Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Ace Combat 8 is shaping up to be a cinematic marvel, but it's more than just Top Gun simulator
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is shaping up to be a cinematic marvel, embracing a narrative-driven, first-person experience with social media integration. Developed by Project Aces using Unreal Engine 5, the game features improved graphical fidelity and immersive cloud technology. While retaining the series' arcade-style controls and familiar mission types, it introduces enhanced wingman commands and a more balanced progression system compared to its predecessor, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve Preview – Will it take your breath away?
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is set to be the most cinematic entry in the long-running flight combat series, featuring a new first-person narrative perspective and enhanced visuals for current-generation hardware. Developers at Project Aces, including Kazutoki Kono and Manabu Shimomoto, emphasize the game's arcade-like feel balanced with realistic flight mechanics, promising thrilling aerial combat and engaging set pieces.
"Indie titles now routinely produce launches with AAA-level concurrent player counts" – How to prepare in case of viral success
Nitrado CEO Raphael Stange highlights a growing trend of indie games achieving AAA-level concurrent player counts, citing successes like Windrose and Palworld. He emphasizes the critical need for independent developers to proactively plan robust server infrastructure, particularly hybrid models combining bare metal and cloud capacity, to handle unexpected viral success and avoid damaging community trust at launch.
Sega appears to be removing Persona 6 images online
Sega has reportedly begun issuing DMCA takedown notices for leaked images and assets related to Persona 6, including logos and character artwork. While the company has not officially commented, these actions are seen by many fans as confirmation of the leaks' authenticity. The leaks, which first appeared on Chinese social media, have intensified discussions about the game, with some insiders suggesting a potential 2027 release.
Live Service MMO Horizon Steel Frontiers Delayed Until 2027
NCSoft has delayed the launch of its live service MMO, Horizon Steel Frontiers, from 2026 to the first half of 2027. The game, set in Guerrilla Games' post-apocalyptic world, was officially acknowledged in November 2025 and will be available on PC via NCSoft's proprietary mobile emulator, Purple. While a PlayStation 5 port has been requested, its development is uncertain.
GTA 6 YouTuber storms Rockstar offices and is politely told to go away
A YouTuber named ÜberGaming filmed himself entering the Rockstar North offices in Edinburgh, reportedly to request a Turkish localization for Grand Theft Auto 6. He was asked to leave shortly after entering, and while police were allegedly called, they only performed an identity check. The incident highlights the intense anticipation for the game.
007: First Light Sequel Could Include A Major Behind-The-Scenes Change
A potential sequel to the James Bond game 007: First Light, developed by IO Interactive, could see a significant behind-the-scenes change with Amazon Games taking a larger role. While IO Interactive self-funded the first game, Amazon's ownership of MGM means they will likely be involved in future installments. This shift comes as Amazon aims for greater synergy between its film and game divisions, as seen with the upcoming Tomb Raider TV show and game.
Persona 6 Leaks Removed by SEGA, All But Confirming They're Real
Publisher SEGA has reportedly removed leaked concept art and design documents for Persona 6 from social media, suggesting the leaks are authentic. The removed assets included a green 'P6' logo and a revised design for the previously leaked protagonist. The article speculates on the timing of an official announcement, considering the potential release of Persona 4 Revival.
Path of Exile 2 has "never experienced this type of failure before"
Grinding Gear Games has apologized for a major server outage that affected Path of Exile 2 players for over an hour following a hotfix update. The developer explained that a missing data file caused a cascade of crash dumps, filling server disks and preventing a rollback. Measures are being implemented to prevent similar failures in the future.
Amazon says it will make more James Bond games following 007 First Light
Amazon has announced plans to develop more James Bond video games, with potential involvement from MGM and Amazon Game Studios. While not confirmed, the company may collaborate with IO Interactive again following the response to 007 First Light.
Amazon wants to make 007 First Light sequels, but maybe without IO Interactive
Amazon, having acquired MGM, is reportedly looking to develop future James Bond games internally through Amazon Game Studios, rather than continuing with IO Interactive who developed 007 First Light. While Amazon sees an opportunity in integrating video games with their film and TV properties, the article argues that taking sequel development away from IO Interactive would be a mistake given their proven ability to iterate on successful game engines and concepts.
A Red Dwarf video game was pitched to series creator Doug Naylor
Robust Games pitched a Red Dwarf adventure game concept to series co-creator Doug Naylor, though the project did not move forward. An image released from the pitch shows pixelated versions of the main characters in Starbug, suggesting a point-and-click adventure style. Despite the rejection, there appears to be fan demand for a Red Dwarf game.
PlayerUnknown Productions announces layoffs, halts further development of Go Wayback
PlayerUnknown Productions has announced layoffs and halted further development of its game Go Wayback. Founder Brendan Greene stated that the studio can no longer fund Go Wayback in its current form and will restructure to focus on its Melba technology.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game delayed to late July, extra closed beta announced
The release of Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game has been postponed to late July to allow for further polish. An additional closed beta test is scheduled for July 2.
Crystal Dynamics Comments On Its Use Of AI In Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics has addressed the use of AI in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, stating that AI tools are used to empower creativity and efficiency. The developer clarified that all finished content in the final product is human-crafted, with any AI-assisted assets being replaced or refined by humans. The game is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on February 12, 2027.
Crystal Dynamics addresses AI content disclosure on Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics has stated that while AI tools are used in the early stages of development for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, all final content in the released product is created by human developers. This addresses concerns regarding the use of artificial intelligence in game creation.
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game Has Been Slightly Delayed
Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game has been delayed from its original July 2nd, 2026 release date to July 23rd, 2026. The developer cited the need for additional time to incorporate "previously unplanned" content and ensure an exceptional player experience. The game will feature a 12-fighter roster, single-player story mode, and rollback netcode with crossplay support.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Team Used AI Used to “Iterate on Ideas Faster and More Efficiently”
Crystal Dynamics confirmed the use of generative AI tools for early development and concept art in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, assuring that all final content is human-crafted. The studio stated AI helps iterate ideas faster and more efficiently, while other companies like Rockstar Games emphasize their handcrafted approach for titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
007 First Light sequels will be 'done by MGM and, theoretically, by Amazon Game Studios,' Amazon exec says
Amazon Game Studios executive Jeff Gattis stated that sequels to the James Bond game 007 First Light will be developed by MGM and potentially Amazon Game Studios. While IO Interactive self-published the first game due to Amazon not owning full rights at the time, future installments will be brought in-house as part of Amazon's strategy to integrate its owned intellectual properties across media.
Summer Game Fest is here, so get ready for a lot of, 'Ugh, that game with the cool trailer used AI'
Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have disclosed the use of AI-assisted tools in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, stating that all final assets are human-crafted. This disclosure has sparked debate within the Tomb Raider community regarding the role of AI in game development, with some expressing disappointment and others showing tolerance given the assurances of human oversight.
