Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Rumor: Metroid Ravenous leaked for Nintendo Switch 2
A listing for a game titled Metroid Ravenous has reportedly surfaced in Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security system, suggesting a potential leak for the Nintendo Switch 2. The classification indicates a 2026 production year, and speculation points to MercurySteam as a possible developer, given their previous work on Metroid Dread and Metroid: Samus Returns.
Krafton to pay out bonuses to Unknown Worlds Entertainment, CEO Ted Gill resigns
Krafton has agreed to pay out bonuses to the staff of Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the studio behind Subnautica 2, following a legal settlement. CEO Ted Gill is also resigning from the company for the second time. The bonus was reportedly tied to the release and success of Subnautica 2, which launched in early access in May and sold 4 million copies in its first week.
Subnautica 2 studio Unknown Worlds' CEO resigns as Krafton agrees to pay $250m bonus
Krafton has settled a lawsuit with the former leadership of Subnautica 2 developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment, agreeing to pay a $250 million bonus to the studio's staff. As part of the settlement, CEO Ted Gill has resigned, stating new leadership is best for the studio's future. The dispute involved allegations of Krafton attempting to avoid paying bonuses tied to revenue targets for the game's 2025 Early Access release.
Final Fantasy 14 devs pulled off the best relaunch "in the history of video games," Clair Obscur: Expedition…
Guillaume Broche, lead developer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, praised Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch as "the best thing in the history of video games." He highlighted Square Enix's successful turnaround of the MMORPG after its disastrous initial launch, culminating in the dramatic in-game cutscene depicting the world's end before the release of A Realm Reborn.
Baldur's Gate 2-veteran tackade nej till att göra Baldur's Gate 4
James Ohlen, a veteran designer of Baldur's Gate 2, declined an offer from Hasbro to lead the development of Baldur's Gate 4. Ohlen cited concerns about failing to meet the high standards set by Baldur's Gate 3 and the significant time investment required for engine development. Larian Studios, the developer of Baldur's Gate 3, also chose to pursue their own original projects instead of a direct sequel.
Dragon Age setting creator says AI push is a delusion of the executive class that's a 'virulent plague'…
Dragon Age setting creator David Gaider has described generative AI as a "virulent plague" on the games industry, arguing that its current push leads to inferior work, eliminates entry-level writing opportunities, and poses legal and moral issues. He believes executives are pushing for AI integration without proper regulation or consideration for training junior developers.
Krafton agrees to pay bonuses to Subnautica 2 devs following a year-long legal battle
Krafton Inc. has settled a year-long legal dispute with its subsidiary Unknown Worlds, agreeing to pay bonuses to all staff following the success of Subnautica 2. The settlement resolves accusations that Krafton attempted to avoid a $250 million payout triggered by sales targets. As part of the agreement, co-founder Ted Gill will depart the company, while Unknown Worlds will appoint new leadership from outside the existing companies.
Messy Subnautica 2 saga ends with Unknown Worlds CEO departing again
The development of Subnautica 2 has concluded with the departure of Unknown Worlds CEO, marking the end of a turbulent period for the game. This news signifies a resolution to the ongoing saga surrounding the title's production.
Ubisoft appoints former 2K and Amazon exec Christoph Hartmann to lead Creative House 2, overseeing Splinter Cell, The Division and Ghost Recon
Ubisoft has appointed industry veteran Christoph Hartmann as General Manager of its newly formed Creative House 2. This business unit will oversee major franchises including Splinter Cell, The Division, and Ghost Recon, as well as the recently acquired MOBA game March of Giants. Hartmann previously founded 2K Games and led Amazon's games division.
Quoteworthy
The ESA has begun to backtrack on its previous statements that private servers are illegal, though the organization continues to express disapproval. Separately, Quantic Dream has denied reports that Star Wars Eclipse is experiencing development issues.
Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders settle Subnautica 2 legal dispute
Krafton and its subsidiary Unknown Worlds Entertainment, the developer of Subnautica 2, have reached a settlement to end a legal dispute. The agreement dismisses all pending proceedings, with Unknown Worlds continuing development on Subnautica 2 and Krafton providing support. The settlement includes bonuses for the Subnautica 2 staff, and a new CEO will be sought for Unknown Worlds.
Subnautica 2 devs win: Krafton will pay the whole team "significantly more" bonuses than previously planned, but the CEO is still leaving after a settlement
Publisher Krafton has reached a settlement with Unknown Worlds, the developers of Subnautica 2, agreeing to pay the entire team significantly larger bonuses than initially planned. This resolution follows a legal dispute where ousted executives accused Krafton of attempting to avoid bonus payments, while Krafton cited neglect of duties. Although the settlement is reached, CEO Ted Gill will be leaving Unknown Worlds.
Ex-PlayStation boss says PC ports weren't losing Sony any hardware sales, questions how it could think otherwise now it's reportedly keeping big single-player games console-exclusive
Former PlayStation chairman Shawn Layden questions Sony's strategy of delaying PC ports for major single-player games, arguing that these releases do not cannibalize hardware sales. He suggests that the primary motivation for PC ports should be expanding the reach of PlayStation's intellectual property to new audiences rather than immediate profit.
XSOLLA ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO SUPPORT EMERGING DEVELOPERS
Xsolla has launched the Xsolla Developer Scholarship Program to help independent and mid-tier game developers attend gamescom 2026 by covering the costs of a business ticket and hotel accommodation. The program aims to reduce financial barriers and provide networking opportunities for developers to showcase their unreleased projects and connect with industry professionals. Applications open July 1, 2026, and will be reviewed based on project quality, development progress, and business potential.
Ex-PlayStation boss explains why PC releases were a good thing, as reports claim Sony is ending blockbuster launches
Former PlayStation President Shawn Layden explained the strategic benefits of releasing games on PC, even if delayed, to increase intellectual property awareness across various media. Reports suggest Sony may be shifting away from this strategy, focusing PC releases on live-service titles rather than narrative blockbusters, a move Layden believes could hinder future projects.
Nintendo president talks indie games, says they’re “extremely popular” on its systems
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa stated that indie games are extremely popular on Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. He highlighted Nintendo's support for indie developers through initiatives like Indie World and emphasized the company's efforts to encourage earlier releases on their consoles.
GTA 6 devs have to opt-out of crunch, claim Rockstar North insiders, because it's baked into their contracts
Sources within Rockstar North claim that crunch is effectively built into employee contracts for Grand Theft Auto 6, with developers needing to opt-out of working hour regulations. Insiders also allege issues with pay gaps, bonuses used for compliance, and a lack of transparency in career progression. Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, stated they strive to provide world-class work environments and are open to dialogue with the union.
Pragmata's initial internal feedback called devs "incompetent at level design" and "unable to make compelling puzzles" during the difficult development of Capcom's sci-fi shooter
Internal feedback during Pragmata's development revealed significant challenges, with developers being called "incompetent at level design" and "unable to make compelling puzzles." Despite a troubled production, the game was eventually a success, selling two million copies in its first month and leading Capcom to consider it as a series.
GTA 6 studio Rockstar "will arrange to meet" union reps following devs' request for recognition, assuring it gives teams "world-class work environments" amid demands for "fairer crunch practices"
Rockstar Games has stated it will meet with union representatives following a request for official recognition from its UK developers. The developers are seeking pay transparency, fairer crunch practices, and better flexible working arrangements. This comes after accusations of union-busting in 2025 and an ongoing dispute with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain.
'I cannot do my job when Microsoft refuses to do theirs', say Xbox union workers as destructive reset looms from a company that spent over $80 billion on AI last year
Unionized workers at Microsoft and its subsidiaries are speaking out against the company's pattern of layoffs and studio closures, despite significant investments in AI and high executive pay. Employees express frustration over job insecurity, feeling expendable despite hard work and successful projects. They argue that Microsoft has the financial resources to protect its workforce, citing billions invested in AI and recent console price increases, and are demanding better treatment and transparency.
