Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Layoffs hit ZA/UM after Zero Parades: For Dead Spies underperforms
RPG developer ZA/UM has laid off thirty-two employees, citing the underperformance of their recent game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet sales expectations. The article also touches on past controversies surrounding the studio's previous title, Disco Elysium.
Fallout 5: Confirmed details (and speculation) about Bethesda's next post-nuclear RPG
Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout 5 is in development and will launch after The Elder Scrolls 6, utilizing the Creation Engine 3. While specific details remain scarce, Todd Howard has indicated that the game will be set in the US and potentially tie into the events of the Amazon Fallout TV show. The studio is also reportedly developing Fallout 5 on a shared technology platform to streamline development between major titles.
Evening Reading - July 17, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading recaps various gaming news items, including updates on Battlefield 6, Elden Ring mods, and The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda confirmed remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project with Obsidian, and that Fallout 5 is in pre-production. Konami has revived Metal Gear social accounts, and the Lies of P Complete Edition is heading to Nintendo Switch 2.
Bethesda Roadmap: Fallout 5, Fallout 3 & New Vegas Remasters — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bethesda Game Studios has outlined its future game development roadmap, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and will follow The Elder Scrolls VI. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and revealed that Obsidian Entertainment is collaborating on a new Fallout title. Continued support for Starfield and Fallout 76 is also planned, with a Raven Rock expansion for Fallout 76 targeted for 2027.
Game and Mod Development
This article discusses the potential benefits for game studios to release games on the web in 2026. It explores how web-based game development could be a strategic move for studios looking to expand their reach and accessibility.
Evening Postmortems/Retrospectives
A retiring Valve programmer revealed that at least one of the studio's popular game modes was developed in secret to avoid pushback from colleagues. This information comes from a PC Gamer report detailing internal development practices at Valve.
"A prequel story to Fallout 3" is one of Bethesda's most exciting announcements in ages, and it's…
Bethesda Game Studios announced several upcoming Fallout titles, including Fallout 5 in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. The next expansion for Fallout 76, titled Raven Rock, will be a prequel story to Fallout 3. The studio also provided an update on The Elder Scrolls 6, stating it is on track.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Team Has “DLC Ideas,” But Freedom Cry Remains Up in the Air
Ubisoft Singapore is considering DLC ideas for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, with game director Richard Knight stating that some team members have concepts. However, the possibility of Freedom Cry being re-released remains uncertain due to the team's current focus on the main game and its updates. The developer is also working on New Game Plus and addressing fan feedback for the recently released title.
I am numb to the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6
The author expresses apathy towards the long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, despite its profound impact on their life and career. Bethesda Game Studios has stated it's the studio's primary focus, but a lack of meaningful updates has led to a 'whatever, I'll see it when I see it' attitude. The article also touches on the extended development cycles impacting fanbases and the industry.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
2 months after releasing Zero Parades, Studio ZA/UM is laying off employees: 'Its commercial performance has not enabled us to sustain a studio of our current size'
Studio ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees, citing the commercial performance of its recent game, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite critical acclaim, the game did not meet sales expectations, preventing the studio from sustaining its current size. This follows a history of internal turmoil and departures of key figures from its previous acclaimed title, Disco Elysium.
Controversial Disco Elysium studio plans 32 layoffs after latest RPG's underwhelming "commercial performance": "Our artistic standards remain unchanged"
Disco Elysium developer ZA/UM has announced layoffs affecting up to 32 employees due to the disappointing commercial performance of its latest RPG, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies. Despite the studio's internal turmoil and previous layoffs, ZA/UM states its artistic standards remain unchanged.
Hytale releases massive preview of upcoming content including 22 videos and 37 new images
Hypixel Studios has released a comprehensive preview of upcoming content for the sandbox RPG Hytale, detailing plans for Chapter 1 which includes new dungeons, boss fights, and world events. The preview also highlights upcoming features like an overhauled UI, a mod browser, spectator and hardcore modes, and minigames, with some updates expected within weeks and others in the coming months.
Retiring Valve programmer says 'at least one' of the studio's beloved game modes was made in secret to…
Retiring Valve programmer Christopher Green announced his second and final departure from the company, reflecting on his 16 years working on titles like Half-Life 2 and its Source engines. Green revealed that the popular Half-Life 2: Deathmatch game mode was developed semi-secretly by a single programmer who believed in the project.
Todd Howard checks his calendar, sighs quietly, and tells us all again that he doesn't have a grudge against…
Todd Howard has once again addressed fan speculation about his relationship with Obsidian Entertainment, emphasizing mutual respect between Bethesda and the studio. He confirmed that while there's no immediate collaboration planned, opportunities to work together on the Fallout franchise are always considered, especially with new projects like Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters, and Fallout 5 in development.
In An Era Of AI Slop, Meccha Chameleon Embraces Human-Crafted Chaos
Meccha Chameleon, an indie game developed by lemorion_1224 and Haganeiro, has gained significant popularity on Steam by embracing human-crafted chaos over generative AI. Despite its rudimentary graphics and polish, the game's unique hide-and-seek gameplay, inspired by Prop Hunt and featuring player-created camouflage, encourages creativity and fun, standing in contrast to the perceived "AI slop" in the industry.
Everything Bethesda just announced about the future of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls
Bethesda Softworks has announced significant updates for its major RPG franchises. Fallout 5 is in pre-production, while The Elder Scrolls 6 is progressing well. Remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are also in development, alongside an expansion for Fallout 76 and continued support for Fallout Shelter and Starfield. These announcements come amidst studio layoffs and a focus on the Creation Engine 3.
"Don't fall for it": Union says Fallout 5 and Elder Scrolls 6 news shouldn't distract you from huge Bethesda layoffs as Xbox CEO praises the series' "remarkable" achievements
The United Videogame Workers-CWA union claims Bethesda's announcements about Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 are a deliberate distraction from recent mass layoffs at Bethesda and Obsidian Entertainment. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma praised the franchises' achievements, while unions filed unfair labor practice complaints against Microsoft regarding the layoffs.
Marathon just lost its game director: Joe Ziegler is Bungie's latest high-profile departure
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler has left Bungie, with Del Chafe III taking over as game director alongside creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's departure follows a significant drop in Marathon's player count since its March launch and comes amidst recent layoffs at Bungie. Despite these challenges, Bungie and PlayStation have stated Marathon remains an important part of their portfolio.
Marathon Game Director Leaves Bungie At A Tumultuous Time
Joe Ziegler, the game director for Bungie's upcoming title Marathon, has announced his departure from the studio to pursue a new opportunity. Del Chafe III will take over as game director, working with creative director Julia Nardin. Ziegler's exit occurs during a turbulent period for Bungie, which recently underwent layoffs impacting both the Destiny and Marathon teams.
