Game Development
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Bethesda says that Obsidian's 'creative identity' will be preserved, just months after multiple projects were cancelled and it was told to make a Fallout game
Bethesda Game Studios stated that Obsidian Entertainment's 'creative identity' will be preserved following its integration into Bethesda and the cancellation of multiple projects. Despite assurances, the article expresses skepticism, highlighting recent layoffs and the shift to developing a new Fallout game after a 16-year hiatus from the franchise.
A fashion game where you're the ultimate Dressmaker has been "overrun" with love, earning 96% positive Steam reviews
The indie fashion game Dressmaker has achieved significant success, earning an 'overwhelmingly positive' 96% rating on Steam and recouping its development costs on its first day. Project lead Jonathan Hau-Yoon of Cozy Lives expressed relief and joy at the game's reception, which has been embraced by players and streamers alike. Future updates are planned, including transparent fabrics, an online challenge mode, controller support, and ports to mobile and Nintendo Switch.
Injustice 3 Rumor Sparks Response From NetherRealm's Ed Boon
NetherRealm Studios development chief Ed Boon has addressed ongoing rumors about the studio's next project, including speculation that Injustice 3 is in development. Boon's response indicates the studio is aware of the community's interest.
Following id layoffs, Quake Champions drops free-to-play nonsense and becomes a £9 game on Steam
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a premium purchase on Steam, removing battle passes, loot boxes, and its in-game store. This change occurs in the context of significant layoffs at id Software, its developer, following Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax. While the game will continue in some form, no further content updates are planned.
Activisions Halo-spel sägs inte bli en spinoff
Activision is reportedly forming a dedicated team to develop the next full installment in the Halo series, rather than a spinoff. This comes as 343 Industries is being shifted to a maintenance role for existing Halo titles, leading to uncertainty about their future. Activision's CEO, Rob Kostich, stated their goal is to create the best Halo game ever.
Bethesda försäkrar att Obsidian ska få behålla sin identitet
Bethesda has assured employees of Obsidian Entertainment that the studio will retain its distinct creative identity and operate as a separate team following its acquisition by Xbox. Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both studios collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?
Readers discuss the upcoming console generation, with skepticism regarding the PlayStation 6's 2027 release due to cost and component shortages, suggesting a delay to 2028. There's also commentary on Xbox's strategic shifts, potential studio closures, and the future of the Xbox brand as a more PC-centric platform. Additionally, discussions touch on game design choices in Fire Emblem and the importance of character design in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
Final Fantasy 7’s Remake Being Split Into Three Games Was a Risky Business Decision, Says Director
Square Enix director Naoki Hamaguchi acknowledged that splitting the Final Fantasy 7 Remake into three games was a significant business risk, as the success of the first entry was crucial for the continuation of the trilogy. He also highlighted the logistical challenges of maintaining a consistent development team across all titles to ensure narrative and gameplay continuity. Hamaguchi believes the successful development model for the remake trilogy could serve as a 'lodestar' for future projects at Square Enix.
Silent Hill: Townfall Comes Out to “Mixed” Reviews on PC, Konami Confirms Patch is in Development
Silent Hill: Townfall has launched on PC with "Mixed" user reviews, citing significant performance issues and technical problems. Despite these criticisms, the game's visuals and atmosphere have been praised. Konami has confirmed a patch is in development for the PC version. The PlayStation 5 version, however, received a positive review score of 9 out of 10, with praise for its story, pacing, and gameplay mechanics.
Injustice 3 Rumors Are All “100% False”, Says NetherRealm Studios Chief
NetherRealm Studios' development chief Ed Boon has officially denied recent rumors suggesting that Injustice 3 is in active development and undergoing playtesting. Boon stated on social media that these claims are "100% false," while also hinting that a game not being playtested doesn't preclude it from being in development. The studio's most recent release was Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023.
Halo needed to change, but Activision faces a huge challenge to fix it
Microsoft has transferred control of the Halo franchise from 343 Industries to Activision, a move met with skepticism due to Activision's track record with Call of Duty. While 343 Industries had successes like Halo Infinite's multiplayer and art direction, they struggled with campaign storytelling and consistent releases. The author questions Activision's ability to preserve Halo's unique identity while attempting to revitalize its relevance in the current shooter landscape.
Uncharted 4 was "a very different" game under Amy Hennig, says former Naughty Dog artist
Former Naughty Dog artist Matt Radford shared insights into Amy Hennig's original vision for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, describing it as significantly different from the final product, with Sam Drake initially conceived as an antagonist. While acknowledging the talent behind both visions, Radford expressed a desire to see Hennig lead her own game projects again.
Alien: Isolation 2's Xenomorph has animations initially designed for the first game, but the team 'didn't have the technology at the time' to use them — but now the Alien is even more 'responsive' and 'reactive'
Creative Assembly's Archie Whitehead revealed that Alien: Isolation 2 will feature improved Xenomorph animations, some of which were originally designed for the first game but couldn't be implemented due to technological limitations. The sequel aims to make the alien more responsive and reactive, enhancing the survival horror experience. The game is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
Bethesda boss confirms Obsidian will remain a "distinct" team
Bethesda boss Jill Braff confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment will remain a distinct studio with its existing leadership following Xbox's recent studio reorganisation. This move places Obsidian under Bethesda's reporting structure, though its creative identity and strengths will be preserved. The teams will continue to collaborate on new Fallout projects.
High On Life Is Helping Make The Case For Bigger Games On Quest
Squanch Games is working with Flat2VR Studios to bring High On Life to Meta Quest 3 and 3S headsets, aiming to prove that larger, more complex games can succeed on standalone VR platforms. Developers Emily O'Neal and Eric Masher discussed the technical challenges of optimizing the game's massive scale and detailed character interactions, particularly for the Gatlian firearms and Knifey. The team is prioritizing player comfort by offering extensive motion sickness options and leveraging hardware improvements.
Report: Bethesda president tells Obsidian staff it won't lose 'creative identity' after merge
Bethesda president Jill Braff reportedly assured Obsidian Entertainment staff that their 'creative identity' will remain intact following the merger into Bethesda. The move, announced by parent company Xbox, involves a change in reporting structure rather than creative oversight. Obsidian leadership will continue to lead the studio, which will report to Braff, while Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both teams collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Obsidian's "creative identity and strengths" will remain intact, promises Bethesda, as it takes control of Fallout: New Vegas studio
Following Xbox's recent reorganisation, Obsidian Entertainment is being moved under Bethesda's umbrella. Bethesda president Jill Braff assured staff that Obsidian's creative identity will remain intact, with CEO Feargus Urquhart continuing to lead the studio. This move comes as Bethesda Game Studios leads the Fallout franchise, with early work on a new Fallout project already underway.
After thinking he was "putting this game out to die," Steam rewards iconic indie dev with 98% Very Positive…
Indie developer Luke Muscat's new solo venture, Normal Golf Game, has achieved a 98% Very Positive rating on Steam shortly after its release. Muscat, known for his work on Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride, discussed his intense work ethic and the anxiety surrounding the launch of his latest title.
Marvel’s Wolverine Claws Are Real Now, And Your Groceries Don’t Stand A Chance
PlayStation commissioned custom Wolverine claws to celebrate the launch of Marvel's Wolverine, showcasing their lethal appearance and ability to cut produce. Despite the marketing stunt, the game itself has received lukewarm reviews, with criticism directed at its level design and repetitive combat. Developer Insomniac Games is working on a patch to address player feedback.