The Alters
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Alters across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Acclaimed PlayStation 5 Sci-Fi Game Gets Complete Edition With DLC on Disc
The acclaimed PlayStation 5 science fiction survival game, The Alters, is receiving a Complete Edition on November 20, 2026, which includes the Last Variable DLC. Developed by 11 Bit Studios, the game initially launched on June 13, 2025, and received positive reviews despite criticism regarding its use of AI in development.
The Alters: Last Variable Post Launch Interview – Jan Scientist, Critical Reception, Storytelling, And More
In an interview following the release of The Alters: Last Variable expansion, senior writer Katarzyna Tybinka and game design coordinator Marcin Łazowski discussed critical reception and narrative choices. They explained the decision to focus on variations of Jan Scientist for the DLC's story, aiming for increased humor and a focus on intellectual pursuits, while acknowledging divided critical opinions compared to the base game.
7 developers that will save the video games industry - Reader’s Feature
This reader's feature highlights seven smaller developers, including 11 bit studios, AdHoc Studios, Daniel Mullins Games, Hazelight Studios, Larian Studios, Sandfall Interactive, and Supergiant Games, who are seen as vital to the future of the video game industry. The article praises their innovative approaches to game design and storytelling, contrasting them with the perceived missteps of larger publishers.
Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 21: The Humble Store Summer Sale continues
This article rounds up various PC game deals available from multiple digital storefronts, including Humble Store, Battle.net, GamesPlanet, Ubisoft Store, Green Man Gaming, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GOG.com, and Steam. Notable sales include Humble Store's Summer Sale, Battle.net's August Game Deals, and Ubisoft's Gamescom sale, featuring discounts on a wide range of titles.
Developers expect generative AI to impact roles and team sizes in the next three years
A survey of 100 Gamescom Dev speakers indicates that 83 percent expect generative AI to impact team sizes and productivity within the next three years. While 36 percent believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, 33 percent anticipate smaller team sizes. Companies like Capcom and Owlcat Games are exploring genAI for production speed, though backlash has occurred for studios like Pearl Abyss, Ubisoft, and 11 Bit Studios regarding disclosure.
South of Midnight and Consume Me win big at the 2026 Games for Change Awards
The 2026 Games for Change Awards celebrated games with social impact, with South of Midnight and Consume Me taking home multiple awards including Game/Experience of the Year and Indie Breakout, respectively. The ceremony, held during the Games for Change Festival in New York City, highlighted titles from 42 countries, recognizing achievements in narrative, gameplay, community empowerment, environmental impact, health, learning, and emerging media.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 17: PlayStation Summer Sale & Xbox Ultimate Game Sale
This weekend offers significant discounts on PlayStation and Xbox digital libraries, with sales like the PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale. Notable deals include discounts on Elden Ring Nightreign, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and various first-party and third-party titles across both platforms. Nintendo also has a sale on the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection.
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
11 Bit Studios has laid off approximately 20 employees as it restructures project teams to align with current needs. The studio stated that its financial situation remains stable and that the majority of affected employees have been transferred internally to other ongoing projects. This follows a previous workforce reduction earlier in 2024 after the cancellation of a project codenamed Project 8.
The Alters: Last Variable Released
11 bit studios has released "Last Variable," a new DLC for their science fiction survival game "The Alters." The expansion is now available for Windows PC on GOG.com and Steam.
The Alters: Last Variable Gets An Intriguing New Launch Trailer, Out Now
The standalone expansion for The Alters, titled Last Variable, is now available. This expansion features scientist Jan solving a puzzle with a crew of created Alters, utilizing a cryo-sleep mechanic. The game offers around 20 hours of new content and replayability.
The Alters: Last Variable Review – The Science of Self-Discovery
The Alters: Last Variable is a standalone sci-fi survival experience that continues the story of Jan Scientist after a specific ending in the base game. Players must manage resources, build a base, and interact with various "Alters" of Jan, each with distinct personalities and scientific specializations, to research a mysterious Oasis while surviving planetary hazards. While it doesn't drastically change the core gameplay loop of resource gathering and survival, the sharp writing and character dynamics make it a recommended campaign for fans of the original game.
The Alters and Frostpunk developer 11 Bit Studios is laying off 20 employees
11 Bit Studios, the developer behind The Alters and Frostpunk, has laid off 20 employees to align team structures with current project phases. The company stated that most affected employees were offered internal transfers, and those leaving will receive support. This follows previous layoffs in 2024 and late 2023, despite the Frostpunk franchise surpassing 11 million players and Frostpunk 2 nearing 600,000 sales.
Game Pass Gets A Few Freebies For This Weekend Only, Including One Where You’re A Teddy Bear Fighting Nightmares Come To Life
Xbox is offering three games, MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed, for free this weekend through its Free Play Days promotion for Game Pass subscribers. Additionally, Gears of War: Reloaded and Tamashika were recently added to various Game Pass tiers. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma commented on recent company changes, including layoffs and studio divestments, stating they were necessary for the business's health.
Morning Consolidation
Xbox Wire announced that MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed are available through Free Play Days. Additionally, a release date trailer was released for Winx Club: The Magic is Back on Xbox.
Free Play Days – MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members can play MLB The Show 26, The Alters, and Stuffed for free from July 9 to July 12. Players can continue their progress and keep achievements if they purchase the games at a discounted price during the event.
Save Up To 95% Off Thousands Of Games In The GOG Summer Sale
GOG has launched its Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 95% on over 8,000 games until July 9. Notable deals include Fallout 4 Game of the Year Edition for $16, Control Ultimate Edition for $6, and the Yakuza Complete Collection for $44.79. The sale also offers significant price reductions on popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and various indie games.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
The Alters: Last Variable Launches July 13th
The expansion 'The Alters: Last Variable' for the survival game 'The Alters' will launch on July 23rd, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This twenty-hour expansion, developed by 11 bit studios, introduces new story elements focusing on Jan Scientist's clones, terraforming mechanics, and escalating planetary threats.
The Alters: Last Variable Trailer Showcases The Many Possibilities for Jan Scientist’s New Mission
11 bit studios has released a trailer for The Alters: Last Variable, the first story DLC for The Alters, focusing on Jan Scientist's mission after one of the base game's endings. The DLC, arriving July 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, promises a 20-hour standalone experience where players manage various 'Alters' of Jan to research the Oasis and its resource, Rapidium.
July is a little light on the big new game releases, but your co-op horror Discord gang will be feastin'
July 2026 will see a lighter release schedule for major new games, with a focus on co-op horror titles and notable remakes like Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced and Halo: Campaign Evolved. The month also includes updates for existing titles such as Palworld, Final Fantasy 14, and Doom: The Dark Ages, alongside various Steam sales and events.
