Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Laid-Off MindsEye Developers Plan Protest Outside Company Office Over 'All-Expenses-Paid Playtest Day'
Former MindsEye developers plan to protest outside the studio's office following their layoffs. The protest is in response to what the laid-off employees describe as an "all-expenses-paid playtest day" being organized by the company.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Will Suffer Because of Xbox Layoffs, Bethesda Staff Say, Fearing Delays, Crunch, and Generational Talent Being Replaced by Contractors
Bethesda staff express concerns that recent Xbox layoffs will significantly impact the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. They fear potential delays, increased crunch, and the replacement of experienced talent with contractors.
Doom and Quake studio id Software reportedly gutted, leaving standalone capabilities in doubt and newly revealed game ideas dead
Microsoft's restructuring has severely impacted id Software, with 136 employees laid off, leaving fewer than 50 staff. This reduction in force has reportedly led to the cancellation of new game ideas like 'Fury' and a 'Perfect Dark' title, and casts doubt on the studio's ability to develop full-scale games independently. The future of id Software appears to be shifting towards a support role for other Xbox studios, potentially focusing on its proprietary id Tech engine.
Fallout: New Vegas studio Obsidian reportedly moved onto a new Fallout game by Xbox, but at the cost of a sequel to Avowed
Xbox has reportedly shifted Obsidian Entertainment's focus to a new Fallout game following significant layoffs at the studio. This move has led to the cancellation of multiple projects, including a sequel to the RPG Avowed. Studio design director Josh Sawyer, who previously directed Fallout: New Vegas, is expected to lead the new Fallout title.
Dragon Age's former lead writer thinks the series is probably dead, but he'd be happy to take it off EA's hands and 'go somewhere dark and dangerous' with it
Former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider believes the series is likely dead under Electronic Arts, citing a consistent misunderstanding of the franchise's appeal and treatment compared to Mass Effect. Despite his past departure from the series, Gaider expressed interest in reviving Dragon Age if given the opportunity, provided it moves in a 'dark and dangerous' direction away from EA's current strategies.
Supercell launches equity-free grants program for Africa-based game studios
Supercell has launched a new equity-free grants program to support game studios based in Africa. The program offers grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 per studio, with successful applicants being notified by the end of October 2026. Supercell will not take ownership in any studio or game, allowing developers to retain full intellectual property rights.
Obsidian Has Cancelled Multiple Projects To Make New Fallout, Per Report
According to a report, Microsoft has canceled multiple projects at Obsidian Entertainment to have the studio develop a new Fallout game, with Josh Sawyer leading the design. This decision comes amidst significant layoffs at Microsoft and Obsidian, and the cancellation of a planned sequel to Avowed. The new Fallout title will be the first mainline entry in the series since Fallout 4 in 2015.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Doom devs id Software were reportedly kicking around ideas for a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired game, and multiplayer demonslaying prior to layoffs
Following recent layoffs at id Software, the studio was reportedly exploring ideas for new games, including a new Perfect Dark title and a John Wick-inspired action game codenamed Fury. These pitches were being considered after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, though it remains uncertain if id Software has sufficient staff to pursue these projects. Other concepts included a wild west robot survival game and further Doom multiplayer or DLC content.
Utopia: Birth of the Heroes Enters Steam Early Access on July 27, Inviting Players to Experience the Entire First Half of the Game
Mana Core Game Studios announced that its arcane fantasy visual novel, Utopia: Birth of the Heroes, will launch on Steam Early Access on July 27. The Early Access build will include Chapters 0 through 17, representing the first half of the game and offering 8-10 hours of narrative-driven gameplay. The developers are using Early Access to gather player feedback for refining the game before its full release.
Subnautica 2’s first Early Access update arrives after sales swim pass 5 million
Subnautica 2 has received its first Early Access update, introducing expanded Biomods, new Biolabs, and improvements to co-op, exploration, survival, and base building. This update follows the game surpassing 5 million cumulative sales in early June. Unknown Worlds is developing the sequel with an "open development" approach, incorporating community feedback throughout Early Access.
New Fallout game in development by makers of New Vegas but at a cost
Xbox has commissioned Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, to develop a new Fallout game, led by project director Josh Sawyer. This decision comes after Obsidian experienced significant layoffs, with reports suggesting that previous projects were cancelled to prioritize this new Fallout title. The move aims to capitalize on the franchise's popularity, potentially releasing before Bethesda's Fallout 5.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Rapport: Obsidian skrotar flera projekt för att jobba på ett nytt Fallout
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly shifting focus to a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer. This pivot means a sequel to Avowed is being put on hold, with only a small team maintaining it. The studio has also undergone significant layoffs, cutting about a quarter of its staff, though development will continue on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2.
Obsidian Entertainment returns to Fallout franchise, while cancelling Avowed 2
Obsidian Entertainment is returning to the Fallout franchise with a new game led by Josh Sawyer, director of Fallout: New Vegas. This shift comes after Xbox announced mass layoffs, leading to the cancellation of Avowed 2 and other unannounced projects. The studio aims to leverage Xbox's established IPs for growth following recent sales disappointments.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Obsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
id Software Was Reportedly 'Toying With' Pitches for a New Perfect Dark, a John Wick-Inspired Game, and More Before Layoffs
id Software was reportedly exploring pitches for new projects, including a new Perfect Dark and a John Wick-inspired game, prior to recent layoffs that affected more than half of the studio's staff. Microsoft's involvement in these discussions is implied due to their ownership of id Software.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Studio Says it Would Love to Make a Banjo-Kazooie Game
Toys for Bob, known for the Spyro the Dragon remakes, has expressed a strong desire to develop a new Banjo-Kazooie game, citing the franchise's timeless appeal. Studio heads Lou Studdert and Paul Yan believe their studio's expertise in 3D platformers aligns perfectly with the series. While rumors previously linked Toys for Bob to a Banjo-Kazooie project, the studio is currently developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, set for a Spring 2027 release.
Palworld 1.0 Launch Trailer Highlights the Journey So Far and All the Upcoming New Content
Pocketpair's Palworld is launching its 1.0 version on July 10th, following a highly successful early access period that attracted over 40 million players. The update will introduce new Pals, a giant new landmass, offshore base-building, revised raid mechanics, and new equipment. The game will be available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PC.
