Game Development
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Rockstar confirms GTA 6 won't have microtransactions or generative AI at launch
Rockstar Games has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will not feature microtransactions or generative AI at launch. This decision comes as Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, reportedly laid off its AI team earlier this year. The game will include gated content in its Ultimate Edition, but core gameplay will be free of these elements.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming news roundup highlights multiple laptop thefts at Gamescom 2026, impacting indie developers. Articles also explore the narrative depth of Grand Theft Auto 6's character dynamics, the evocative soundtrack of Disco Elysium, and a memorable performance in Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3.
GTA 6 Development Started in 2015, Says Rockstar North Co-Studio Head
Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson revealed that Grand Theft Auto 6 has been in development since 2015, with the majority of the team focusing on it after Red Dead Redemption 2's release in 2018. The game is expected to be a long experience, with an estimated 80 hours to finish and a world size three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2. It is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
The Long Dark sequel Blackfrost hasn't been cancelled, but developer Hinterland are shifting a bit more focus onto the original's survival mode
Hinterland Studio has clarified that the sequel to The Long Dark, Blackfrost, has not been cancelled but will see a shift in development focus. The studio will prioritize updates, bug fixes, and new content for The Long Dark's survival mode, including paid DLC, before fully dedicating resources to Blackfrost. A gameplay reveal for Blackfrost is still expected by the end of the year.
Stolen Laptops at gamescom: Solo Dev’s Tearful Video Draws Aid From CD Projekt Red and Fellow Creators
Solo developer Ryan Laley had his laptops stolen from his gamescom booth, leading to significant financial and emotional distress. The incident garnered widespread attention, prompting support from fellow creators and companies like CD Projekt Red, who offered assistance to help Laley replace his stolen hardware. Other studios, including iam8bit and Tessera Studios, also reported thefts at the event.
The Long Dark will get new DLC again as studio shifts devs away from the sequel to survive an 'uncertain'…
Developer Hinterland has announced new DLC for its 9-year-old survival game, The Long Dark, as a small team shifts focus from the sequel, Blackfrost, to ensure the studio's survival amidst an uncertain industry. While Blackfrost is still in development with a delayed early access launch, new content and regions for The Long Dark's survival mode are planned over the next two years.
Star Citizen spinoff Squadron 42 has been delayed yet again, citing everyone going gaga for GTA 6, even if it isn't coming to PC yet
Cloud Imperium Games has delayed the release of Squadron 42, the single-player spinoff of Star Citizen, to Q2 2027. Studio head Chris Roberts cited the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 as a reason to avoid releasing during its attention buzz. The game, which was originally slated for 2026, has been in development since 2014 and features a notable cast including Gary Oldman, Gillian Anderson, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, and Henry Cavill.
GTA 6 "will be released on time," Rockstar North co-lead says, who hopes the extended look will stop fans from…
Rockstar North co-lead Rob Nelson has confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be released on its scheduled date of November 19. Following concerns about game quality after initial footage, Nelson expressed confidence that the extended look has alleviated these worries and reiterated that the game will launch on time. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has also previously expressed firm confidence in the November release date.
Path of Exile 2's Director admits, "We had a lot of arrogance about how long we thought it would take"
Path of Exile 2 is set to launch on December 11, transitioning to a free-to-play model on Steam. Game Director Jonathan Rogers admitted that Grinding Gear Games underestimated the development time, particularly for the endgame and unique items, due to the game being fundamentally different from its predecessor. The team is now confident that the core elements are in a satisfactory state for the 1.0 launch.
EA breaks its silence after Iron Man gameplay leak, admitting "well, that didn't go as planned"
EA has acknowledged the recent leak of Iron Man gameplay footage, stating that "well, that didn't go as planned." The leaked footage, reportedly from an August test build, showcased aerial and on-foot combat in an open-world city. This marks the latest development in the game's largely silent four-year development cycle under EA Motive.
Gamescom 2026, dag 4 - Sega och Capcom för hela slanten
The fourth day of Gamescom 2026 featured interviews with Sega and Capcom. Kenji Kanno, creator of Crazy Taxi, discussed his career and the upcoming Crazy Taxi: World Tour, while the directors and producers of Mega Man Dual Override shared insights into the game's development. The article also briefly mentions Tencent's Zoopunk and the prequel to F.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow Torch.
Squadron 42 delayed to 2027, with Star Citizen dev blaming GTA 6
Cloud Imperium Games has delayed the release of Squadron 42, a spin-off of Star Citizen, to the second quarter of 2027. Studio boss Chris Roberts cited the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 as a reason to avoid releasing the game into such a crowded market. The game, which has been in development for over a decade, features a star-studded cast including Gary Oldman, Mark Hamill, and Henry Cavill.
GTA 6 leaks: 7 things Cyberleek still hasn’t shown
A leaker known as Cyberleek has released approximately four and a half minutes of Grand Theft Auto 6's prologue, featuring the playable character Lucia Caminos. This leak marks the first time story spoilers have surfaced, though many classic GTA staples like first-person view, extensive customization, and elaborate heists are notably absent from the shared footage. The article speculates that the leaked build may be restricted, with further details potentially revealed by Netflix's upcoming exclusive look at the game.
The Witcher 3 Remastered Is Tackling Its Most Obvious Flaw
This article discusses the upcoming remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, focusing on how CD Projekt Red is addressing long-standing criticisms regarding clunky movement and combat. The author believes these improvements, alongside enhancements to enemy AI and progression systems, will justify another playthrough of the beloved RPG.
Indie Dev Posts Video Reporting Stolen Laptops at gamescom as CD Projekt Red and More Step in to Help
Indie developer Ryan Laley reported that his laptops were stolen at gamescom, cutting his participation short. Other developers, including those from CD Projekt Red, have stepped in to offer assistance to Laley and other affected developers.
GTA 6 Won’t Joke About Covid or Trump, Rockstar Explains: ‘We Just Have to Be Careful What We Pick’
Rockstar Games' head of development, Rob Nelson, explained that Grand Theft Auto 6's long development cycle, beginning in 2015, means the studio must be selective about its satire to avoid dating the content. The team prioritizes material that has timeless relevance and serves the narrative, rather than focusing on contemporary events like the Covid pandemic or Donald Trump's presidency.
Gamescom 2026 developers report theft of equipment from floor booths
Multiple developers and companies, including iam8bit and Ryan Laley, reported theft of laptops and equipment from their booths at Gamescom 2026. Police reports have been filed, and Tessera Studios also had items stolen. The incidents have led to criticism of Gamescom's security measures, with some developers offering support to the affected parties.
After AI backlash, Assassin's Creed creator says 1666: Amsterdam "won't be using any AI anymore" and only used it "in conception and pre-production"
Patrice Désilets, the creator of Assassin's Creed, has clarified that his new game 1666: Amsterdam will no longer use AI after initial backlash. While AI was used in conception and pre-production, Désilets stated it has been entirely removed from the project. The game is now available in Early Access on PC.
Squadron 42 Retreats to Q2 2027 as Chris Roberts Refuses to Share a Month With GTA 6
Cloud Imperium Games has delayed the release of Squadron 42 from Q4 2026 to Q2 2027. Chairperson Chris Roberts cited the upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto VI as the primary reason for the delay, wanting to avoid the massive media attention it will generate. The game is being developed for PC and features a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill.
Persona 4 Revival boss knows you want to romance Yosuke, but you can't because then the devs would have to do that…
Persona 4 Revival producer Kazuhisa Wada confirmed that Yosuke will not be a romanceable character in the upcoming remake, citing the significant development effort required to implement same-sex romance options for all male characters. Wada also mentioned that some of Yosuke's scenes and lines have been revised to be more fitting for contemporary societal norms.
