Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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The Duskbloods began development in 2021 on the original Nintendo Switch
FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that development on The Duskbloods began in 2021, running concurrently with Elden Ring. The game was initially planned for the original Nintendo Switch but encountered hardware limitations, which were resolved with the development of the Nintendo Switch 2.
What Is The Duskbloods? From Software’s Switch 2 Exclusive Explained
The article explains 'The Duskbloods,' a rumored exclusive title for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 console developed by FromSoftware. Details suggest it will be a new IP leveraging the next-generation hardware.
"I think one of the reasons GTA was so well received was the amount of detail," reflects an original dev: "No one ever said no, or that something couldn't be done"
This article delves into the development history of the Grand Theft Auto series, focusing on the early contributions of DMA Design and key figures like Paul Farley and Mike Dailly. It highlights the evolution of the open-world concept, level design challenges, and the creative freedom that defined the franchise's early entries, from the original Grand Theft Auto to Grand Theft Auto 3 and beyond.
Bungie reportedly had "5 or 6 games" in development, including Marathon and Destiny 2 – but most fell apart after Sony's $3.6 billion acquisition
Bungie reportedly had five or six games in development, including Marathon and Destiny 2, but most were canceled following Sony's $3.6 billion acquisition. These projects were a key part of Sony's interest in acquiring the studio, but ultimately, most were scrapped due to various reasons, with only a few, like Project Gummy Bears, remaining in some form of development.
Tactical co-op title Horizon Hunters Gathering is reportedly being retooled after disappointing feedback
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly retooling the tactical co-op title Horizon Hunters Gathering due to negative feedback from playtests. The game, initially planned as a live service multiplayer experience, will have its scope reduced, and there's a possibility of cancellation if it doesn't meet Sony's expectations by year's end. Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMORPG from the same IP, is also in development by NCsoft.
Halo Co-Creator Has An Idea To Revive The Franchise, But Doubts Xbox CEO “Gives A Sh**”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto has proposed ideas for a darker, more grounded Halo game with a focus on both PvP and PvE elements, suggesting a need to streamline the lore. He expressed doubt about Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's interest in reviving the franchise and criticized outsourcing development, believing it harmed the series. Lehto also mentioned a recent report about Microsoft potentially enlisting Sledgehammer Games for a new Halo title.
PlayStation Exclusive Horizon 3 Gets Disappointing Update
A Bloomberg report indicates that Horizon 3 is still in early development with a small team at Guerrilla Games, suggesting a potential release on PlayStation 6. Meanwhile, the live service game Horizon Hunters Gathering is undergoing a significant overhaul, dropping some live service elements in favor of a co-op multiplayer and story mode.
GTA 6 Playable Build in Hands of Leaker, Legit Leaks Posted
A playable build of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been leaked online, with footage and other details appearing on Reddit despite Rockstar Games issuing copyright strikes. The leaked footage is reportedly over a year old, and the leaker claims to have access to character Lucia's ending. An extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release on Netflix on August 27.
Rockstar hit with more leaks as GTA 6 gameplay and assets appear to circulate on social media
Rockstar Games is reportedly facing new leaks of gameplay footage and assets for Grand Theft Auto 6, with a hacker group named 'CyberLeek' threatening daily releases. The group claims to have access to a playable build and is demanding changes to the game's distribution model. This follows previous major leaks and a third-party data breach experienced by Rockstar.
Redfall developers begged Microsoft to come back and finish its last patch: 'I know we don't work here anymore, but can we please release this?'
Former Arkane Austin employees, including director Harvey Smith, revealed that they begged Microsoft to allow them to release the final 1.4 patch for the poorly received game Redfall after the studio was shut down. This patch, which fixed numerous bugs, was developed after the team was laid off but was ultimately released by Microsoft, who allowed a small group to return to the office to complete it. While the patch significantly improved the game, it is unlikely to have saved it from its initial critical and commercial failure.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui's new 15-minute gameplay reveal has fans in awe of its graphical fidelity: "If they never released Wukong before this, people would think this is fake"
Game Science has released 15 minutes of gameplay for Black Myth: Zhong Kui, showcasing impressive graphical fidelity from an in-development build. The footage reveals a new parry mechanic and a boss fight, though the developers state the game is in "early development" with no release date set. The sequel to Black Myth: Wukong has drawn praise from fans for its visual detail.
Evening Reading - August 19, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including updates on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Tekken 8, and Subnautica 2. It also highlights the launch of a new studio by former Arkane leads and mentions upcoming titles like Kingdom Hearts 4 and The Witcher 4. The article includes links to reviews and discussions on other internet content.
No Man’s Sky Goes Free On Nintendo Switch 2 For One Week Only
No Man's Sky is available as a free download on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 from August 20 to August 26, celebrating its tenth anniversary. Hello Games founder Sean Murray mentioned that the game's next update, tentatively titled Cosmos, is coming soon, and the studio is also working on a new game called Light No Fire. The article also touches on the game's redemption arc since its initial release and potential discussions with Palworld.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui’s Fantastical Combat and Art Direction Showcased in New Early Gameplay
Game Science has released a new 15-minute gameplay trailer for the upcoming action RPG Black Myth: Zhong Kui, showcasing combat mechanics such as parrying, dodging, and a unique summon fusion system. The trailer highlights the game's stellar art direction and confirms it will avoid generative AI assets, with a release planned for PC and consoles.
Crimson Desert’s Update Have Made Changes That Imply Nautical Theme For DLC – Rumor
Recent updates to Crimson Desert by Pearl Abyss suggest an upcoming DLC with a nautical theme, indicated by new underwater seaweed and sandy coastlines. The developer is also targeting a 2026 release for the DLC and the first half of 2027 for a Nintendo Switch version, while also working on improvements for the PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S versions.
Inflexion deep-dives Conan Exiles’ Legacy of the Giant Kings, teases something for Nightingale after Gamescom
Inflexion Games provided an update on Conan Exiles' 'Legacy of the Giant Kings' arc, detailing the return of a legendary repair mechanic within a new dungeon. The studio also teased potential news for their upcoming game Nightingale following Gamescom, with director Aaryn Flynn suggesting announcements may come after the event.
Pre-alpha MMORPG Persist Online adds its newest guild PvP feature with a new Junkyard sector
Cipsoft's pre-alpha MMORPG Persist Online has released a new patch introducing a guild PvP feature with the Junkyard sector, allowing guilds to claim territory for resources. The update also includes expanded areas, improved quest markers, new loot filters, weapon balance adjustments, and bug fixes.
The Last of Us Online Was Not a 'Side Project,' Majority of Intergalactic's Team Came Over After Multiplayer Game Was Scrapped
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us Online was a significant undertaking and a primary reason for the studio's lack of new game releases since 2020. The multiplayer game's cancellation impacted the development of other projects.
Kingdom Hearts 4 references a bit of OG lore so obscure I wouldn't have blamed Tetsuya Nomura for forgetting it
The article highlights how Kingdom Hearts 4 references an obscure piece of lore from the original Kingdom Hearts game concerning Heartless behavior towards living beings. This detail, noted by fans and confirmed by Ansem's Report 4, was observed in the D23 trailer where Heartless only reacted to the living protagonist Miguel in the Land of the Dead. The author praises Tetsuya Nomura and the development team for their commitment to preserving even the most obscure lore elements in the upcoming sequel.
Sony reportedly reverses course on live service co-op Horizon game after 'negative player feedback'
Sony has reportedly instructed Guerrilla Games to pivot its upcoming live service co-op game, Horizon Hunters Gathering, into a more traditional co-op experience with a story and smaller scope following negative player feedback in recent playtests. The studio has been given until December to impress executives with the rebooted concept, or the project may be canceled, joining other live service games Sony has previously scrapped. Many developers from the project have been moved to work on the next single-player Horizon game.
