Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Lost Ark delays its next server merge to September 9 and is re-opening Paradise
Lost Ark has delayed its next server merge from September 2nd to September 9th due to a previous merge causing 35 hours of downtime. Additionally, an issue with the Paradise content, which incorrectly granted Elysian challenge attempt tickets, has been resolved and the content reopened, though the erroneously granted tickets will not be restored.
Laid off id Software developer says crunch on Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC was "brutal" with up to 17-hour days
A former id Software developer described the crunch for Doom: The Dark Ages - Revelations DLC as "brutal," with days reaching up to 17 hours. This developer, Andrew Willis, was subsequently laid off by Microsoft along with many other id Software employees shortly after the DLC's release. The article highlights the intense working conditions and the subsequent job losses impacting the studio.
Nvidia snuck me into a room to show off DLSS 5 in person, and it's somehow beautiful, ugly, impressive, and…
Nvidia demonstrated its controversial DLSS 5 AI image enhancement technology in person, showcasing its potential for photorealism and fine detail when used with developer control. While the technology can produce stunning results, pushing it too far, particularly with certain AI models, can lead to an 'ugly' and overprocessed appearance. A significant performance hit of 50-60% is a major concern for adoption, alongside the broader ethical debate surrounding AI in gaming.
The Witcher 4 Probably Won’t Be On A Disc, But Dev Teases Physical “Feelies” Of Some Type
CD Projekt Red has indicated that The Witcher 4, slated for a 2028 release, will likely not be available on physical discs due to industry trends. However, the studio's joint CEO Michał Nowakowski teased that a physical "box" with "feelies" will still be offered to fans.
Prudent management of the entertainment budget in Romanian casinos
This analysis highlights Evoplay as a prime example of a modern online slot provider, emphasizing its focus on unique mechanics, HTML5 technology for mobile-first development, and portfolio diversity. The article argues that innovation and technical quality are more crucial than quantity in today's competitive casino market, citing Evoplay's success and industry recognition as evidence.
Persona 4 Revival won't finally realize Yosuke's gay romance because Atlus thinks it'd have to let you…
Despite fan hopes, Atlus producer Kazuhisa Wada confirmed that Persona 4 Revival will not include a romance option between protagonist Yu Narukami and Yosuke Hanamura. Wada cited the significant additional content required to implement romances for all male characters as the reason for passing on the feature, a decision the author disagrees with, believing it would add depth to Yosuke's character.
Asha Sharma gives a positive response about the rising cost of tech
Xbox Executive Vice President and CEO Asha Sharma discussed the rising cost of gaming hardware and the impact of Artificial Intelligence during an interview at Gamescom. Sharma acknowledged challenges like component shortages and the need for innovation in affordability, while the article criticizes the perceived dismissal of concerns over GPU and CPU price hikes driven by AI demand.
Spider-Man's Sam Raimi almost made a Last of Us movie with a Game of Thrones star as Ellie, and the resurfaced…
Director Sam Raimi was in talks to produce a movie adaptation of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us in 2014, with Maisie Williams considered for the role of Ellie. Despite table reads and a poster being created, the project entered development hell and the rights lapsed in 2019, with Neil Druckmann citing a focus on making the film 'bigger' as a reason for its failure.
Rovio closes Copenhagen studio following shut down of Sonic Blitz
Rovio has closed its Copenhagen studio and cancelled the mobile game Sonic Blitz, impacting approximately 20 employees. CEO Alexandre Pelletier-Normand cited poor retention and a need to concentrate resources as reasons for the discontinuation. Sega, which acquired Rovio in 2023, reported a significant impairment on the acquisition cost due to profitability falling below forecasts and challenges integrating technology.
Bit Reactor furloughed "many of its workers" in the weeks before Star Wars Zero Company's launch
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor furloughed a significant portion of its staff in the weeks leading up to the game's launch, reportedly due to financial difficulties. A skeleton crew remains to address post-launch bugs, with hopes of rehiring furloughed workers if the game proves successful. The article also touches on a lawsuit filed by a former COO regarding company ownership and alleged termination.
Rebuilding Better Together for the 1.0 Launch of Young Suns
Young Suns, a 1-to-4 player cozy narrative life sim developed by KO_OP, is launching its 1.0 version after a period in Game Preview. The update introduces twelve new moonlets, new quests, character customization options, and faction alignment systems. The developers emphasize community feedback in shaping the game's post-revolution setting on Jupiter.
Ori 3 is Not in Development at Saber Interactive, Says Chief Creative Officer
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits has denied that the studio is developing Ori 3, refuting recent rumors. While Saber is working on other exciting projects, Moon Studios' CEO Thomas Mahler stated that they would make a new Ori game if given the go-ahead, calling the rumors nonsense.
Star Wars Zero Company Studio Furloughed Many Employees Weeks Before Release
Developer Bit Reactor furloughed a significant portion of its staff weeks before the release of Star Wars Zero Company, a decision confirmed by a company representative as necessary for survival. This news comes amidst a lawsuit filed by co-founder Alison Kelly and reports of employees working without pay, though the company plans to rehire furloughed workers post-launch. Despite these internal issues, the game has received critical acclaim and positive player reception on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Intergalactic’s Motion Capture Shoots for Cinematics Have Wrapped Up
Naughty Dog has announced that motion capture work for the cinematics of its upcoming game, Intergalactic, has concluded. The studio shared a photo of Tati Gabrielle, who plays protagonist Jordan A. Mun, in a motion capture suit. Actors Tony Dalton and Robin Atkin Downes have also been confirmed to be involved in the project, with Neil Druckmann teasing a role for an actor from The Last of Us.
After the debacle of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt says The Witcher 4 is already running on PC and consoles, promises…
CD Projekt Red is taking a more cautious approach to The Witcher 4's development following the troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077. Co-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the studio is prioritizing ensuring the game runs well on all platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, from the outset. The Witcher 4 is currently targeting a 2028 release.
"The Half-Life 2 of AI" will change people's minds about AI, Saber exec says after CEO claims he'd…
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits believes a breakthrough game, akin to Half-Life 2's impact, will eventually change public perception of generative AI in gaming. While the company is experimenting with AI in its game Rideshare Stimulator, Willits acknowledges the industry is still figuring out its place and consumer acceptance, contrasting it with the established utility of platforms like Steam. Despite industry backlash and legal concerns, Willits remains optimistic about AI's potential.
Indie MMO Hollowed Oath bakes in quest trackers and double-jumping
The indie MMORPG Hollowed Oath has received update V0.23, introducing a quest tracker that guides players via the compass and minimap. The update also enhances NPC stability, adds weapon proc abilities, and refines movement with a new double jump mechanic replacing the old clambering system.
Empulse and Splitgate: Arena Reloaded are officially over as 1047 Games says it's probably done making arena…
1047 Games has officially ceased development on its PvP arena shooter Empulse and its predecessor, Splitgate: Arena Reloaded, due to insufficient revenue to cover operating costs. While the studio will continue to exist with a changed focus, both games will transition to peer-to-peer support on September 3rd. The original Splitgate debuted in 2019 and saw significant popularity.
Naughty Dog says Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is finished filming "ambitious" cinematic shoot:…
Naughty Dog has announced that the cinematic shoot for their upcoming sci-fi adventure game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, has been completed. The studio described the shoot as "ambitious" and teased that the game will feature their "wildest, most creative story yet" and "deepest gameplay."
Beloved PlayStation Studio Housemarque’s Co-Founder Leaves, Issues Statement
Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and managing director of Housemarque, has departed the PlayStation Studios-owned developer after 31 years. Sami Hakala has taken over as the new managing director, with Kuittinen expressing confidence in the studio's future leadership and creative vision. Kuittinen plans to remain involved in the industry as a mentor or consultant.
