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Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley launch university-affiliated fellowship program
PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny and video game show host Geoff Keighley have launched the Nova Games Foundation, a university-affiliated fellowship program offering six-figure grants to support upcoming game developers. The program aims to provide 'no-strings-attached' funding and mentorship, with fellows retaining full ownership of their projects. Despite the positive initiative, some former honorees of Keighley's past 'Future Class' program have voiced criticism regarding past experiences with mentorship and opportunity offerings.
Arco breaks even after topping 100,000 sales in two years
The Mesoamerican fantasy RPG Arco has recouped its development costs, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide since its launch on August 15, 2024. Composer and sound designer José Ramón confirmed the game has broken even, with the majority of sales coming from Steam, and many players utilizing the Steam Deck. The article also touches on the game's unique simultaneous turn-based combat system.
UK union launches free resource to decode video game writing contracts
The Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) has launched a free guide to help demystify video game writing contracts for professionals in the UK. The resource aims to clarify employment statuses and promote fair terms amidst industry challenges like layoffs. WGGB hopes the guide will empower writers to negotiate equitable contracts with companies and studios.
What is the Game Developer Podcast? | GameDeveloper.com
The GameDeveloper.com podcast features interviews with prominent figures in the video game industry, discussing game development, design challenges, and labor relations. Hosted by Bryant Francis, the bi-weekly show includes past conversations with developers like Liz England, Sarah Elmaleh, and Charles Cecil, covering topics from game preservation to marketing.
Panic won't release Playdate titles that use some forms of generative AI
Panic will no longer allow developers to publish titles on its Playdate storefront, Catalog, that use generative AI tools for art, audio, music, text, or dialog. This policy change comes after a game that used AI for coding and writing was included in Playdate Season 2. While AI assistance in coding will still be permitted and flagged, the use of generative AI for creative assets is now prohibited.
Ludum Dare will officially end in October 2028
Long-running game jam Ludum Dare will officially conclude in October 2028, with event co-founder Mike Kasprzak announcing plans for six more events over the next three years. Kasprzak hopes to host a final encore event in April 2029, but stressed that the October 2028 event will be the last scheduled jam. He encouraged community members to consider organizing their own spiritual successors but to refrain from using the Ludum Dare name.
Union workers send a message to game industry execs: 'Let go of the power now, or be forced to let go of it later.'
Unionized video game workers attending the GDC Festival of Gaming sent a strong message to industry executives regarding power dynamics and recent mass layoffs. Speakers urged leaders to address worker concerns and consider the human impact of business decisions, warning that resistance to change will ultimately be futile.
