Game Development
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No, Doom maker id Software hasn't been "nerfed into the ground and gutted" by the Xbox cuts, insists director Hugo Martin
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin has refuted claims that the studio has been significantly harmed by recent Xbox layoffs. Martin stated that the studio's size is comparable to when it developed Doom 2016 and that the id Tech engine remains active. These statements come amidst reports of substantial staff reductions at id Software following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will soon let you hide Edward's blowpipe, lead confirms: "The…
Ubisoft is considering adding a feature to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced that would allow players to hide Edward Kenway's blowpipe. Game director Richard Knight confirmed that a programmer is working on the requested toggle, which is a popular community request for the remake.
Develop:Brighton showed the UK games industry is done with hand-wringing and is determined to save itself | Opinion
The UK games industry, facing significant layoffs and funding challenges, is shifting from hand-wringing to proactive self-preservation through increased collaboration. Developers are exploring regional hubs, studio collectives, and cross-industry opportunities to ensure resilience and sustainability in a difficult economic climate. While government and private funding initiatives show some promise, securing early-stage prototype funding remains a critical hurdle.
GTA 5 had "so much" cut content, including minigames that were almost "completely done," former Rockstar dev says: "They'll throw out entire levels"
Former Rockstar Games producer John Ricchio revealed that Grand Theft Auto 5 had a significant amount of cut content, including fully completed minigames and even entire levels. These cuts were often made due to the immense animation workload required to maintain a consistent quality across the game's vast scope. Ricchio noted that such decisions, while sometimes difficult for developers, are a natural part of large-scale game production.
"Id Tech is there, the Doom team is here": Doom: The Dark Ages director pushes back against idea studio have been "nerfed into the ground" by Xbox layoffs
Doom: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin pushed back against reports that Id Software has been significantly weakened by recent Microsoft layoffs, stating the studio is the same size as when it developed Doom 2016. He emphasized that the id Tech engine is alive and well, with engineers at both Id Software and MachineGames collaborating. Martin also highlighted the commercial success of the Revelations DLC and expressed gratitude for fan support during a difficult time for affected employees.
Why releasing games on the web could be right for your studio in 2026
Web-based gaming presents a significant, often overlooked opportunity for studios in 2026, offering access to a vast audience without storefront restrictions and potential for recurring revenue. While not suitable for large-scale narrative epics, browser games excel with short-form, instantly accessible experiences, appealing to a diverse demographic and allowing for de-risked development cycles and rapid iteration.
Evening Interviews
An exclusive interview with Chris Avellone has been released. Additionally, Electronic Arts has suggested that console game makers should consider implementing in-game advertisements during the development process.
Games Inbox: Are you playing EA Sports FC more because of the World Cup?
Readers discuss their current engagement with EA Sports FC, with some playing less due to the lack of an official World Cup license and the team's performance. Other topics include potential Grand Theft Auto 6 boycotts, Xbox's mobile gaming strategy, the future of console design, and the impact of industry layoffs on studios like id Software.
id Software Co-Director Denies It’s Been “Nerfed and Gutted” Following Xbox’s Layoffs
id Software Co-Studio Director Hugo Martin has denied reports that the studio has been significantly "nerfed and gutted" following Xbox layoffs, stating the team is the same size as when DOOM (2016) was released. Despite claims from a former employee that the studio's ability to create games is stretched thin, Martin asserted that the id Tech Engine is "very much alive and well" with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. While rumors of a new Doom game persist, an official announcement has yet to be made, though the Wolfenstein series is reportedly still in development.
New Fallout by Obsidian Confirmed, The Elder Scrolls Online Team to “Partner Closely” With Bethesda
Obsidian Entertainment is confirmed to be working on a new Fallout project in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. ZeniMax Online Studios will also partner closely with Bethesda on The Elder Scrolls franchise, potentially supporting The Elder Scrolls 6 and continuing content for The Elder Scrolls Online. The article also touches on the potential cancellation of Avowed 2 at Obsidian.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Remains Bethesda’s “Primary Development Focus”: “We’re Where We Planned To Be”
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the studio's primary development focus, with the majority of the team working on the title. Despite concerns about development following layoffs and the use of contractors, the studio stated they are on track with their planned development schedule. While no release date or window has been provided, the game is reportedly playable internally.
A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS
Bethesda Game Studios outlined its future plans, confirming ongoing development for Starfield, Fallout 5, and The Elder Scrolls VI using Creation Engine 3. The studio also announced remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout 76 expansion titled Raven Rock, and a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. Additionally, they highlighted the success of their Creations platform and the upcoming Fallout Shelter television series.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Team is Working on Option to Hide the Blowpipe
The development team for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is working on an update to allow players to hide the blowpipe, according to game director Richard Knight. Knight also discussed the challenges of implementing such features and mentioned that a New Game Plus mode is also in development. The game, released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, has performed well despite early criticism regarding DLC.
Grand Theft Auto 5 Had “So Much Stuff” That Got Cut Due to Animation Team Working on Other Things
Grand Theft Auto 5 producer John Ricchio revealed that numerous completed minigames and activities were cut from the game due to extensive animation work required for other aspects. Rockstar Games is now focused on Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set for release on November 19th for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC release yet to be confirmed.
Fallout 3, New Vegas Remasters in Development; Fallout 5 is Bethesda’s “Long-Range Destination”
Bethesda has confirmed that remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in active development, with Fallout 5 being a long-range destination currently in pre-production. The studio also teased a special event for the series' 30th anniversary next year, while Fallout 76's next expansion, Raven Rock, will serve as a prequel to Fallout 3.
Virtualord 0.6.7 - new alpha released news
The indie turn-based strategy game "Virtualord, The Virtual Conqueror" has released its new alpha version 0.6.7. This update introduces a second, more extensive tutorial mission, alongside numerous new features and fixes. The developer also released a dev-log video detailing the changes, including automated gates and improvements to the research center.
Half of all games released on Steam will use AI by 2028, study predicts: "AI lowers the barrier not just to make a…
A study by former developer Sulka Haro predicts that by 2028, half of all games released on Steam will incorporate AI-generated content. Currently, around 31% of new Steam games admit to using AI. Haro's analysis suggests that AI tools lower the barrier to entry for game creation, potentially increasing shovelware, though the majority of publishers have not yet released AI-assisted games.
Matt Damon, now a Fortnite skin, once turned down 'a bunch of money' to appear in a Bourne game because they…
Matt Damon, now a skin in Fortnite, revealed he once turned down a significant offer to appear in The Bourne Conspiracy game. He lobbied for the game to be more like the puzzle-adventure Myst instead of a first-person shooter, but the developers declined. Damon also expressed interest in video games and VR during a 2016 Reddit AMA, noting his fascination with their storytelling potential.
Matt Damon Is In Fortnite Now, But He Was Almost In His Own Game Way Earlier
Matt Damon has been added to Fortnite as Odysseus, but he was nearly in his own game, The Bourne Conspiracy, in 2008. Damon was offered the role of Jason Bourne but declined, wanting a more cerebral experience akin to Myst rather than a first-person shooter. High Moon Studios proceeded without his involvement, and the game was a mixed bag, while Damon's later film, Jason Bourne, was poorly received.
Cozy MMO Spirit Crossing just added new starter housing plots and a nifty mood system
Spry Fox has released patch 15.2 for their cozy MMO Spirit Crossing, introducing new starter housing plots and a mood system inspired by Star Wars Galaxies. The update also includes improvements to Waystations, a new system for meeting social players, avatar hiding for blocked users, economic balance adjustments, and a hair dye system.