Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Rockstar Says You Won’t Have To Wait Another 8 Years After GTA 6 For Its Next Game
Rockstar Games aims to reduce the development time for future titles by leveraging the technology and team built for Grand Theft Auto 6. Head of development Phil Hooker stated that the foundations laid for GTA 6 will enable faster production of subsequent games, potentially avoiding another eight-year gap between major releases.
"You don't listen to the loudest people in the room" - World of Warcraft: Forever boss discusses how to approach a deluge of feedback
World of Warcraft executive producer Holly Longdale discussed how Blizzard Entertainment approaches player feedback for the upcoming World of Warcraft: Forever. She emphasized the importance of not solely listening to the loudest voices and highlighted the team's selective approach to incorporating community suggestions, balancing them with data-driven research to maintain the game's core vision.
Former game-seller Zavvi enters administration again and "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders"
Former game retailer Zavvi has entered administration for the second time, ceasing all trading and stating it cannot fulfill outstanding orders or pre-orders. Customers who have paid for undelivered goods are advised to contact their payment providers. Separately, Microsoft's Xbox division has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by Scott Van Vliet to explore emerging trends in game development and player experiences, particularly in the context of rapid game decompilation and remixing, though it avoids explicit mention of AI.
Xbox announces what sounds like a generative AI-focused game-making department, Xbox Labs, while avoiding mentioning AI
Xbox has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by CTO Scott Van Vliet, to explore emerging trends in game development, particularly those related to generative AI and code manipulation. CEO Asha Sharma announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in understanding how players and developers interact with new technologies, while notably avoiding direct mention of AI in the announcement.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
GTA 6 PC Release Rumored for Q1 2027 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
A rumor suggests that Grand Theft Auto VI will be released on PC in the first quarter of 2027, following its console debut on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This potential delay mirrors Rockstar Games' previous release patterns for Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, which also received PC ports significantly after their console launches.
GTA 6 Team Recounts Take-Two CEO’s Response to Second Delay: “‘Please Tell Me You’re Kidding'”
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed surprise at Grand Theft Auto 6's second delay, but ultimately understood the reasons provided by Rockstar Games. The game is now set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a PC release reportedly in early 2027. Rockstar believes future titles will not take as long to develop due to evolving tools.
Rockstar’s Next Game Won’t Take 8 Years, as GTA 6 Tools Allow Team to “Do Things More Quickly”
Rockstar Games technical director Phil Hooker stated that the development tools and team built for Grand Theft Auto 6 will allow for quicker content creation in future projects, potentially reducing the long wait times between major releases. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, with a PC version reportedly planned for early 2027.
GTA 6 Team “Changed Things” Even in the Last Few Months, Initial NPC Projections Were “Horrifying”
Rockstar Games has made significant changes to Grand Theft Auto 6 even in the final months of development, particularly concerning NPC projections which were initially 'horrifying'. Delays allowed the team to refine the game's vision, leading to a more diverse and detailed world with unique characters and conversations. The game is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Red Dead Redemption 2’s Crunch Made GTA 6 Studio Say “We’re Not Doing it Like This Again”
Rockstar Games has made a conscious effort to avoid the extensive crunch experienced during Red Dead Redemption 2's development for Grand Theft Auto 6. Studio leadership acknowledges the past issues and highlights improvements in development practices, aiming for a better work-life balance while still delivering an ambitious open-world experience. Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Trials Studio Facing Closure, Ubisoft Singapore to Get Hit by Layoffs Impacting 70 Employees – Rumor
Ubisoft is reportedly planning to close its Finland-based studio RedLynx, known for the Trials franchise, resulting in 52 job cuts. Additionally, Ubisoft Singapore will undergo layoffs impacting 70 employees as part of a larger restructuring effort. These decisions come as Ubisoft aims to streamline operations and manage its workforce effectively.
After 8 years, Ultima creator says his MMO Shroud of the Avatar finally has "zero bugs" thanks to AI
Richard Garriott, creator of Ultima, claims his MMORPG Shroud of the Avatar now has zero bugs thanks to the implementation of AI in its development process. Garriott stated that AI has significantly reduced development time and costs by fixing bugs rapidly, a stark contrast to the game's previous persistent bug issues. He acknowledges the ethical concerns surrounding AI in game development but believes its use is crucial for efficiency.
Introducing XBOX LABS
Microsoft has announced the formation of Xbox Labs, a new initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies and their potential impact on gaming. Led by Scott, the group will investigate areas like AI, cloud gaming, and game preservation, aiming to make games more accessible and empower players as creators.
Despite Huge Changes For The Series, Halo Fest 2026 Is Going Forward, And News Is Coming Soon
Halo Fest 2026 is proceeding as planned from December 11-13 in Seattle, despite significant layoffs at Halo Studios and the transition of future game development to Activision. Halo Studios director Tashi confirmed that news regarding the event and "relevant game info" for existing titles will be shared this week. The event will celebrate the Halo community and its 25th anniversary, featuring appearances from voice actors Steve Downes and Jen Taylor.
ARC Raiders’ executive producer thinks a pure PvE mode might split the game, but also that the split is already present
ARC Raiders' executive producer Alesander Grøndal believes a dedicated PvE mode could split the game, but also acknowledges the player base is already divided on the issue. A week-long test is underway to gather data on how a PvE-only option impacts player experience and development decisions.
"They thought Callisto was a complete failure": Glen Schofield blames publishers Krafton for The Callisto Protocol's crash landing
Glen Schofield, co-creator of The Callisto Protocol, blames publisher Krafton for the game's troubled launch, stating they were forced to ship it on a shortened schedule. Schofield claims Krafton's decisions and the mandate for a cross-platform release contributed to the game's sub-par state and negative reception, though the author notes Schofield does not take personal responsibility.
GTA 6 will reportedly launch on PC in early 2027, and fans believe it's so Rockstar can avoid clashing with 'the PS5 emulator breathing down their necks'
A new report suggests the PC version of Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch in early 2027, a few months after its console debut. Fans speculate this earlier release is to preempt potential PlayStation 5 emulators and avoid piracy, with some believing Rockstar Games is artificially delaying the PC version to maximize console sales.
Hundreds of layoffs and many cancelled projects later, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly says 'we will not…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly stated the company's commitment to creating new intellectual property and backing its strongest franchises. This comes amidst significant layoffs, studio reorganizations, and project cancellations, leading to confusion and criticism regarding Xbox's actual strategy.
AI Couldn’t Have Made Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s Biddy Blas
The article discusses Epic Games' reported "AI first" production model for an upcoming Star Wars shooter, contrasting it with the unique character design of Biddy Blas from Star Wars: Galactic Racer. It implies that an AI-driven approach may lack the creative spark needed for memorable characters.
Fortnite Dev Reportedly Delays New Marvel/Star Wars Shooter Amid “AI Acceleration” Push
Epic Games has reportedly delayed an unannounced shooter collaboration with Disney featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, shifting its development focus towards an "AI first" production model. CEO Tim Sweeney announced a company-wide pivot to "maximum AI acceleration" to build better content faster, impacting existing projects and potentially altering the development of future titles.
