Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Hotel Galactic Digs Deep: Massive Content Update Brings Underground Exploration, More Customization, a thrilling VIP guest arrival and a 70% discount during Steam Summer Sale!
EndgameLoop Games has released a major content update for Hotel Galactic, introducing underground exploration, new customization options, and a VIP guest. The studio acquired the rights from Ancient Forge to continue development, significantly improving the game's content and Steam rating. The game is currently available on PC via Steam with a 70% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, and console releases are planned for the future.
Unpacking Destiny 2's final update and what comes next
Destiny 2 has received its final update, Monument of Triumph, which includes numerous game-wide improvements and content additions. This discussion features Rise of Bacon, Bill Lavoy, and Sam Chandler reflecting on the game's conclusion, its playerbase, and the potential for a Destiny 3, considering Bungie's resources and the possibility of external development.
The Daily Grind: Which MMORPG would’ve been more successful with different graphics?
This article discusses how different graphical styles could impact the success of MMORPGs, using Borderlands' development as an example. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recounted how a last-minute decision to change Borderlands' graphics to a cel-shaded look, despite significant cost and time investment, was crucial to its success. The piece invites readers to consider which MMORPGs might have benefited from a similar artistic overhaul.
Varför indiespel är det viktigaste vi har
Indie games are crucial for innovation in the gaming industry because they allow for risk-taking that is too expensive for AAA developers. While large studios focus on safe, predictable titles, indie developers can experiment with unique ideas, leading to the creation of new genres and trends. This is reflected in Steam's revenue, where indie games constitute a significant portion of sales, demonstrating player preference for creative and novel experiences over blockbuster sequels.
Pragmata's development team included a group of women known as the "Diana Police" to convincingly capture her child-like innocence
Capcom's space game Pragmata achieved significant success, selling 2 million copies by May. The development team, including a group of women nicknamed the "Diana Police," focused on capturing the child-like innocence of the android companion Diana. Director Cho Yonghee suggested women are better at detecting subtle "cunning" cuteness in female characters. A free "Scribble Suit" update for Hugh is now available, and the director has expressed interest in a sequel.
"Going independent meant taking a massive, massive risk": How Toys for Bob split off from Activision and Xbox…
Toys for Bob has successfully spun off from Activision and Xbox to regain its independence, a move described as a massive risk. The studio is now developing a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, set to release in 2027. This independence allows Toys for Bob to return to making games they are passionate about, leveraging their expertise from the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot franchises.
Rockstar's legal setback, Final Fantasy tax incentives, and PlayStation swaps 'PC' for 'AI' - Patch Notes #57
This week's gaming news includes Rockstar Games facing a trial date for union busting allegations, Sony Interactive Entertainment shifting its business strategy focus from 'PC' to 'AI' in SEC filings, and Microsoft's Xbox division reportedly preparing for studio closures. Additionally, Don't Nod is seeking new financing after Tencent withdrew short-term investment, Shibuya ward is offering Final Fantasy 14 in-game items for tax donations, and Epic Games is merging Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN into a unified Unreal Engine 6. The UK government is also set to implement a ban on social media for under 16s, impacting high-risk features in games.
DICE CRAWLER ANNOUNCED - A DARK FANTASY DICE DUNGEON CRAWLING ROGUELITE
Solo developer Karol Sollich has announced Dice Crawler, a dark fantasy, dice-based dungeon crawling roguelite RPG. The game features a unique dice-based combat system where dice can be rolled for skills or thrown as weapons. Dice Crawler is targeting a mid-2027 release on PC via Steam.
Unreal Engine 6 Expands Multiverse, Enables Fortnite Skin Transfers Across Games, Epic Announces
Epic Games has announced Unreal Engine 6, set for Early Access in late 2027 and full release by 2028-2029. This major update introduces cross-game cosmetic interoperability, starting with Fortnite, allowing players to transfer digital items between different games. The engine also integrates AI tools and Verse, a programming language for online worlds, aiming to foster a unified gaming experience and honor player investments.
Epic Games doubles down on Unreal Engine AI integration, as Fortnite tools jeopardize Vampire Survivors collab
Epic Games is significantly integrating Artificial Intelligence into Unreal Engine, aiming to streamline content creation and boost iteration for developers. This push towards generative AI and LLMs has led to concerns, notably from Vampire Survivors developer Poncle, who is reviewing their collaboration with Fortnite due to Epic's extensive use of AI in asset creation.
Arc System Works Showcase 2026 Announced for June 24 Featuring New Game Reveals
Arc System Works has announced its "Arc System Works Showcase 2026" event for June 24, which will feature new game reveals and updates on current projects. The presentation will stream live on YouTube with Japanese and English audio, and subtitles in multiple languages. The showcase is expected to highlight the company's popular fighting game franchises like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, as well as other upcoming titles.
No Law Dev Diary Reveals How Neon Giant Built a Dense Cyber-Noir City With Just 20 Developers
Neon Giant detailed their development philosophy for No Law, focusing on creating a dense, reactive cyber-noir city with a small team. They utilized Unreal Engine 5 technologies like Nanite and Lumen to achieve high detail and environmental interactivity, populating the city with over 3,000 dynamic NPCs. The game is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Evening Reading - June 18, 2026
Shacknews' Evening Reading for June 18, 2026, highlights that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders will begin on June 25th with the cover art revealed. The article also touches on reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, new Pokémon content, Apple's price increases, Epic Games' use of AI in Unreal Engine, and various other internet curiosities including custom game art and mods.
Steam Next Fest's top played games include only 1 of over 500 demos with an AI disclosure
Valve has revealed the top ten most played demos from Steam Next Fest, with Sword Art Online: Echoes of Aincrad and an offroading sim by the Art of Rally developers among the most popular. Notably, only one of the featured games, Nexon's Embers of the Uncrowned, disclosed the use of AI in its development. The article highlights the increasing prevalence of AI disclosures in game development and suggests Steam should implement a filter for AI-generated content.
Game and Mod Development
Epic Games announced Unreal Engine 6 and Unreal Engine 5.8 at State of Unreal 2026, alongside a $1 billion payout to developers using Unreal Editor for Fortnite. The event highlighted advancements in game development tools and creator economies.
Gears of War: E-Day Technical Director Explains How Unreal Engine 5’s Tech Helped in Development
The Coalition's technical director Kate Rayner detailed how Unreal Engine 5's features, such as MegaLights and dynamic geometry, were crucial in rebuilding Gears of War: E-Day from scratch. The game, developed for PC and Xbox Series X/S, aims to accurately portray the chaos of Emergence Day with enhanced lighting and destructible environments, running at 60 FPS on Xbox Series X.
Sony Removes PC Mentions in Annual Report, Discusses Use of AI For Game Development
Sony's latest annual report indicates a shift in business strategy, notably removing mentions of bringing first-party titles to PC and focusing on profitability adjustments due to rising component prices. The company plans to leverage AI for game development to improve productivity and enhance the PlayStation experience, while also continuing cross-media efforts.
Resident Evil 5 or 6 Remakes Won’t Happen Any Time Soon Due to Lack of Interest at Capcom – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Capcom has little internal interest in developing remakes for Resident Evil 5 or Resident Evil 6, despite fan demand. While remakes for Resident Evil - Code: Veronica, Resident Evil 0, and the original Resident Evil are reportedly in development, the focus is on projects with more internal desire or strong fan initiative. Resident Evil Revelations is said to have more internal interest than RE5 or RE6.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says He Cries During a Certain Scene Every Time He Plays
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that a specific scene focusing on Cloud's identity and his connection to Zack and Aerith makes him cry every time he plays it, even after 40 playthroughs. He explained that 'Revelation' was chosen as the title to signify the end of the trilogy and the unveiling of all answers. The game is set for a simultaneous worldwide release in Spring 2027 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Control Resonant Art Director Hopes It Does Well “So We Can Do Even More Stories” in Its Universe
Remedy Entertainment's art director Elmeri Raitanen confirmed that making Dylan the protagonist of Control Resonant was planned from the beginning. The studio hopes the game's success will allow for more stories within the Control universe. Control Resonant is scheduled to launch on September 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
