Game Development
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Wardogs CEO claims Dice and Respawn are working on Star Wars Battlefront 3
Rumors suggest that EA Dice and Respawn Entertainment are working on Star Wars Battlefront 3, with EA holding the exclusive Star Wars license until 2023. Another report indicates Lucasfilm is searching for a developer, with Bungie also mentioned as a possibility if EA Dice does not take on the project. The CEO of Bulkhead Games also claimed that EA Dice and Respawn are developing the title.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent's co-founder explained the 'the dynamic of Steam' to Red Barrels after…
Red Barrels, the developers of Outlast, revealed that the success of Frictional Games' Amnesia: The Dark Descent was instrumental in their own development and marketing strategy. Amnesia's sales figures provided a benchmark, and its co-founder, Thomas Grip, later offered advice on navigating Steam's sales dynamics, which helped Outlast achieve significant commercial success.
Epic AI Change Sparks Massive Fight Over AI/Vibe Coding
Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney announced a significant pivot towards "maximum AI acceleration," aiming to increase AI use in development and bring benefits to Unreal Engine users. This move has sparked a heated debate within the gaming industry, with figures like artist Kenney Vleugels criticizing the embrace of AI, while an Xbox strategy manager argues that ignoring AI means planning for a "fake future."
"Players want to engage with brands, not just consume them" – Mattel on its new Game Studios arm, why it's releasing on Roblox, and what it learnt from NetEase
Mattel has launched Mattel Game Studios to develop games based on its intellectual property, aiming to extend physical play into the virtual world. The company, which acquired its joint venture with NetEase, will focus on internally developed titles and strategic partnerships, emphasizing sustained engagement and authentic brand experiences. Mattel sees gaming as a core pillar of its entertainment ecosystem, with a long-term vision for its new studio to become a leading entertainment-based game developer and publisher.
A fundamental Red Dead Redemption 2 system provided the basis for how GTA 6's NPCs work - but it was nearly cut because of an ambitious Rockstar studio head
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature an advanced NPC interaction system, evolving from the one introduced in Red Dead Redemption 2. This system, initially prototyped in 2014-2015 by Mark Tennant and championed by Rockstar North boss Rob Nelson, allows for more nuanced interactions with NPCs beyond simple greetings or antagonizing.
Rockstar artists have been working on GTA 6 for 11 years to plan out the map, co-head says roads are narrower than GTA 5's, which had a 'ripple effect' as the studio had to add even more buildings — 'All these things sort of come to bite you later'
Rockstar Games has reportedly been working on Grand Theft Auto 6 for 11 years, with artists beginning map planning in 2015. Development co-head Aaron Garbut noted that the game's narrower roads compared to Grand Theft Auto 5 created technical challenges, requiring more detailed surrounding buildings. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S.
GTA 6 is so detailed no single Rockstar employee knows it all - which is how we got shrinking horse testicles in Red Dead Redemption 2
Rockstar Games' development philosophy, highlighted by the autonomous creation of Red Dead Redemption 2's detailed horse testicles, emphasizes individual developer creativity. This approach, where no single employee knows every detail of a game as vast as Grand Theft Auto 6, allows for unexpected features and a high level of realism, though it also contributed to the game's lengthy development cycle.
Abiotic Factor's second year of updates confirmed to include official mod support and a DLC taking science to the tropics
Deep Field has announced the year two roadmap for their sci-fi survival game Abiotic Factor, confirming official mod support and a new DLC titled Entropic Break. The year two plan includes a winter update with smaller additions and a free mod launcher with proprietary tools. The paid DLC will take players to a new tropical facility with new items, enemies, and mechanics like fishing and crossovers.
This Steam Next Fest has over 7,000 games so far, almost double what we saw in June 2026 - and so, so many of them are…
The current Steam Next Fest features over 7,000 game demos, nearly double the amount from June, but a significant portion appears to heavily utilize AI-generated assets. This trend is raising concerns about the quality and originality of submissions, with some developers even withdrawing their games due to fears of being copied by quickly made, AI-driven titles.
Bungie and Respawn in talks for Star Wars Battlefront 3 claim insiders
Insiders suggest that Lucasfilm Games is in discussions with multiple studios, including Bungie, Respawn Entertainment, and DICE, regarding the development of Star Wars Battlefront 3. While DICE previously developed the series, Bungie's expertise in gunplay is seen as a potential advantage over the criticized mechanics of Star Wars Battlefront 2. The future of the franchise is considered a central part of Lucasfilm Games' strategy.
Star Wars Battlefront 3 rumors get an unexpected boost from Wardogs' CEO, who says Battlefield studio DICE is working on it alongside Apex Legends devs
Rumors suggest that DICE and Respawn Entertainment are working on Star Wars Battlefront 3, with Joe Brammer, CEO of Bulkhead, confirming the development. While Lucasfilm is reportedly seeking a development partner, and Bungie was also mentioned as a possibility, nothing is officially confirmed. The news comes as Lucasfilm expresses flexibility with its Star Wars gaming franchise.
GDC Festival of Gaming 2027 moves to four-day format to "create a higher quality, more focused and valuable experience"
The GDC Festival of Gaming will shift to a four-day format from Monday to Thursday for its 2027 edition, aiming to create a more focused and valuable experience for attendees. Organizers cited community feedback and data analysis for the change, which includes expanding the Business Hall and optimizing programming schedules. The Game Developers Choice Awards will also accept direct submissions for the first time.
Evening Reading - October 19, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading highlights the release of a documentary on Mina the Hollower, reviews for Steam Frame and Stupid Never Dies, and a discussion about potential characters in the next Street Fighter movie. It also touches on immigration policy impacting Umamusume: Pretty Derby's US concert and Konami's president's views on AI in gaming.
Bungie Will Reveal More Details About the Future of Destiny 2 Before the End of October
Bungie's head of product, Josh Deane, confirmed that more details regarding the unvaulting of content in Destiny 2 will be revealed before the end of October. He acknowledged player concerns about restoring vaulted campaigns like The Red War and Forsaken, emphasizing transparency and a commitment to rebuilding player trust.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s NPC Interaction System Was First Prototyped Back in 2014
According to a report by Jason Schreier, Rockstar Games began prototyping the complex NPC interaction system for Grand Theft Auto 6 as early as 2014. This system, which allows players to greet and antagonize NPCs, was further developed in Red Dead Redemption 2. The article also details the game's extensive development period, team growth, and creative freedom afforded to artists.
Star Wars Battlefront 3 Could End Up Developed by Bungie – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Bungie is in discussions to develop Star Wars Battlefront 3, potentially shifting the franchise away from DICE and EA. While the game is not confirmed to be in development, Disney is reportedly exploring options due to past controversies with EA's Star Wars Battlefront 2, particularly regarding its loot box system.
No Rest for the Wicked Drops New Details On 1.0’s Class System and More
Moon Studios has provided new details on the class system and other features coming to No Rest for the Wicked's 1.0 release. The flexible class system allows players to mix and match weapon traits to alter their playstyle, while new factions and Cerim Cores add further depth to character building. The studio is using the recent delay to further refine these elements.
Star Wars Battlefront 3 Rumor Suggests Two Major Studios Could Take Over the Franchise
A rumor suggests that Bungie and DICE are potential candidates to develop Star Wars Battlefront 3, with Disney reportedly seeking a studio to revive the franchise. While DICE has prior experience with the series, Bungie's involvement could mark a comeback for both the developer and the franchise. No official confirmation has been made regarding the game's development or the studios involved.
Tiny Swedish town flexes its survival game royalty by enshrining Valheim, Raft, and V Rising into its roads
The Swedish town of Skövde, known for its significant game development community, is celebrating its success with a "Walk of Game" featuring titles like Valheim, Raft, and V Rising. Games are honored if they sold over 3 million copies and had at least 50% of development hours completed in the town, highlighting Skövde's role as a hub for viral survival game hits.
New Rumour Says Bungie Is Being Considered To Make Star Wars: Battlefront 3
A new rumor suggests that Bungie is being considered as a potential developer for Star Wars: Battlefront 3. While DICE is also a likely candidate, Bungie has emerged as another contender for the project.