Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
Latest coverage
007 First Light Dev Says It Had “No Choice” But To Delay The Game’s Switch 2 Edition Again
IO Interactive's technical producer, Cristina Vega, stated that the studio had "no choice" but to delay the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of 007 First Light again, now to March 2027. This decision was made due to the development team needing a break and marketing requests, aiming to deliver a polished experience. Vega also confirmed that the Switch 2 version will have some technical compromises, such as reduced object detail and fewer NPCs, but core gameplay will remain identical.
Microsoft patents idea for in-game PC and Xbox adverts shown during downtime "trigger events"
Microsoft has patented a system for displaying in-game advertisements during downtime on PC and Xbox. The technology aims to show ads during loading screens or end-of-round moments without disrupting gameplay, potentially impacting subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
Hideo Kojima doesn't know if Physint will release on PlayStation after Xbox picked up publishing duties, and hasn't "decided" if he'll use the Sony-owned Decima engine, either
Hideo Kojima has stated that the upcoming game Physint, now being published by Xbox Game Studios, has not yet decided on its game engine. He also expressed uncertainty about whether the game will still release on PlayStation platforms following the shift in publishing.
Physint budget and deadline issues are "unsubstantiated speculation," Kojima Productions says, and "our relationship with PlayStation remains strong" despite having to go to Xbox
Kojima Productions has issued a statement refuting reports that Sony canceled its upcoming game Physint due to budget and deadline issues. The studio confirmed that Xbox will now publish the title and stated that its relationship with PlayStation remains strong, while also encouraging skepticism towards unsubstantiated online speculation.
Hideo Kojima "couldn't understand" why Physint "would be on the list of being cancelled" by Sony
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony Interactive Entertainment unexpectedly cut funding for his upcoming game, Physint. Despite the setback, Kojima Productions, now partnered with Xbox for Physint and the horror title OD, managed to avoid layoffs and continues development. Kojima emphasized the importance of supporting independent studios.
Weekend Discussion - September 20, 2026
This Weekend Discussion from Shacknews covers various topics including reviews for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter, and the storytelling in Soulframe. It also touches on the long gap since Rare's last release and mentions a Burnout 3: Takedown beta disc find. The article also highlights Shacknews' commitment to not using AI in its content.
“We Are Not Done With Destiny,” Says Bungie, Starting With Restoring Destiny 2’s Removed Content
Bungie has announced its commitment to restoring removed content from Destiny 2, including old campaigns and planets previously placed in the Destiny Content Vault. The developer acknowledges the impact of these removals on player trust and aims to make amends by updating and reintroducing these experiences. This initiative is seen as foundational to Bungie's future, with plans for more stories and worlds within the Destiny universe, while also providing updates on the development of their new game, Marathon.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Can “Easily” Take 100+ Hours to Complete, Says Director
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that a single playthrough of the game will easily exceed 100 hours. He also mentioned that the game requires a substantial 200 GB installation size across platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with the physical edition split across multiple discs to maintain quality.
Hideo Kojima Isn’t Sure if Physint Will Come to PlayStation
Hideo Kojima expressed uncertainty about whether his upcoming espionage title, Physint, will be released on PlayStation platforms following Sony's decision to drop its publishing deal. The game is now being developed with Xbox, which Kojima notes is providing significant technological support. He is still experimenting with game engines and new technologies for the project, which is being developed by a small team.
Physint is “The Biggest Selling Title I could Possibly Create”, Says Hideo Kojima
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony canceled its publishing deal for his upcoming game, Physint. Despite the setback, Kojima Productions secured a new publishing deal with Xbox for Physint and continues development on the horror project OD. Kojima reflected on his long-standing relationship with Sony but acknowledged the tough times in the game industry.
Physint Deal Canceled by Sony After “Months of Negotiations” with Kojima Productions – Rumor
Sony has reportedly canceled its deal with Kojima Productions for the development and publishing of the game Physint after months of negotiations. While Kojima Productions stated their relationship with PlayStation remains strong and they are in a healthy state, journalist Jason Schreier reported the cancellation stemmed from missed deadlines and significant investment needs. Physint will now be developed under a new deal with Xbox, with Hideo Kojima expressing commitment to the action-espionage genre and confirming Bill Skarsgård will play the main protagonist.
007 First Light dev on why the Nintendo Switch 2 version was delayed, frame rate talk, using new rendering technique for the sytem
IO Interactive has detailed the reasons behind the repeated delays of 007 First Light on the Nintendo Switch 2, citing the need for a "brief breather" for the development team and marketing requests, pushing the release to March 2027. The studio is prioritizing a stable 30 FPS and is employing a new 'Meshlets' rendering technique, which contributes to the extended development time. While some compromises in object detail are made compared to PC, the core gameplay and experience are intended to remain identical.
Videogame development sim Let's Build a Dungeon launches into early access February 11
The videogame development simulation game Let's Build a Dungeon will launch into early access on February 11, 2027. Players will manage a studio creating an MMORPG, handling hiring, assigning work, and player satisfaction, with the game itself being a meta-commentary on game development.
Last Epoch begins its countdown to Season 5 with a new trailer and lineup of preview plans
Eleventh Hour Games has released a new trailer and detailed preview plans for Last Epoch's upcoming Season 5, "Rage of the Forstborn," launching October 1st. The season will introduce a new pinnacle boss, seasonal mechanics, class skills, and overhauls to prophecies and the UI. Mike Wiecker will take over as game director, with Judd Cobler focusing more on CEO duties.
Mark Darrah, co-director of Dragon Age: Origins, has played Riven for 3 minutes and Factorio for 832 hours: 'If you want to know what kind of programmer someone would be, have them play Factorio'
Former BioWare director Mark Darrah discusses his gaming habits, highlighting an 832-hour playtime in Factorio and a brief three-minute session with Riven. Darrah, known for his work on the Dragon Age series, shares insights into game development, programming, and design, emphasizing the lessons learned from playing games like Factorio and his past projects.
Kojima Productions Issues Statement on Recent Change
Kojima Productions has issued a statement to address online speculation about its relationships with PlayStation and Xbox. The studio denied rumors of project cancellations and poor relationships, confirming that Physint is still in development with Xbox and its partnership with PlayStation remains strong. The company emphasized its healthy financial state and thanked fans for their support.
Hideo Kojima responds to accusations of Physint being over budget and late on deadline, says he still "loves Sony" despite collapse of publishing deal
Hideo Kojima addressed accusations that his new game, Physint, is over budget and behind schedule, stating that while Sony stepped away from publishing due to concerns, he still loves the company and has no ill feelings. Xbox has since taken over publishing duties for the 'action espionage' title, with Kojima praising their support and technical capabilities. Kojima Productions also issued a statement refuting claims about their financial health and relationship with PlayStation.
Hideo Kojima says he was 'shocked' after Sony cut ties with Physint over a Zoom call: 'Nothing could’ve prepared me for their decision to step away from the project'
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony abruptly canceled their funding for his new game project, Physint, during a Zoom call. After a three-month search, Kojima Productions secured a new publishing deal with Microsoft for Physint, which Kojima plans to develop as a multimedia intellectual property.
Hideo Kojima Reveals What Happened With Sony in Exclusive First Interview Since PlayStation Ditched Physint
Hideo Kojima discusses his relationship with Sony and the reasons behind the cancellation of the project codenamed Physint. This marks his first interview since the project's discontinuation.
The Last of Us director apologises for calling out Sony Santa Monica's God of War Laufey after saying he was "not excited"
The Last of Us director Bruce Straley has apologized to the God of War Laufey team at Sony Santa Monica for stating he was not excited about the game's gameplay. Straley expressed concerns about a lack of innovation in the AAA space, but his comments were taken out of context and used for clickbait, leading him to issue a public apology.
