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Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines remaster rumoured, with leaker insisting it's not a remake
A leaker claims a remaster of the 2004 RPG Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines is in development, emphasizing it is not a remake. Separately, Sega and Creative Assembly have temporarily removed Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition from sale due to player dissatisfaction, with many suspecting AI issues are the cause.
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.
Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright achievement leak suggests port incoming
A leaked achievement list on Steam suggests that a port of Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is in development. The game, originally released on the Nintendo 3DS in 2014, is a collaboration between Capcom and Level-5.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 celebrated the past, and an uncertain AI future | Opinion
Tokyo Game Show 2026 focused heavily on remakes and existing intellectual property, with a less prominent presence of free-to-play and mobile titles compared to previous years. The event also highlighted the growing influence and controversy surrounding generative AI in game development, alongside a burgeoning trend of transmedia strategies and indie publisher investments.
Wolverine developer Insomniac denies using generative AI after fans spot strange restroom sign
Insomniac Games has denied using generative AI in the development of Marvel's Wolverine after fans pointed to a peculiar restroom sign. Community director James Stevenson stated it was a "UV map bug" and confirmed no AI assets are present in the game. This comes as other studios like Level-5 have admitted to using AI, highlighting the ongoing debate in the industry.
Dueling industry surveys show Japanese game devs are embracing AI, while North American ones are still skeptical
Japanese game developers show a significant increase in AI adoption, with 85.8% using AI tools in 2026, compared to only 36% of North American developers in a separate survey. While Japanese developers cite efficiency and cost reduction, concerns about "human verification" and player reception persist. The article questions whether AI adoption has truly contributed to the perceived health of the Japanese industry.
Professor Layton Developer Level-5 Scrambles to Reupload Trailers as AI Backlash Intensifies
Professor Layton developer Level-5 has apologized for the mistrust caused by its use of generative AI in recent showcases, attributing some fan-spotted examples to human error. The company faces intense online backlash over the AI usage.
PlayStation 5 Gets Promising Adventure Game Set in Ni no Kuni Universe
Bloomwalker, a new adventure game set in the Ni no Kuni universe, has been confirmed for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble, the game features relaxing crafting gameplay focused on purifying a polluted world and managing a moving house. Players can also explore and customize a pocket dimension.
Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after confirming that generative AI was used in the studio's recent digital showcase for Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch titles. Hino stated the AI was used as an experiment to make the presentation more spectacular and apologized for making fans uncomfortable, while emphasizing that the games themselves are still made by human hands. He also mentioned the studio's goal to reduce development time by using AI for efficiency tasks like converting artwork into polygons.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
"I deeply apologize": After global backlash, Level-5 CEO admits new Yo-Kai Watch and Professor Layton showcase…
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized for the studio's use of generative AI in trailers for "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" and "Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain." Hino explained the AI was used for efficiency and to digitize existing concepts, assuring that no AI-generated data is included in released games. Despite the apology, fan backlash persists due to environmental concerns and discomfort with AI's role in development.
Level 5 boss apologises for AI use for Professor Layton, Yo-Kai Watch reveals
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized on X following criticism that the company used generative AI during its recent Level-5 Vision event. The presentation featured games from the Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch series, and the use of AI drew significant backlash from fans.
Professor Layton studio Level-5's CEO admits using AI to make its digital showcase "more spectacular"
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has admitted to using generative AI in the studio's recent digital showcase to make the presentation "more spectacular." Following fan backlash, Hino apologized for making people uncomfortable and clarified that core game elements like scenarios and character designs are still created by human hands. He stated AI is being used for efficiency and experimentation in digitizing creative work, not for generating final game assets.
Level-5 Boss Addresses AI Backlash After Fans Hit Out at Game Reveal Showcase
Developer Level-5 has apologized for and explained its use of generative AI after fans criticized footage from games like Professor Layton and the Curious Village and DecaPolice, labeling it 'AI slop'. The company addressed the backlash following its game reveal showcase.
PS5 Remake of Hit Nintendo Exclusive Adventure Game Out 2027
Level-5 has announced a remake of the 2007 adventure game Professor Layton and the Curious Village for PlayStation 5, scheduled for release in 2027. The remake will feature reimagined 3D characters, more immersive exploration, and high-resolution animations, promising stunning visuals and greater immersion.
Level-5 boss says “major title” to be announced for 30th anniversary in 2027
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino announced that a "major title" will be revealed in 2027, coinciding with the company's 30th anniversary. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the game.
Professor Layton’s Comeback Lands on December 10, 2026
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is set to launch on December 10, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Windows PC. The puzzle adventure game from Level-5 experienced several delays but now has a firm release date, promising the series' biggest collection of puzzles.
Level-5 shares TGS 2026 lineup
Level-5 has revealed its lineup for the Tokyo Game Show 2026, featuring titles like Decapolice, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, and Pufflings: Journey Through a Fantasy World as playable demos. Other games, including Inazuma Eleven: Cross and Yo-kai Watch titles, will be showcased via video presentations.
Video: Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake announced
Level-5 has announced a remake of the classic Nintendo DS title, Professor Layton and the Curious Village, for the Nintendo Switch and other platforms. The remake is slated for release in 2027, bringing the beloved puzzle-adventure game to a new generation.
Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake Announced, Coming to Multiple Platforms in 2027
Level-5 has announced a remake of Professor Layton and the Curious Village, with the game slated for release in 2027 across multiple platforms. This announcement marks the return of the beloved puzzle-adventure series.