Tencent
Tencent business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Ubisoft names new Creative House and Creative Network leaders
Ubisoft has announced new leadership appointments to support its Creative House operating model. Julien Bares will manage Creative Houses 3 and 5, overseeing live and casual game brands, while Thomas Andrén will lead the new Creative Network to provide cross-functional support. These changes come as Ubisoft undergoes a significant restructuring, including studio closures and cost-cutting measures.
Highguard Players Get Refunds As Dev Seemingly Shuts Down For Good
The free-to-play shooter Highguard has ceased operations, with players on PlayStation 5 reporting that Sony is issuing refunds for in-game microtransaction purchases. Developer Wildlight's online presence has vanished, and the company previously laid off most of its staff. Tencent was among the funders who reportedly pulled support after the game's launch, with the game failing to generate sufficient revenue.
Highguard Dev Wildlight Appears to Have Quietly Shut Its Doors
Wildlight Entertainment, the developer of the hero shooter Highguard, appears to have ceased operations. The studio's website and LinkedIn page are offline, and its ability to conduct business in California has been terminated. This follows the failed launch of Highguard, funding issues with Tencent, and widespread layoffs.
Highguard Players on PS5 Are Seemingly Getting Refunds for In-Game Purchases
PlayStation 5 players of the recently shut down game Highguard are reportedly receiving automatic refunds for in-game purchases. While Sony has not officially commented, players on other platforms like PC and Xbox Series X have not reported similar refunds. It remains unclear if this initiative is from Sony or the developer, Wildlight Entertainment.
Ubisoft names general managers of Creative Houses 3 and 5, Creative Network
Ubisoft has appointed Julien Bares as general manager of its new Creative Houses 3 and 5, focusing on live service, mobile, and casual games. Thomas Andrén has been named general manager of the newly-created Creative Network arm, designed to provide production support across studios. These appointments are part of Ubisoft's ongoing restructuring efforts.
Nvidia new AI tech turns video game graphics into slop as fans are outraged
Nvidia's new DLSS 5 technology, which incorporates generative AI, has faced significant backlash from gamers who claim it degrades visual quality, turning game graphics into "AI slop." Despite Nvidia's assurances that developers retain artistic control, early examples like Resident Evil Requiem show altered character appearances, leading to widespread criticism and negative reception online. Publishers like Capcom and Ubisoft have expressed support, with the technology slated for a wider release this autumn.
DLSS 5 Moves NVIDIA’s Upscaling Tech Toward Full Neural Rendering
NVIDIA unveiled DLSS 5 at GTC, a new neural rendering system designed to enhance real-time game graphics with photorealistic lighting and materials. Expected to launch this fall, DLSS 5 uses an AI model to process color and motion data, aiming for cinematic realism at up to 4K resolution. Several major studios, including Bethesda, Capcom, and Ubisoft, are already implementing the technology in upcoming titles like Starfield and Assassin's Creed Shadows.
The Daily Grind: Do you believe failed games are often ‘rugpulls’ and ‘money burners’?
This opinion piece discusses whether failed video games are often intentional 'rugpulls' or 'money burners' where developers knowingly release doomed projects, or if they are simply gambles inherent in game development. The author suggests that while some games may fail, it's important to consider the inherent risks and the possibility of refunds, questioning whether studios should launch games to test their viability.
Lightspeed Studios unveils proprietary development framework
Tencent subsidiary Lightspeed Studios has unveiled a proprietary development framework. The new framework will prioritize a strong visual identity and art direction over raw graphical fidelity.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wins Game of the Year at Game Developers Choice Awards 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won Game of the Year at the Game Developers Choice Awards 2026. Lightspeed Studios, a Tencent subsidiary, also revealed its new proprietary development framework, which prioritizes artistic identity and direction over raw graphical power.
3 Blue Protocol: Star Resonance Anime Crossovers Teased
Blue Protocol: Star Resonance will feature three anime series crossovers within the next two months, with Shangri-La Frontier and Fairy Tail confirmed. The first event, based on Shangri-La Frontier, is scheduled for March 19, 2026, with the other two, including a mystery anime, set to debut in May 2026. This mobile version is based on Bandai Namco's Blue Protocol MMORPG and is available on PC, Android, and iOS.
Lightspeed Studios unveils proprietary development framework to build titles 'rooted in reality'
Lightspeed Studios has unveiled a new proprietary IP development framework designed for building large-scale AAA titles. The framework prioritizes a strong visual identity rooted in reality, with 90% of a title built on a templated foundation informed by real-world references. The remaining 10% allows for creative interpretation and narrative development. This system is being developed with innovations from their upcoming title, Last Sentinel.
Ex-Blizzard exec commands others to stop taking devs for granted as EA, Ubisoft, and too many more drown the industry in layoffs: "The thing that made the game special in the first place is the people who built it"
Former Blizzard CCO Rob Pardo urged executives to value developers more, citing recent layoffs at Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and other companies. He emphasized that the people who build games are crucial to their enduring success and that institutional knowledge is being lost.
THE HONOR OF KINGS FLOW UPDATE AND INDIA LAUNCH BRING BRAND-NEW ENERGY TO THE GORGE You Set the Flow, You Rule the Game
Honor of Kings has launched its Flow Update, introducing new hero Yango, a Super Flow Spriteling with new skills, and enhanced customization options. The update also marks the game's official launch in India, with plans for a new hero inspired by Indian traditions. Level Infinite, Tencent's global games brand, is publishing the update and the India launch.
Google Cloud's vision for AI in the game industry
Google Cloud envisions AI transforming the game industry by reducing friction and creating new opportunities for developers, rather than replacing them. Jack Buser highlighted AI's potential in pre-production, business strategy, and player experience, predicting that AI will fundamentally change game genres within three to five years.
As Highguard Enters Final Day, Dev Says Online Discourse "Accelerated The Timeline Of Our Failure"
Wildlight developer Josh Sobel discussed the factors contributing to the failure of the free-to-play game Highguard, acknowledging that while online discourse may have accelerated its demise, it was not the primary cause. Sobel also addressed his previous controversial comments, calling his initial post a mistake due to stress and poor phrasing. The article also notes Tencent's withdrawal of funding and the game's struggle with revenue.
Original founders of Bossfight Entertainment re-launch studio as Bossfight
Several companies within the game industry have announced new leadership appointments and expansions in March 2026. ProbablyMonsters added three executives to its leadership team, Kasedo Games appointed Timea Edvi as publishing director, and Sixteen Tons named Sebastian Nußuam as CCO. Microsoft Gaming, Midwest Games, and Escape Velocity Entertainment also saw new hires in key roles.
Jobs Roundup: March 2026 | ProbablyMonsters expands its leadership team
Several gaming companies have announced new executive appointments. ProbablyMonsters added Jonathan Lander, David Reid, and Mark Subotnick to its leadership team. Kasedo Games appointed Timea Edvi as publishing director, Sixteen Tons named Sebastian Nußuam as CCO, and Microsoft Gaming welcomed Alison Zeng as strategic partner manager. Additionally, Adam Orth has become COO at Midwest Games, and Arah Collins joins Escape Velocity Entertainment as senior narrative designer.
Sumo Digital partners with Arm to test AI-powered neural graphics tech
Sumo Digital is partnering with chip manufacturer Arm to evaluate the application of AI-powered neural graphics technology in mobile games. This collaboration aims to enable PC-quality graphics on mobile devices, with Arm's technology set to ship in GPUs this year. The partnership is expected to demonstrate significant improvements in GPU workload savings and frame rates.
Hyper Light Drifter studio Heart Machine voluntarily recognises union
Indie developer Heart Machine has voluntarily recognized a union formed by 13 of its staff members, following several rounds of layoffs. Separately, Sumo Digital is partnering with Arm to evaluate new AI-powered neural technology for mobile game development, aiming to bring PC-quality graphics to mobile platforms.
