Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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MMO Week in Review: Palworld Online sets its sights on the MMORPG genre
Garena has licensed the Palworld IP from Pocketpair to develop a mobile-only MMORPG titled Palworld Online, set to launch in 2026. The announcement comes amidst other MMO news including updates for Guild Wars 3, Lord of the Rings Online, and Aion 2, as well as the official completion of Electronic Arts' acquisition.
Final Fantasy 9 Remake Development Was “Very Far Along” Before Stalling – Rumor
A report suggests that a remake of Final Fantasy 9 was significantly developed before its progress stalled, contrary to Square Enix executive Naoki Yoshida's recent statements. Yoshida's comments are interpreted as a strategy to manage fan expectations regarding remakes, with Square Enix reportedly prioritizing new mainline titles after the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy concludes. Previous rumors about the Final Fantasy 9 remake and a Final Fantasy Tactics remaster originated from a 2023 GeForce Now leak.
Blizzard Was “Top-Performing” Studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26 – Rumor
A report suggests Blizzard Entertainment was the top-performing studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26, with Blizzard president Johanna Faries congratulating staff on growth and record fiscal performance. This success, driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch, contrasts with Xbox's overall revenue decline and recent layoffs.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Studio is Avoiding the Use of Generative AI for Design, Asset Production
Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong and Black Myth: Zhong Kui, is intentionally avoiding the use of generative AI for design and asset production in its upcoming title, Black Myth: Zhong Kui. Co-founder Yang Qi stated the team prefers to rely on its own methods, though they are not entirely opposed to the technology. The studio also confirmed that Black Myth: Zhong Kui will feature a new protagonist based on the mythological exorcist Zhong Kui, rather than being a DLC for Black Myth: Wukong.
id Software Lead Programmer Says “Morale Has Never Been Lower” Following Layoffs
id Software lead programmer Chris Hays stated that morale at the studio is at an all-time low following recent layoffs, calling the process "inhumane." He criticized executives for not understanding game development and expressed concern about the studio's ability to create AAA games with reduced staff. Hays believes the studio is fundamentally changed by the loss of its people.
Rumour: Final Fantasy IX Remake was planned as a single game, but development has now stalled
A rumor suggests that the planned Final Fantasy IX Remake was initially conceived as a single game, but its development has reportedly stalled. Information regarding the remake has significantly decreased in recent months.
Lies of P studio reveals name change and hypes up sequel: 'My goal has been to create the world's greatest…
Lies of P developer Round8 Studio has rebranded to Nough Studio, operating under the motto 'Games by Gamers.' The studio is actively developing a sequel to Lies of P, with developers expressing ambitions to create the world's greatest action game and emphasizing player feedback in their development process.
Pantheon Rise of the Fallen declares Badia de Cara is on its final pass before it begins public testing
Visionary Realms is preparing for a final pass on the Badia de Cara zone in Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen before it can be opened for public testing. Updates include work on NPC pathfinding, collision, and dialog. The weekly report also mentions a nerf to Wizards, updates to Faerthale, animations, Elf hairstyles, armor textures, and Enchanter class mastery skills.
"I'm a little disappointed with Rockstar": GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption actor auditioned for over 60…
Actor Robert Bogue, known for his work in Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption, expressed disappointment with Rockstar Games after auditioning for over 60 roles in Grand Theft Auto 6 without success. Bogue stated he had a positive history with the company but found the extensive rejections discouraging. Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release in November.
Ex Escape From Tarkov dev believes his new game Rush is Real can cut through a risk-averse industry with an "original idea"
Former Escape From Tarkov developer Jean Tyulegenov is working on a new game called Rush is Real with Nomion Games, aiming to introduce an original mechanic to a risk-averse industry. Tyulegenov believes that despite industry challenges like rising costs and AI competition, there are opportunities to engage players with fresh ideas and leverage AI as a development tool. He also highlighted the indie game Gris as an example of artistic achievement in game development.
New Lies of P documentary teases next game "is going to be really fun and emotionally moving"
A documentary about the development of Lies of P reveals that Round8 Studio's next game is intended to be "really fun and emotionally moving." Director Choi Jiwon emphasized the studio's "games by gamers" culture, focusing on continuous refinement and player-first development. A sequel to Lies of P is confirmed to be in the vertical slice stage.
EA selling BioWare and Mass Effect would be the best news ever - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern over Electronic Arts' financial situation and its potential impact on BioWare and the Mass Effect franchise. The author suggests that EA selling BioWare would be beneficial, allowing the studio to regain independence and potentially revive the Mass Effect series, which they believe is unlikely to continue under EA's current management due to financial pressures.
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve’s Deft Attention to Detail in Aircraft Design Showcased in New Video
A new video for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, titled "The Art of Aircraft," showcases the detailed interior and exterior designs of various planes featured in the game, including the F-22A Raptor, Gripen E, and Su-35S Flanker-E. Developed using a custom in-house engine built on Unreal Engine 5, the game will launch on October 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Hype Escalates as Co-Director and Actors’ Profiles Appear on D23 App Ahead of Panel
Hype for Kingdom Hearts 4 is growing as co-director Tai Yasue and voice actors Haley Joel Osment and David Gallagher appeared on the D23 app, suggesting potential new information may be revealed soon. While the game lacks an official release date, it is confirmed for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC. Store listings have previously hinted at a 2027 launch.
Lies of P 2 Developer Admits There’s “Definitely Pressure,” But It Wants to “Do Even Better”
NOUHG Studio's narrative director Kwon Byungsoo acknowledged the pressure surrounding the development of Lies of P 2, following the success of the first game which sold over four million copies. While the team aims to improve upon the original, they are trying to maintain the same mindset and excitement from the initial development. The sequel is confirmed to be in development by NEOWIZ and will utilize Unreal Engine 5.
'They Fundamentally Don't Understand Art' — Doom Dev Blasts Xbox After Microsoft 'Gutted' id Software With Layoffs
id Software lead services programmer Chris Hays criticized Xbox and Microsoft following recent layoffs at the studio, stating they "fundamentally don't understand art." The comments highlight ongoing tensions and concerns within the company after significant workforce reductions.
Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 star didn't believe she was in Space Marine 2 until fan messages…
Voice actor Devora Wilde, known for her roles in Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, revealed she was unaware she had multiple voice roles in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 until fans pointed it out. She confirmed her involvement after players sent her clips of her voice lines, noting the similarity to her character Lae'zel.
Doom developer slams Xbox after layoffs hit id Software: "They fundamentally don't understand art. They…
A lead services programmer at id Software, Chris Hays, criticized Xbox's management following significant layoffs at the Doom developer, stating they do not understand art or games. Hays expressed concern about the studio's ability to create games of similar scope with a reduced workforce, questioning how essential departments will be maintained. Despite these concerns, Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin refuted claims that the studio is in no shape to make games.
Blocky zombie survival sim Unturned releases its source code so players can build a 'lasting legacy' for the…
Smartly Dressed Games has released the source code for its zombie survival game Unturned for non-commercial use via GitHub. This move aims to empower the community to build upon the game and create a lasting legacy. While the code is freely available for modification, all derived content must remain free to access and play, and certain third-party code elements have been excluded.
Game Freak showcases prototype video for Pokemon Pokopia
Game Freak director Shigeru Ohmori shared an early prototype video of Pokemon Pokopia, a game that has seen significant success on the Nintendo Switch. Development for Pokemon Pokopia began shortly after the release of Pokemon Scarlet.