Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Tales of series lead apologizes for the long wait as the JRPG series approaches its largest gulf between mainline…
Yusuke Tomizawa, the lead for Bandai Namco's Tales series, has apologized for the extended wait for a new mainline entry. He cited increasing development times and the need for new games to meet high expectations as reasons for the delay. Tomizawa also mentioned the ongoing remaster project as a way to help players engage with older titles.
"There are no benefits to being owned by Microsoft": Xbox owners accused of cultivating a "disposable worker mentality" in damning report on layoffs
A report details the impact of recent Microsoft layoffs on Xbox employees, including those at Bethesda, ZeniMax, and id Software. The article highlights a "disposable worker mentality" fostered by unclear goals and abrupt termination processes, with some employees expressing disillusionment with being owned by Microsoft and questioning the value of their work in terms of job security.
11 Bit Studios lays off 20 workers as it "adjusts new project teams to current needs"
11 Bit Studios has laid off approximately 20 employees as it restructures project teams to align with current needs. The studio stated that its financial situation remains stable and that the majority of affected employees have been transferred internally to other ongoing projects. This follows a previous workforce reduction earlier in 2024 after the cancellation of a project codenamed Project 8.
As the Famicom turns 43, Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai says it's the console that had the…
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros., celebrated the 43rd anniversary of the Family Computer (Famicom), stating it had the biggest impact on him as a game creator. Square Enix also marked the occasion, highlighting the Famicom's importance for the JRPG genre with the beginnings of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Sakurai emphasized the console's role in shaping the modern game industry.
GTA 6 price is 'ridiculous' says analyst: 'They should be charging $200'
An analyst suggests Rockstar Games should charge $200 for Grand Theft Auto 6, calling its current price of £69.99 for the standard edition 'ridiculous' given its perceived quality. Despite the analyst's comments, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has previously stated a desire for reasonable pricing, emphasizing value delivery to consumers. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
According to a poll, Generative AI is being used at a whopping 100% Japanese online game developers, as copyright infringement concerns climb
A report indicates that 100% of Japanese online game developers surveyed are using generative AI, with Google's Gemini being the most popular tool. The primary uses are user preference analysis and behavior prediction, while players express concerns about copyright infringement and homogenization of games. This trend contrasts with a more reserved approach in Western development, despite efforts by companies like Epic Games to integrate AI tools.
'The entire thing is going to fall apart:' Inside the latest round of mass layoffs at Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox division has conducted its fifth round of mass layoffs since 2023, impacting 3,200 employees across studios like Bethesda, ZeniMax Online Studios, and id Software. Employees describe the process as cruel and self-defeating, with swift video calls and disabled communication channels. The cuts have led to significant loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning id Software's proprietary id Tech engine and the development teams for major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
Evening Reading - July 14, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading from Shacknews covers various gaming industry updates, including pre-order guides for Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves DLC. It also reports on Ubisoft Barcelona developer strikes over layoffs, a delay for the PlayStation FlexStrike Fight Stick, and the retirement of Dead Space creator Glen Schofield. Additionally, the article touches on non-gaming news regarding data centers and healthcare.
Dead Space creator and Call of Duty veteran Glen Schofield announces retirement: 'I had a front row seat to one of the greatest creative explosions in history'
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol, has announced his retirement after 35 years in the video game industry. Schofield, who also worked on several Call of Duty titles, cited the challenges of securing funding for new projects in the current market. He expressed optimism for the future of game development despite industry difficulties.
Fighting game developer previously accused of sexual harassment confirmed to be working on Avatar Legends a week before…
Paramount Game Studios has confirmed that Mike Zaimont, who faces past sexual harassment allegations, is working as a backend programmer on Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. This confirmation comes after public scrutiny of his involvement, with the publisher stating he is an individual contributor focused on programming and engine architecture. Zaimont's past behavior at Lab Zero Games led to lawsuits from former colleagues, though the terms of their settlement were not disclosed.
Business and Finance
Ubisoft is shifting to a "selective model" to decrease its reliance on individual game launches. This strategic change aims to create a more stable business by reducing dependence on the success of single titles.
Evening Multiplex
This article presents official trailers for upcoming games, including a devlog for '1666: Amsterdam' showcasing the painting of three distinct eras and a journey trailer for 'Shadow of the Road'.
Evening Interviews
NeoBards Entertainment, the developer behind Silent Hill F, discusses the importance of trust in game development, referencing the 'Eye of Sauron' metaphor. The article also briefly touches on Evil Trout's approach to free-to-play games.
DOOM Studio’s Claims That it Can Still Make Games “Stretches Reality”, Says Former Employee
A former id Software employee claims the studio's assertion of having sufficient staff after recent layoffs is unrealistic, stating that critical programming, engineering, and design teams have been significantly depleted. The employee highlighted the loss of institutional knowledge, particularly concerning the id Tech engine, and suggested that the studio's ability to develop future games is compromised. id Software maintains its headcount is comparable to the DOOM (2016) development period and is committed to its philosophy of all employees being makers.
The Elder Scrolls Online Team Can’t Release Content At Its Previous Speed , Says Former Developer
A former senior encounter designer for The Elder Scrolls Online, Morgan Goin, stated that recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios will significantly slow down the MMORPG's content release pace. Goin, who was among those laid off, expressed surprise, as internal reports suggested the studio was performing well and contributing positively to Microsoft's metrics. The layoffs have reduced the studio's workforce considerably, impacting its ability to maintain its previously announced seasonal content roadmap.
Dead Space, The Callisto Protocol Director Retires From the Games Industry
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space and The Callisto Protocol, has announced his retirement from game development after a 35-year career. Schofield, who previously worked at Imagineering, Crystal Dynamics, and EA Redwood Studios (Visceral Games), cited difficulties in securing funding for a new horror game project he was developing with his daughter as a factor in his decision.
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield is retiring: "Times are tough right now, but the future ahead is really, really…
Glen Schofield, the creator of Dead Space and director of multiple Call of Duty titles, has announced his retirement after 35 years in the gaming industry. Schofield expressed gratitude for his career, highlighting his work on Dead Space at EA and several Call of Duty games with Sledgehammer Games and Activision. He also acknowledged the current turbulent times in the industry, marked by layoffs and AI controversies, but expressed optimism for the future.
Dead Space creator Glen Schofield retires from game development
Veteran game developer Glen Schofield, known for creating Dead Space and working on multiple Call of Duty titles, has announced his retirement from day-to-day game development after a 35-year career. His last project was 2022's The Callisto Protocol, developed by Striking Distance Studios.
Pixels Goes Open Source: Game Client Code Drops This Week, Server to Follow
The browser-based game Pixels is set to open-source its game client this week, allowing community contributions while the studio retains final approval. Founder Luke Barwikowski confirmed that the server code will follow later. Governance will be influenced by player holdings of PIXEL tokens and NFTs, rather than a one-player-one-vote system.
