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"0.63 is the perfect default delay": Bungie, Respawn and Firaxis game developers talk NPC barks, grenade timing and other questions of craft
Game developers from studios like Firaxis, Bungie, and Respawn shared practical advice on various aspects of game development, including NPC dialogue, UI animation timing, and combat design principles. The discussion, initiated on Bluesky, highlighted the importance of small details in creating satisfying player experiences.
The Last Of Us Boss Says There Are A "Few Stops That Remain On The Road Ahead"
Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann has hinted at future installments in The Last of Us franchise, stating there are "a few stops that remain on the road ahead." This follows his departure from HBO's The Last of Us series to focus on other projects related to the IP. While not explicitly confirming a new game, his comments fuel ongoing speculation about a potential The Last of Us Part III.
The 10 greatest male video game heroes of all-time - Reader's Feature
A reader's personal list ranks the top 10 male video game heroes, featuring iconic characters like Kratos from God of War, Link from The Legend of Zelda, and Master Chief from Halo. The list highlights characters known for their development, bravery, and impact on gaming history.
'They Cancelled The Last of Us Factions, So We're Building Our Version': Indie Dev Vows to Revive Iconic Multiplayer Mode
An indie developer is creating a new game called Terminal War, inspired by the cancelled The Last of Us Factions multiplayer mode. The self-funded, 4v4 third-person shooter aims to capture the tension and brutal executions of the original. Terminal War is planned for an Early Access release on PC, with no console platforms announced yet.
New AAA games could cost $300 million or "much more" to make, insider says, which might help "explain the current state of the industry" amid layoffs and studio closures
Insider reports suggest that AAA game development budgets are now reaching $300 million or significantly more, contributing to the ongoing industry issues like layoffs and studio closures. Companies like Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft have recently undergone significant downsizing. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of current development costs.
Jak and Daxter fans, look away – a remake concept made in the hope of PlayStation greenlighting the project resurfaces years later, and it looks absolutely perfect
A concept for a Jak and Daxter remake, featuring an animated cutscene recreation by animator Travis Howe, has resurfaced. This pitch was not commissioned by Sony but was a fan proposal to gain permission for a potential remaster. Sanzaru Games, known for other PlayStation mascot titles, was involved in the pitch.
Jak and Daxter Remaster Concept Emerges From Former Sly Cooper Studio
A pitch for a Jak and Daxter remaster was created by a team at Sanzaru Games, the studio formerly behind Sly Cooper. While the project was never formally commissioned by Sony and did not move forward, a senior animator shared a recreation of a cutscene to showcase the potential visual upgrade. The pitch was a passion project intended to gain the IP holder's blessing for a full-scale remake.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time developer Sanzaru Games pitched a Jak & Daxter remaster years ago, and a short clip of the proposal has just been unearthed
Former Sanzaru Games animator Travis Howe has revealed a fan-made pitch for a Jak & Daxter remaster, complete with a short animated clip. The project, which was not commissioned by Sony, was created in 2019 by developers who previously worked on Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time. Howe is now seeking fan support to gauge interest in a potential official remaster.
'This Is Unsustainable Madness': Modern Video Game Budgets Are Out of Control
Modern AAA video game development budgets on the west coast of America are reportedly reaching $300 million or more, primarily covering salaries and overheads. This unsustainable cost requires games to sell millions of copies at full price just to break even, putting immense pressure on studios and potentially impacting the industry's future.
Jak and Daxter Remaster Was Pitched to Sony in 2019
Veteran animator Travis Howe revealed that his team pitched a remaster of the original Jak and Daxter to Sony in 2019, creating a recreation of an early cutscene to showcase the potential. Sony was not involved in the fan-led proposal, and Naughty Dog confirmed in 2021 that a new Jak and Daxter game is not currently in development.
Here's What a Jak & Daxter PS5 Remake Could've Looked Like
Animator and writer Travis Howe revealed a pitch for a PlayStation 5 remake of Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy that was developed by a team but ultimately did not move forward. Howe shared a cutscene redo as a proof of concept for the project, which aimed to bring the Naughty Dog series to modern hardware.
Sony is reportedly shutting down Dark Outlaw Games, run by former Call of Duty director
Sony is reportedly shutting down Dark Outlaw Games, a studio led by former Call of Duty director Jason Blundell. This closure is part of broader staff cuts at PlayStation focused on mobile development, signaling a retreat from live-service multiplayer games. Several other studios and projects have also been affected or canceled recently.
The Last of Us season 3 has found its Lev and Yara, as Skeleton Crew star joins the cast
The Last of Us season 3 has cast Michelle Mao as Yara and Kyriana Kratter as Lev, two members of the Seraphite cult. Lev, Yara's younger brother, is a trans character in the game, a portrayal that is expected to continue in the television adaptation. Kratter, who is not trans, will portray the character.
The Last Of Us Season 3 Has A Curious Casting Decision For A Key Role
HBO's The Last of Us adaptation has faced criticism for its casting of Lev, a transgender character, with cisgender actor Kyriana Kratter set to play the role in Season 3. This decision contrasts with Naughty Dog's casting of transgender actor Ian Alexander in The Last of Us Part II. The article discusses the implications of casting cisgender actors in transgender roles and the potential for online backlash.
Intergalactic Director Teases Return of The Last of Us Actor
Naughty Dog director Neil Druckmann has teased that an actor from The Last of Us, Merle Dandridge, may appear in the studio's upcoming game, Intergalactic. Dandridge was seen in a motion capture suit, and Druckmann referred to her as an "intergalactic treasure." The game is reportedly in late development for PlayStation 5, with reports of overtime and missed deadlines, but is described by Druckmann as Naughty Dog's most ambitious and expensive project yet. Actors Tony Dalton and Troy Baker have also spoken about their involvement and experiences working on the title.
HBO casts The Last of Us season 3's Yara and Lev
HBO has cast Kyriana Kratter as Lev and Michelle Mao as Yara for the upcoming third season of The Last of Us. Kratter, who is transgender, was cast after an inclusive search. Neil Druckmann, who co-showran the series, is stepping back to focus on Naughty Dog's game development but will remain involved at a high level.
Intergalactic PS5 Seemingly Adds The Last of Us Star to Its Cast
Actress Merle Dandridge, known for her role as Marlene in The Last of Us, is reportedly joining the cast of the upcoming PlayStation 5 exclusive Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. She was photographed in a motion capture suit by Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann, fueling speculation about her involvement. Troy Baker and Tati Gabrielle are also confirmed to be part of the game's cast.
Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet's been away from the spotlight, but Neil Druckmann's teasing the return of…
Naughty Dog game director Neil Druckmann has teased the return of a prominent The Last of Us actor for the upcoming game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Actor Merle Dandridge was seen in a motion capture suit, with Druckmann referring to her as an "intergalactic treasure."
60+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Refreshed Spring Sale
The PlayStation Store's Spring Sale is ongoing until April 22, 2026, featuring over 60 discounted PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games. The article highlights recommended titles that have received high scores and are at their lowest prices, including "Metaphor: ReFantazio," "Resident Evil 4," and "Hades."
Horror Icon John Carpenter Lists His Favorite Video Games of All Time — and 3 He's Really Looking Forward To - IGN
Horror director John Carpenter shared his all-time favorite video games, including Borderlands 2, Sonic the Hedgehog, Fallout 76, Horizon Zero Dawn, Assassin's Creed, and Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. He also expressed excitement for upcoming titles such as John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, a Halloween-themed game, and the next installment in the Fallout series.
