Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Ubisoft is working on Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced New Game Plus
Ubisoft is currently in the early stages of developing a New Game Plus mode for Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, according to game director Richard Knight. This feature is considered low-risk due to the development of a similar mode for Assassin's Creed Shadows. While specific release details are unavailable, the team is discussing potential unique rewards for the mode.
The Blood of Dawnwalker director isn't worried about the impact of what a delayed next-gen could mean for Rebel Wolves, says 'If we work on the consoles we have right now, it's easier'
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of Rebel Wolves' upcoming RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker, believes a delay in next-generation consoles would be beneficial for the studio. He stated that working with current-generation hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, along with PC, is easier and requires less work than managing additional builds for new platforms.
Brazil Games Heads to gamescom 2026 with Expanded Presence Across Business and Indie Areas
Brazil Games, in partnership with Abragames and ApexBrasil, will have an expanded presence at gamescom 2026, showcasing Brazilian game development talent and business opportunities. The initiative will feature a dedicated pavilion in the Indie Area for emerging studios and a strong B2B presence to connect companies with international publishers and investors. The event aims to highlight Brazil's growing role in the global games industry, featuring original IPs and specialized development services.
Ex-PlayStation boss says devs need to reach people who don't care about GTA 6, even if Rockstar's long-awaited game is going to hit "with great force and power"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes game developers need to appeal to a broader audience beyond fans of major titles like Grand Theft Auto 6. He argues that the industry is becoming too insular, focusing on the same genres and failing to attract new players. Layden suggests that console makers and developers should explore more diverse game experiences and support developers from different regions to expand the market.
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
A report contradicts Microsoft's statements regarding id Software's engine development, suggesting that the id Tech engine is likely to be abandoned following significant layoffs. An id Software worker claims that the removal of key personnel responsible for maintaining id Tech makes it improbable for the studio to develop future games using it, despite Microsoft's assurances that the engine is still actively supported.
Xbox's gut-wrenching layoffs include the Elder Scrolls Online dev who became studio head around the time of last year's gut-wrenching Xbox layoffs
Microsoft's recent layoffs have impacted the leadership team of The Elder Scrolls Online, including studio head Jo Burba, who recently took on the role. Several key figures have departed, leading to a transition in leadership to Josh Henderson and Nick Giacomini. These changes come after significant job cuts at Xbox and ZeniMax, with concerns raised about the future content output for the MMO.
Xbox layoffs claim leadership of Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax, including a 14-year veteran who was only appointed…
Microsoft's recent Xbox layoffs have significantly impacted ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to the departure of dozens of employees and several key leadership figures, including studio head Joseph Burba. The studio's MMO team has been reduced to a size not seen in over a decade, raising concerns about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online. New leadership, Joshua Henderson and Nick Giacomini, will take over during a transition period.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
ZeniMax Online Studios leadership impacted by latest Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has experienced significant leadership changes due to recent Xbox layoffs, with studio head Joseph Burba, ESO producer Susan Kath, game director Rich Lambert, and production director Ala Diaz among those departing. Josh Henderson will succeed Burba as studio head, working alongside game director Nick Giacomini. A total of 213 positions were eliminated at ZeniMax Online Studios.
Should you work on your own games as an external development studio?
This article explores whether external development studios should also work on their own original games alongside client projects. While some studios like Redcatpig and Lab42 see internal projects as crucial for team motivation, skill development, and creative outlets, others like Code Wizards and Airship prioritize their service-based business model to avoid resource drain and client competition. The consensus suggests that while internal projects can offer significant benefits, careful management and clear focus are essential to balance them with external work.
The Blood of Dawnwalker har gått guld inför släppet i september
Developer Rebel Wolves announced that The Blood of Dawnwalker has gone gold, meaning it is ready for disc pressing ahead of its September 3 release. The game, which features former The Witcher developers, will launch on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. While not a direct copy of The Witcher, it introduces unique mechanics such as time management as a resource.
The future of the Elder Scrolls Online looks rocky after culling of leadership team
ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, has undergone significant leadership changes and layoffs, with over 200 staff members, including studio head Joseph Burba and executive producer Susan Kath, being let go as part of broader Xbox workforce reductions. This follows previous contractions in the studio's headcount, raising concerns about the future development and growth of the game despite assurances from remaining leadership.
Comings and Goings
11 Bit Studios has laid off 20 employees as part of an adjustment to its new project teams. The company cited current needs as the reason for the workforce reduction.
Game and Mod Development
This article discusses lessons learned from external development in the gaming industry and explores the future of this practice. It references a Nature article on using fast simulation for game reasoning and a GamesIndustry.biz piece on developer experiences.
Evening Multiplex
This article mentions "The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire The New Blood" and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4". It also includes a segment titled "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 - Crafting the Weapons of Modern Warfare 4 - From The Ward Ep...", suggesting a discussion around the game's development and weapon design.
Evening Interviews
Specialists from 4J Studios, known for their work on Minecraft, discuss their approach to creating a new sandbox crafting game from the ground up. They explore the challenges and considerations involved in reinventing established game mechanics.
Loss of Institutional Knowledge Due to Xbox’s Layoffs is “Staggering”, Says Former Employee
Former employees from Xbox studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, have expressed concern over the significant loss of institutional knowledge due to recent layoffs. They believe these cuts will hinder the development of core franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, despite company statements about focusing on these titles. Morale is reportedly low, with employees feeling insecure about future job stability following multiple rounds of significant job cuts.
Resident Evil Is Reportedly Reinventing Side Stories Through DLC, And It Could Change the Series
Industry insider Dusk Golem suggests Capcom is shifting from standalone Resident Evil side stories to larger DLC expansions for mainline titles like Resident Evil Requiem. This strategy aims to test experimental ideas and explore secondary characters, potentially changing the franchise's future direction. While this approach offers flexibility and risk mitigation, it also carries the danger of over-reliance on community feedback and potential stagnation.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Studio Lead Says He Doesn’t Feel Extra Pressure From GTA 6’s Release
Infinity Ward's co-studio head Mark Grigsby stated that the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 does not add extra pressure to the development of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Grigsby believes that competition between major titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Fortnite is healthy for the gaming industry. Both games are set to release in late 2024 for current-generation consoles and PC.
The Aliens Fireteam Elite 2 team is hosting an art and sound panel at SDCC 2026
Cold Iron Studios, the developer of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, will host a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25th. The panel will feature discussions on the game's art and sound design with composer Austin Wintory, art director Nicholas Stohlman, senior environment artist Michelle Vargas, and audio director Derrick Reyes. Attendees can also expect new reveals about the game ahead of its fall release.