Game Development
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"We’re going to become the new legend": Naoki Hamaguchi on making Final Fantasy 7 Revelation as if it's the last ever Final Fantasy 7 game
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi is approaching development as if it will be the last Final Fantasy 7 game, aiming to make it a new legend. He discussed the game's themes of diversity, noting how ahead of its time the original Final Fantasy 7 was in addressing these topics. The game is set to release on April 8th, 2027.
"We shouldn't have made it," says former Starfield lead, because something more than "Skyrim in space" was too much even for Bethesda
Former Starfield lead systems designer Kurt Kuhlmann stated that the game may have been too ambitious for Bethesda Game Studios, admitting "we shouldn't have made it." He cited the need for a large engine overhaul and insufficient team size to create the intended content, suggesting the scope was too wide even for Todd Howard's vision of a game that wasn't just "Skyrim in space."
Metroid Dread studio MercurySteam appears to confirm it's making Metroid Ravenous, addressing a lingering question from yesterday's Nintendo Direct
Spanish studio MercurySteam, known for Metroid Dread, has seemingly confirmed its involvement in the newly revealed Metroid Ravenous by sharing its trailer. This follows speculation due to MercurySteam's name not appearing in initial announcements. The studio also recently faced restructuring and layoffs after its original game, Blades of Fire, underperformed financially.
No More Robots' nine-year journey to releasing its first self-developed IP – "This sounds so naive and stupid, but somehow it's working"
After nine years of publishing, No More Robots is releasing its first self-developed game, Cruise Control. The company pivoted from an ambitious online shooter project that failed to materialize due to a partner pulling out. Founder Mike Rose expresses a sense of exhaustion with the industry but remains optimistic about Cruise Control's potential success and the future of the company, which has maintained a lean operational model.
PlayStation Dropping Physint Has Fans Trying To Figure Out What Went Wrong
Sony has reportedly dropped Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint, leading to the project being picked up by Xbox and Microsoft for publishing. This decision has drawn criticism from fans and industry observers, who question Sony's strategy after investing in Kojima Productions. Physint, a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, is now expected to have a longer development cycle.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time announces “The Celestial Express” DLC
Level-5 announced "The Celestial Express," a paid DLC for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, during the Level-5 Vision 2026 2 Dream presentation. The expansion will introduce new Life Ranks (God-in-Training and God), a crafting feature allowing for varied item appearances from the same recipe, new accessories called Wingmates, a customizable mount, new furniture, and new monsters. The release timing for the DLC has not yet been announced.
PlayStation hits the self-sabotage button again, cutting ties with Kojima Productions as Xbox takes over — and I think there's more than one reason why
Sony Interactive Entertainment has ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the upcoming game Physint, with Xbox stepping in to form a new partnership with Hideo Kojima's studio. Kojima stated that PlayStation attempted to cancel the project, prompting his search for a new partner. The article speculates that Sony's move away from physical game discs and Kojima's stance against an all-digital future may have contributed to the split.
'Justice at last feels within reach:' Fired Rockstar workers rally in Glasgow as union busting tribunal begins
Former Rockstar Games employees are rallying in Glasgow as a tribunal begins, accusing the company of union busting after firing over 30 workers for alleged trade union activity. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) supports the fired staff, calling the dismissals a "blatant and ruthless act of union busting." Rockstar Games maintains the employees were dismissed for gross misconduct due to sharing confidential information.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation boss is "so sorry" for what happens to Aerith in Rebirth, but if you're still upset, "you may change your opinion" by the end of the remake trilogy
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi apologizes for Aerith's fate in the game, suggesting players may change their opinion by the end of the remake trilogy. The article discusses the controversial death of Aerith at the hands of Sephiroth and hints at potential future revelations.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation: Our Big Interview with Director Naoki Hamaguchi and Battle Director Teruki Endo
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi and battle director Teruki Endo discuss the game's development, including the decision-making process behind the subtitle and considerations for physical media. The interview touches on various aspects of the game's creation.
Banjo-Kazooie predecessor Project Dream seemingly uploaded online
Rare's unreleased game Project Dream, the predecessor to Banjo-Kazooie, has reportedly been uploaded to Archive.org. The game was originally in development for the Super Nintendo before being canceled and re-envisioned as Banjo-Kazooie for the Nintendo 64. The authenticity of the uploaded build is currently unconfirmed.
Former PlayStation boss sounds just as surprised as everyone else that Sony let Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor…
Sony Interactive Entertainment has canceled its collaboration with KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS on Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth game, Physint, allowing Xbox to pick up the project. Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida expressed surprise at the decision, which follows Sony's controversial announcement about phasing out physical discs. Despite the setback, Kojima confirmed Physint's development is ongoing.
Physint goes from PlayStation to Xbox as Sony "unexpectedly" drops Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid…
Xbox has announced it will publish Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage game, Physint, after PlayStation unexpectedly canceled the project. Kojima stated that PlayStation Studios informed him of the cancellation in mid-June, prompting a three-month search for a new partner, which led to the collaboration with Xbox. The article also touches on Sony's recent strategic decisions and Xbox's own challenges.
Hideo Kojima Jumps Ship With Xbox Deal
Xbox has announced a new publishing deal with Kojima Productions for Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage game, PHYSINT. This comes after Sony Interactive Entertainment reportedly canceled its partnership with the project. The deal expands an existing relationship between Kojima Productions and Xbox, who are already collaborating on the horror experience OD.
PlayStation no longer wants Kojima’s Physint, but Xbox does
PlayStation has ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions on the upcoming game Physint, with Xbox immediately stepping in to partner with the studio. Hideo Kojima confirmed the shift, stating that Xbox shares his vision for the next-generation espionage action title. This development follows recent financial settlements and strategic shifts for PlayStation, while Xbox continues to expand its partnerships.
Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid Spiritual Successor Physint Will Now Be Published by Xbox Instead of Sony
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint, considered a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, will now be published by Xbox instead of Sony. This partnership also includes the horror game OD and expands to film and television projects.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Says “Resolve” Was Never Considered As a Possible Title
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that "Resolve" was never a contender for the game's title, despite being a core theme. The team ultimately chose "Revelation" after considering three final options, with the North American Square Enix team unanimously agreeing it was the best fit. The game is set to release on April 8th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Fallout co-creator tells new devs terrified of layoffs they're "wrong" to expect making games to be a "stable job": "Art itself is inherently unstable"
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain asserts that the video game industry has never been stable and will not improve, advising new developers against expecting job security. He draws parallels to past industry crashes and technological shifts, highlighting current instability exacerbated by generative AI and the post-COVID-19 market.
Mark Cerny and Geoff Keighley launch university-affiliated fellowship program
PlayStation lead architect Mark Cerny and video game show host Geoff Keighley have launched the Nova Games Foundation, a university-affiliated fellowship program offering six-figure grants to support upcoming game developers. The program aims to provide 'no-strings-attached' funding and mentorship, with fellows retaining full ownership of their projects. Despite the positive initiative, some former honorees of Keighley's past 'Future Class' program have voiced criticism regarding past experiences with mentorship and opportunity offerings.
Palworld lead worries Steam early access has "lost its meaning": players treat it like "a normal game" and the program has been "abused for a lot of reasons"
John Buckley, communications and publishing lead for Palworld developer Pocketpair, expresses concern that Steam's Early Access program has lost its original meaning. He believes players now treat Early Access games like finished products, leading to unrealistic expectations and a decline in meaningful feedback, which he feels has been "abused for a lot of reasons."
