Owlcat Games
Owlcat Games business and news from across the web.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Team Used AI Used to “Iterate on Ideas Faster and More Efficiently”Crystal Dynamics confirmed the use of generative AI tools for early development and concept art in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, assuring that all final content is human-crafted. The studio stated AI helps iterate ideas faster and more efficiently, while other companies like Rockstar Games emphasize their handcrafted approach for titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
The Baldur's Gate remakes should scrap the original combat system and fully embrace superior turn-based fightsThis opinion piece argues that upcoming remakes of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2 should adopt the turn-based combat system popularized by Baldur's Gate 3, rather than retaining the original real-time-with-pause mechanics. The author believes turn-based combat offers a superior, more strategic, and authentically Dungeons & Dragons experience.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Interview – Sci-Fi Setting, Companions, Console Performance, And MoreOwlcat Games' Leonid Rastorguev discusses the transition to a third-person action RPG with The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, emphasizing the preservation of core RPG elements like choice and consequence, and deep companion systems. The interview also details the challenges of maintaining the series' grounded sci-fi authenticity and outlines target resolutions and frame rates for various platforms, including new options for the PlayStation 5 Pro.
Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy's beta flexes the game's murder mystery muscles, but exposes its limits tooThe beta for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy showcases its ambitious murder mystery gameplay, which requires players to actively investigate and handle consequences, even if they make mistakes. While the core mechanics are similar to Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the beta introduces character creation and expands the playable content, including a new murder mystery questline. The game prioritizes player deduction and narrative choices over handholding, which can lead to moments of frustration but also rewarding breakthroughs.
Xbox delays Fable to February 2027 to avoid GTA 6 (and everything else)Xbox has delayed the release of Fable to February 2027, citing the need to avoid launching alongside major titles like Grand Theft Auto VI. The delay aims to give the role-playing game its own dedicated moment. Fable will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, as well as Game Pass.- Testing the Boundaries of Heresy: “Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy” Introduces Aeldari Corsair Laarthyr CairnarethOwlcat Games has released a new trailer for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy, introducing the Aeldari Corsair Laarthyr Cairnareth. This character, an Anrathe who abandoned tradition for freedom, can be recruited by players in the current closed beta. Laarthyr offers unique insights into the Warp and xenos culture, and excels in close-quarters combat. The game is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Dark Heresy’s latest beta is shaping up to improve Rogue Trader’s factions and build optionsOwlcat Games' Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy has released a new beta, showcasing significant improvements over its predecessor, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The beta introduces a refined character creator, a more dynamic level-up system with stat caps, and a more purposeful perk system. Faction interactions and rewards have also been overhauled, offering more deliberate gear distribution and easier reputation building.- "The Expanse: Osiris Reborn" Reveals Stats and Highlights from the BetaOwlcat Games shared beta statistics for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, revealing over 21,000 players have participated, accumulating 2.5 years of playtime. The developer also addressed community feedback, planning improvements to combat, animations, and voice acting, with a new voice actor being sought for the male protagonist and his brother. The game is set to launch on PC and consoles including Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
- The Expanse RPG Recasts Its Protagonist After Player ComplaintsOwlcat Games announced plans to recast the voice actor for the male protagonist and J in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn following player complaints about a perceived lack of emotion. While the studio is changing the voices, player feedback on Reddit also highlighted desires for dialogue and story adjustments. The game is scheduled for release in Spring 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.
- Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Closed Beta Beginning TodayThe Closed Beta for Owlcat Games' Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy is now available for PC players who purchased a Founder's Pack. This announcement was made during the Warhammer Skulls showcase.
- Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy Beta Starts TodayOwlcat Games announced the start of the closed beta for Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy on PC for Founder's Pack purchasers. Additionally, the third DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, titled The Infinite Museion, will launch on June 11th for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The Dark Heresy beta offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay and will remain open until the game's full release.
Warhammer Skull 2026 – All the game announcements and trailersThe Warhammer Skulls showcase revealed numerous game announcements and updates across the Warhammer universes. Highlights include the closed beta for Warhammer 40,000: Darktree, the Infinite Museion DLC for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, and the console launch of Warhammer 40,000: Speed Freeks with cross-play and a new level editor. New titles like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV and Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch were also revealed, alongside updates for existing games like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Total War: Warhammer III.
Free Play Days – Warhammer Skulls Takeover 2026Five Warhammer games are available for free this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members. The titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, and Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr. The promotion runs from Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25 on Xbox consoles and PC.
PS5 Sci-Fi RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Recasts Its Main Character Following Brutal Fan FeedbackOwlCat Games is recasting the male protagonist and his twin brother J in the upcoming PlayStation 5 sci-fi RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, due to negative fan feedback on their voice acting. Players found the sassy tone unfitting for hardened space mercenaries. The developer also plans to improve character animations and the game's overall tone.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn devs are replacing the voice actors and reworking combat after beta feedbackDeveloper Owlcat Games is making significant changes to The Expanse: Osiris Reborn based on beta feedback, including replacing voice actors for the male protagonist and companion character J. The studio is also reworking facial animations, body movement, and the cover system to improve combat intuitiveness and character naturalness. These adjustments aim to address player concerns and enhance the overall polish of the game before its planned launch next year.
PC Gamer magazine's new issue is on sale now: WitchfireThe latest issue of PC Gamer magazine features world-exclusive access to Witchfire, the dark fantasy RPG shooter from The Astronauts, ahead of its version 1.0 launch. The issue also includes previews of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and other upcoming games, along with reviews for titles like Crimson Desert and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. Additionally, it covers PC gaming's best MMOs, ergonomic PC gear, and delves into the legacy of ZQuest Classic.- The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Is Recasting its Protagonist After Negative Fan FeedbackOwlcat Games announced that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will recast its male protagonist and his twin brother following negative fan feedback. The developer has not yet revealed who will take over the roles.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is Recasting Its Male Lead Following Closed Beta FeedbackOwlcat Games is recasting the voice actor for the male protagonist in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn following negative feedback from its closed beta. The developer also plans to improve character animations, rework the "ask" system and cover mechanics, and adjust narrative inconsistencies. The sci-fi action RPG is set to launch in Spring 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn players hated the male hero's voice so much that he's being recast as devs respond to negative feedback for their Mass Effect-inspired RPGDeveloper Owlcat Games is recasting the voice actor for the male protagonist and his twin in The Expanse: Osiris Reborn due to negative player feedback during the beta period. The studio also acknowledged that character animations, including facial and body movement, need improvement. The Mass Effect-inspired RPG is currently slated for a mid-2027 release.
Still With Me, Dear Reader?Rue Valley is a narrative-driven game that explores themes of mental health and personal tragedy through a unique time-loop mechanic, standing apart from games like Disco Elysium. Despite clunky game design, its empathetic approach to character development and its 47-minute in-game loop offer a resonant experience for players grappling with similar challenges. The article recommends the game for its strong writing and encourages players to seek mental health resources if needed.