Monolith Productions
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Triple-A vets and accessibility experts launch new game dev co-op: Raze and Rebuild Studio
Veteran game developers and accessibility experts have launched Raze and Rebuild Studio, a new worker-owned cooperative. The studio aims to address industry layoffs and create games with impact, focusing on real-world experiences and accessibility in both development and gameplay. They are currently developing their debut project without external funding, seeking grants and partners.
A dev tried to warn WB Games not to launch Lord of the Rings: War in the North 10 days before Skyrim, but was…
A former WB Games developer revealed he advised against releasing The Lord of the Rings: War in the North just 10 days before The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim in 2011, but his warning was ignored. The game, now re-released as a Legacy Edition, received a "Very Positive" rating on Steam despite its initial poor reception, which was partly attributed to the overwhelming competition from Skyrim and a weak marketing campaign.
Skyrim eclipsed Lord of the Rings: War in the North's launch 15 years ago, so the WB Games lead who "argued vociferously" against the release is happy to see it get a second shot
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released by publisher Aspyr, allowing it a second chance after its original launch 15 years ago. Christian Allen, the original design director for WB Games, revealed he had argued against releasing the game so close to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's launch, fearing it would be overshadowed. The game, developed by Snowblind Studios, was a commercial disappointment at the time but is now available for players to experience without major competition.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition is Out Now With 4K/60 FPS Support
Aspyr Media has released The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition, featuring support for up to 4K resolution and 60 FPS. The updated version is available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, offering hack-and-slash combat for up to three players, both locally and online. The game is currently discounted to $17.99 until August 25th.
Get F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn for Free
Steam is now offering F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn as free downloadable content for the first-person shooter F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. This DLC was originally released in September 2009.
I picked out 31 must-play games going for $5 or less in the Steam Summer Sale
This article highlights 31 must-play games available for $5 or less during the Steam Summer Sale. The curated list includes a variety of genres such as RPGs and first-person shooters, with many titles developed by well-known studios like Larian and BioWare.
What the heck are you playing at, games industry?
The article criticizes the recent surge in video game studio closures and layoffs, highlighting numerous studios shut down by major publishers like Ubisoft, EA, Embracer, Sony, and Microsoft. It questions the business strategies of these publishers, particularly Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory and the high development cost of Xbox exclusives like Gears of War E-Day, while also pointing to the industry's pursuit of live services and infinite growth over sustainable development.
How a trio of Canadian modders stumbled into making an official Die Hard game: 'I've had projects disappear that had 10 times the promise that this did'
This article details the journey of Canadian modders Russ Bullock, Bryan Ekman, and Jay Holtslander as they transformed an unofficial Half-Life mod into the official Die Hard: Nakatomi Plaza game. The founders of Piranha Games faced challenges with engine choices, creative differences, and the transition from modding to commercial development, ultimately leading to Holtslander's departure before the game's release.
The 15 best sci-fi survival horror video games you can play right now
This article lists and describes 15 of the best sci-fi survival horror video games available now on PC and consoles. The list includes titles like Alien: Isolation, System Shock 1 & 2, Dead Space, and Resident Evil 2, highlighting their unique atmospheres and gameplay mechanics.
Enduring advice for all game producers: Unlocking the Vault 2.0
Senior technical producer Shayna Moon of CD Projekt Red discusses the enduring relevance of Ruth Tomandl's 2013 GDC talk 'Production 101' for aspiring and current game producers. Moon highlights key advice on communication, team trust, and understanding the producer role, while also reflecting on how industry changes have impacted aspects like the QA to production pipeline and job security.
Star Fox voice actor dies at age 76 as fans pay tribute
Jock Blaney, the original voice actor for Wolf O'Donnell in Nintendo's Star Fox 64 (also known as Lylat Wars), has died at the age of 76. Blaney also voiced other characters in the game and had credits in titles like No One Lives Forever and Spy Fox. Fans are paying tribute to his iconic performances, particularly his role as Fox McCloud's arch-rival.
Someone has made a tool to add achievements to non-Steam games on Linux, which feels like a niche in a niche
A new tool called Sentinel has been released on GitHub, allowing Linux users to add an achievements system to games not available on Steam. The software can integrate with the Steam Web API or external data sources to track achievements, even for games launched through other storefronts like Epic Games Store via launchers such as Heroic. Future plans include support for the Steam Deck.
Tomb Raider dev creating new Lord Of The Rings game claims report
Crystal Dynamics is reportedly developing a new third-person action game based on The Lord of the Rings, aiming to compete with Hogwarts Legacy. The title is said to be in development for some time and is partially funded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. There are also rumors of other Lord of the Rings projects, including a potential remaster of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North.
After one of Blood's best mods added a new episode in January, another brilliant spin on Monolith's shooter…
Nightdive Studios has released Death Wish 2.0, a significant overhaul of the classic first-person shooter Blood, for PC. This update, available for Blood: Fresh Supply owners and as a free download via ModDB, adds a new fourth episode, bringing the total map count to 48, alongside a custom soundtrack and new cutscenes. Nightdive also re-announced their upcoming project, Sin: Reloaded.
Gaming Dad Returns to Shadow of War, Discovers His Kid is Better Than Him
A gaming parent returned to Middle-earth: Shadow of War after an 11-year hiatus to raise their child, only to discover their child is now a better gamer. This experience highlights how gaming can bridge generational gaps and become a shared activity for families. The article explores the evolving role of gaming in adult life and its potential as a bonding tool.
As Warner Bros' Future Looks Uncertain, Gotham Knights Dev Reportedly Cuts More Staff
WB Games Montréal, the studio behind Gotham Knights, has reportedly undergone another round of layoffs. The exact number of affected employees is currently unknown, but this follows previous job cuts and project cancellations within Warner Bros. Games' portfolio. The studio is also known for Batman: Arkham Origins and was previously assisting Monolith Productions on the cancelled Wonder Woman game.
Gotham Knights studio Warner Bros. Games Montréal appear to have laid off staff
Warner Bros. Games Montréal, the studio behind Gotham Knights, has reportedly laid off an unspecified number of staff. Several developers confirmed their departures from the studio on LinkedIn. This follows recent studio closures and game cancellations within Warner Bros. Games due to financial performance.
Resident Evil Requiem crosses 6 million copies sold, becoming the fastest-selling game in the survival horror series' history
Capcom announced that Resident Evil Requiem has sold over 6 million copies across all platforms, making it the fastest-selling title in the survival horror series' history. The game has achieved this milestone less than a month after its release. The article also briefly mentions layoffs at Warner Bros. Games and related studio closures.
Warner Bros Montréal reportedly hit with staff cuts
Warner Bros. Montréal has reportedly experienced unspecified layoffs, with former employees indicating roles across narrative, design, and production were made redundant. These cuts follow the ongoing acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and previous layoffs affecting 99 employees in 2024.
Warner Bros. Montréal devs report layoffs
Several developers at Warner Bros. Montréal have reportedly been laid off, with many announcing their job searches on LinkedIn. This follows a period of financial struggles for Warner Bros. Games, including the cancellation of a Hogwarts Legacy expansion, layoffs at Rocksteady after Suicide Squad's poor performance, the cancellation of Monolith Productions' Wonder Woman game, and the shutdown of MultiVersus.
