Game Developer
Game Developer business and news from across the web.
The Sunday PapersThis article discusses various gaming-related topics from recent publications. It touches on the struggles within the game development industry, the personal journey of Cliff Bleszinski after the closure of Boss Key Productions, and explorations of queerness in games like Elden Ring and Disco Elysium. It also briefly mentions themes of labor and slavery in relation to AI films.- Business and FinanceA union has established a hardship fund to support game developers affected by recent layoffs. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to industry professionals facing job loss.
Phantom inspiration and the ethical auteurStrange Scaffold creative director Xalavier Nelson Jr. discusses his studio's latest game, El Paso, Elsewhere, and broader issues in game development, including career longevity and knowledge transfer. Nelson highlights the disparity in creative output between film directors and game directors within their first ten years, attributing it to industry practices.
Discussing unionization, layoffs, and monetizationA Game Developer podcast episode, featuring analysts from GDC and Omdia, discusses key findings from the GDC 2024 State of the Game Industry report. The conversation covers trends in monetization, industry layoffs, and conglomeration, as well as developer opinions on unionization, with younger developers showing significantly higher support.
Ten Questions and Answers About the Games Industry in 2024Omdia's expert games analysts will discuss pressing industry questions for 2024 in a webinar preparing attendees for GDC. Key topics include the reasons behind industry layoffs, the impact of subscription services on player behavior, and developers' current and future spending plans, all supported by Omdia's data.
Road to the IGF 2024 with Joel CoutureGame Developer editor-in-chief Danielle Riendeau interviews indie journalist Joel Couture about his 'Road to the IGF' series, which highlights finalists of the Independent Games Festival. Couture discusses his preparation process for conducting numerous interviews and shares insights from developers, including those behind the game Tchia, about showcasing their culture and homeland.
Behind the GDC scenes with Beth Elderkin and Sam WarnkeGame Developer Conference content marketing manager Beth Elderkin and conference producer Sam Warnke discuss the extensive year-round planning required to organize the annual event. They highlight the challenges of curating hundreds of panel submissions and coordinating discrete events into a coherent program, emphasizing the importance of game preservation efforts like the Game History Gallery.
Photography Games | Game Developer Spotlight SeriesGame Developer is hosting a "Photography Week" exploring the genre and its mechanics, featuring new interviews and essays. Topics include how photography games encourage players to notice their surroundings and document experiences. Discussions will cover game design choices, balancing artistic freedom with progression metrics, and applying basic photography tips to improve in-game photo modes.
Snapping Your Career into Place with Ben BrodeBen Brode, chief development officer at Second Dinner, discusses the challenges of designing Marvel Snap to be both accessible and expandable for long-term live service. He highlights the iterative process of defining core game mechanics and the studio's use of the Godot engine for efficient over-the-air updates.
Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah ElmalehActor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh discusses the recent Interactive Media Agreement that ended an 11-month strike. The deal includes improved actor pay, new safety standards, and terms for the use of generative AI, giving actors more control over their data. Elmaleh shares her experience navigating the three-year negotiation process.
Leadership lessons from Mark Darrah’s days at BioWareFormer BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah shares leadership and game development lessons on his YouTube channel, drawing from his experience, particularly with the troubled production of Anthem. He discusses communication breakdowns and the importance of a unified vision in game development.
Analyzing the game industry's woes with Owen MahoneyFormer Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney discusses the game industry's challenges and his views on emerging technologies. After 25 years in the industry, he criticizes trends like the metaverse, VR, and NFTs but expresses optimism about generative AI's potential to revolutionize game development.
Analyzing the 2026 GDC State Of The Industry ReportThe 2026 GDC State of the Industry Report, compiled by GDC Festival of Gaming, offers new insights into game development by expanding its survey pool and modifying its format. This episode features content marketing manager Beth Elderkin discussing the changes, followed by a conversation with news editor Chris Kerr and columnist Nicole Carpenter on key data points regarding layoffs, unionization, generative AI, and tariffs.
The art of game writing in 'non-narrative' gamesVeteran game writer Emma Kidwell and narrative designer Harrison Pink discuss the role of writing and narrative design in games that are not primarily story-driven, such as strategy or multiplayer titles. They explore how even simple narrative elements can complement complex gameplay systems and enhance player experience.- Shockingly, way fewer people are buying PlayStation 5 after Sony hiked its pricePlayStation 5 console sales have significantly decreased by nearly 50 percent in the last quarter of fiscal year 2025 following Sony's price hikes. Despite the dip in unit sales, Sony's hardware generation remains its most profitable to date. Future sales forecasts for fiscal year 2026 may be impacted by AI memory shortages and potential further price adjustments.
We tested the Steam ControllerGame Developer magazine tested Valve's new Steam Controller, examining its trackpads, button placement, and overall user experience for PC games. Freelance contributor Alessandro Fillari joined the Game Developer Podcast to discuss the pros and cons of the hardware.- Engagement RingXbox has achieved a record number of monthly active users, despite facing challenges with hardware sales. The article also mentions trailers for Sudden Strike 4, Windrose, and Diablo IV.
Supporting juniors and sharpening your creativityGearbox writer Alexa Ray Corriea is highlighted for her work in supporting junior developers and fostering creativity within the game industry. The article discusses her experience on major franchises and indie titles, her role as a podcast host, and her efforts in mentoring newcomers. It also touches on advice for aspiring game writers and how to nurture creativity in the field.
Laptop mishaps and a GDC chat with Owlchemy Labs CEO Andrew EicheOwlchemy Labs CEO Andrew Eiche was interviewed on the Game Developer podcast at the 2026 GDC Festival of Gaming. The discussion covered how the game industry adapts to unexpected circumstances and challenges faced by developers. The podcast is a bi-weekly series focused on game development lessons and strategies.
The GDC 2026 wrap-up showThe Game Developer Podcast discusses the GDC 2026 Festival of Gaming, featuring insights from editors Bryant Francis, Alissa McAloon, Danielle Riendeau, and Chris Kerr. The episode covers interviews, indie games, talks, and casual conversations from the show floor. Game Developer is a bi-weekly podcast focused on game development lessons and strategies.