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Releasing The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 faster risks "disappointing fans," Bethesda veteran says following reports that Microsoft wants to speed up development
A former Bethesda developer, Bruce Nesmith, suggests that rushing the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could lead to fan fatigue. He emphasizes the balance between resources, time, and quality in game development, noting that excessively long or short development cycles can be detrimental. Nesmith believes a sweet spot of around three to five years between major releases is ideal for meeting fan expectations without burnout.
007 First Light Is Making The Case For Shorter, Sharper AAA Campaigns
This article argues that shorter, focused AAA campaigns can offer superior value compared to bloated open-world or live-service titles. It highlights games like 007 First Light, Marvel's Spider-Man, and Titanfall 2 as examples of delivering quality experiences within reasonable playtimes. The piece suggests that despite rising development costs, publishers can still find success with well-crafted, linear narratives.
The Last of Us Part 2 Multiplayer Lives On as PvP Mod Due Out Later This Year
Although Naughty Dog canceled its official multiplayer project for The Last of Us Part 2, a new player-versus-player mod is expected to be released for PC later this year. This mod aims to fill the void left by the canceled Factions mode.
The Last of Us 2 Is Finally Getting Multiplayer, But Naughty Dog Ain't Making It
A talented modder has created a multiplayer mode for The Last of Us Part II on PC, inspired by the original Factions mode. This fan-made version utilizes character models and maps from the main game, aiming for a competitive online experience. While Naughty Dog's official multiplayer project was canceled, this mod is expected to be completed by September and will require a PC copy of the game.
The Last of Us Part 2 will get multiplayer later this year, but not from Sony, and sadly not on PS5 either
A multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part II has been released by modder Specilizer, featuring lobby systems and custom maps, with a September release date. Meanwhile, CD Projekt Red's co-CEO Michał Nowakowski admits the company has not yet fully redeemed itself in the eyes of fans after the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077, despite significant improvements and positive reception to its Phantom Liberty expansion.
The Stream Team: Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, Trine 6, and more Steam Next Fest multiplayer demos
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be showcasing various multiplayer game demos from Steam Next Fest, including Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, and Trine 6. Hawthorne is notably developed by former employees of Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. The stream will focus on multiplayer and MMORPG titles, with a mention of interest in single-player games like Chonky Cat and Where We Used to Play.
Report: PlayStation changed first-party single-player PC strategy due to lack of revenue
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly shifted its strategy for releasing first-party single-player games on PC, with CEO Hideaki Nishino confirming that such titles will now be exclusive to PlayStation platforms due to insufficient revenue. Live-service games, however, will continue to be released on both PC and PlayStation 5 to reach a wider audience.
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI
Many game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
Naughty Dog’s Silence Is Getting Harder To Ignore
This article analyzes Naughty Dog's perceived lack of new game releases on the PlayStation 5, contrasting it with their prolific output in previous console generations. Despite the upcoming 'Intergalactic,' the studio's focus on remakes and remasters of 'The Last of Us' and 'Uncharted' franchises has led to concerns about their current development rhythm and originality.
Microsoft nearly killed former Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us director's new game, but he managed to save it after the first trailer, fellow Naughty Dog vet says: "It was game over"
Bruce Straley's new game, Coven of the Chicken Foot, developed by his studio Wildflower Interactive, faced cancellation when Microsoft abruptly pulled its funding in July 2025. However, a trailer released during The Game Awards attracted new investors, saving the project. This incident highlights the volatile nature of game development funding, even for experienced creators like Straley, who previously co-directed The Last of Us and Uncharted 4.
Ex Naughty Dog artist explains why we didn’t see Intergalactic at summer games fest
A former Naughty Dog artist explained why the game Intergalactic was not showcased at the Summer Game Fest. The artist clarified that the absence was not due to any issues with Naughty Dog itself.
Obsession Director Would Be Up For A Video Game Movie
Filmmaker Curry Barker, whose horror movie Obsession has been a major success, expressed openness to directing a video game movie. While not a heavy gamer, Barker mentioned Five Nights at Freddy's and the Uncharted series as potential projects he'd be interested in. He also discussed his admiration for Zach Cregger's approach to the Resident Evil movie and Kane Parsons' interest in directing a Portal adaptation.
"Do you want a new game or not?": Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet skipping State of Play is fine, former The Last of Us dev says, because making a trailer costs 4 months of work
Former Naughty Dog artist Del Walker explained that studios like Naughty Dog skip events like State of Play to avoid losing development time on trailers, which can cost up to four months of work. He suggests players must choose between seeing game footage or receiving finished games sooner. The article also touches on speculation regarding The Last of Us 3.
The Batman actor Peter Sarsgaard joins The Last of Us season three, and he'll play a character we haven't seen before
Peter Sarsgaard has joined the cast of HBO's The Last of Us for its third season, portraying a new character named Amon, a leader of the religious cult The Seraphites. Season three will reportedly focus on Abby's story in Seattle and introduce other new characters from the games. While a release date is unconfirmed, the season is expected to be the show's last.
Naughty Dog founder speaks on losing Crash Bandicoot and "abysmal" Universal Interactive partnership
Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin described the studio's past relationship with Universal Interactive as "abysmal," detailing harsh working conditions and a lack of respect that ultimately led to the studio parting ways with the Crash Bandicoot IP. Rubin expressed regret that Crash Bandicoot is not more prominently featured at Universal Studios today, suggesting a better partnership could have led to theme park attractions.
Spyro leaker says Xbox has greenlit a new Crash Bandicoot game
A leaker known for Spyro rumors suggests that Xbox has approved a new Crash Bandicoot game. The article also discusses past rumors about a Wario game and the development studios involved in the Crash Bandicoot franchise, including Toys For Bob and Naughty Dog.
PS5 Getting Long-Awaited New Games in Beloved Franchises – Report
A report suggests that new PlayStation 5 installments in the Uncharted and The Simpsons: Hit & Run franchises are in development. Journalist Jordan Middler claims a new Uncharted is coming, while also hinting that Activision is reviving The Simpsons: Hit & Run from its back catalog. These rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, but Middler has a history of accurate reporting.
Plague Tale's prequel makes serious moves for the Uncharted and Tomb Raider crown – after one chapter of Resonance I'm eager for more adventuring
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy shifts from the grim medieval setting of its predecessors to a sun-drenched Mediterranean, focusing on a younger, more capable Sophia. This prequel emphasizes third-person action, puzzles, and melee combat, drawing comparisons to Uncharted and Tomb Raider. Developed by Asobo Studio and published by Focus Entertainment, the game is set for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
Years before The Last of Us put up 20m sales and spawned a successful TV adaptation, a Sony exec and several Naughty Dog devs thought "It's not going to do very well" because it was too different from Uncharted 3
Years before The Last of Us achieved 20 million sales and a successful TV adaptation, some within Sony and Naughty Dog had doubts about its potential due to its departure from the Uncharted formula. Former designer Quentin Cobb recalled a Sony executive suggesting a small marketing budget, believing the game wouldn't perform well. Despite internal and external skepticism, the game became a major success for PlayStation.
How That's No Moon's Crossfire evolves the cover-based shooter
That's No Moon is developing a narrative-driven, third-person tactical action-adventure shooter titled Crossfire, a reimagining of Smilegate's multiplayer game. The studio aims to redefine cover-based combat with an "adaptive cover" system that utilizes organic environmental cover, powered by Unreal Engine 5's Nanite and Lumen technologies. Key figures like Taylor Kurosaki and Jacob Minkoff are leading the project, which features characters Layla and Cross.
