Game Development
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"They have the biggest bullsh*t detectors on the planet": How the unlikely EVE Online x Google DeepMind AI partnership landed with players
Fenris Creations, formerly CCP Games, has announced a research partnership with Google DeepMind, which will involve training AI agents on a separate version of EVE Online. Despite player skepticism towards generative AI in gaming, the partnership was met with cautious optimism at EVE FanFest, with discussions focusing on potential applications like improving the game's complex codebase and enhancing NPC interactions. Players, known for their critical feedback, seem willing to see how this collaboration unfolds, especially given Google DeepMind's history with game AI.
CD Projekt Red CEO says the studio's 'ambitious' plans for a new Witcher trilogy could mean no expansions for The Witcher 4 — 'It would be difficult, to be very honest'
CD Projekt Red's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the studio's ambitious plan to release a new Witcher trilogy within six years makes it unlikely for The Witcher 4 to receive expansions. The focus will be on delivering full-sized games within the tight timeline, with the next expansion for The Witcher 3, Songs of the Past, now slated for a 2027 release.
The Witcher 3’s Songs Of The Past Expansion Was Supposed To Release Sooner
CD Projekt Red has delayed the release of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt expansion, Songs of the Past, from its original 2026 target to 2027 to ensure the best possible quality. While this expansion is considered a prologue to The Witcher 4, the company also plans to release other unannounced content this year. More details about Songs of the Past will be revealed at Gamescom.
CDPR is aiming to 'release 3 Witcher games within a 6 year period' but don't expect any expansions for…
CD Projekt Red aims to release three new Witcher games within a six-year period, with joint CEO Michał Nowakowski stating that this ambitious pipeline leaves little room for expansions to the upcoming trilogy. While an expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was confirmed, the focus will be on new installments in the series.
Fable reboot delayed again to 2027
Xbox Game Studios and Playground Games have announced another delay for the Fable reboot, pushing its release from Fall 2026 to February 2027. Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty stated the delay is to give the game its own moment to shine. The Fable reboot will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, and will also be included with Xbox Game Pass.
Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka is "the most miserable person I have ever worked with," says former Sega VP
Former Sega vice president Mike Fischer described Sonic co-creator Yuji Naka as "the most miserable person" he has ever worked with, citing instances of Naka's volatile reactions to game naming and marketing decisions. Fischer also contrasted Naka's difficult personality with the kindness of Sonic's other co-creator, Naoto Ōshima, and mentioned Naka's past insider trading conviction.
Morning Postmortems/Retrospectives
An interview with Microsoft veteran Stuart Moulder discusses the Close Combat series. Separately, a report suggests Bungie considered relaunching Destiny 2 as 'Destiny Infinity'.
Civilization 7 and Borderlands 4 had "missteps," Take-Two boss admits, but publisher 2K is still…
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick acknowledged "missteps" with Civilization 7 and Borderlands 4, despite both titles being profitable. He stated that publisher 2K Games is performing strongly overall, and that challenges with these franchises are being addressed. Zelnick also expressed confidence in Grand Theft Auto 6's future success.
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg was originally just going to be called Giant Egg
Former SEGA executive Mike Fischer revealed in an interview that the GameCube game Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg was initially planned to be titled Giant Egg. Fischer also discussed the development of Blinx: The Time Sweeper for the original Xbox and recounted anecdotes about Yuji Naka's involvement and disputes with Ōshima-san.
Counter-Strike's co-creator isn't worried about low player counts: "Those people are never going to play your game."
Minh 'Gooseman' Le, co-creator of Counter-Strike, is not concerned about the low player counts for his game, Alpha Response, which is currently in Steam Early Access. He believes that the critics are not the target audience and that the developers are focusing on polishing the game before extensive marketing. Le hopes Alpha Response can achieve similar success to Payday upon its full release later this year.
Former SEGA executive: Yuji Naka is a “miserable person” and “a horrible human being”
Former SEGA executive Mike Fischer has strongly criticized Yuji Naka, calling him "a horrible human being" and accusing him of stealing credit for the creation of Sonic the Hedgehog. Fischer stated that while Naka was the programmer, Naoto Ōshima was the character creator and Hirokazu Yasuhara was key to the game design. Fischer also mentioned Naka's recent conviction as a felon.
Old School RuneScape 2026 Roadmap Revealed | Invision Game Community
Jagex has unveiled the 2026 roadmap for Old School RuneScape, detailing a year of significant content updates including questline conclusions, new regions like Wyrmscraig, and the game's first endgame raid in years, The Fractured Archive. The roadmap also includes PvP training, community systems, and global server expansion, alongside the return of major live events like Deadman Allstars and RuneFest.
Gothic 1 Remake – Making Of Series Concludes with Deep Dive into the Combat System
Alkimia Interactive and THQ Nordic have released the final episode of their 'Making Of' series for Gothic 1 Remake, focusing on the game's combat system. The developers discuss preserving the original's deliberate feel while modernizing controls for current players. Pre-orders for Gothic 1 Remake on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X include a digital copy of Gothic Classic.
Finnish Game of the Year 2025 winner The Last Caretaker by Channel37 releases new trailer and updated demo
Channel37 has released a new trailer and an updated demo for their Early Access game, The Last Caretaker, following its win as Finnish Game of the Year 2025. The updates showcase new content, traversal options, tools, and performance improvements for the ocean-world survival game. The studio emphasizes player feedback in their ongoing development process.
007 First Light Includes A Classic Hitman-Era Easter Egg
IO Interactive has included a classic 'Allan please add details' Easter egg from Hitman: Blood Money in its latest game, 007 First Light. This recurring inside joke, originating in 2006, continues the legacy of Allan and his post-it notes. The studio also announced that 007 First Light has become its fastest-selling game, reaching 1.5 million sales in its first 24 hours.
TIGA appoints Elaine Green as chair
Elaine Green, co-founder of Nellyvision, has been appointed as the new chair of the UK trade body TIGA, succeeding Jason Kingsley of Rebellion. Green, who has over twenty years of experience in game development and publishing, aims to support studios of all sizes and foster a sustainable future for the UK games industry.
Modern Warfare 4 On Switch 2 Has Been “So Smooth” For Infinity Ward
Infinity Ward has reported a smooth development process for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2, with co-studio head Jack O’Hara noting the game ran well on the hardware. Cross-play between the Switch 2 and other platforms is confirmed to be supported at launch. This marks the first Call of Duty title on a Nintendo console since 2013, with Microsoft having pledged feature and content parity for the Switch version.
Witcher Dev Will Focus On Sequels Over Expansions For Witcher 4, 5, 6
CD Projekt Red will prioritize full game sequels over expansions for The Witcher 4, 5, and 6, aiming to release the trilogy within six years. This marks a shift from The Witcher 3's model, which received major expansions. The studio plans for The Witcher 4 to launch around 2028, following a 2027 expansion for The Witcher 3.
Sonic creator wanted to call Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg a very filthy name
Former Sega executive Mike Fischer shared anecdotes about Yuji Naka's dissatisfaction with the title 'Billy Hatcher And The Giant Egg,' revealing Naka's desire to rename it 'Giant Cock.' Fischer also mentioned hearing rumors of a potential remake for 'Sonic CD' and shared personal experiences working with Michael Jackson on 'Moonwalker.'
CD Projekt Red says The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past expansion was supposed to launch this year, but a delay to 2027…
CD Projekt Red has announced that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's upcoming expansion, Songs of the Past, has been delayed from its original 2024 release to 2027. The studio believes this extended development time will ensure the best possible consumer experience. A presentation of the expansion is planned for Gamescom 2026, though it will not be a hands-on demo.
