Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits discusses the company's stance on generative AI, stating they are experimenting with it but not replacing human developers. He also highlights Saber's strategy of global development across 15 studios, focusing on AA titles and recognizable intellectual property, emphasizing disciplined budgeting and flexible team structures.
GTA 6 online mode appears to receive Rockstar's first public acknowledgment, via mention of in-development "32 player format" in legal docs
Rockstar Games has indirectly acknowledged an online mode for Grand Theft Auto 6, mentioning a "32 player format" in legal documents related to a lawsuit over the firing of 34 developers. The documents suggest this confidential information was leaked by former employees, which the company cites as justification for their dismissal. The article also touches on the potential for controversial elements from Grand Theft Auto 5's online mode to return.
How Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 Will Benefit From Tech Improvements Made for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando
Saber Interactive's development chief Tim Willits stated that the technology developed for John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, despite underperforming commercially for publisher Focus Entertainment, will benefit the upcoming Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3. The tech work was considered successful in commercial terms for Saber Interactive.
Rockstar says people seeking GTA 6 updates have led to hackers blackmailing over leaks and drones being used to spy on…
Rockstar Games has revealed the extensive security measures taken to prevent leaks and protect its development of Grand Theft Auto 6. The company faced blackmail attempts from hacker groups and had to implement building protections against drone surveillance. These details emerged during an employment tribunal concerning the dismissal of employees.
Death Stranding games broke even "but not by much," analyst says, which may explain why Sony axed Physint despite it being Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor
Analysts suggest that Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to cancel Hideo Kojima's next project, Physint, may be linked to the Death Stranding series only breaking even on its substantial budget. While the first game sold well, Death Stranding 2 has underperformed, leading to a low overall return on investment for the franchise. This financial caution, coupled with other recent underperforming titles and canceled live service projects, indicates a shift in Sony's publishing strategy.
PS5 games line-up in shambles as Wolverine disappoints and Fairgames reappears
Sony Interactive Entertainment is facing criticism for its PlayStation 5 game lineup, with Marvel's Wolverine receiving lukewarm reviews and the live service game Fairgames appearing generic. The company's strategy has led to studio closures and a perceived decline in quality first-party titles, contrasting with its strong console sales.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation boss Naoki Hamaguchi is also "pushing" Kingdom Hearts 4 forward, and it sounds like he wants the JRPG to have a physical edition too
Naoki Hamaguchi, director for Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is also actively pushing Kingdom Hearts 4 forward and hopes for a physical edition. He stated that both titles are massive and crucial for Square Enix's projected comeback in 2027. Hamaguchi also expressed a desire for Kingdom Hearts 4 to receive a physical release, aligning with his appreciation for physical media and fan interaction.
Saber Interactive has "no real development in North America any more"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company no longer has significant game development operations in North America, with development now spread across 15 global studios. He emphasized the need for smart location choices in game development and criticized wasteful spending on large-scale projects, citing SnowRunner and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 as examples of cost-effective successes.
Pay to play: The cost of exhibiting at PAX Aus
Exhibiting at PAX Australia presents a significant financial challenge for independent game developers, with booth costs, accommodation, and equipment rentals potentially reaching thousands of dollars. While the event offers valuable opportunities for exposure, networking, and playtesting, the return on investment is not always guaranteed, leading some studios to reconsider attendance.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Sold 2.5 Million Copies Across PC and PS5 – Analyst
An analyst report estimates Death Stranding 2: On the Beach sold 2.5 million copies across PC and PlayStation 5, generating $170 million. While the PS5 version sold 1.8 million copies, sales reportedly underperformed after an initial strong launch, with discounts impacting revenue. The original Death Stranding has sold 5 million copies since its 2019 release.
Jesse And Dylan’s Personal Growth Let Remedy “Go Wild” With Their Characters in Control Resonant
Remedy Entertainment is highlighting the voice cast of Control Resonant, particularly Courtney Hope and Sean Durrie, who play Jesse and Dylan. The developers express excitement about the actors' contributions and how their strong working relationships allowed for ambitious storytelling. The game is set to launch soon on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Is Also Working on Kingdom Hearts 4 to Push it “Forward”
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, is also actively involved in the development of Kingdom Hearts 4, aiming to push both titles forward for Square Enix's 2027 targets. Both games are being developed by Creative Studio 1 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Hamaguchi also discussed Square Enix's openness to more adaptations of its IPs, citing Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy 7 as potential candidates.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Songs of the Past Expansion Couldn’t Happen Without The Remaster
The development of the 'Songs of the Past' expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is intrinsically linked to the game's upcoming Remastered version, according to Fool's Theory director Jakub Rokosz. Enhancements from the remaster, particularly visual upgrades, were essential for creating the new region of Letten. The expansion will delve deeper into the character of Dandelion, exploring his past and family struggles, which were not fully explored in the base game due to its focus on Ciri and Geralt's relationship.
Physint Dropped by PlayStation Due to Missed Deadlines, Budgetary Concerns – Rumor
PlayStation has reportedly dropped publishing duties for Kojima Productions' upcoming game, Physint, due to significant budget concerns and missed deadlines. The espionage action title is said to be well over budget, with PlayStation hesitant to invest hundreds of millions. Despite this, Kojima Productions has secured a new publishing deal with Xbox, and development is ongoing.
Massively Overthinking: Should MMORPG development be approached like a ‘grail quest’?
This article discusses whether approaching MMORPG development as a 'grail quest' is a worthwhile strategy, featuring insights from various writers and readers. While some express optimism about Riot Games' ambitious approach to its in-development MMO, others raise concerns about the challenges and potential for disappointment inherent in such large-scale projects.
SGJ Podcast #520 – What the Hell is a Demo?
The SGJ Podcast episode #520 features hosts Spaz, Julie, Thorston, Jacob, and another discussing the concept of game demos. They define what a demo is, explore its history including its rise, fall, and resurgence, and share some of their personal favorite demos.
Arhi Makkonen on designing a moulding and hissing New York for Control Resonant
Remedy Entertainment's Senior Level Designer, Arhi Makkonen, discusses the intricate process of designing the warped New York setting for Control Resonant. The interview highlights the challenges of integrating supernatural elements with a recognizable urban environment and the importance of level design in guiding players through complex spaces, especially with advancements like ray tracing.
Xbox to publish Kojima Productions' Physint after PlayStation ditches project
PlayStation Studios has ended its publishing partnership with Kojima Productions for the espionage game Physint, citing a "difficult decision." Shortly after, Xbox announced it would pick up publishing duties for Physint, expanding its existing relationship with Kojima Productions which also includes the game OD - Knock. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed honor in supporting Hideo Kojima's vision, while Kojima stated he sought a new partner after PlayStation's unexpected notice.
MercurySteam appears to confirm it’s behind Metroid Ravenous
MercurySteam has seemingly confirmed its involvement in the development of Metroid Ravenous, a title recently unveiled during a Nintendo Direct presentation. The game's existence was previously hinted at through its appearance on the Brazilian Rating's Board, and its presentation suggests a high-quality experience from the developers of Metroid Dread.
'Ship a good game, learn from it, and build from there:' Lessons from going indie after a decade at id Software
Former id Software developers Tony Garza and Richard O'Neal discuss the lessons learned from leaving a major studio to found their own indie company, Turnkey Games. They emphasize realistic scope, bootstrapping, and focusing on core gameplay to overcome the challenges of independent development, especially in light of industry layoffs.
