Game Development
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"EA never actually sells anything," former Mass Effect 5 dev says – so don't expect the RPG to be saved as "they just shut things down and sit on their licenses"
A former BioWare developer suggests Electronic Arts is unlikely to sell the Mass Effect IP or Mass Effect 5 to another studio following BioWare's closure and the game's apparent cancellation. The developer stated that EA "never actually sells anything" and tends to "shut things down and sit on their licenses." This sentiment is echoed by former BioWare executive producer Mark Darrah, who noted that executives are incentivized against taking risks with IP.
Shenmue 3: Enhanced Edition has been delayed to "get everything right"
Shenmue 3: Enhanced Edition has been delayed to early 2027 by publisher Inin Games to ensure all aspects are perfected. The enhanced version of Ys Net's 2019 title will feature visual improvements, quality-of-life changes, and performance boosts on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 3 is not guaranteed as creator says they need a "perfect story" to move forward
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners creator Bartosz Sztybor stated that a third season is not guaranteed and depends on finding a "perfect story" and director, mirroring CD Projekt Red's approach to quality. While there is fan hope, with the official Twitter account hinting at future stories, Sztybor emphasized that a new season will only be made if the quality can match the first.
Microsoft extends consultation period for Arkane Lyon as it continues development on Marvel's Blade
Microsoft has extended the consultation period for Arkane Lyon by one month as it seeks a new buyer for the studio, while development on Marvel's Blade continues. Trade unions report that negotiations on the redundancy plan are not going well, with concerns raised about the contradiction between the company's financial situation and the divestiture. Microsoft is exploring options and seeking a partner for Arkane Lyon's next phase.
Mass Effect Universe sägs ha haft Hitman-liknande inslag
Details have emerged about the cancelled Mass Effect Universe, which was set 600 years after the original trilogy and featured a cold war between factions. The player character was customizable with abilities inspired by John Wick and James Bond, and mission structure allowed for Hitman-like approaches. Despite BioWare stating the project was in early development, YouTuber Dantics suggests it was further along than believed.
Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer
Microsoft is exploring options to find a partner to support Arkane Lyon during the development of Marvel's Blade and has extended the deadline to find a buyer for the studio. This indicates potential financial or strategic difficulties for the studio.
Canadian political party leader blames BioWare's closure on private equity, says government should help former employees buy it back
Avi Lewis, leader of Canada's NDP, has criticized the closure of BioWare, attributing it to private equity practices that prioritize short-term profit over business longevity. Lewis suggested that federal support should be provided to allow BioWare employees to buy back and run the studio themselves. This incident is part of a broader trend of politicians engaging with video game industry issues.
Shogun 2 – Complete Edition was "not a Creative Assembly developed game," says Total War VP after it was pulled amid generative AI concerns
Creative Assembly has addressed the removal of Total War: Shogun 2 – Complete Edition from sale due to concerns over generative AI usage. Vice president Roger Collum clarified that the game was not developed internally and was not subject to the same quality assurance, stating that the company does not use generative AI for assets and demands the same from external developers. The situation is under investigation, and Creative Assembly aims to regain player trust.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for BioWare
Electronic Arts has officially shut down the legendary studio BioWare, laying off 400 employees in the process. This move has been met with significant criticism, highlighting concerns about venture capital and corporate practices in the gaming industry. Several other MMOs and studios also saw news this week, including updates on MapleStory Classic World, Chronicles of Elyria, and the closure of Zenith.
The Fall of Mass Effect – Where Did It All Go Wrong?
This article analyzes the decline of the Mass Effect franchise, attributing its downfall to BioWare's closure and Electronic Arts' business interests overriding creative vision. Despite the success of the Legendary Edition and promising early development on a new title, the project was ultimately cancelled, leaving the future of the series uncertain.
Ghost of Yōtei Developer Sucker Punch Lays Off 26 Employees – Rumor
Sucker Punch Productions has reportedly laid off 26 employees following the launch of its Ghost of Yōtei expansion, Echoes of Sekigahara. An alleged internal email cited market challenges and future project needs as reasons for the reductions. Despite Ghost of Yōtei's strong sales, the studio is not providing the same long-term support as its predecessor, and its next project remains unannounced.
PAX Aus 2026 wrap up: The Aussie indie devs to watch
PAX Aus 2026 highlighted a diverse range of Australian indie developers showcasing unique titles. Games like Schrodinger's Cat Burglar, On the Hearth, Terramystra, Lorenz Fries, Nuko, Penguin Colony, Brave Cart, Multi-Merge Mayhem, My Arms are Longer Now, Tank Society, and Ranger were featured, with many aiming for PC and Nintendo Switch releases.
Almost 200,000 Mass Effect fans sign petition to save the series after BioWare's demise, and both Commander Shepard…
Following the unexpected shutdown of BioWare and the cancellation of Mass Effect 5, a fan petition to "Save Mass Effect" has garnered nearly 200,000 signatures. Voice actors Mark Meer and Jennifer Hale have voiced support for the initiative, which urges Electronic Arts to commit to continued development of the beloved RPG series, either internally or by licensing it to another studio.
Commander Shepard actors Jennifer Hale & Mark Meer mourn BioWare: 'It was in the hands of ownership that may…
Voice actors Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer expressed sadness and concern over the reported closure of BioWare and the fate of its intellectual properties. They reflected on the impact on employees and the potential loss of beloved franchises like Mass Effect, with Hale even humorously suggesting a fan-led Kickstarter to save the studio. The article also touches on the broader trend of industry consolidation and the potential for IPs to be mishandled by new ownership.
The MOP Up: Take a stroll through the sunsetted MMORPG necropolis
A fan-made virtual 'Necropolis' has been created to memorialize over 367 sunsetted MMORPGs and always-online games. The project allows visitors to explore the city and read details about each game's history and demise. The article also rounds up other smaller MMO news, including updates for V Rising, Palworld, Helldivers II, and EVE Online.
Indies and non-sequels have exploded in the last year, and it's not all friendslop
An analysis of industry trends reveals a significant surge in breakout indie games and non-sequels over the past year, with indie titles making up 43% of all breakout hits. While major AAA blockbusters have remained stable, the data suggests a strong performance for smaller, original titles, indicating a healthy and diverse market.
'Save Mass Effect' petition hits over 180,000 signatures within days of BioWare's closure
A petition to save the Mass Effect series has garnered over 180,000 signatures following the reported closure of BioWare and cancellation of Mass Effect 5. The petition urges Electronic Arts to commit to the series' continued development or license the IP to another studio. Fans express deep disappointment and a strong desire for the franchise's survival.
Nintendo reveals why you don’t actually fight Bowser in Super Mario Bros. 1
Shigeru Miyamoto shared insights into the original Super Mario Bros., explaining that the team struggled to create a direct battle with Bowser due to early hardware limitations. The iconic "jump over Bowser" mechanic was conceived as a way to progress to the right of the screen, a design choice that proved surprisingly fun and became a core element of the game.
Mass Effect Leaks Reveal Canceled BioWare Game's Story Would Have Accounted for 'All' Choices From Previous Games
New details have emerged regarding a canceled Mass Effect game from BioWare, which reportedly would have incorporated choices from the original Commander Shepard trilogy. The project was allegedly shut down by Electronic Arts.
Katana Zero pulls a Hollow Knight: Silksong - the beloved action game's DLC is now "the size of a full…
Lead developer Justin Stander announced that the long-awaited DLC for the indie action game Katana Zero has ballooned in scope to become the size of a full sequel, including over 30 new songs. This mirrors the development trajectory of Hollow Knight: Silksong, which also started as DLC but grew significantly in size. While still considered DLC and not a standalone sequel, the project's scope has expanded multiple times since its initial announcement.
