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Dying Light’s Post-Launch Support Helped Build Community Trust, Says Former Franchise Director
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektała believes Techland's extensive post-launch support built crucial community trust and kept the series relevant for seven years. Initially limited, the support grew due to player demand, evolving into a unique business model for AAA games with long-term engagement, which Smektała argues can be successful with proper planning and management.
Former Dying Light lead says long-term game support "builds the community trust" and is also great for sales:…
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektala believes that consistent long-term game support, including free updates and DLC, is crucial for building community trust and driving sustained sales. He highlighted Techland's '10 in 12' initiative for Dying Light as an example of how extended post-launch support can keep a game relevant and selling for years, even building hype for sequels.
It's not just The Witcher and Cyberpunk devs – former Dying Light lead says not properly recording work makes…
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektala warns game developers about the critical importance of proper documentation, especially when working on a studio's first game. He shared that Techland's lack of attention to documenting features and lore for the original Dying Light led to significant challenges during the development of Dying Light 2, forcing the team to rely on player-made wikis to reconstruct information.
Free Play Days – Gears of War Reloaded, Formula Legends, High on Life 2 and Dying Light
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for several titles at the end of May. Formula Legends and Dying Light are available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members from May 28 to May 31. Gears of War: Reloaded and High on Life 2 are also free for all Xbox members to try during this period.
Dying Light: The Beast Taught Techland That “Quality Beats Quantity,” Says Former Franchise Director
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektala stated that Techland learned a hard lesson from Dying Light 2 Stay Human, realizing that quality is more important than quantity. The team is now focusing on core gameplay elements for "Dying Light: The Beast," which has received praise for its parkour, combat, and open-world design. This shift in focus emphasizes quality over trying to satisfy every player expectation.
Dying Light The Beast is "very strong proof" that slowing down and focusing on the core details works, former series lead says: "We learned that quality beats quantity"
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektala stated that focusing on core details and quality over quantity was key to the success of Dying Light: The Beast. He explained that the studio learned this lesson after the initial launch of Dying Light 2, which was overhyped and missed crucial details players expected. This shift in focus led to a more positive reception for The Beast, with over 90% positive Steam reviews.
Former Dying Light lead knew Techland devs were "not afraid to do things differently" as soon as he found out…
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektała shared his early impressions of the game's unique parkour system, highlighting Techland's willingness to deviate from convention. He recalled how the unconventional jump control scheme, mapped to the right bumper, was an early indicator of the studio's innovative approach to game design. Smektała also touched upon the importance of player feedback, even when it might be misguided.
Dying Light's former director believes devs are obligated 'to focus and listen to the players' because as soon as a game's released 'it stops being only your game'
Former Dying Light director Tymon Smektała believes game developers have an obligation to listen to their players after a game's release, as it ceases to be solely the creators' property. He emphasizes that while player feedback is crucial for understanding player sentiment, developers should not blindly follow the loudest voices, as players are not always correct about solutions. Smektała suggests that developers should pay attention to what excites or frustrates players, as this feedback is valuable for improving the game.
The future of European publishing is diversity, not concentration | Opinion
Despite financial struggles at major European publishers like Ubisoft and Embracer, the continent's game publishing sector is thriving with smaller, focused companies. These firms prioritize creative niches, sensible scale, and long-term stability over rapid growth, producing successful titles across various genres and demonstrating a diverse and healthy industry landscape.
Former Dying Light lead says devs have an "obligation" to listen to player feedback even if "they're…
Former Dying Light franchise director Tymon Smektała believes game developers have an obligation to listen to player feedback, even if they don't always implement suggestions. He emphasizes that once a game is released, it becomes a shared experience with the community, and developers should pay attention to player feelings and frustrations, even if players are not always right about the solutions.
In this survival game by an ex-Dying Light developer, the Light is actually dying.
Dusklander, an isometric survival game developed by solo developer Bitrunner, has been officially announced. The game features a goth protagonist trapped in a nightmare world where light is a crucial survival resource. It incorporates permadeath with roguelite meta-progression and procedural generation, drawing inspiration from titles like Don't Starve and Valheim.
Digital Dragons 2026 – Showcasing the strength of Poland’s games industry
The Digital Dragons conference in Krakow highlights the growing strength and community of Poland's game development scene, attracting international speakers and fostering business relationships. The event celebrated achievements with the Digital Dragons Awards, recognizing titles like Cronos: The New Dawn, while looking ahead to major upcoming releases that are expected to further boost the industry's global standing.
Cronos: The New Dawn wins Best Polish Game at the Digital Dragons Awards
Cronos: The New Dawn by Bloober Team was the biggest winner at the Digital Dragons Awards, taking home the Polish Game of the Year award. The event celebrated the best of Polish game development, with other notable nominees including Techland's Dying Light: The Beast and 11 bit studios' The Alters.
Focus Grove releases on June 1st
Focus Grove, a cozy work companion game developed by Little Lantern, is set to release on Steam on June 1st, 2026. The game aims to help players manage their work and lives better by growing a woodland farm alongside real-life progress. The development team includes former employees from CD Projekt RED, Techland, and One More Level.
Dying Light Franchise Director Tymon Smektala leaves Techland
Tymon Smektala, the franchise director for Dying Light, has departed from Techland. Smektala joined Techland in 2013 and was instrumental in the design of the original Dying Light, its expansion The Following, and Dying Light 2.
Dying Light boss Tymon Smektała is stepping down, but "can't wait to experience its next chapter"
Dying Light Franchise Director Tymon Smektała has announced his departure from Techland to pursue new opportunities. Smektała, who served as producer on the first two games and led the series, expressed pride in the franchise's journey and excitement to experience its future as a player. His departure comes after the successful launch of Dying Light: The Beast, with Techland actively hiring for new roles to define the next chapter of the Dying Light franchise.
Dying Light head leaves Techland after 13 years: "The franchise is in great hands, and I'm excited to see it…
Tymon Smektała, franchise director for Dying Light, has departed Techland after 13 years. Smektała expressed pride in the series' development and confidence in its future under new leadership. He joined Techland in 2013 and became franchise director in 2022.
Business and Finance
The director of the Dying Light franchise has stepped down from their role at Techland after 13 years with the company. The departure marks a significant change for the studio behind the popular zombie survival series.
Dying Light Franchise Director Steps Down to Pursue “A New Chapter”
Tymon Smektała, franchise director for Techland's Dying Light series, has announced his departure after nearly 13 years to pursue new opportunities. Smektała expressed pride in the franchise's achievements and confidence in its future under Techland's continued development. He previously served as a producer on the original Dying Light and a designer on Dying Light 2 Stay Human.
Feel the rhythm of Rio – Maracanã and Rio de Janeiro arrive in Copa City
Copa City has been delayed to June 16, 2026, to ensure a simultaneous multi-platform release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The football management simulation will now include Rio de Janeiro and the iconic Maracanã Stadium as part of its launch lineup, with Fluminense FC also added as post-launch paid content. The game's developer, Triple Espresso, cited the need for additional time to address platform certification feedback as the reason for the delay.
