Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Get more than 100 games for just $10 in a new bundle supporting laid-off game devs
In response to ongoing layoffs within the games industry, the United Videogame Workers union and Necrosoft Games have launched the Game Industry Hardship Fund bundle on Itch.io. For $10, players can access over 100 games, with all proceeds supporting a fund for US and Canadian game developers impacted by job losses to cover essential living expenses. The bundle has already raised nearly $30,000 and will be available until August 14.
GDC Side Quest - A Sit-Down With The Indomitable Sam Beart
Acclaimed actor Samantha Béart, known for her roles in Baldur's Gate III and The Excavation of Hobbs Barrow, discusses her craft and observations on actor participation in game development. The interview also touches on the potential for a Baldur's Gate III television series.
A New Look for Reforj: Explore the World’s Stunning Rixel Transformation
Reforj is introducing Title Update 8, which features a significant visual overhaul powered by a new technology called Rixels. These Rixels offer greater artistic flexibility and drastically reduce storage requirements compared to traditional pixels. The update is currently available for preview on Xbox Series X|S consoles via the Xbox Insider Hub.
Facepunch director Alistair McFarlane, who once offered to buy New World from Amazon and faked us out about Rust 2, has…
Alistair McFarlane, director and chief operating officer of Facepunch Studios, has departed the company after an 11-year tenure. McFarlane, who was often the public face of the studio and executive producer on Rust, stated July 30th was his last day. He expressed pride in the team's achievements and the game's enduring success, attributing it to the community and consistent monthly updates. McFarlane previously made headlines for offering to buy Amazon's New World and for fueling Rust 2 rumors.
Unity is supplying Netflix Games with a dedicated engine
Unity and Netflix Games have announced a deepened partnership, with Unity providing a dedicated game engine for Netflix's upcoming projects. This engine is already in use by Night School Studio for its new games and has previously powered titles like Black Mirror: Thronglets and Squid Game: Unleashed.
Xbox CEO declares priorities after 'reset'
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined the platform's priorities for FY27 following recent layoffs and studio divestments. The strategy, based on a 'four C's' framework, emphasizes console gaming, major franchises, transforming Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding transmedia plans across film, television, and consumer products.
Here Is Xbox CEO’s Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a new strategy focused on strengthening the platform, growing games into global franchises, making Minecraft a creator platform, and extending beloved game worlds. Despite a recent revenue decrease, Sharma aims for Xbox to return to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027, with plans for significant expansion in games, film, TV, and consumer products.
Another BioWare veteran steps forth to say a Dragon Age remaster isn't impossible, but that doesn't mean it will happen: "In no means a trivial exercise"
BioWare co-founder Trent Oster believes that remastering the original Dragon Age games is possible, though it would be a complex undertaking. However, Mark Darrah, who co-directed Dragon Age: Origins, expressed skepticism, citing a lack of current BioWare staff familiar with the old engine and publisher Electronic Arts' tendency to keep IPs dormant.
NOUGH: Beyond Lies of P – Video Documentary Trailer
A new video documentary trailer has been released for NOUGH Studio, the developers behind the award-winning game Lies of P. The trailer focuses on the studio's development philosophy and their relentless pursuit of improvement, rather than revealing details about their next project.
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
Double Fine cuts staff, Xbox's revenue decline, and Leon Kennedy pays off - Patch Notes #63
Double Fine has laid off 23 employees following its transition to independence from Xbox. Meanwhile, Xbox reported a $1.7 billion revenue decline for fiscal year 2026, attributed to decreased content, services, and console sales. The article also touches on the erosion of institutional knowledge due to layoffs and the continued sales success of Capcom's Resident Evil series.
Remakes are the backbone to Capcom's success as they provide 'financial resources' for new Resident Evil games or standalone ideas like Pragmata
Capcom's producer Masachika Kawata explains how remakes are crucial for the company's financial success, providing resources for new Resident Evil titles and original IPs like Pragmata. While remakes like Resident Evil 4 are highly successful, Capcom aims to balance them with new game development to foster innovation and hone developer skills.
Deltarune 0.0.0.253 update announced, patch notes – final one for now
An update for Deltarune, version 0.0.0.253, has been announced and will be released on Nintendo Switch soon. This update includes a new optional toggle for a boss's bombs after losing, allowing players to choose a 'Nicer' or 'Meaner' mode, and addresses numerous bug fixes across Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. Creator Toby Fox stated this is the last planned update for the game, with the team now focusing on Chapter 6.
The voice of Lady D and Orin the Red will be back for the next D&D videogame
Wizards of the Coast revealed new details for their upcoming action RPG, Warlock, at Gen Con. Maggie Robertson, known for her roles in Resident Evil Village and Baldur's Gate 3, will voice the protagonist's patron, Tasha. Tricia Helfer from Battlestar Galactica will voice the protagonist. The game is set to debut gameplay footage at Gamescom.
The Sandbox to Broaden LAND Utility Ahead of Q4 2026 Studio Rollout
The Sandbox is enhancing its LAND utility features, with significant upgrades planned for Q4 2026 coinciding with the public rollout of The Sandbox Studio. These changes aim to increase the visibility and monetization options for games published on LAND, allowing creators to earn a larger share of revenue. LAND owners will also gain the ability to host and curate games developed by others, effectively acting as digital publishers.
The Elder Scrolls Online Delaying Some Updates to 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios is delaying some updates for The Elder Scrolls Online to 2027 as the studio adjusts to Microsoft's recent game publishing shakeups. The game director communicated this change via a message on the official website.
Comings and Goings
Owlcat Games, known for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, is reportedly preparing for its next project. The article hints at the studio's future endeavors following the release of their latest title.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
Battlefield 6 Roadmap Details Custom Lobbies and Spectator Mode, Season 5 Arrives This Winter
Battlefield 6 is rolling out new features, including Custom Lobbies and Proximity Chat, with Custom Lobbies set to arrive on August 18th. Season 5 is scheduled for a Winter launch and will introduce three new maps, one focused on infantry combat and two designed to blend various warfare styles. The developers are also planning to release these features in Battlefield Labs for testing before their full implementation.
Bethesda Celebrates “40 Years of Adventures” With A Brand-New Logo Reveal
Bethesda has unveiled a new logo to commemorate its 40th anniversary, marking decades of game development. The studio acknowledged recent performance of titles like Starfield and addressed player concerns regarding layoffs and future releases, expressing optimism for a new direction.
