments, Samson is like a goon-battering GTA 4 roleplay mod, but in its worst it's horribly broken
Samson, an open-world crime game from Liquid Swords, offers moments reminiscent of Grand Theft Auto 4 roleplaying mods but is plagued by significant bugs and technical issues. Players take on the role of Samson, a getaway driver paying off a debt through various illicit jobs, with a unique daily repayment mechanic adding tension. Despite its engaging premise and atmospheric urban worldbuilding, game-breaking bugs and mission failures frequently undermine the experience.
Just Cause developer Avalanche Studios had a Crimson Desert-like game in the works but "every publisher just shut the door"
Avalanche Studios, known for the Just Cause series, had a fantasy open-world game called AionGuard in development that shared similarities with Crimson Desert. Co-founder Christofer Sundberg revealed that the project was canceled after a publisher withdrew support, and subsequent attempts to announce it independently led other publishers to refuse involvement. The studio eventually moved on to other projects like Mad Max and Rage 2, with their co-op sandbox game Contraband also being canceled.
Snabbkollen – Ska du spela Samson?
Samson: A Tyndalston Story, an action game focused on cars from Just Cause creator Christofer Sundberg's new studio, has been released today for $25. The game features a release trailer and aims to entice players with its affordable price point.
Just Cause studio's canned dragon-riding fantasy romp AionGuard "would have been Crimson Desert", reckons former Avalanche creative head
Former Avalanche Studios creative head Christofer Sundberg revealed that the studio's canceled dragon-riding fantasy game, AionGuard, would have shared many similarities with Crimson Desert. The game, which was in development in the late 2000s, featured open-world exploration, stronghold capture, and magical powers, but was ultimately canceled due to a lack of a publisher.
Avalanche Almost Had Its Own Crimson Desert, Per Former CCO
Former Avalanche Studios Chief Creative Officer Christofer Sundberg expressed regret over the troubled development of AionGuard, a game he believes could have achieved what Crimson Desert has. He revealed that the publisher abruptly canceled the project via text message due to a shift in business direction. Sundberg feels AionGuard was a wasted opportunity to push gaming boundaries early on.
"We had everything that I've seen from Crimson Desert," former Just Cause boss says of Avalanche's cancelled fantasy open-world game
Former Avalanche Studios co-founder Christofer Sundberg stated that the studio's cancelled fantasy open-world game, AionGuard, had plans that mirrored features seen in the recently released Crimson Desert. Sundberg believes AionGuard could have been very similar to Crimson Desert, which has achieved significant sales success.
As the shadow of GTA 6 looms, Just Cause lead isn't put off by comparisons to Rockstar's goliath as he prepares to release Samson: "There are times when you want to put GTA down and pick up something else"
Despite the looming release of Grand Theft Auto 6, Christofer Sundberg, founder of Liquid Swords and lead designer of Samson, is confident his studio's urban action game can stand on its own. Sundberg acknowledges the similarities to Rockstar's titles but believes Samson will offer a distinct experience for players seeking an alternative.
Avalanche's cancelled AionGuard 'would have been Crimson Desert' but the publisher 'broke up with us…
Avalanche Studios co-founder Christofer Sundberg revealed details about the cancelled fantasy open-world game AionGuard, which he claims would have been similar to Crimson Desert. The project was reportedly cancelled by a major publisher, later identified as Disney Interactive Studios, due to a shift in business strategy. Sundberg also discussed another cancelled project, Arcadia Rising, which was affected by THQ's financial troubles.
Multi-Class Weapon Pack DLC Arrives 14 April for theHunter: Call of the Wild
Avalanche Studios Group announced the Multi-Class Weapon Pack DLC for theHunter: Call of the Wild, launching on April 14, 2026, for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. The pack introduces four new specialized weapons designed for various hunting scenarios, including the Richardsson .500, Cassidy Combination Gun, ALIS Precision Shot .25-06, and Jonerson .17HMR. This DLC aims to provide players with versatile options for tackling different game classes and hunting distances.