Skyrim
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Former Bethesda lead artist is looking forward to Fallout 3's remaster because the game they released was '100% not what we intended, and it was very, very constrained'
Former Bethesda lead artist Nate Purkeypile expressed excitement for the rumored Fallout 3 remaster, stating the original release was heavily constrained by technology and not what the team intended. He hopes the remaster will go beyond simple texture updates, citing recent Resident Evil remakes as examples of successful modernizations.
An All-Digital Future Isn’t The Only Threat To Video Game Preservation
Dragon Age creator Mark Darrah explains that remasters of the first three Dragon Age games are unlikely due to a lack of developers familiar with BioWare's proprietary Aurora engine. This contrasts with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which benefited from using the more common Unreal Engine. Darrah also reveals his past plans for a "Champion's Edition" trilogy, which were hampered by studio layoffs and internal disagreements at BioWare.
One of Kerbal Space Program's biggest inspirations was a promotional Flash game for Top Gear: 'That was the most similar game to KSP that I could find back then'
Felipe Falanghe, the creator of Kerbal Space Program, discusses his gaming history and inspirations, including Flight Simulator 4 and a promotional Flash game for Top Gear. He shares his current playtime with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and BattleBit, and his enduring love for Flight Simulator and Fragile Allegiance. Falanghe also touches on his journey into game development and the initial unambitious scope of Kerbal Space Program.
GG App Review: The Only Game Tracker With a Mobile App. Is It Worth It?
The GG app offers a convenient mobile solution for tracking games played, featuring distinct status options like 'Shelved' and 'Abandoned' that cater to adult players. However, its aggressive $4.99 monthly subscription for features like list cloning and lack of automated game ownership imports make it difficult to justify compared to free alternatives like Backloggd.
Collectively, we chose a digital future for games – so why doesn’t it feel like our choice at all?
The author laments the decline of physical game sales and the closure of game stores, arguing that the shift to digital distribution, while convenient, has eroded player choice and the sense of occasion. This transition feels less like a conscious decision and more like a forced surrender to industry trends, impacting the ability to trade, resell, or even access games during outages.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
MMO life sim Seed's AI-powered avatars prove once again that nothing shatters immersion quicker than crappy chatbot…
The article discusses the implementation of AI-powered NPCs in games, using the MMO life sim Seed as a primary example. While the concept of more dynamic character interactions is appealing, the current AI in Seed and other games often results in nonsensical or repetitive dialogue, failing to enhance immersion. The author notes that while AI can be helpful for tutorials, its conversational abilities in games still fall short of compelling or natural interactions.
SGJ Podcast #517 – Games That Don’t Respect Your Time (And That’s Okay)
This episode of the SGJ Podcast features a discussion on video games that may not respect players' time, such as those requiring extensive grinding for gear or endings, but are still enjoyable. The hosts shared their picks for such games, and the next episode will cover remakes and remasters.
Bethesda Montreal’s Laid Off Employees Told They Will Get Bare Minimum Severance, No Healthcare
Employees laid off from Bethesda's Montreal studio have reportedly been offered the minimum legal severance and lost healthcare benefits, according to the union OneBGS. This contradicts earlier statements about negotiating with the union. Bethesda and Xbox leadership are facing legal complaints for alleged labor law violations in Canada. Despite these issues, the company reaffirmed its focus on The Elder Scrolls 6 and upcoming Fallout projects.
Todd Howard considered retirement before being inspired by Bethesda devs working on RPGs like Fallout 5 and Elder…
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard has stated he is no longer considering retirement, inspired by the continued work of his colleagues. Howard, who has been with Bethesda since 1994 and directed major titles like The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind, Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Starfield, expressed his love for his job and the people he works with. He anticipates continuing his work on upcoming titles such as The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Bethesda’s Layoffs Were “Really Tough”, Lets It “Focus Best” On its Franchises, Says Todd Howard
Bethesda's Todd Howard described the company's recent layoffs as a difficult experience, stating that the studio will now focus on its core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. He also expressed excitement about working with Obsidian Entertainment again on new Fallout projects, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, while confirming Fallout 5 remains a long-term goal. The article also touches on industry-wide layoffs affecting Xbox and its studios.
A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS
Bethesda Game Studios outlined its future plans, confirming ongoing development for Starfield, Fallout 5, and The Elder Scrolls VI using Creation Engine 3. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout 76 expansion titled Raven Rock, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. Additionally, they highlighted the success of their Creations platform and the upcoming Fallout Shelter television series.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
Games Inbox: Will there ever be a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite?
Readers discuss the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite, with concerns about component costs and Nintendo's future hardware strategy. The discussion also touches on the high cost of AAA game development, the future of Sony and Microsoft, and skepticism surrounding the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Grand Theft Auto 6.
Microsoft lays off Bethesda vet behind Todd Howard's "crazy" Fallout 4 idea, "too many Skyrim weapons to count," the Dwemer, and Mudcrabs – and he may leave games altogether
Microsoft's ongoing layoffs have impacted Bethesda, with veteran artist Dane Olds, responsible for significant art assets in games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, being let go. Olds, who has been with Bethesda for nearly 20 years, is considering leaving the game industry. This follows other layoffs at the studio, raising concerns about the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Team Worried About Delays and Crunch Following Layoffs – Rumor
Recent layoffs at Bethesda, impacting key personnel working on The Elder Scrolls 6, have reportedly caused concern among the development team regarding potential delays and increased crunch. The departures include programmers, artists, and designers, with fears that contract labor may be used to fill the gaps. The Elder Scrolls 6, announced in 2018, currently has no release date, but is estimated to be at least two years away.
Games Inbox: Is the Xbox doomed to failure?
Readers express concerns about the future of Xbox, citing recent studio closures and a reliance on aging franchises like Halo and Gears of War. The discussion also touches on the shift towards digital-only games, the impact on game preservation, and the potential for companies like Sony to influence Kickstarter campaigns.
6 Vacation Week Games to Finish Before Flying Home | TAG
This guide recommends six games that can be completed within a 5-10 hour playtime, ideal for finishing during a week-long vacation. It emphasizes narrative-driven and handheld-compatible titles like Inside, Stray, A Short Hike, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Firewatch, with Outer Wilds suggested for longer vacations. The article also provides advice on session structure, device choice, and avoiding common vacation gaming pitfalls.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Director Says “We Know We Need to Get it Right”
Bethesda director Todd Howard stated that The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently the studio's largest project, with the majority of the team working on it. He emphasized the importance of getting the game right due to the long development time. Xbox's Matt Booty also confirmed the game is progressing well and will be revealed at the appropriate moment, noting it utilizes the Creation Engine 3.