Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney is trying to reinvent the metaverse (again) without calling it that
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney is discussing new technologies for massively multiplayer online games, aiming to support millions of concurrent players without complex programming. He also addresses industry challenges like high AAA development costs and player retention in live service games, proposing solutions involving cross-game social links and asset ownership, potentially utilizing blockchain technology.
NC TO BRING KOREAN AION 2 CHANGES TO GLOBAL MARKET
NC is bringing its Korean MMORPG AION 2's development and publishing plans to a global audience, including PC via Steam and PURPLE this September. Game Director Nam-Joon Kim, Head of Global Publishing In-Sub So, and Executive Publishing Producer Merv Lee Kwai discussed core features like full 3D flight, aerial combat, over 200 dungeons, and the connection to the original AION. The company is actively seeking player feedback to support the game's launch and beyond.
NBA Live and the Importance of Growth to Survive
The NBA Live franchise, once a strong contender on PlayStation, ultimately failed to maintain its momentum. The article discusses the importance of continuous growth and adaptation for sports game franchises to survive in the competitive market.
GTA 6 graphics have been downgraded complain fans as experts say the opposite
Fans are debating whether Grand Theft Auto 6's graphics have been downgraded based on new screenshots released by Rockstar Games, with some pointing to lighting and model differences compared to trailers. Experts and outlets like Digital Foundry suggest the screenshots showcase an "unprecedented level of polish," potentially taken from a development environment, and that judging the final game's visuals from these stills is premature.
Believe it or not, there was a push for a Destiny dating sim at Bungie once, and it had a proper pitch deck and everything
Former Bungie employees revealed that a Destiny dating sim was pitched internally, inspired by games like Dream Daddy. Despite having a detailed pitch deck and a "Hard No" from leadership, the concept was explored during internal game jam events. This revelation comes as more details about Destiny 2's development and Bungie's near-shutdown before the Sony acquisition emerge.
Italian studio 34BigThings regains independence from Embracer
Italian game studio 34BigThings has regained its independence from Embracer Group, with co-founder Valerio Di Donato reacquiring 100 percent of the company's shares. The studio, which develops titles like Redout II, plans to announce a major new title later this year and has further projects slated for 2027 and 2028. This move comes as Embracer Group undergoes significant restructuring and divestments.
As Xbox studios brace for a "reset," South of Midnight developers from Compulsion Games begin looking for work
Developers from Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, are leaving en masse as parent company Xbox Game Studios undergoes a significant business 'reset'. Multiple reports indicate potential layoffs or closures across several Xbox Game Studios, with Compulsion Games reportedly in talks to spin off independently. Several employees have publicly announced they are seeking new opportunities after years with the studio.
Evening Reading - June 24, 2026
Shacknews presents its Evening Reading for June 24, 2026, featuring a review of Star Fox, an analysis of Destiny 2's decline, and details on Grand Theft Auto 6's pricing and lack of physical discs. The roundup also includes news on John Carmack's thoughts on Quake, a report of DayZ 2 development, and Micron's financial results.
Developers On How Quake Shook id Software
id Software co-founder John Carmack reacted to a post by former designer Sandy Petersen reflecting on the 30th anniversary of Quake. Petersen described the game as an 'amazing feat of engineering' and discussed its impact on the industry.
Evening Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article delves into the development history and reasons behind the cancellation of the Darth Maul video game, which was in development approximately 15 years ago. It explores the challenges and circumstances that led to the project's discontinuation.
“Most of the Destiny Team” Will Face Layoffs, Confirms PlayStation Studios Head
Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Studios head Hermen Hulst confirmed that "most of the Destiny team" and some Marathon developers at Bungie will be laid off. This follows previous workforce reductions at Bungie and aims to align the studio's resources with its long-term priorities. Support is being provided to affected employees.
Enshrouded 1.0 Launches on October 15th for PS5 and PC, Xbox Series X/S Version Delayed to Spring 2027
Keen Games announced that Enshrouded will launch its 1.0 version on October 15th for PC and PlayStation 5, exiting early access. The Xbox Series X/S version has been delayed to Spring 2027 due to quality and performance concerns. The upcoming update will introduce new enemies, locations, improved optimization, and features for adventure sharing.
South of Midnight Studio Has Been Hit by Mass Layoffs – Rumor
A rumor from leaker Rebs Gaming suggests that Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, has experienced mass layoffs. Several employees have confirmed their departure on LinkedIn, including narrative designer Bijan Stephen and environment artist Paulette Richardson. Industry figures like Jason Schreier and Shawn Layden have commented on the situation, with Schreier suggesting Microsoft is punishing studios for past decisions and Layden stating Xbox shows a misunderstanding of the industry.
GTA 6's preorders mark the start of a long wait for it to come to PC, despite the fact we'll likely make up…
Grand Theft Auto 6's preorder availability highlights the long wait for its PC release, a decision criticized by PC Gamer staff. Despite PC's significant market share, Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive continue to prioritize console launches, with CEO Strauss Zelnick citing the need to serve the 'core' audience. This approach, coupled with pricing strategies and potential limitations on modding, leaves PC players feeling excluded.
Tim Sweeney on the future of games, AI, and whether Valve will ever join forces with Epic: 'It's now clear that nobody's going to end up with an absolute monopoly'
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney discusses the future of gaming, emphasizing interoperability and AI integration in Unreal Engine 6 to foster "Team Open." He addresses concerns about AI's creative impact and criticizes Valve's stance on AI disclosures, advocating for tools that improve developer efficiency and player experience across platforms. Sweeney also touches on the challenges of AAA development and the importance of economic interoperability for games like Fortnite.
John Carmack apologizes after Sandy Petersen says 'Quake ruined id Software,' and for once John Romero…
Following the 30th anniversary of Quake, co-designer Sandy Petersen stated that the game 'ruined id Software' spiritually due to its intense development cycle, leading to many key figures leaving. John Carmack apologized for pushing the team too hard and for the overly ambitious technical scope of Quake, while John Romero echoed sentiments about the unsustainable pace. Despite the toll, all involved acknowledged Quake's status as an iconic game.
DayZ 2 reportedly in development
Influencers at the DayZ Unite event have shared teasers of a '2' banner, suggesting that Bohemia Interactive may be developing DayZ 2. While the developer has not officially confirmed the sequel, the consistent teasers from prominent DayZ content creators indicate a potential announcement is imminent. Bohemia Interactive continues to release new content for the original DayZ, including upcoming expansions like Frostline and Badlands.
Steam Development Update
Kixeye has announced a delay for War Commander's early access launch on Steam to July 9, 2026, to improve the new user experience and ensure a stable foundation. The game will also remain playable on Kixeye.com, with Facebook Web Gaming shutting down on September 30, 2026, further emphasizing the move to Steam for better performance and stability.
John Carmack talks 'overly ambitious design' for Quake's 30th anniversary
John Carmack and Sandy Petersen reflected on the 30th anniversary of Quake, discussing organizational issues and ambitious design choices at id Software that impacted the game's development. While acknowledging the game's success, Carmack agreed with Petersen's sentiment that internal struggles and intense crunch contributed to challenges during its creation.
Interview: TCG Card Shop Simulator Dev on Creature Design & Opening Packs
O.P. Neon Games, the developer of TCG Card Shop Simulator, discussed the game's success since its Early Access launch on Steam and Xbox, with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch versions planned. The interview covered the inspiration behind the shop simulation mechanics, the thrill of opening card packs, and the process of designing creature art for the game's trading cards.
