Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Final Fantasy 7 Remake series boss doesn't think "a game will ever compare in terms of scale across 3 titles…
Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi believes the trilogy's scale will be unmatched by future game projects. He highlighted the immense challenges of developing across three titles, including team consistency and the risk of poor reception for early installments. Hamaguchi expressed pride in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series being an outlier in terms of scope.
Creative Assembly says Alien: Isolation 2's custom tech enabled a 'realistic' atmosphere Unreal Engine 5 couldn't — 'We felt that a custom solution would give us that perfect frame response that you want in that kind of really, really dark environment'
Creative Assembly states that custom lighting and audio technology developed for Alien: Isolation 2 allowed for a more realistic and terrifying atmosphere than Unreal Engine 5 alone could provide. The developers explained that their custom solution offered better control over dark environments and material reflections, enhancing the game's horror elements.
Bungie decide their destiny is to do more Destiny after all, pledging to bring back vaulted Destiny 2 campaigns while declaring that Marathon "needs to evolve"
Bungie has reversed its decision to stop developing Destiny 2, pledging to bring back vaulted campaigns and destinations due to player feedback. The studio also announced that its upcoming shooter Marathon will "evolve" with a focus on a PvE update in December, as the company seeks to regain player trust after recent layoffs and strategic shifts.
IO Interactive "had no choice" but to delay Switch 2 launch of 007 First Light for a third time
IO Interactive has announced a third delay for 007 First Light on the Nintendo Switch 2, with the game now slated for a March 2027 release. Technical producer Cristina Vega stated the decision was made to ensure the game is released in its most polished form, despite the disappointment for fans. Vega also detailed compromises made for the Switch 2 version, aiming to maintain an experience close to PC where possible.
Beyond Good and Evil was never worth 20 years of angst
The author reflects on the enduring appeal of Beyond Good and Evil, despite its perceived brevity and dated mechanics. The article questions the two-decade-long development struggle for its sequel, Beyond Good and Evil 2, suggesting the original game's content doesn't warrant such an extensive development period.
Persona 4 Revival lead said Atlus wanted "a whole new cast," but one actor is reprising his role from the OG…
Atlus has confirmed Johnny Yong Bosch will reprise his role as Tohru Adachi in Persona 4 Revival, contradicting earlier statements from producer Kazuhisa Wada that the entire cast would be replaced. Wada had cited difficulties in bringing back the original actors, leading to a decision to recast everyone. However, Bosch's return alongside new cast members like Judy Alice Lee and Ray Chase highlights a selective approach to recasting.
Bungie reaches for a Destiny 2 lifeline as Marathon struggles
Bungie announced plans to return vaulted content to Destiny 2 following disappointing performance and player counts for its new game, Marathon. This decision comes after significant layoffs at the studio, which impacted both Destiny and Marathon teams. Despite Marathon's struggles, Bungie is still planning updates for it, while emphasizing Destiny 2's foundational role in its future.
Bungie says it's "not done with Destiny", aims to earn back player trust by restoring archived Destiny 2 content
Bungie has announced plans to restore archived Destiny 2 content, including campaigns, raids, and destinations, in an effort to regain player trust after layoffs and criticism. Studio heads Poria Torkan and Josh Deane acknowledged past missteps in focusing on vision over player enjoyment and stated that Destiny remains foundational to Bungie's future. The studio also provided an update on Marathon, confirming it was not intended to replace Destiny and will evolve into a deeper survival experience.
Second wave of Xbox cuts reported to be happening this week, with "several" studios apparently facing consolidation
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning a second wave of layoffs this week, potentially affecting hundreds of employees and consolidating several studios. This follows a major restructuring in July and is part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's plan to return the gaming division to profitability by focusing on major franchises. The news has reportedly lowered morale among staff.
Bungie lovar att återställa borttaget innehåll till Destiny 2
Bungie has apologized to players for losing focus on Destiny 2 and announced plans to restore previously removed content, including campaigns, locations, and raids. Studio heads Poria Torkan and Josh Deane stated this effort will lay the groundwork for new stories and games. Bungie also addressed the performance of their new game, Marathon, indicating they will continue to support and expand it.
HMUR Demo Is Available Now! news
The demo for HMUR is now available on Steam from September 17 to October 1, allowing players to experience changes made since the last playtests. The demo is also part of the Boomstock 2026 festival, running from September 17 to 24. The solo developer is seeking valuable feedback from players to continue improving the game.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
New Halo Announcement is Coming Soon – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is preparing a significant announcement regarding the Halo franchise soon, with industry insiders hinting at future plans. However, reports also indicate recent title Halo: Campaign Evolved underperformed expectations, and potential layoffs at Halo Studios could be part of the news, creating mixed reactions.
Xbox to Undergo New Round of Layoffs Affecting “Several” Employees, Will Consolidate Studios – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly preparing for another round of significant layoffs, potentially affecting hundreds of employees across multiple studios, including Blizzard. This follows previous job cuts and a stated need to 'reset Xbox' due to weakening business margins. The company is also consolidating some of its studios, with Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs being divested.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis Drops New Behind-The-Scenes Look At Egypt in Development
A new behind-the-scenes look at Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis showcases the iconic Egypt setting, highlighting its stunning visuals, intricate puzzles, and traps. Developers discuss their research and efforts to authentically reconstruct the environment, promising an immersive experience for players upon its February 12, 2027 release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Resident Evil Veronica Internally Delayed to Fall 2027 – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Capcom's remake of Resident Evil Veronica has been internally delayed to Fall 2027, with insider AestheticGamer (Dusk Golem) citing potential late changes to the game's scope. While not an official delay as no release date was announced, this could explain its absence from recent gaming events. The game is still officially slated for release next year on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Activision’s Goal is to “Make the Greatest Halo Game Ever,” Says President
Activision will now develop the next Halo game following significant layoffs at Xbox's Halo Studios. Activision president Rob Kostich stated the company's goal is to "make the greatest Halo game ever." The article notes the troubled legacy of the franchise under 343 Industries, citing issues with Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians, and Halo Infinite.
Pocketpair’s cozy-looking Palworld Palfarm isn’t going to be like Stardew Valley, actually
Pocketpair communications lead John Buckley clarified that Palworld: Palfarm, a cozy farming sim spinoff, will differ from expectations and is not a "Palworld Stardew Valley." While it will lean into the cozier side of the IP with a "tongue-in-cheek" Palworld feel, it is still in development and more details are forthcoming.
Former Valve writer says "giant teams just don't work" in video game development, unless you're…
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek argues that large teams are detrimental to video game development, citing his experience with Left 4 Dead 2. He believes that while massive games like Grand Theft Auto 6 might necessitate huge workforces, most projects suffer from indecision and backtracking caused by excessive team sizes and remote work.
