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Shinji Mikami to join AIAS Hall of Fame at 2026 DICE Awards
Prolific game developer Shinji Mikami, known for pioneering the Resident Evil series, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 30th annual DICE Awards on February 18, 2026. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) is honoring Mikami for his over 30-year career, which includes founding Tango Gameworks and establishing Unbound. Goichi Suda will present the award.
PUBG: Dednet director says the game is all about 'spreading the gospel of PUBG to an audience that hasn't…
Krafton's upcoming shooter, PUBG: Dednet, aims to introduce the PUBG franchise to a new audience with roguelike elements and faster-paced gameplay. Creative director Dave Curd described the game as an attempt to spread the 'gospel of PUBG' through desperate survival and dark humor, with a focus on player-driven stories and unique abilities gained between matches.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
'I'm pretty confident this isn't going to be in this year's Battlefield update' — PUBG: Dednet director Dave Curd explains how the '90s-inspired multiplayer shooter stands out with its zany abilities and unique style
Krafton has announced PUBG: Dednet, a '90s-inspired multiplayer shooter with zany abilities and roguelite elements. Game director Dave Curd explained that the game aims to stand out by offering a fresh and exciting experience, differentiating itself from the more realistic approach of the main PUBG series. The game features teams of three and allows for character ability upgrades throughout 'runs'.
Professor Layton studio Level-5's CEO admits using AI to make its digital showcase "more spectacular"
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has admitted to using generative AI in the studio's recent digital showcase to make the presentation "more spectacular." Following fan backlash, Hino apologized for making people uncomfortable and clarified that core game elements like scenarios and character designs are still created by human hands. He stated AI is being used for efficiency and experimentation in digitizing creative work, not for generating final game assets.
Inzoi's director says he is 'very much focused on our core goals' as he announces a multiplayer roleplaying mode designed to be like Ready Player One
Inzoi director Hyungjin Kim has announced a new multiplayer roleplaying mode called 'Canvastown', inspired by Ready Player One. This mode will allow up to 50 players to interact in a shared online space, creating scenarios and mini-games. However, the article notes that the base game's development has been challenging, with early access reviews calling it a 'shallow imitation' of The Sims 4, and questions whether the studio should focus on core fundamentals before pursuing ambitious side projects.
"Everyone wants immediate gratification" - Project Zeta studio on making a new action-focused MOBA without all the fluff
Nirvanana and Krafton are developing Project Zeta, a new MOBA designed for immediate gratification and action-focused gameplay. The game features four teams of four in a single arena, encouraging constant PvP battles and objective securing, moving away from traditional laning phases. CEO Namseok Kim aims to revitalize the genre for a modern audience by prioritizing fast-paced, engaging combat.
Project ZETA kicks off another open test this weekend with two new heroes and gameplay improvements
Krafton and Nirvanana Studio are holding another open test for their tactical arena game Project ZETA from September 4th to September 7th. This test introduces two new heroes, Nova Crash and Azrakel, along with gameplay improvements such as a new rating system for matchmaking, a bounty system, and redesigned PvE elements. The game is available via Steam.
In a sea of failed live service games, I'm shocked to see someone trying to make a MOBA
Developer Nirvanana is attempting to enter the challenging live service market with Project Zeta, a 4v4 multi-team tactical arena battler that blends MOBA and battle royale elements. Despite the high risk and the market's poor track record, Nirvanana is focusing on building a core community through continuous playtests and a clear message about the game's team-fight-centric design.
Age Twisters is a simple yet charming spin on the co-op adventure that aims to feel like watching a Pixar movie
Age Twisters is a charming co-op adventure from Piccolo Studios aiming to evoke the feeling of watching a Pixar movie. Players control a granddaughter-grandfather duo who can manipulate their age using special bracelets, unlocking unique abilities for puzzle-solving. While the story touches on themes of loss and bridging generational gaps, the game's approachable puzzles and cooperative gameplay are highlighted as its main strengths, making it suitable for families or friends.
PUBG's new spin-off game is 'faster, meaner, and more aggressive' with sword hands and 'a little bit…
PUBG Studios and Krafton have revealed PUBG: DED NET, a new '90s-set roguelite FPS spin-off that is described as faster, meaner, and more aggressive than the original PUBG. Creative director Dave Curd highlighted features like build variety, 'sword hands' for melee combat, and a soundtrack featuring grunge and hip-hop.
WPCA: World Phasebound Control Authority is a New Co-Op Hunting Game For to PC and PS5
Developer 5minlab and publisher Krafton have revealed WPCA: World Phasebound Control Authority, a new co-op hunting game for PC and PlayStation 5. Players act as Containment Agents battling supernatural phenomena with hack-and-slash combat and unique character abilities. The game will feature single-player and up to three-player co-op modes.
StarCraft 3 rumors resurface as new report claims Nexon and IP owner Blizzard are nearly ready to finalize a deal
Rumors suggest that Nexon is close to finalizing a deal with Blizzard Entertainment to acquire the development rights for the StarCraft franchise, potentially leading to the creation of StarCraft 3. The report indicates that Nexon has already begun work on a hypothetical StarCraft sequel, separate from Blizzard's own internal efforts.
Rockstar confirms GTA 6 won't have microtransactions or generative AI at launch
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not feature microtransactions or generative AI at launch. This decision comes as Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, reportedly laid off its AI team earlier this year. The game will include gated content in its Ultimate Edition, but core gameplay will be free of these elements.
Xbox Gamescom 2026 Day Two: 19 Games and Announcements You Need to Know About | Invision Game Community
Xbox's second Gamescom 2026 showcase highlighted a diverse range of upcoming games, emphasizing discovery over blockbuster reveals. The presentation featured new titles like Rogue Fortune, PUBG: DED.NET, Cassette Beasts 2002, and Militsioner, alongside updates for established franchises such as Dune: Awakening, Planet Zoo 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Many of these titles will be available on Xbox Game Pass, showcasing the breadth of experiences coming to the Xbox ecosystem.
PUBG Ded.Net Gameplay Highlights New Setting, Build Potential And Intense Action
Krafton announced PUBG Ded.Net, a new multiplayer FPS with roguelite progression, featuring intense action and player expression. The game is set in 1996 on a new map called Cascadia and will offer a closed beta soon. Release windows for PC and consoles are yet to be announced.
MetaKing Ships a BLOCKLORDS Animated Series Just Weeks After Pulling the Plug on the Game
MetaKing Studios has released the first chapter of an animated series titled "The Approaching Storm" for their recently shut-down game BLOCKLORDS. The studio pivoted to its AI generation canvas, BLOCKLORE, for production after announcing the game's closure just weeks prior. The game, which launched on Steam in March 2026 after over seven years of development and a $15 million raise, received "Mostly Negative" reviews before its shutdown.
Flashy PlayStation 5 Cyber Noire Action Game Gets Release Date Window
Neon Giant's cyberpunk action game No Law is set to release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Published by Krafton, the first-person shooter is described as story-rich and is set in the decadent city of Port Desire. The game was first revealed at The Game Awards 2025 and was recently showcased at Gamescom 2026.
AI is 'just a plagiarism machine that makes people lose their jobs' in the eyes of The Talos Principle…
Narrative designers Jonas and Verena Kyratzes from Croteam express strong skepticism about the current applications of AI in game development, calling it a 'plagiarism machine' that harms creativity and leads to job losses. They argue that while the underlying technology is impressive, its current use in profit-driven systems is detrimental, and the focus should be on labor issues rather than the technology itself.
Evening Reading - August 25, 2026
This article reports on the passing of country music legend Dolly Parton, highlighting her philanthropic work, particularly her Imagination Library initiative that promotes childhood literacy. It also includes various gaming news announcements from Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, such as new bundles for Nintendo Switch, the announcement of Rollercoaster Tycoon Wonderworks, and release dates for games like Mewgenics and Path of Exile 2.
