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Paris Games Biz showcased a guarded optimism in the face of turmoil, both locally and in the industry at large | Opinion
Despite civil unrest and industry-wide financial turmoil, the Paris Games Biz event showcased a guarded optimism among French game developers and publishers. Many smaller studios credited government funding initiatives with keeping them afloat, while discussions also touched on the potential of existing IP and the evolving role of marketing. Concerns were raised about the generosity of French government support compared to the UK, and the struggles of larger companies like Ubisoft were acknowledged.
'This is the bit where the comet hits the earth and the dinosaurs die:' Tim Sweeney revisits scathing 26-year-old eulogy for beloved studio Looking Glass
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney's 2000 statement on the closure of Looking Glass Studios, which described the event as an 'economically realistic day' and criticized the studio's overhead and niche appeal, has resurfaced. While Sweeney stands by his assessment that game businesses must be profitable, industry figures have criticized his 'asshole CEO' mindset, highlighting the artistic impact of studios like Looking Glass and the often illogical reasons behind modern studio shutdowns and layoffs.
Sims Competitor InZoi Deletes “Uncomfortable” Post After Fan Pushback
Krafton has removed a controversial post from the official InZoi X account after users found it disturbing and suggestive of pedophilia. The post, intended to showcase playground improvements and promote the upcoming Celebrity DLC, was criticized for its tone. This incident follows earlier concerns about the game's early access period and AI usage, and comes as EA faces scrutiny for layoffs and pausing Sims projects.
Subnautica 2 adding its "scariest" region ever in next major update, the developers say
Unknown Worlds has announced a significant update for Subnautica 2, introducing its "scariest" region yet, new story elements, and updated Leviathan behaviors. The update also adds a Frog chassis for the submersible and a new underwater dash ability when wearing fins. This update marks the beginning of the game's "Early Access 2.0" phase, though a specific release date has not yet been provided.
Subnautica 2's next major update adds "the scariest region we've ever done", together with frog mechs and a very welcome tweak for dashing
Subnautica 2 is preparing for its "early access 2.0" update, which will introduce a new, reportedly very scary region, a new creature, and the "Frog" chassis, a submersible with arms and legs. The update also includes new biomods and a welcome tweak allowing players to dash while wearing fins. Developer Unknown Worlds has not yet provided a release date for these additions.
Sega pulls Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition from sale amid AI accusations, admitting it has "fallen short"
Sega and Creative Assembly have temporarily removed Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition from sale due to quality issues, admitting it has "fallen short" of player and developer expectations. While the statement does not explicitly mention AI, fans suspect its use is the cause of the problems, leading to overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam. The companies are working to address the issues and return the game to sale.
Ghostwire: Tokyo joins GOG Preservation Program, which means you don't have to deal with Bethesda.NET anymore
Ghostwire: Tokyo has been added to GOG's Preservation Program, removing its Bethesda.NET integration and ensuring future stability patches. This move is notable given the recent closure and potential acquisition of developer Tango Gameworks. The game has achieved over 6 million players since its release.
"I wanted to make the show I wanted to watch": how Galaxies found a place in the crowded showcase landscape
Galaxies Showcase, founded by Chris Thomas, has carved a niche in the crowded digital showcase landscape by offering a tightly curated, hour-long program of game trailers. The "tapas-style" approach aims to respect viewer time and has seen significant audience growth. The venture, bootstrapped by Thomas, leverages his industry connections to secure game placements and co-streamers, balancing paid slots with free exposure for indie developers.
"They thought Callisto was a complete failure": Glen Schofield blames publishers Krafton for The Callisto Protocol's crash landing
Glen Schofield, co-creator of The Callisto Protocol, blames publisher Krafton for the game's troubled launch, stating they were forced to ship it on a shortened schedule. Schofield claims Krafton's decisions and the mandate for a cross-platform release contributed to the game's sub-par state and negative reception, though the author notes Schofield does not take personal responsibility.
Dead Space creator says he was 'forced to ship' The Callisto Protocol by Krafton: 'We had f*cking…
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space, stated he was 'forced to ship' The Callisto Protocol by Krafton due to development pressures exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Schofield expressed frustration with Krafton's perception of the game as a failure, highlighting the extensive post-launch patching efforts made by Striking Distance Studios to improve performance and content.
"I was forced to ship the game" - Glen Schofield blames Krafton management for The Callisto Protocol's problems
Glen Schofield, co-creator of Dead Space, has blamed Krafton's Korean management for the development issues and perceived shortcomings of The Callisto Protocol. Schofield stated he was "forced to ship the game" due to Krafton rescinding promised additional development time during the Covid-19 pandemic, which he felt was a critical error impacting the game's quality and the health of his team at Striking Distance Studios.
Dead Space creator put "a lot" of work into patching The Callisto Protocol after Krafton allegedly "forced" him to release it 3 months early: "All they were doing was complaining"
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield claims he was "forced" to release The Callisto Protocol three months early by publisher Krafton, leading to extensive post-launch patching. Schofield alleges Krafton was unhappy with the game's reception and complained while his team worked on 86 patches, ultimately leading to the cancellation of a sequel.
"We have to go a different path" - Krafton thinks PUBG Ded.Net's pulpy gameshow hyperviolence and roguelite twist can make it the next big battle royale
Krafton's PUBG Ded.Net aims to revitalize the battle royale genre with a pulpy, 90s-inspired gameshow aesthetic and roguelite mechanics. Creative director Dave Curd explains how the game incorporates player upgrades and persistent effects across matches to mitigate the frustration of losing, while maintaining the core survival thrills of Player Unknown's Battlegrounds. The studio is focused on creating memorable, entertaining experiences that push the genre forward.
PUBG: DED.NET is a multiplayer roguelite shooter that’s holding a closed beta this weekend
Krafton is launching PUBG: DED.NET, a free-to-play multiplayer roguelite FPS set in the PUBG universe. The game will feature a closed beta for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X players this weekend, allowing players to carry over abilities and injuries between runs. Players interested in participating must register on the game's website.
The Galaxies Showcase returns on October 15, with announcements from ZA/UM, Embark Studios, and Frontier Developments
The Galaxies Showcase is returning on October 15th, featuring new announcements from developers such as ZA/UM, Embark Studios, and Frontier Developments. The stream will be broadcast on IGN's YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitch, and other platforms, starting at 12pm PT / 3pm ET.
The Galaxies Showcase returns next week: here's how to watch it and what to expect
The Galaxies Showcase returns on October 15th, featuring over 40 game developers and publishers including Square Enix Collective, Krafton, and Embark Studios. Hosted by Jane Douglas, the event will reveal new announcements, anticipated sequels, and blockbuster franchises. The showcase aims to highlight games from both large publishers and small indie teams.
Action adventure platformer Waltz and Jam coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Krafton and Flyway Games announced that the action-adventure platformer Waltz and Jam will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on December 3, 2026. The game reimagines the Seven Deadly Sins across seven distinct realms, featuring environmental puzzles, combat, and a shape-shifting dog companion named Jam.
"It's clear that we both adore one another's games a lot" - Dave the Diver and Subnautica 2 team up for a crossover made in heaven
Mintrocket and Unknown Worlds have announced a crossover DLC for Dave the Diver and Subnautica 2, set for release in early 2027. The free DLC will bring Subnautica 2's ocean moon of Proteus into Dave the Diver, featuring iconic creatures and new discoveries. Both studios expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the shared underwater themes and distinct gameplay approaches.
"A creative idea can save more money than AI can right now" – Glen Schofield on his retirement, Callisto Protocol's development, and the state of AAA
Veteran developer Glen Schofield discusses his retirement from game development, citing frustrations with AAA development costs and management decisions at Krafton during The Callisto Protocol's creation. He expresses a preference for smaller teams and creative-driven projects, and sees potential in AI as a creative tool rather than just a cost-saving measure.
Gardens Interactive, founded by veterans behind Journey and Sky: Children of the Light, raise over $35m in Series B funding round
Gardens Interactive, a studio co-founded by veterans behind Journey and Sky: Children of the Light, has secured over $35 million in a Series B funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. This brings the company's total investment to over $70 million, with participation from several other venture capital firms and individual investors. The funds will support the development and ongoing evolution of their debut multiplayer game, Project Gardens, which focuses on social roleplay and player-driven worldbuilding.
