Dean Hall
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RocketWerkz' C# framework 'BRUTAL' is now available to all developers
RocketWerkz has open-sourced its C#-based game development framework, BRUTAL, offering an alternative to engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. The framework, which combines C# with C++ libraries and low-level graphics access, is free for commercial use with attribution requirements. This release comes amid growing developer concerns over the stability of third-party engine policies.
"Our industry is rotting" and AI "pushed things over the edge," so the creator of DayZ wants to change how games are made with some of the smartest devs in the industry
DayZ creator Dean Hall believes the game industry is fundamentally flawed and that AI development has exacerbated these issues. To combat this, Hall and his studio RocketWerkz have released "Brutal," an open-source C# framework intended to offer an alternative to mainstream engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, empowering developers with more control and independence.
DayZ creator Dean Hall releases open-source game development framework Brutal
Industry veteran Dean Hall, known for DayZ, has launched Brutal, a free, open-source C# game development framework developed by his companies Ahwoo and RocketWerkz. Hall criticizes major engines like Unity and Unreal for failing to be accountable to developers and potentially exploiting them through restrictive licensing as agentic workflows emerge. Brutal aims to offer developers more control and options, with several projects already utilizing it.
DayZ creator Dean Hall says "our industry is rotting from its core" because of big-company "greed", aiming shots at Epic's Unreal and Unity
DayZ creator Dean Hall has strongly criticized the current state of the game industry, citing
'All roads lead back to Arma'
The Arma series, developed by Bohemia Interactive, has profoundly influenced the PC gaming landscape, serving as the foundation for numerous popular genres and games. Its open-platform approach has fostered innovation, leading to the creation of mods that evolved into standalone titles like DayZ, the entire battle royale genre pioneered by PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, and even influencing Grand Theft Auto 5 roleplaying communities.
'It Ended My Old Life' — DayZ Felt Like Dying, Says Creator
Dean Hall, creator of the zombie survival game DayZ and founder of RocketWerkz, expressed a complex and somewhat negative relationship with his most famous creation. He described the experience of DayZ's early development as feeling like 'dying,' indicating a difficult personal connection to the game.
14 years on, the creator of DayZ is still searching for a solution to survival gaming's biggest problem: 'I think I am going to die without having solved it'
Dean Hall, the creator of the influential survival game DayZ, reflects on the genre's persistent problem of endgame boredom. Despite the success of DayZ and his studio RocketWerkz, Hall admits he may never find a solution to this challenge, which he believes requires more than just brute-forcing content. His studio has faced financial struggles with games like Stationeers and Icarus, but is now focusing on community-driven models and a new DayZ/ArmA-style project.
Multi-Million Unit-Selling Developer RocketWerkz Spotlighting What’s Next at gamescom
New Zealand-based developer RocketWerkz, known for games like Icarus and Stationeers, will make its debut at gamescom 2026. The studio will showcase five titles, including first public demos for its upcoming simulation games Torpedia and Art of the Rail. CEO Dean Hall expressed excitement about showcasing their work and community support.
DayZ creator Dean 'Rocket' Hall has over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and played the original XCOM at Mount Everest base camp: 'I think when I die, I will still be playing that game'
DayZ creator Dean Hall discusses his extensive gaming habits, revealing over 2,000 hours in Kerbal Space Program and a lifelong love for XCOM, which he played at Mount Everest base camp. Hall, founder of RocketWerkz, also shares his current passion for RimWorld and Ostranauts, and his belief that XCOM is a game he will play until he dies.
3…2…1… LIFTOFF! Icarus: Console Edition Arrives On Xbox & Playstation 5, Bringing A Unique Sci-Fi Survival Experience
Icarus: Console Edition, the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 version of Dean Hall's sci-fi survival game, has launched. Developed by GRIP Studios, the game challenges players to explore, extract resources, and survive on a failed terraformed planet, either solo or in teams of up to four. The console release includes the New Frontiers Expansion, doubling the game world size and adding new biomes and challenges.
Icarus: Console Edition Crash‑Lands on Xbox – Survive With These Starting Tips
Icarus: Console Edition, a sci-fi survival game from Dean Hall (creator of DayZ), is launching on Xbox Series X|S. The game, developed by Grip Studios, bundles the base experience with the New Frontiers Expansion, offering players a session-based survival challenge on the hostile alien planet of Icarus. It features a focus on extraction, persistent knowledge, and adapting to extreme environmental threats rather than building permanent bases.
Survival sandbox ICARUS greatly expands its world with ‘sequel’ like Dangerous Horizons
The survival sandbox game ICARUS has received a major expansion titled Dangerous Horizons, adding a new region, story campaign, creatures, technology, and more. Developer RocketWerks CEO Dean Hall stated the expansion significantly extends the game's content, approaching the scope of a sequel. A console edition of ICARUS, excluding the expansion, is set to release on March 26th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
The sci-fi survival game from the creator of DayZ heads to space Skyrim in its latest DLC, accompanied by a free update…
RocketWerkz has released a significant new DLC, 'Dangerous Horizons,' for its sci-fi survival game Icarus, alongside a substantial free update called 'Kepler.' The DLC introduces new missions, radioactive zones, NPCs, laser guns, and a Hoverframe vehicle for $30. The free update adds oil processing, new base defenses, expanded building options, and more missions.
Kerbal Space Program spiritual successor Kitten Space Agency now has a Linux version
Kitten Space Agency, a spiritual successor to Kerbal Space Program, has released an early Linux version. While still in development and requiring workarounds, the developers are seeking contributions to continue Linux integration. The game has received over $136,000 in crowdfunding.
