Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
Latest coverage
Paralives' latest update throws out its wonderfully awful homunculi babies and makes it so that dead bodies should no longer litter the streets
Paralives has released a new update addressing player feedback, notably changing the appearance of babies to be more conventionally 'baby-like' and ensuring they are born directly into the player's arms. The update also introduces new relationship interactions, the ability to assign beds, street addresses for lots, and adjusts Para lifespans. Additionally, dead bodies will no longer remain on the streets.
10 years later, Sean Murray still plays the launch version of No Man's Sky, and he still likes it: "It does feel quite barebones in places, but I kind of enjoy that"
Hello Games boss Sean Murray reflects on the 10th anniversary of No Man's Sky, stating he still enjoys playing the original launch version despite its barebones nature. He finds a unique charm and esoteric feel in the initial release, which he believes still forms the core of the game's identity amidst its extensive evolution.
Pokemon-like DokeV is "targeting a launch in the second half of 2028," nearly 10 years after it was revealed by Crimson Desert studio Pearl Abyss
Pearl Abyss has announced that DokeV, a monster-collecting game developed by the studio behind Crimson Desert, is targeting a release in the second half of 2028. Development is progressing smoothly, with the team focusing on content expansion and validating the core gameplay loop. Marketing initiatives and information releases will be phased according to development milestones, with a full marketing push planned for late 2027.
Even 10 years on, Sean Murray feels like he could work on No Man's Sky "forever," even if he knows "there probably is some end date" for it
Hello Games co-founder Sean Murray expressed his desire to continue working on No Man's Sky indefinitely, stating he could work on it "forever" as long as players remain engaged. He acknowledged that there will eventually be an end date for the game's development, but noted that the team's motivation and excitement for new ideas drives its ongoing updates.
Insomniac confirms Marvel's Wolverine is 'fully playable on the disc' out of the box — just months before Sony ends physical game production for good
Insomniac Games has confirmed that Marvel's Wolverine will be fully playable on its PlayStation 5 disc upon release, addressing concerns following Sony's decision to end physical game production by January 2028. While the game will be playable offline from the disc, the studio encourages players to download the day-one patch for additional polish and bug fixes.
"We live in a world full of AI, let's be honest with ourselves" - 1666: Amsterdam developer still using AI tools despite recent controversy
Canadian developer Panache Digital, co-founded by Patrice Désilets, is still using AI tools in the development of its action game 1666: Amsterdam, though less frequently. Following controversy over AI-generated assets in a playable prologue, Désilets stated that AI will not be present in the final product, but acknowledged its ongoing use as a development tool. The game is set to launch into PC early access on August 25th for $30.
Id Software lead says devs "don't have the incentive to care anymore" with Microsoft threatening another 1,600 Xbox layoffs after latest bloodbath
Id Software lead services programmer Chris Hayes criticizes Microsoft's repeated layoffs, stating that they weaken studios and remove developers' incentive to care about their work. Hayes argues that companies like Microsoft fail to understand the long-term value of experienced teams and the importance of learning from failures, leading to a decline in game quality. This sentiment is echoed by other industry figures concerned about the current climate of studio reductions.
Blizzard’s Record Revenue Year Makes Diablo 5 a Matter of When, Not If
Blizzard Entertainment has achieved its third-best fiscal year for revenue, largely driven by Diablo 4 and Overwatch. The company, now part of Microsoft's Xbox division, is reportedly the top-performing studio. This financial success, coupled with continued support for Diablo 4 through expansions, suggests that a Diablo 5 is highly probable in the future, though an announcement is not expected for several years.
Supermassive Games are the latest studio to announce layoff plans, with 75 jobs at risk just three months after Directive 8020 launch
Supermassive Games has announced that it is beginning redundancy consultations for up to 75 employees, marking the studio's third round of layoffs in two years. This decision comes just three months after the launch of their latest horror game, Directive 8020. The studio cited the need for sustainability as the reason for the difficult decision, a move that mirrors broader trends of job cuts within the gaming industry.
Third Straight Year Of Layoffs Hits Until Dawn, Little Nightmares 3 Dev Supermassive
Supermassive Games has announced layoffs affecting up to 75 employees, marking the third consecutive year of significant job cuts at the studio. The developer cited "sustainability" as the reason for the reductions, which follow recent releases and acquisitions. This news comes amid similar workforce reductions at other studios owned by Nordisk Games, including Avalanche Studios and MercurySteam.
Sean Murray says Hello Games is holding back Light No Fire reveals until absolutely necessary
Hello Games founder Sean Murray stated that the studio is holding back further reveals for their upcoming survival MMO, Light No Fire, due to past experiences with over-promising. Despite significant interest shown through Steam wishlists and views following its initial announcement, the team plans to share more information only when absolutely necessary, referencing the redemption arc of their previous game, No Man's Sky.
Thief designer says that the immersive sim audience is too small for AAA games: 'There's quite a few of us who…
Designer Randy Smith Evergreen, known for his work on Thief and System Shock 2, argues that the immersive sim genre is too small for AAA development. He believes that the increasing budgets and scope required for AAA games are misaligned with the niche audience for immersive sims, leading to commercial disappointments like Arkane's Dishonored 2 and Prey. Evergreen suggests that a more viable path for immersive sims is through smaller, AA or indie budgets, citing the original Thief's modest budget as a successful model.
Gamescom Dev speaker survey identifies potential impacts of AI on team structure and productivity
A survey of Gamescom Dev speakers indicates that artificial intelligence is expected to be the most significant industry trend for the next three years, with 83% anticipating an impact on team structure or productivity. While 36% believe AI will change roles rather than reduce team sizes, 33% expect smaller teams. Economic uncertainty, market saturation, and discoverability were identified as major challenges.
After 10 years, Terraria's biggest mod shuts down due to an 'irrecoverably tainted reputation' and…
The popular Terraria mod, Calamity, is ceasing all development after 10 years due to serious allegations against its leadership. The development team cited a 'tainted reputation' stemming from accusations of misconduct and financial impropriety involving the mod's owner, Ozzatron. Many contributors have requested their work be removed, making continued development impossible.
Supermassive Games announces layoffs impacting up to 75 employees
Supermassive Games, the studio behind Until Dawn and The Quarry, has announced layoffs impacting up to 75 employees. The company stated this is a necessary step for sustainability and will prioritize supporting affected staff. This move adds to a trend of significant layoffs within the gaming industry in recent years.
Supermassive Games begins third round of layoffs in three years
Supermassive Games has initiated a third round of layoffs in three years, with up to 75 employees potentially affected. This follows previous downsizing in July 2025 and earlier in 2024, raising concerns about the future of the studio and its narrative-driven franchises. The news comes just three months after the release of their latest title, Directive 8020.
New Gamescom survey has spoken: Discoverability needs to improve, and AI is still an unknown
A Gamescom survey of 100 developers reveals concerns about financial stability, with Artificial Intelligence and hardware costs seen as the biggest impacts on game production. While some embrace AI for coding and production, others are against its involvement. Discoverability remains a major issue, with friends and communities being the primary source of game discovery over digital storefronts.
Until Dawn and Little Nightmares 3 studio Supermassive announces further layoffs, with as many as 75 people expected to lose their jobs
Supermassive Games, known for titles like Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology, has announced another round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 75 employees. This marks the third such event in two years for the UK studio, which recently released Directive 8020 and Little Nightmares 3. The company cited the need for sustainability as the reason for the redundancies.
Supermassive Games announces layoffs, up to 75 workers may be affected
Supermassive Games has announced a third round of layoffs, potentially affecting up to 75 employees, citing the need for company sustainability. This follows previous job cuts in July 2023 and February 2024, with the studio previously postponing its horror title Directive 8020.
Remedy reports revenue declines in Q2 and H1 as it prepares for Control Resonant launch
Remedy Entertainment reported significant revenue declines for Q2 and the first half of 2026, attributing the drop to the prior launch of FBC: Firebreak and increased marketing for the upcoming Control Resonant. Despite the financial downturn, CEO Jean-Charles Gaudechon expressed confidence in Control Resonant's potential, noting strong pre-order momentum and positive early commercial metrics.
