Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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PS6 to launch with wave of retro revivals including Sly Cooper and Killzone
A new rumor suggests Sony is considering reviving dormant franchises like Sly Cooper, Killzone, and Ape Escape for the PlayStation 6 launch window. External studios are reportedly being invited to pitch new game ideas for these beloved series, potentially filling out the console's release schedule.
RuneScape creator Jagex in hot water over generative AI use in recent trailer
Jagex, the creator of RuneScape, is facing backlash after a trailer for RuneScape 3's Dragon Slayer 2 quest was revealed to have used generative AI, despite the company's public stance against its use. The trailer contained visual anomalies like a six-fingered hand, leading to community anger and an internal investigation by Jagex. The company has apologized, taken down the trailer, and is overhauling its review processes for third-party partners.
Capcom aims to enhance its propriety RE Engine with AI to accelerate efficiency in QA, debugging, and data processing
Capcom is enhancing its proprietary RE Engine with AI to improve efficiency in areas like QA, debugging, and data processing. The company aims to evolve the engine into an "AI-generation game engine" and will open-source some improvements to support AI training. This initiative follows Capcom's earlier statement that it would not implement generative AI assets directly into games but would use AI to boost development productivity.
Rockstar Traveled Across Florida With Gang Members and Cops for GTA 6 Research
Rockstar Games discussed their extensive research methods for Grand Theft Auto 6, which included traveling across Florida with gang members and law enforcement. The developers also mentioned observing a Beyonce concert from a helicopter as part of their immersive approach to game development.
MMO Week in Review: Welcome back to Atreia
This week's MMO news roundup covers the official launch of Aion 2 in the West, the early access release of Monsters & Memories, and upcoming expansions for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Lord of the Rings Online's Wolves of Mordor expansion is set for an October 21st release, while World of Warcraft Forever teases new classes. The article also touches on layoffs at Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax and discusses the current state of the MMORPG genre.
PlatinumGames Has a “Strong Desire” To Make a New Bayonetta Game, Says Studio Boss
PlatinumGames has expressed a strong desire to create a new entry in the Bayonetta series, according to studio boss Atsushi Inaba. While no projects are confirmed, the studio wants to further explore the character and her world. This comes as PlatinumGames is also working on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin and has seen former key developers like Hideki Kamiya depart to form new studios.
The Wolf Among Us 2 Co-Publisher Might Team Up With Telltale For More Projects in the Future
PM Studios CEO Michael Yum expressed optimism about future collaborations with Telltale, following positive progress on The Wolf Among Us 2. The companies have discussed new projects, though not necessarily a direct sequel to The Wolf Among Us 3. A remaster of the original The Wolf Among Us is also set for release on October 29th.
Gang of Dragon Developer Nagoshi Studio is “Gone” – Rumor
According to a rumor from VGC's Andy Robinson, Toshihiro Nagoshi's studio, Nagoshi Studio, is reportedly "gone" and has ceased operations. Evidence includes the removal of its YouTube channel and website. The studio, which was developing Gang of Dragon for NetEase Games, faced funding issues earlier this year.
GTA 6 Team Traveled With “Cops and Gang Members” to Research Florida: “Everyone is Lovely”
Rockstar Games sent development team members on research trips through Florida, including Miami and the Florida Keys, to gather inspiration for Grand Theft Auto 6. These trips involved immersing themselves in local culture, interacting with various individuals including law enforcement and gang members, and experiencing the region's extremes to build a believable and varied game world. Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Garry Newman responds to s&box criticism in lengthy YouTube comment: 'I don't like giving up on things, I…
Facepunch founder Garry Newman addressed criticism of the user-generated content platform s&box in a lengthy YouTube comment, acknowledging the game's poor launch and community reception. Newman stated that the company will remove the unpopular 'citizen' character models and improve content discoverability, admitting they "fucked it" and weren't ready for launch.
Dynasty Warriors producer would rather make new games than more remasters
Dynasty Warriors producer Tomohiko Sho expressed a preference for creating new games over more remasters, despite the recent launch of Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered. He indicated that future remasters depend on the success of the current release and suggested he might delegate remaster work to others to focus on new titles and sequels.
Former GTA lead says "there's no greater compliment" than being compared to his Rockstar classics, but he hopes his new game is "successful in its own right"
Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that while comparisons to his Grand Theft Auto classics are a compliment, he hopes his new projects at Absurd Ventures will succeed on their own merits. He discussed the pressure of developing major titles and his focus on creating work he is proud of, regardless of market success.
The Wolf Among Us 2's publisher thinks "there will be more" from its Telltale Games partnership
PM Studios CEO Michael Yum expressed optimism about future collaborations with Telltale Games, following their work on The Wolf Among Us 2. He indicated that discussions for new projects have already taken place and that both companies are aligned on future endeavors.
PlatinumGames boss hints he wants to expand Bayonetta as Stellar Blade director calls the series "indispensable"
PlatinumGames president Atsushi Inaba expressed a desire to expand the Bayonetta franchise, while Stellar Blade director Kim Hyung-tae praised the series as indispensable. The discussion occurred during Tokyo Game Show, where a crossover bringing Bayonetta costumes to Stellar Blade was announced. The article also notes the departures of series creator Hideki Kamiya and director Yusuke Miyata, as well as the recent death of Bayonetta's Japanese voice actress Atsuko Tanaka.
Fourth RuneScape officially revealed
Jagex has officially revealed a fourth RuneScape MMO, currently codenamed RS4, which will be built in Unreal Engine. The developer also announced a RuneScape animated adaptation in partnership with YouTuber Charlie 'MoistCr1TiKaL' White. RS4 is in early development and is years away from release, with Jagex emphasizing it will coexist with RuneScape and Old School RuneScape.
Capcom Aiming to Make RE Engine Into an AI Gaming Engine
Capcom is aiming to evolve its in-house RE Engine into an AI-generation game engine, dubbed the REX engine, to improve development efficiency and iteration times. The company hopes to make REX open-source for other developers, with initial tools like RE:Dox and RE:Log focusing on data translation and log streamlining. The author expresses skepticism about AI's role in game development, particularly regarding AI-generated content.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming news roundup covers several distinct topics. Papers, Please is highlighted for its poignant exploration of identity and documentation, while the VR game Gunman Contracts is criticized for common VR foibles despite glimpses of potential. Concerns are raised about potential layoffs at The Coalition following Gears of War: E-Day, alongside broader industry layoffs driven by AI and economic pressures. The article also touches on Hollywood's history of fads leading to flops and features an interview with an artist creating humorous street art.
Sonic Team boss on the pressure of achieving high Metascores
Sonic Team boss Takashi Iizuka discussed the increased pressure to achieve high Metacritic scores for recent Sonic the Hedgehog games. He attributes the improved quality and consistency to greater resource allocation and a stronger development support structure within the team.
The Naughty Dog news has me optimistic about the PS5 again - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses optimism about the future of PlayStation following Naughty Dog's confirmation of multiple new game projects, including two The Last of Us titles and a new Uncharted game. The author criticizes Sony's recent focus on live service games and high budgets, which they believe has led to a decline in game quality and reliability on the PlayStation 5.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Trilogy Providing a Complete Experience in Each Game Was “Non-Negotiable”
Square Enix game director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that ensuring each game in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy provides a complete experience was a non-negotiable aspect of development. While Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth omitted certain iconic locations to maintain pacing, the upcoming finale, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3, is expected to be over 100 hours long and will feature an open world accessible from the start, along with an automatic leveling function for story-focused players.
