Game Development
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Saber finally adds AI disclosure to Rideshare Stimulator amid CEO's public feud with a former writer who claims she…
Saber Interactive has added an AI disclosure to its upcoming game Rideshare Stimulator on Steam, following a public dispute between CEO Matt Karch and former writer Stella Sacco. Sacco alleged she was replaced by AI, while Karch claimed she was terminated for other reasons and that AI usage was always intended to be disclosed. The disclosure states AI tools were used for voice generation, localization, and optional Free Ride mode content, including AI-generated music on certain radio stations.
Old School RuneScape began when a dev 'found the 2007 server in their desk drawer:' 13 years later, it's setting subscriber records for the long-lived MMO
Old School RuneScape, a 2013 fork of the original RuneScape, has achieved record subscriber numbers, surpassing even the original game's peak in 2007. Creative director Kieren Charles revealed that the 2007 server build was found in a desk drawer, and the game's development is now heavily community-driven through player votes. Jagex senior communications manager Danni Amos also contributed insights into the game's origins.
Rideshare Stimulator Outlines AI Usage After Contentious Exchange With Ex-Writer
Saber Interactive has clarified its use of AI in the upcoming game Rideshare Stimulator following accusations from ex-writer Stella Sacco that she was replaced by ChatGPT. The company states AI is used for voice generation and some localization, with AI-generated passenger missions and music clearly labeled. The main campaign story, characters, and dialogue are confirmed to be human-written.
The Sandbox Rebuilds Its Creator Stack: Engine 14 Lands in Studio Beta
The Sandbox has released Engine 14 as part of its Studio Beta update, introducing significant architectural changes to its development framework. This update replaces the legacy Actor/SceneComponent structure with a unified SceneNode format, improving asset placement and prefab handling. Engine 14 also enhances multiplayer replication and makes AI tools publicly available, aiming to position The Sandbox competitively against engines like Unity and Unreal.
Modern consumers crave "events", and the games industry needs to provide them | Opinion
Modern consumers increasingly seek 'events' rather than predictable sequels, leading to longer gaps between game releases and a shift away from annual franchises like Call of Duty. Games like Grand Theft Auto 6 exemplify this trend, achieving massive cultural impact due to their rarity and perceived event status, contrasting with the 'franchise fatigue' that affects over-saturated markets.
10 years after its messy launch, No Man’s Sky boss Sean Murray wishes he could warn his younger self…
Hello Games managing director Sean Murray reflects on the decade since No Man's Sky's launch, wishing he could advise his younger self to avoid excessive press and focus more on development. He notes that the studio's current approach to promoting upcoming game Light No Fire is more mysterious, a lesson learned from the initial reception of No Man's Sky.
Rideshare Stimulator finally gets its genAI disclosure after much Saber-rattling, and it turns out the game also uses the tech for in-game music
Saber Interactive has updated the Steam page for Rideshare Stimulator to disclose its use of generative AI for voice generation, localization, and in-game music, following a public dispute with former writer Stella Sacco. CEO Matthew Karch defended the AI implementation, stating it's experimental and necessary for certain modes, while Sacco accused Saber of replacing her with AI. The disclosure confirms AI is used in the optional Free Ride mode and for some music, separate from the main campaign's human-written narrative.
GTA 6 fans don't "go around buying nerdy niche" games, indie says, so fellow devs don't really need…
Indie developer Tomas Sala argues that the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 should not cause widespread fear among smaller game developers, as its primary audience likely does not overlap with niche genres. He suggests that players of Grand Theft Auto 6 are not typically interested in indie titles like sailing simulators or visual novels. Sala also points to data indicating infrequent game purchases among most players, implying that GTA 6's release may not significantly impact the sales of indie games.
The Soapbox: Online games just can’t bet on success
This opinion piece argues that developers of live service games should stop betting on guaranteed success and instead focus on delivering complete, polished experiences at launch. The author uses examples like Iron Harvest, Anthem, and Wolcen to illustrate the pitfalls of unfinished stories and overly ambitious projects. The article suggests that a more realistic approach, prioritizing a solid core experience with plans for future expansion, is more sustainable and beneficial for both developers and players, citing Valheim as a positive example.
Netflix Shuts Down Oxenfree Creator Night School Studio in Gaming Pullback
Netflix has shut down Night School Studio, the developer behind Oxenfree, as part of a significant pullback from the gaming industry. Despite positive performance metrics for their recent horror title 'Unhinged,' Netflix is refocusing its gaming ambitions on children's and party titles, as well as established IPs.
Maestro receives Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch demo, new trailer
The rhythm game Maestro, set to release on Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, has launched a demo on both platforms. The demo includes a tutorial and the ability to conduct Verdi's Requiem. Maestro features motion controls and a diverse soundtrack from movies, games, classical, and jazz music, and will launch on September 17 for $29.99.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Dev Warned Warner Bros. Not to Go Up Against Skyrim Back in 2011
The developer of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North reportedly argued against its release coinciding with Skyrim in 2011 but was overruled by Warner Bros. This decision highlights the competitive landscape and strategic considerations in game releases.
2011 Lord Of The Rings Game Didn’t Get A “Fair Shake” Launching Near Skyrim, Former WB Boss Says
Christian Allen, formerly of Warner Bros. Games, believes The Lord of the Rings: War in the North did not receive a fair chance at launch in 2011 due to its proximity to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He argued against the release date, citing concerns that the game would be overshadowed and compared unfavorably to Skyrim, which proved to be true according to reviews. The game has since been re-released by Aspyr Media.
2K funds new AAA sports studio as EA Sports FC faces potential new rival
Take-Two Interactive, through its 2K label, has established Small Axe Studios in Vancouver, staffed by veterans from EA Sports FC and FIFA. The new studio aims to create a AAA sports game, potentially challenging EA Sports FC's market dominance. While the specific sport is unconfirmed, evidence suggests a focus on football, with key personnel having extensive experience in football game development.
After a public scrap between CEO and former writer, Saber Interactive finally adds AI disclaimer to Steam page and doubles down: 'AI can and should help shape gamer experiences'
Saber Interactive has added an AI disclaimer to its Steam page following a public dispute with former writer Stella Sacco, who claimed she was replaced by AI. CEO Matt Karch defended the company's use of AI in game development, stating it can enhance gamer experiences and that the cost of integration was higher than omitting it. The controversy highlights ongoing discussions about AI's role in the gaming industry and developer transparency.
The Daily Grind: Is there a canceled MMO you’re still salty about?
This article discusses canceled MMORPGs that never reached launch, focusing on player sentiment towards titles like EverQuest Next and Ultima X Odyssey. The author expresses disappointment over the cancellation of EverQuest Next, believing it left a void in the MMORPG landscape during its intended development period.
2K establishes AAA sports developer Small Axe Studios
2K has launched Small Axe Studios, a new AAA development team based in Vancouver, Canada, to create its next sports franchise. The studio is led by Aaron McHardy, a former 15-year veteran of EA Sports' FIFA team. Small Axe Studios aims to redefine sports video games by combining startup passion with 2K's scale and expertise.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal aims to provide high-quality guides and news for Starfield fans, with content crafted by editors passionate about Bethesda games like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. The site emphasizes editorial independence and integrity, adhering to a strict policy to ensure unbiased content.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal, part of Gfinity Digital Media, aims to provide comprehensive guides and news for Starfield fans. The editorial team consists of dedicated Bethesda enthusiasts with extensive experience in games like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, ensuring content is crafted with deep research and hands-on playtime.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal, part of Gfinity Digital Media, aims to provide comprehensive guides and news for Starfield enthusiasts. The editorial team consists of dedicated Bethesda fans with extensive experience in games like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, ensuring content is well-researched and based on hands-on playtime.