Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Exclusive: Blood Message developer says latest trailer's glowing reception gives them 'confidence' — 'We are very excited to see that they love this story'
The developer of Blood Message is encouraged by the positive reception to the game's latest trailer shown at Summer Game Fest 2026. Director of global publishing Jeff Hu stated that the team is excited by the fan's love for the story and combat, which has boosted their confidence. The trailer and subsequent gameplay footage have garnered millions of views and praise for visual fidelity and cinematic combat.
Union workers establish hardship fund to support devs impacted by layoffs
Union members at United Videogame Workers-CWA have established the Game Worker Hardship Fund to provide financial assistance to game developers in the US and Canada impacted by recent layoffs. The fund offers cash sums up to $5,000 for basic living expenses, and applicants do not need to be union members to receive aid.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead doesn't "care" if his next game isn't as popular as Sandfall's GOTY RPG, because "we're just going to do what we love again"
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, stated that Sandfall Interactive's next game may not achieve the same level of popularity as their previous award-winning RPG, but this is not a concern for the studio. Broche emphasized that the team prioritizes creating games they love, believing this approach contributed to their past success. He also mentioned that the studio is prepared to make bold decisions for future projects, even if they are not universally liked, to maintain creative integrity and avoid development pressure.
Hideo Kojima's experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from Microsoft cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from recent cancellations and funding cuts within the Xbox division. Despite Microsoft reevaluating its gaming priorities, sources indicate that OD will continue to be published by Xbox. The game, described as a new form of media blending film and gaming, is being developed by Kojima Productions and features involvement from director Jordan Peele.
Senior Unreal Engine engineer Nicholas Penwarden leaves Epic Games after 15 years
Nicholas Penwarden, an Engineering Fellow at Epic Games, has departed the company after a 15-year tenure. Penwarden, who began his career at Epic in 2011 as a senior engine programmer for Unreal Engine, announced his exit via a LinkedIn post.
Comings and Goings
Ubisoft has hired Christoph Hartmann, formerly of Amazon Games, to lead its new creative house. Separately, a former director from Unreal Engine has retired from Epic Games after 15 years.
Buffs, Nerfs, and Bugs
The article discusses potential changes to Battlefield 6 that were considered but ultimately deemed 'errors' during development. It touches upon game balance and development decisions.
After layoffs and Destiny 2's abrupt end, Bungie "can't promise a fix" to reported issues: "We will get this out when possible"
Bungie has announced a delay for a Destiny 2 patch due to recent mass layoffs impacting the development team. The studio stated that while the patch is not indefinitely postponed, some fixes were being worked on by affected employees. Bungie is also addressing player-reported issues with Destiny 2's performance, acknowledging that while they "can't promise a fix," they will investigate.
Star Wars Eclipse is “Continuing as Planned,” Says Quantic Dream, Despite Recent Strikes
Quantic Dream has stated that Star Wars Eclipse is continuing development as planned, despite recent employee strikes and the closure of their previous game, Spellcasters Chronicles. Reports suggest the studio faced significant development challenges and potential layoffs, but a spokesperson assured that the project has the necessary resources and team commitment. The game was first announced in December 2021, with rumors circulating about its lengthy development time and lack of a playable build.
Former 2K Games President Joins Ubisoft’s Creative House 2 as Its New General Manager
Christoph Hartmann, former president of 2K Games, has been appointed as the new general manager for Ubisoft's Creative House 2. He will oversee Tom Clancy franchises including The Division, Ghost Recon, and Splinter Cell. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot expressed confidence in Hartmann's leadership to build lasting franchises.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Studio Lead Doesn’t Care if Next Project Flops
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and co-founder of Sandfall Interactive, stated he doesn't care if the studio's next project is a flop, emphasizing a focus on making games they love. He believes this approach, along with maintaining a small team size, is healthier for developers and allows for more creative freedom. Broche confirmed that Sandfall Interactive has no plans to grow its workforce significantly, aiming to continue creating honest games with emotionally resonant stories.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
Windrose might get wind
Developer Kraken Express is considering adding a wind system to its pirate survival game, Windrose, in a future update. This potential change comes after player feedback, though the studio emphasizes that the system will be designed to remain fun and simple, avoiding overly hardcore simulation aspects. The update will also introduce a new biome called the Ashlands, new ship classes, and improved NPC ship behavior.
The first five episodes of Scarlet Hollow are now a combined one-million words long!
The developers of Scarlet Hollow announced that the first five episodes of the game now collectively contain one million words. Writing for the planned expansion to Episode 5 is complete, with art production beginning soon. This update includes significant additions and rebalancing to Episode 5, as well as various improvements to earlier episodes to enhance narrative flow and player choice.
Godot bans "autonomous AI agent use or vibe coded" contributions
The Godot Foundation has updated its contribution policy to prohibit AI-generated code and contributions from autonomous AI agents. Citing a surge in AI-generated pull requests that overwhelm reviewers and are demoralizing to mentor, the foundation will now require all code to be human-authored. This policy change aims to reduce low-effort submissions and ensure that contributions benefit from human mentorship.
More Metroid games are apparently in the works other than Metroid Ravenous
According to VGC's Andy Robinson, Nintendo has multiple Metroid games in development beyond the recently discovered Metroid Ravenous. While specific details remain undisclosed, it is suggested that more than one new Metroid title is planned.
Genius visual artist Viktor Antonov posthumously blesses our eyes one last time with a new game
Visual artist Viktor Antonov, who passed away, is posthumously involved in a new game. The article notes his contribution from beyond the grave, highlighting his final artistic endeavor in the gaming world.
Godot to ban (almost all) AI coding contributions
The Godot Foundation has announced upcoming policy updates that will ban almost all contributions of generative AI-generated code to the open-source engine. While AI assistance for tasks like code completion will be permitted with disclosure, the foundation aims to ensure all code is human-authored and maintainable by humans who can take responsibility for it.
Subnautica 2 legal battle ends with reinstated CEO stepping down, as Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders agree settlement
A legal dispute between Krafton and Unknown Worlds founders over Subnautica 2 has concluded with a settlement. As part of the agreement, Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, who was reinstated by a judge, will voluntarily step down. The settlement ensures developers will receive significant bonuses, extending to more staff than originally planned.
Subnautica 2’s lawsuit spectacle ends with big payouts for devs and the departure of the CEO
Krafton and Unknown Worlds Entertainment have reached a settlement to end their legal disputes surrounding Subnautica 2, which includes a significantly larger payout to developers than originally planned. As part of the agreement, Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill will step down, though the company will continue to lead development of Subnautica 2 with Krafton's support.