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Dragon Age setting creator says AI push is a delusion of the executive class that's a 'virulent plague'…
Dragon Age setting creator David Gaider has described generative AI as a "virulent plague" on the games industry, arguing that its current push leads to inferior work, eliminates entry-level writing opportunities, and poses legal and moral issues. He believes executives are pushing for AI integration without proper regulation or consideration for training junior developers.
Best Android RPGs – Updated!
This guide rounds up the best RPGs available on Android devices, focusing on premium titles with all content accessible out of the box. The list includes classics like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights, Dragon Quest VIII, and Chrono Trigger, alongside modern favorites such as Pascal's Wager and The Banner Saga.
Generative AI is a "virulent plague" and even using it to eliminate "drudgery" has downsides, reckons long-time Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider
Former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider believes generative AI is a "virulent plague" and not ready for game development, even for mundane tasks. He argues that its use risks inhibiting the training of junior developers and raises significant legal concerns due to unregulated data sourcing. Gaider suggests avoiding the technology until it is properly regulated.
"We're talking about at least half a decade of horror": former Exodus lead explains why he wasn't keen on doing a Baldur's Gate 4 despite Hasbro offering the chance
Former Archetype Entertainment studio head James Ohlen explained his reluctance to develop Baldur's Gate 4, citing the immense pressure to match Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3. Ohlen stated that building the necessary tools and infrastructure from scratch would take at least five years and expressed concerns about competing with the high standard set by the previous game. He has since left Archetype due to burnout.
Dragon Age: Origins is 'Unsupported' on Steam Deck, but it runs incredibly and it's currently only $3
Despite being officially 'Unsupported' on the Steam Deck, Dragon Age: Origins runs exceptionally well on the handheld PC. The article details how to overcome initial launcher issues, adjust graphics settings for native resolution, and utilize community-created gamepad layouts to achieve a smooth 60 FPS experience. The author concludes that the game is perfectly playable and enjoyable on the Steam Deck, requiring less tinkering than some 'Playable' rated titles.
Generative AI is a "plague," says Dragon Age vet David Gaider: "It's not ready for prime time. There's just a lot of executives who really, really want it to be"
Longtime Dragon Age narrative lead David Gaider describes generative AI as a "virulent plague" in the games industry, citing concerns about legal issues, ethical implications, and the potential to hinder junior developer training. He argues that the technology is not yet ready for widespread use and that executives are pushing for it without fully understanding its limitations or impact on creative workflows.
Planescape: Torment 2 was greenlit by Wizards of the Coast, 'they were really into what we were doing', but it refused to fund the sequel, and nobody else was interested
Beamdog and former BioWare writer David Gaider pitched a sequel to Planescape: Torment, titled Planescape: Unraveled, to Wizards of the Coast. While Wizards of the Coast was initially receptive to the concept, they declined to fund the project themselves, and no other investors were found. The sequel was ultimately shelved by the end of 2016.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer Sale
This article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
EA hit with third round of layoffs this year
Electronic Arts has conducted its third round of layoffs this year, impacting recruitment, customer support, trust and safety, and IT teams. This follows previous staff reductions affecting developers on "Skate" and "Battlefield 6," and comes after EA's acquisition by an investor consortium last September. The company has also shed staff and studios over multiple years, including layoffs at "Apex Legends," Codemasters, BioWare, and the closure of Cliffhanger Games.
Knight of the Old Republic 2 was great because it peeled back Star Wars' black-and-white morality
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords is lauded for its deconstruction of the Star Wars universe's black-and-white morality, offering a darker, more complex narrative. Despite a troubled development and a rushed launch, the game, particularly with the Sith Lords Restored Content mod, is praised for its writing and characters, especially Kreia, who challenges simplistic notions of good and evil.
The Stream Team: Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, Trine 6, and more Steam Next Fest multiplayer demos
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be showcasing various multiplayer game demos from Steam Next Fest, including Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, and Trine 6. Hawthorne is notably developed by former employees of Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. The stream will focus on multiplayer and MMORPG titles, with a mention of interest in single-player games like Chonky Cat and Where We Used to Play.
Former Dragon Age writer says AI could make gamedev 'frustrating as hell': 'How are we going to train up the next generation of devs if we eliminate every entry-level task?'
Former BioWare writer David Gaider expressed concerns that generative AI could make game development "frustrating as hell" by eliminating entry-level tasks crucial for training new developers. He highlighted issues with AI inconsistency and the ethical implications of using artists' data without consent, a sentiment echoed by other developers like David Szymanski and Danny Koo.
The best D&D videogame you've never played is one guy's outsider art, personal Baldur's Gate saga
The Neverwinter Nights mod campaign, Swordflight, is highlighted as a masterfully designed, challenging RPG experience created by a single developer over many years. This fan-made module for BioWare's classic game offers a deep Dungeons & Dragons 3E adaptation, emphasizing strategic planning and resource management, and is praised for its reactive storytelling and unique moral system.
EA Has Started Informing Staff of Layoffs, Will Affect Multiple Divisions – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly begun informing staff of layoffs across multiple divisions, though the initial round may be small. This news comes amid wider industry trends of job cuts, with Microsoft also expected to implement significant layoffs, particularly affecting studios not directly tied to major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Developers at BioWare had already expressed concerns following EA's acquisition by an investor consortium.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?
This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Rumour: Gaming Industry 'Bloodbath' Imminent, as Sony, Microsoft, and More Brace for Mass Layoffs
A report suggests that the gaming industry is facing imminent mass layoffs, with major publishers like Sony and Microsoft potentially cutting entire studios. French journalist Sylvain Trinel indicated that the current situation at Xbox is just the beginning of a larger 'bloodbath' for studios, also highlighting concerns for companies like Don't Nod, Quantic Dream, id Software, Bethesda, and BioWare. Speculation also points to potential issues for PlayStation studios such as Media Molecule and Bend Studio.
Baldur's Gate 3 from the OG devs didn't happen despite years of trying because the money people thought "It's a single-player RPG, it's not going to do that big in numbers"
Former BioWare developer Trent Oster revealed that his team's attempt to secure funding for Baldur's Gate 3 years ago was rejected by investors who doubted the commercial viability of single-player RPGs. Oster's vision for the game was a smaller, $20 million project, in contrast to Larian Studios' eventual massive success. He notes that even after Baldur's Gate 3's triumph, the perception of what constitutes a successful RPG has shifted to require larger budgets and more extensive features.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
BioWare's co-founder fought to make Baldur's Gate 3 for over a decade, then Larian did it instead: 'I…
BioWare co-founder Trent Oster discusses the long and difficult journey to get Baldur's Gate 3 made, with multiple studios like Black Isle, Obsidian, and Beamdog attempting and failing to secure funding over two decades. Beamdog, led by Oster, pitched a version to Wizards of the Coast but ultimately could not secure the necessary $20 million budget, leading them to pursue other projects. Oster reflects on Larian Studios' success with Baldur's Gate 3, acknowledging their greater capital and ability to execute their vision at a high scale.
