Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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This Google Chrome extension warns you about Steam games are made with generative AI
A new Google Chrome extension called 'AI warning for Steam' helps users identify games on Steam that disclose the use of generative AI in their development. The extension alerts users with a pop-up detailing the AI usage, allowing them to decide whether to proceed with viewing the game's page. This tool addresses Valve's requirement for developers to disclose AI usage, which is often buried deep within game descriptions.
Phantom Blade 0 dev explains why it doesn't care about competition from GTA 6
S-Game's director, Qiwei Liang, stated that Phantom Blade 0 will not alter its October 29 release date to avoid competition with Grand Theft Auto 6, which launches in November. Liang emphasized that the team's focus is solely on the quality and polish of Phantom Blade 0, rather than external market factors. The developer also expressed concern about rising hardware prices impacting player accessibility.
Ex Naughty Dog artist explains why we didn’t see Intergalactic at summer games fest
A former Naughty Dog artist explained why the game Intergalactic was not showcased at the Summer Game Fest. The artist clarified that the absence was not due to any issues with Naughty Dog itself.
Baldur's Gate 3 from the OG devs didn't happen despite years of trying because the money people thought "It's a single-player RPG, it's not going to do that big in numbers"
Former BioWare developer Trent Oster revealed that his team's attempt to secure funding for Baldur's Gate 3 years ago was rejected by investors who doubted the commercial viability of single-player RPGs. Oster's vision for the game was a smaller, $20 million project, in contrast to Larian Studios' eventual massive success. He notes that even after Baldur's Gate 3's triumph, the perception of what constitutes a successful RPG has shifted to require larger budgets and more extensive features.
Aphelion and Life is Strange developer Don't Nod in trouble as it struggles to secure funding for its next project
French studio Don't Nod, known for Life is Strange and Aphelion, is facing financial difficulties and may run out of cash by November as co-owner Tencent is unwilling to fund its next project or increase its stake. The company is seeking other publishers for funding, but discussions have not yet yielded commitments. This situation could lead to layoffs and a scaled-back development scope for its upcoming game, Project P14.
Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter are still going strong because their direction is no longer "tied to the ideas of a single creator," Capcom exec says
Capcom's President and COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto stated that the company's success with series like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter is due to a shift away from single-creator driven development towards a team-based approach. This allows franchises to continue even if original creators depart, contrasting with series like Metal Gear Solid which have been heavily reliant on Hideo Kojima. Capcom aims to nurture all its titles, including Devil May Cry, with this collaborative development model.
GTA 6 really is releasing in November, Take-Two boss insists while giving out free business advice: "Everything worth doing is hard and takes a long time"
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has reiterated that Grand Theft Auto 6 is on track for its November release date, emphasizing that creating a groundbreaking experience takes time and effort. He also shared business advice, stressing the importance of integrity and keeping one's word. Zelnick previously stated that Rockstar Games aims for perfection and to deliver an unprecedented experience.
Xbox to shut down at least three game developers and no one is safe
Xbox is reportedly planning to shut down at least three game development studios, including Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, as part of a broader 'reset' and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. Ninja Theory is reportedly seeking a new buyer, while Compulsion Games and Double Fine are in negotiations to become independent. This follows previous studio closures and layoffs at Xbox, such as Tango Gameworks and The Initiative.
1666 Amsterdam Dev Diary Unveils First Episode of Behind the Shadows Series | Invision Game Community
Panache Digital Games and Patrice Désilets have launched the first episode of their 'Behind the Shadows' developer diary series for the upcoming historical adventure game, 1666 Amsterdam. The debut episode focuses on the team's commitment to authenticity, detailing their research trip to Amsterdam to recreate the city's atmosphere. The game is set to launch in Early Access on PC in 2026, with console versions planned for later.
New TIGA Board Reinforces Commitment to Championing the UK Games Industry
TIGA, the trade association for the UK video games industry, has appointed new members to its Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to advocating for and supporting games businesses. The new board members bring diverse expertise from across the sector, aiming to strengthen policies that foster growth, attract investment, and develop talent within the UK games industry.
Report – Xbox is shutting down Ninja Theory, days after announcing their next game
Reports indicate that Microsoft is planning to shut down Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series, just days after announcing their new game, Senua. Staff were reportedly informed of the potential closure, with efforts underway to find a buyer. This news follows reports of other Xbox studios facing potential shutdowns and a broader business reset for the Xbox brand.
Sega Wants To Know Your Thoughts About Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Sega has launched a user survey for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, seeking player feedback to improve the game's development. The survey covers player habits, in-game modes, and rank, and is available until the end of June. This initiative follows the announcement of a second year of content for the game, including new DLC packs featuring Godzilla and Evangelion.
Sega Wants To Know What You Think About Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds
Sega has launched a user survey for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, seeking player feedback to improve the game's development. The survey covers player habits, in-game modes, and rank, and is available until the end of June. This initiative follows the announcement of a second year of content, including a Season Pass 2 with DLC featuring Godzilla and Evangelion.
Multiple Xbox Studios Reportedly In Active Negotiations With Microsoft To Avoid Closure
Multiple Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, are reportedly in active negotiations with Microsoft to avoid closure. Some studios may be given the opportunity to go independent or find a new buyer. Employees at Ninja Theory have been informed of potential closure, and Arkane Studios is also reportedly concerned about its future.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?
Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Game and Mod Development
A Sonic lead suggests that major AAA studios could learn from independent developers, drawing a parallel to how the film industry might benefit from observing trends seen in projects like 'Backrooms' and 'Obsession'.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
Why Turn-Based RPGs Are Resurging, According to Final Fantasy Resonance Devs
The director of Final Fantasy Resonance attributes the resurgence of turn-based RPGs to creators who grew up playing the genre now developing their own games. This trend reflects a growing interest in classic RPG mechanics among both developers and players.
Bloomberg: Several Xbox studios in negotiations to avoid closure
Several Xbox-owned studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly in negotiations to spin off from Microsoft or avoid closure. Staffers at Ninja Theory were informed of its closure, though the studio is seeking a buyer. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30, following a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hinting at a company reset due to increasing costs and an overextended studio system.
Multiplayer airship sandbox Forever Skies sets Xbox launch and not-final Final Echoes update for July 27
The multiplayer survival game Forever Skies is launching on Xbox and receiving its Final Echoes update on July 27th. Developed by Far From Home, the update will introduce new quests, an electricity system, ship damage overhaul, and custom difficulty settings. The developers clarified that 'Final Echoes' signifies the end of a specific content initiative, not the end of game support.