Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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"The Robloxification of Steam": Creator of viral game apologizes after slop rip-offs flood Valve's store
The creator of the viral PC game Needle In A Haystack Simulator has apologized for the flood of copycat games appearing on Steam. The developer expressed dismay at the numerous clones, some of which appear to use generative AI, leading to a sentiment of "the Robloxification of Steam."
Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.
Activision’s Halo Game: Everything We Know So Far
Microsoft is assigning Activision to develop the next mainline Halo game, a move that has resulted in significant layoffs at 343 Industries, now renamed Halo Studios. While the future of the Halo franchise is uncertain, Microsoft aims to revive its popularity, though some industry figures express skepticism about the cost and efficiency of such an endeavor.
Age of Empires Studio Nearly Halved Amid Xbox Reset, Next Project Cancelled
The Age of Empires studio, World's Edge, has been significantly impacted by an Xbox reorganization, losing nearly half of its staff and its upcoming project. This move is part of a broader layoff scheme within Xbox.
Fable preview - bringing back the dog is still a ‘future possibility’ says dev
Playground Games director Ralph Fulton confirmed that the beloved dog companion from previous Fable titles was cut from the upcoming reboot due to resource constraints but remains a possibility for future updates. The developer also detailed the complex NPC routines designed for the game's characters, explaining the decision to prioritize these systems over the dog mechanic. Fable is set to release on February 23, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Stellar Blade is a success now but once came close to the brink: "We could only pay salaries for about three months"
Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim revealed that Stellar Blade faced significant financial difficulties during development, with the company once only able to pay salaries for three months. Investors were hesitant due to perceived risks, but the game ultimately became a success, selling millions on PlayStation 5 and PC. The company is now working on the sequel, Stellar Blade: Blood Rain.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake being split in 3 was a risk, director says, because what could Square Enix do if the first game…
Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that splitting the remake project into three games was a significant risk, not a business decision. He explained that the sheer scale of the original game necessitated the multi-game approach from a creative standpoint, but acknowledged the business risks involved if the first title had underperformed. Hamaguchi believes such a massive undertaking across multiple titles is rare and difficult to manage.
Gears Of War: E-Day story director laid off as Halo Studios is reduced to scraps
Xbox Game Studios has implemented significant layoffs, impacting multiple first-party studios including Halo Studios and The Coalition. The story director for Gears Of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, was laid off from The Coalition, while Halo Studios' cinematic director, Josh Daniels, experienced a promotion and layoff in the same week, with the studio reportedly reduced to a skeleton crew. These cuts are part of a larger restructuring effort by Microsoft, affecting other developers like Undead Labs and Double Fine Productions.
Gears of War: E-Day director laid off days after completing development as Xbox cuts reach The Coalition
Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, has been laid off by Microsoft as part of its ongoing job cuts. This news comes just days after Vaca celebrated the game going gold, and it follows a larger wave of redundancies across Xbox studios, including Halo Studios. The reasons for Vaca's dismissal, particularly so close to the game's October 2026 release, remain unclear.
Halo Studios cinematic director promoted, then laid off in the same week
Xbox cinematic director Josh Daniels was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of Microsoft's ongoing series of layoffs affecting 1,600 employees. This situation highlights the current instability within the video game industry, where even promotions do not guarantee job security.
State of Decay 3 studio Undead Labs lay off "a significant number" of "exceptionally talented developers" after gaining independence from Xbox
Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay 3, has laid off a significant number of employees shortly after becoming independent from Xbox. This move follows a trend of layoffs across the industry and within Microsoft-owned studios, impacting other developers like Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Arkane Studios.
Age of Empires studio World's Edge reportedly lose nearly half their staff and a new game project in mass Xbox layoffs
World's Edge, the studio managing the Age of Empires franchise, has reportedly lost nearly half its staff due to Microsoft's Xbox consolidation and layoffs. A new game project was also allegedly cancelled as part of these changes, which are part of a wider 'reset' of Microsoft's games business.
Undead Labs confirms it is now an "employee-owned studio"
Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay, has announced its separation from Xbox and is now operating as an employee-owned studio. Development on State of Decay 3 continues, with a planned release in 2027 for Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation. This transition occurs amidst broader layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Games Inbox: Are you still an Xbox fan?
Readers express deep concern over recent layoffs at Xbox and the perceived decline of the brand's relevance and developer support. While some praise Capcom's successful year and positive employee treatment, others question Microsoft's strategy and the future of its studios.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Writer is Working on Beyond Good and Evil 2 As a Consultant
Ubisoft Bordeaux narrative director Rik Godwin has joined the development of Beyond Good and Evil 2 as a consultant. While Ubisoft has remained largely silent on the game's progress, it was confirmed in January that the project was unaffected by company restructuring. The game, first announced in 2008, is reportedly a major priority for Ubisoft.
WARDOGS Price Will Rise Over Time During Early Access Up To $59.99 in 24 Months, Says CEO
Joe Brammer, CEO of WARDOGS developer Bulkhead, announced that the game's price will increase over its Early Access period, eventually reaching $59.99 within 24 months. He stated that the price hikes are justified by ongoing content additions and the need for long-term game sustainability, advising players unwilling to pay the rising cost to wait or look elsewhere.
Gears of War: E-Day’s Story Director Juan Vaca is Among Those Affected by Xbox’s Latest Layoffs
Xbox has conducted another round of layoffs, affecting numerous employees across Xbox Game Studios, including Juan Vaca, the story director for the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day. Vaca confirmed his departure on LinkedIn, stating he is seeking new opportunities. The news comes shortly before the game's scheduled October 6th release on PC and Xbox Series X/S, though The Coalition has stated the game is on track and has gone gold.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Cinematics Director Says He Was Promoted Shortly Before Being Laid Off
Xbox's cinematics director for Halo: Campaign Evolved, Josh Daniels, was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of new job cuts affecting 268 workers at Halo Studios. Xbox EVP Matt Booty confirmed the layoffs are part of a larger plan to eliminate around 1,600 roles. Activision will now take over leadership for the Halo franchise, with its president Rob Kostich aiming to "make the greatest Halo game ever."
State of Decay 3 Remains in “Active Development” Despite “Significant” Layoffs at Undead Labs
Undead Labs, now independent from Xbox, has announced significant layoffs, raising concerns about State of Decay 3's development. Studio head Philip Holt confirmed the game remains in "active development" on schedule, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and assistance from The Coalition. Despite past allegations of a toxic work environment and previous rumors of layoffs, the game is still targeting a 2027 release for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass.
