AAA Game Development
Ongoing coverage on AAA Game Development.
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Inside Ubisoft Philippines: Our Studio Tour and a Closer Look at Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
A studio tour of Ubisoft Philippines revealed the significant contributions of its developers to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, including co-developing complete features, locations, and systems. The studio has grown over a decade, showcasing expertise in art, animation, world-building, and more, working closely with other Ubisoft studios. The feature highlights the pride Filipino developers have in their work on AAA titles and their role in shaping the future of global game development.
Inside the Ubisoft Philippines: Studio Tour and Its Work on Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
A studio tour of Ubisoft Philippines revealed the significant contributions of the studio to games like Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced. The tour highlighted the local team's ownership of complete features, from dynamic harpooning mechanics and distinct fort designs to detailed animations and immersive audio.
Ulysses Graphics appoints Chief Business Officer, Claas Grimm, to strengthen its position as a leading AAA art partner
Ulysses Graphics has appointed Claas Grimm as its new Chief Business Officer to bolster its position as a AAA art partner. Grimm brings over 20 years of experience in business development and operations within the games industry, having previously worked with major companies like Activision and Tencent. The company, which has studios in Ukraine and Poland, aims to leverage Grimm's expertise to enhance its client experience and solidify its reputation for high-quality art production.
007 First Light PS5 Cost a Fortune to Make, But It Was Worth It
The development of 007 First Light reportedly cost around $200 million, making it Denmark's most expensive entertainment export. Despite the high cost and a seven-year development cycle, the game has had a strong launch, selling 1.5 million copies on its first day. The article highlights the financial risks of modern AAA game development, though the author believes IO Interactive has succeeded with this title.
Lord of the Rings, Tomb Raider, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, and more now overseen by new company from Embracer that'll make at least 2 "outstanding AAA products" a year
Embracer Group has established a new entity called Fellowship Entertainment to oversee a portfolio of major intellectual properties, including The Lord of the Rings, Tomb Raider, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The company aims to increase management focus and unlock the potential of these IPs, with a goal of releasing at least two outstanding AAA products annually starting in fiscal year 2027-2028. Fellowship Entertainment will also explore licensing opportunities and the adaptation of new technologies, including AI.
Legendary Guilty Gear Creator Offers a Warning to AAA Game Developers
Daisuke Ishiwatari, the creator of Guilty Gear, has expressed concerns about the current state of AAA game development, warning against the dangers of extreme specialization and lack of creativity. He suggests that large budgets lead to risk aversion, limiting opportunities for developers to create unique or signature works. Ishiwatari advocates for a more fluid development approach that trusts developer instincts, citing the creation of DAMON and BABY as an example of broadening perspectives.
AAA Game Development Budgets in US, Canada Have Reportedly Started Exceeding $300 Million
AAA game development budgets in the US and Canada are reportedly exceeding $300 million, sometimes significantly more, contributing to industry struggles like layoffs and studio closures. Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida noted that development costs have doubled between the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 generations, making it difficult to recoup investments. While blockbuster titles face massive budgets, smaller games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 can be made for under $10 million by focusing on core gameplay.
Days Gone 2 isn't happening but the dev is making a new 'high-profile AAA' game
Bend Studio, known for Days Gone, is hiring for a new high-profile AAA console title following layoffs and the cancellation of a live service project. While details are scarce, the game is expected to be grounded in reality and potentially a new intellectual property, possibly for PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 6.
