Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
Latest coverage
Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist isn't using generative AI in his next game following backlash to his last 2…
Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist Kazuma Kaneko has stated he will not use generative AI in his upcoming game developed at COLOPL, following criticism of his previous title, Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter. While that game utilized AI-generated artwork trained on his own illustrations, Kaneko found the process inefficient and the results unsatisfactory, with some art resembling copyrighted works. An offline version of Tsukuyomi for Nintendo Switch removed the AI generation system.
Upland rolls out driveways in its Core Decor Catalog
Upland has introduced driveways as a new customization option within its Core Decor Catalog, offering players three initial styles to enhance their virtual properties. This feature is part of a broader visual update that began in December 2025 with the addition of roads and weather effects. The company plans to release more foundational decor items, such as pathways and pergolas, in the future.
Hasbro records $56M write down after scrapping 'several' video games
Hasbro reported a $56 million non-cash write down after cancelling several video games planned for 2028 and beyond. CEO Chris Cocks stated the decision reflects a new digital strategy focusing on key franchises like Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, with an emphasis on cost discipline and owned platforms. The company expects its total digital spend to decrease annually by at least 25 percent by 2028.
Nintendo didn't make Splatoon 4 because it didn't want to, Splatoon Raiders lead says: "We thought it might be interesting to create something with a slightly different approach"
Nintendo developers Seita Inoue and Yoshihiko Ito explained that Splatoon Raiders was developed as a spin-off to offer a different gameplay approach after over 11 years of mainline multiplayer titles. The team aimed to create a new entry point for the series with standalone single-player content, while still planning for future competitive entries like Splatoon 4. They also explored leveraging the Nintendo Switch 2's power for enhanced Salmon Run-inspired experiences.
South of Midnight wins Game and Experience of the Year at Games for Change Awards 2026
Compulsion Games' South of Midnight was named Game and Experience of the Year at the 2026 Games for Change Awards. The ceremony also recognized Hexecutable's Consume Me for Best Narrative and Best Gameplay, and Paintbucket Games' The Darkest Files for Best in Learning. Jenn Panattoni received the Vanguard Award for her significant contributions to the industry, including establishing the Xbox Social Impact team.
Baldur's Gate series overlords Hasbro take $56 million hit after cancelling several games due out in "2028 and beyond", with Exodus and Warlock unaffected
Hasbro has announced a $56 million impairment due to the cancellation of several games planned for release in 2028 and beyond. While specific titles were not named, the company stated its confidence in its digital games portfolio, with releases like Exodus and Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons still on track for 2027. Hasbro is refocusing its strategy on fewer, high-potential projects and partnerships.
Alpha Dog Games returns to independence two years after being shuttered by Xbox
Alpha Dog Games, the developer of Mighty Doom, has returned to independent ownership two years after being shut down by Microsoft. Studio founder Shawn Woods confirmed the transition, expressing gratitude to Microsoft for enabling the return. The studio is updating its Unity-based engine and is in discussions with partners, though specific projects remain undisclosed.
Count Binface demands Shenmue 4 and the re-opening on SegaWorld in London
Count Binface, a political candidate in the UK, has publicly urged Sega to provide an update on the development of Shenmue 4 and to consider reopening the SegaWorld arcade in London. The article also references past comments from Yu Suzuki regarding his desire to make Shenmue 4 accessible to both fans and casual players, incorporating features like quest markers and fast travel.
CCP Ships EVE Frontier Patch 0.6.4.0 With New Stuttergun Weapon and Thrust Overdrive Module
CCP Games has released patch 0.6.4.0 for EVE Frontier, introducing the new Stuttergun weapon and Thrust Overdrive module. This update is part of a series of combat enhancements leading up to a mid-season drop on August 18. The game is transitioning to the Sui blockchain, with CCP Games CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson emphasizing a vision for an open, player-governed ecosystem.
Ubisoft lovar Ghost Recon-nyheter när serien fyller 25 i augusti
Ubisoft has announced that more news regarding the Ghost Recon franchise will be revealed on August 6th to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. This announcement comes as a 'Definitive Edition' of Ghost Recon Wildlands, featuring 4K, 60 fps, and new content, is expected soon. There are also rumors of a new Ghost Recon game in development facing internal challenges.
EMPULSE, Splitgate Studio Hit With New Round of Layoffs
1047 Games, the developer behind Splitgate and EMPULSE, has undergone a third round of layoffs, affecting multiple employees including art and QA staff. This follows previous layoffs last year and comes shortly after the release of their new game, EMPULSE, which is currently in Early Access on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The studio continues to support Splitgate: Arena Reloaded despite low player counts on Steam.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
Hasbro Writes Down $56 Million After Cancelling Several Games
Hasbro has recorded a $56 million write-down due to the cancellation of several video game projects planned for release in 2028 and beyond. CEO Chris Cocks stated this move is part of a refocused digital strategy prioritizing franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, and successful mobile titles like Monopoly Go!. While Exodus and Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons remain in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, other projects, including one from Giant Skull, have been cancelled.
Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says Xbox Game Pass Was “A Good Idea”
Former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept that ultimately failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers needed to sustain its business model. He expressed sadness over the potential studio closures and job losses resulting from this outcome. Brown also defended Xbox employees amidst criticism and recent layoffs, emphasizing that the core idea of Game Pass was player-focused, though it did not reach the scale required to justify major acquisitions like Activision Blizzard.
Game and Mod Development
Unity announced that Unity 7 will launch in Q1 2027, and that this new engine is a direct continuation of Unity 6. The article also touches on what developers can learn from the current generation of game criticism.
Xbox's new VP of engineering quits just 2 months after taking the job
Jared Palmer has resigned from his role as vice president of engineering at Xbox and technical advisor to CEO Asha Sharma, just two months after his appointment. He has joined AI company Cognition as its vice president of engineering. Palmer previously held AI-focused roles at Microsoft and Vercel.
How MapleStory went from an RPG to a content creation platform
Nexon is evolving MapleStory beyond its traditional RPG roots with MapleStory Worlds, a platform empowering players to create their own games using existing assets. Senior Producer Dennis Bernardo explains that the platform offers both simple drag-and-drop tools for beginners and a more robust scripting mode for advanced developers, fostering a creator economy with monetization opportunities. The goal is to blur the lines between players and creators, making MapleStory a destination for interactive content.
Hasbro takes $56 million hit over multiple game cancellations, but it's still talking about how Baldur's Gate…
Hasbro reported a $56 million non-cash impairment due to the cancellation of several video games slated for release in 2028 and beyond. The company is refocusing its digital investment on key franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, aiming to reduce overall digital spend by 25% annually by 2028.
"Steam’s required AI disclosure is the right move": Devs say gen AI should be called out in games and…
Valve's new policy requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI in games on Steam has sparked debate, with some, like Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, calling it irresponsible. However, many developers interviewed believe transparency is crucial, arguing that gamers have a right to know how their games are made and what they are supporting. There is a sentiment that consumers are pushing back against AI-generated content, and platforms like Steam are responding to this demand.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 573: Project Demogorgon
The Massively OP Podcast episode 573 covers SpiritVale's early access launch, Dungeons and Dragons Online's Terror of Demogorgon expansion, and the cancellations of Overwatch Stadium and Final Fantasy XIV Mobile. Hosts Bree and Justin also discuss Richard Garriott's comments on Ultima and the predictability of MMO experiences.
