Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Minecraft puts its Java multiplayer test on hold: "The experience wasn't what we wanted"
Mojang has removed the peer-to-peer multiplayer feature from the latest Minecraft Java Edition pre-release, citing that the experience was not up to their standards. While the friends list functionality remains, the developer plans to revisit the multiplayer feature at a later date. The update also includes minor changes to Sulfur Cube and Spike mechanics, and separates chat and command spam server properties.
Game Maker's Sketchbook announces selections for 2026 showcase
The Game Maker's Sketchbook has announced its selections for its fifth annual showcase, highlighting concept art, environment art, character designs, and storyboards from games including Pragmata, Borderlands 4, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Monument Valley 3. The works are featured in an online gallery and will be exhibited at Summer Game Fest: Play Days in Los Angeles, with prints available for pre-order to support non-profit initiatives.
Why GTA 6 Fans Think Rockstar’s Next Big Reveal Could Be Imminent | Invision Game Community
Fans are speculating that Rockstar Games may soon reveal more information about Grand Theft Auto VI, fueled by the company's confirmation of a larger marketing campaign starting in summer 2026. While the official release date is November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, community theories suggest a new trailer or pre-order announcements could be imminent, based on past marketing patterns. Discussions also touch upon potential performance concerns for the Xbox Series S.
HoYoverse to invest billions into AI over the next three years
HoYoverse, the publisher of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, announced a significant investment of over 100 billion yuan ($20 billion AUD) into artificial intelligence over the next three years. The company aims to develop an in-house AI ecosystem to enhance future game development, including AI-powered NPCs and automation processes. This initiative positions HoYoverse alongside other companies like Krafton in adopting an AI-first approach to game creation.
Destiny 2 Closing is Real, and it’s More Painful Than I Thought — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bungie has announced the end of Destiny 2's live service, with the final update scheduled for June 9, 2026. This decision follows significant revenue shortfalls, particularly after the poorly received Lightfall expansion, and a major wave of layoffs. The article discusses the mismanagement and ambitious decisions that led to this point, the impact on the community, and the uncertain future for Bungie's other title, Marathon, without Destiny 2's financial support.
Hotta Studio Hints at Major Expansions and Possible Nintendo Switch 2 Port for Neverness to Everness - GameHaunt
Hotta Studio has hinted at significant expansions for their game Neverness to Everness, with speculation arising about a potential port to the Nintendo Switch. The article also highlights the contributions of Mark Louis Salazar to GameHaunt's global identity.
Fallout: New Vegas director's hopes for the RPG were shaped by how little time Obsidian had to work on it: "We can't set our sights on anything crazier than this"
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer discussed how the game's development constraints, particularly the 18-month deadline, shaped his goals for the RPG. He explained that the team focused on storytelling and quest reactivity, leveraging existing assets from Bethesda to achieve their vision within the limited timeframe.
Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary Livestream Announced for May 27th With An “Update” From the Team
Square Enix has announced a Dragon Quest 40th Anniversary livestream for May 27th, which is expected to provide an update on Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate. The stream will also feature a special anniversary page and a segment hosted by Eiko Kano. This event follows recent news about the development of a remake for Dragon Quest 7.
Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate Renamed to Beyond Dreams Following Development Reset
Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate has been renamed Dragon Quest 12: Beyond Dreams following a development reset at Square Enix. Executive producer Yosuke Saito cited numerous hurdles with the original vision, leading the team to restart from scratch. The new iteration promises new elements while retaining character designs by Akira Toriyama and music by Koichi Sugiyama.
Maverick Games Teases a Trailer With a Livestream of a Countdown
Developer Maverick Games has begun teasing an upcoming trailer for its narrative-led open-world driving game, with a livestream countdown currently set for over five days. The studio, founded by former Playground Games veterans, previously had a publishing agreement with Amazon Games, which was terminated earlier this year. Maverick Games is now in discussions with other publishers and expects to share more information later this year.
Game and Mod Development
This article from GamesIndustry.biz outlines the funding opportunities available for UK game development studios in 2026. It details the requirements that developers must meet to access these funding sources.
Deus Ex and Marathon actor wants to quit Twitter because he's tired of hearing Destiny 2 diehards hate on Bungie's new FPS: "How do you hope something fails?"
Actor Elias Toufexis, known for Deus Ex and his voice work in Bungie's Marathon, expressed frustration with online vitriol directed at the studio. He is considering leaving X (formerly Twitter) due to Destiny 2 fans blaming Marathon for the perceived decline of Destiny 2, arguing that such negativity is unproductive and harmful to game development.
The Witcher 3 Dev Announces Anniversary Stream, Gets Bombarded with Rumoured DLC Demands
CD Projekt Red announced a livestream to celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion. Despite the developer's silence on new content, fans are speculating about a potential new DLC that could bridge the gap between The Witcher 3 and the upcoming Witcher 4.
Destiny 2 players are processing their grief by posting their most embarrassing self-owns, and I've never felt more…
Destiny 2 players are processing the end of ongoing development by sharing humorous clips of their most embarrassing in-game failures. This trend offers a relatable and heartwarming way to commemorate the game, highlighting the full spectrum of player experiences beyond just impressive feats. The community's shared moments of fumbling and failure have become a unique form of collective grief and remembrance for the beloved loot shooter.
Broken Tail Interactive Wraps MerMay With a Splash — Playable Demo for Tideheart Now Live on itch.io
Broken Tail Interactive has released a free playable demo for their upcoming underwater mermaid adventure game, Tideheart, on itch.io. The demo, launched during the MerMay art event, allows players to experience the game's exploration, puzzle-solving, and underwater movement systems. The studio is seeking player feedback on the demo to further develop the narrative-driven 3D fantasy adventure.
Leaker claims Persona 6 is feature complete but is delayed internally until 2027
A leaker claims that Atlus' upcoming game, Persona 6, is feature complete but has been internally delayed until 2027. The leaker also speculates that the game could be revealed at upcoming events like the Xbox Showcase, Summer Game Fest, or The Game Awards. Details about protagonist designs, including hair color, suggest promotional artwork is already circulating.
Warhorse promises that Middle-earth RPG is a 'passion project' that 'will be a living world' with a…
Warhorse Studios communications director Tobias Stolz-Zwilling stated that their Middle-earth RPG is a 'passion project' that will be a 'living world' with a strong narrative focus. He also mentioned that the next Kingdom Come game is expected to release within the next fiscal year, potentially sooner than expected.
Red Dead Online wasn't a "missed opportunity," Take-Two CEO insists, and has been "immensely successful and long-lasting" despite fans feeling like it lives in GTA Online's shadow
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick defended Red Dead Online, stating it has been "immensely successful and long-lasting" and not a missed opportunity, despite its less extensive content updates compared to Grand Theft Auto Online. He highlighted the success of the Red Dead franchise overall, with Red Dead Redemption 2 being one of the best-selling games of all time.
How Brazil's government boosts the local game industry
Brazil's government is actively supporting its burgeoning game industry through an infrastructural approach that goes beyond traditional tax credits. Initiatives like the Brazil Games export program, managed by Abragames and funded by Apex Brazil, aim to boost the country's game development sector by framing it as a key export economy. This strategy, combined with existing tax incentives and lobbying for public fund mechanisms, aims to provide financial stability for both indie developers and external development studios, leveraging the favorable exchange rate to attract international investment.
Dragon Quest Series 40th Anniversary Update Covers Games This Week
Square Enix will host a 40th anniversary worldwide stream for the Dragon Quest series on May 27, 2026, to share game updates and plans. The 10-minute presentation is expected to provide news on Dragon Quest XII, the potential worldwide release of the offline version of Dragon Quest X, and a possible Nintendo Switch launch for Dragon Quest XI S. The most recent entry, Dragon Quest Smash/Grow, is a mobile roguelike released in April 2026.
