Game Development
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What insiders say Halo Studios was up to before losing Halo: 'The next Halo game was years away'
Following significant layoffs at 343 Industries, insiders report that the next mainline Halo game was years away and no titles were in full production. While work was underway on remakes and potential spinoffs, Microsoft has passed the series' future development to Activision, which is building a new studio dedicated to Halo.
Skyrim loremaster says The Elder Scrolls never got a Fallout: New Vegas-style game because Bethesda is "very protective" over its golden goose
Former Skyrim developer Kurt Kuhlmann suggests Bethesda's protective stance over The Elder Scrolls franchise prevented the creation of a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off. He believes Bethesda, particularly Todd Howard, wanted to avoid comparisons that favored external studios like Obsidian Entertainment, unlike what happened with Fallout: New Vegas. While The Elder Scrolls Online provided an ongoing experience, Kuhlmann implies a missed opportunity for a different kind of Elder Scrolls game.
Exploring co-development opportunities with Sam Carlisle
This episode of the Game Developer podcast features a discussion on co-development and external development opportunities with Sam Carlisle of XDS Spark and Beth Elderkin. They explore how these practices can help manage large game productions and budgets, offering insights for studios and job seekers.
Ubisoft's Mario + Rabbids team reportedly came close to making an "ambitious" Zelda game starring Ganondorf, but it wasn't to be
Ubisoft Milan, the studio behind Mario + Rabbids, reportedly pitched an "ambitious" Zelda spin-off starring Ganondorf to Nintendo. Despite initial interest, Nintendo eventually rejected the prototype in late 2023, leading to the project's cancellation and the departure of co-creator Davide Soliani. Conversations between the two companies have since reportedly broken down.
Palworld becoming the best-reviewed Steam game of 2026 is "nothing short of miraculous," says Pocketpair lead
Pocketpair's lead John Buckley expressed astonishment that Palworld has become the highest-rated game of 2026 on Steam, calling the player reception to its 1.0 update
World of Warcraft Forever discusses beta player reactions, Skyborne, and planned future adjustments
Blizzard Entertainment is discussing player reactions from the World of Warcraft beta, including feedback on the campfires system and the Skyborne design. The developers also addressed concerns about Druid forms, layering bugs, leveling speed, and plans to adjust blue-letter gear rewards. Inappropriate character names are being removed from the beta, and players are encouraged to complete a survey.
Microsoft's failure to find a home for Ninja Theory voids the one, very tenuous upside to Senua's SGF reveal
The article criticizes Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory's proposed closure, highlighting the failure to find a buyer after revealing the game Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. The author argues that Microsoft's actions demonstrate incompetence and callousness, turning a potential positive outcome from the game's reveal into a zero, and that the studio's closure reflects poorly on Xbox's business practices.
Cissy Jones on her career move from corpo stooge to games like Firewatch, Baldur's Gate 3, Starfield, and Telltale's The Walking Dead: "The willingness for people to tell stories in this space is so incredible"
Voice actor Cissy Jones discusses her career transition from corporate roles to acclaimed video games like Firewatch, Baldur's Gate 3, and Starfield. She highlights the unique and powerful storytelling capabilities of the gaming medium, contrasting them with traditional media.
After nearly 19 years in development hell, Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil 2 is somehow still showing signs of life
Despite being originally announced in 2008 and facing prolonged development challenges, Ubisoft's Beyond Good & Evil 2 is reportedly still in development. A developer from Ubisoft Bordeaux confirmed they have been working on the game, offering a glimmer of hope for its eventual release after nearly two decades.
Ubisoft-anställd försäkrar återigen att Beyond Good & Evil 2 lever
Ubisoft employee Rik Godwin has stated that Beyond Good & Evil 2 is still in development, despite its long and troubled history since its initial announcement 18 years ago. While a previous version of the game was scrapped, Godwin's recent involvement suggests the project is still active, though its current state and release window remain unknown.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
It took roughly two years and "one of the most expensive art assets ever" to get Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty's Chimera tank fight right
CD Projekt Red developers discussed the two-year development process behind the Chimera tank boss fight in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The team iterated extensively to balance gameplay, narrative, art, and worldbuilding for the complex encounter, which is described as one of the most expensive art assets ever created.
GTA veteran's MindsEye studio Build a Rocket Boy has entered administration, following yet more reports of layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy, the studio behind the poorly received game MindsEye, has filed for administration following reports of further layoffs. The company, founded by GTA veteran Leslie Benzies, has struggled since the launch of MindsEye, with CEO Mark Gerhard blaming 'sabotage' for its woes. The studio reported significant operating and net losses.
Despite everything, Beyond Good and Evil 2 still exists: Assassin's Creed Shadows DLC writer has been working on it…
Despite years of silence and speculation about its cancellation, Beyond Good and Evil 2 is reportedly still in development. Rik Godwin, lead writer for Assassin's Creed Shadows, has confirmed his involvement in a support role for the long-gestating title. The game has faced numerous challenges, including the departure of its original director and the passing of its creative director.
The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted returns December 3 with 20 of The Council's most hotly anticipated games
The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted is returning on December 3rd to reveal The Council's 20 most anticipated upcoming videogames. The event will feature world premieres, DLC, updates, release dates, and developer interviews, with a focus on giving each selected game more room to shine.
Rare under Activision has seen job cuts but they are working on new projects
Xbox has announced a studio reshuffle, placing the acclaimed developer Rare under Activision. This move has reportedly led to job cuts within Rare's central operations team. Despite these changes, Rare is confirmed to be working on new projects.
The Next Halo Game From Halo Studios Was Reportedly Still Years Away, Before Microsoft Handed the Franchise to Activision
The next installment in the Halo franchise, developed by Halo Studios, was reportedly years away from release before Microsoft canceled the project. Microsoft subsequently handed the franchise over to Activision Blizzard.
Ubisoft was reportedly working on a new Legend of Zelda game starring Ganondorf, only for Nintendo to shoot it down
Ubisoft Milan reportedly pitched a Legend of Zelda game starring Ganondorf to Nintendo, which was codenamed Goliath. After initial approval, Nintendo rejected the prototype by the end of 2023, leading to the project's cancellation. This cancellation is speculated to be the reason why key developers left Ubisoft to form their own studio.
Ganondorf almost got his own Zelda spin-off by Ubisoft claims report
A report claims that Ubisoft Milan pitched a Legend of Zelda spin-off game codenamed 'Goliath' to Nintendo, which would have featured Ganondorf as the playable protagonist. The prototype was reportedly built in late 2023 but was rejected by Nintendo in November 2023. Discussions for other collaborations between Ubisoft and Nintendo have since broken down.
Supercell Shuts Down Game Servers & Rolls to Beta Phase
Supercell's action RPG mo.co is returning to beta due to poor performance since its global launch in March 2025. The developers believe fundamental changes are needed, leading to the departure of the game's community manager. This decision, while surprising and disappointing to players, is seen as a commitment to long-term game health.
