First-Party Development
Ongoing coverage on First-Party Development.
Latest coverage
Can a top-down, focused software strategy save Xbox? | Opinion
Xbox has undergone significant layoffs and studio closures, impacting 20% of its workforce and five internal studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine. This strategic shift, led by Asha Sharma, aims to address financial issues and improve first-party development, though the article questions the effectiveness of these measures and criticizes the company's past spending and treatment of developers.
'PS5 Is Just a Plastic Box if It Doesn't Have Content': Sony Explains Its 'Third-Party Focused' Ecosystem
Sony executive Christian Svensson emphasizes that the PlayStation 5 is primarily a "third-party focused" platform, stating that content is king and third-party games are the lion's share. He explains that while first-party titles set the bar, Sony has a responsibility to foster growth across the entire industry by supporting new voices and ambitious projects. Svensson also teased upcoming programs designed to benefit third-party developers.
Shuhei Yoshida Says Former SIE CEO Wanted to Remove Him From First-Party Development
Shuhei Yoshida revealed in an interview that former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan removed him from his first-party development role in 2019 because Yoshida refused to follow Ryan's "ridiculous" requests. Yoshida, who had led first-party development for 11 years and worked on titles like Ghost of Tsushima, was then moved to support indie game development. He stated that this transition was more significant to him personally than leaving the company later to work freelance, where he now has the freedom to discuss other platforms like Nintendo and Xbox.
Xbox isn’t dying (at least not yet): Microsoft Gaming has a plan for the struggling console
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy to revitalize the struggling Xbox brand, shifting focus back to console exclusives and PC-inspired features. This includes a commitment to first-party development from studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, and potentially integrating PC storefronts like Steam onto the console.
PlayStation Studios: All Sony First-Party Developers and What They're Working On
Sony's first-party development teams, known collectively as PlayStation Studios, are working on a variety of new games across multiple platforms including PlayStation 5 and PC. The article details each studio's history, location, and current known projects, ranging from racing simulations and 3D platformers to narrative horror and large-scale multiplayer titles.
