Hooded Horse
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AI fan wikis riddled with errors are muddying the waters of an already contested part of games culture
Generative AI tools are creating numerous inaccurate fan wikis that are flooding search results and crowding out legitimate community-run resources. Companies like Hooded Horse are struggling to combat these AI-generated sites, which often contain false information and even lead to spam or malware. This issue is particularly problematic for indie games with smaller playerbases, and it negatively impacts the reputation and stability of independent fan wikis.
Innersloth co-founder warns devs: 'there are some very bad deals out there'
Innersloth co-founder Forest Willard is warning indie developers about predatory publishing deals in the industry. He has reviewed numerous contracts that he describes as 'truly abysmal' and not conducive to developers making money on their games. Willard expressed frustration with the current state of dealmaking, urging caution for developers entering into publishing agreements.
Griffin Gaming Partners and Entertainment 360 launch new company to support video game adaptations for film and TV
Griffin Gaming Partners and Entertainment 360 have launched HITpoint Entertainment, a new company focused on adapting video game intellectual property for film and television. The venture aims to leverage Griffin's industry relationships and Entertainment 360's production expertise, keeping game creators involved throughout the adaptation process.
"Some people like it, some people are annoyed by it": Substructure may look like Factorio, but it changes the automation game in some fundamental ways
Substructure, an upcoming automation game from Dubious Design, offers familiar factory-building mechanics reminiscent of Factorio but introduces unique elements like multi-layered subterranean exploration and a decentralized power system. These changes aim to create more engaging puzzles and a sense of accomplishment for players, differentiating it from its genre predecessors.
No, I am not evil for wanting to turn space whale city-builder Beyond These Stars into a Moby Dick simulator
The author explores the desire to turn the city-builder Beyond These Stars into a Moby Dick-style simulator, contrasting it with the game's intended focus on mutual thriving. While enjoying the game's mechanics and aesthetic, they ponder if a darker, more destructive playstyle is necessary for the 'Whole Earth' vibe to feel meaningful.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for October 12 to 16
This weekly feature highlights new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between October 12 and 16. Titles include Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Planet Zoo 2, Harvest Moon: Echoes of Teradea, and various other indie and family-friendly titles.
Steam is swapping its curated discounts section for a more personal touch, and it could be "a big win" for indies
Steam is replacing its curated discount sections with a more personalized, algorithm-driven system in early 2027. This change is expected to significantly improve game discovery for players and provide greater visibility for developers, particularly for indie titles. The CEO of Hooded Horse believes this shift is a major benefit for both consumers and creators.
Valve is updating Steam's Discount & Events section to become more "dynamic and personalised"
Valve is overhauling Steam's Discount & Events section, transitioning to a dynamic and personalized system expected in early 2027. This change aims to significantly improve game discoverability by allowing ten times more games to be featured daily, benefiting both players with more relevant recommendations and developers, especially smaller indies, with increased visibility.
Steam's discounts and events tab will soon be fully algorithm-driven
Valve is transitioning Steam's "Discounts and Events" tab from a manually curated calendar to an algorithm-driven system. This change aims to personalize game recommendations for each customer, with initial tests showing a tenfold increase in games featured and significant boosts in store page visits and wishlists. While Valve states this will help developers focus on game creation rather than promotion, some industry figures like Simon Carless and Tim Bender of Hooded Horse have noted positive impacts on visibility for smaller titles.
Manor Lords publisher isn't worried about launching a game on GTA 6's release date - PC players "looking to steal cars" might check out its new management sim instead
Hooded Horse, the publisher of Blacksmith Master, is not concerned about launching their medieval management sim on the same day as Grand Theft Auto 6. Publisher CEO Tim Bender stated it's a deliberate strategy, humorously suggesting players looking to 'steal cars' might discover the appeal of their game instead. He believes that while AAA console-focused games should avoid this date, indie titles have little to fear.
"Steam is on an absolute historic run": Valve quietly made a huge change that's helping game devs, says…
Valve has implemented significant changes to Steam's "Discounts & Events" feed, greatly improving game discovery for indie developers. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, reports a massive increase in visibility for niche titles, transforming a previously negligible traffic source into the best on the store. This update is seen as a major win for players seeking relevant recommendations and for developers struggling to gain traction.
The Tide Is Turning As ENDLESS Legend 2 Launches In Full
ENDLESS Legend 2 has officially launched in Version 1.0 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, after over a year in Early Access. The turn-based 4X fantasy strategy game, published by Hooded Horse and developed by AMPLITUDE Studios, features a dynamic world with shifting oceans and introduces a new faction, The Sandshapers.
Endless Legend 2 version 1.0 review: This is why 4X fans love Amplitude
Endless Legend 2 is a magnificent example of why Amplitude Studios is so loved by 4X fans, delivering the studio's trademark creativity and standout visual design in a modernized package. The game excels in its science fantasy setting, asymmetrical factions, and dynamic map changes that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. While tactical combat could be richer, the overall experience is a standout in the strategy genre.
"15 years ago, people understood it was an unfinished game": As Endless Legend 2 hits 1.0, Amplitude reflect on how early access has changed
Amplitude Studios reflects on the evolution of early access game development over the past 15 years, noting shifts in player and media expectations. While the studio continues to use its Games2Gether program for feedback, the CEO acknowledges that players are less forgiving of unfinished games now compared to the early days of Endless Space.
Steam may have quietly improved its discoverability, and indie devs are feeling the benefit
Steam may have improved its discoverability features, benefiting indie developers who have struggled to gain visibility on the platform. Recent changes to the Discounts & Events banner, which now prioritizes personalized offers based on player interests, have led to significant increases in traffic, wishlists, and sales for smaller titles.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 14 to 18
Microsoft has announced a slate of new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between September 14 and 18. Titles include TCG Card Shop Simulator, RuneScape: Dragonwilds, Aniimo, Train Sim World 7, and Dune: Awakening, among many others across various genres.
Rally Point: Strong simulation and team building can't carry Menace forever
Menace offers a compelling core of turn-based shooting, simulation, and character leveling, but its execution is often hampered by frustrating elements. While some annoyances are expected in early access, the game's premise and faction interactions feel underdeveloped, lacking personality and meaningful choices. Despite these flaws, the tactical combat and squad customization remain satisfying.
Substructure is a Stardew Valley-inspired factory sim that takes one of Factorio's hardest and best mods and turns it into a dizzying, planet-wide game of its own
Substructure is a PC factory simulation game inspired by Stardew Valley and Factorio's Ultracube mod. Developed by Dubious Design and published by Hooded Horse, it challenges players to manage complex automation across multiple planetary layers, with a focus on "friction" to create a sense of accomplishment.
"We all benefit from great games": How the 4X devs behind Endless Legend and Humankind went from Early Access…
Amplitude Studios, developers of Humankind and Endless Legend, discuss the evolution of the Early Access model and its impact on game development. They note how player expectations have shifted, making risk-taking more challenging. The studio also comments on the competitive 4X landscape, including the mixed reception of Civilization 7, and expresses optimism for the genre's future.
"Hopefully a meteor will strike the earth soon": Game devs talk genAI witchhunts and the importance of honing your visual literacy
Game developers are increasingly facing false accusations of using generative AI, leading to discussions about visual literacy and the difficulty of distinguishing AI-generated content. Studios like Failbetter Games and New Blood Interactive have publicly addressed these concerns, with some even replacing art to avoid suspicion. Experts suggest that while pure visual detection is becoming harder, context and understanding the nuances of AI versus human-made art are crucial.
