Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Haunted Chocolatier is taking a long time because it "has to be perfect," creator Eric Barone explains: "I torture myself over every last detail"
Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, explained that Haunted Chocolatier is taking a long time to develop because he is meticulously focusing on perfecting every detail to ensure a seamless and delightful player experience. He is reluctant to share too many screenshots until the game is closer to completion, preferring to present a fully realized product rather than a "half-baked bread."
Hundreds affected in Bungie layoffs as “most of the Destiny team” departs
Bungie has undergone significant layoffs, affecting "most of the Destiny team" and some members of the Marathon development team. Studio co-founder Jason Jones was laid off, and studio head Justin Truman is stepping down. Sony confirmed 292 workers are impacted in Washington state, with the total number likely higher due to remote employees and contractors.
Haunted Chocolatier is "taking a long time," admits Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe – but going "over every last detail" is just what it takes "to make a game I'm satisfied with"
Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, has provided an update on his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, acknowledging that development is taking a long time due to his meticulous attention to detail. He aims for every aspect of the game to be seamless, clear, and satisfying, comparing the process to perfecting the chocolate recipe book. Barone also dedicates time to the 1.7 update for Stardew Valley.
South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games are allowing staff to openly seek new jobs ahead of possible Xbox layoffs, according to report
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, has reportedly given some staff permission to seek new employment ahead of potential layoffs at Xbox Game Studios in July. While no layoffs have occurred yet, developers have begun posting on LinkedIn about their availability for new roles. This situation is occurring amidst reports that Compulsion Games' future is uncertain, with possibilities including closure or spinning off into independence.
Epic's Sweeney claims Steam AI labels are "really irresponsible of Valve"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized Valve's decision to label games on Steam that use AI, calling it "irresponsible" and detrimental to developers. Sweeney argued that AI tools enhance productivity and that the focus should be on the game's overall quality rather than the tools used to create assets.
Mario dev Takashi Tezuka not retiring from Nintendo, contrary to previous reports
Contrary to previous reports, Nintendo producer Takashi Tezuka will not be fully retiring from the company. While he is stepping down as an executive officer, he will continue his role as a production producer and remain involved in game development. Tezuka reflected on his 42-year career at Nintendo, highlighting the joy of creating new forms of play and working with new technologies.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s Development Involved 15 Ubisoft Studios – Rumor
The remake of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, titled Resynced, reportedly involved 15 Ubisoft studios, with Ubisoft Singapore leading development. This extensive collaboration mirrors the development of Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game is set to launch on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, featuring revamped naval combat and new content.
Palworld Publishing Manager is “Losing My Mind” Because of Nearly 27 Pages of Patch Notes for 1.0
Pocketpair's publishing manager Bucky expressed the challenge of compiling the extensive patch notes for Palworld's upcoming Version 1.0 release, which will feature a new end-game scenario, Pals, and weapons. The update, described as the game's biggest yet, will be available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PC, with Pocketpair committed to ongoing post-launch support.
Skyrim Lead Designer Says Rushing The Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout 5 Could Result in Disappointing Fans
Former Bethesda lead designer Bruce Nesmith believes that rushing the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 could lead to fan disappointment. He explained that balancing resources, time, and quality is crucial in game development, and that shortening schedules often compromises features, polish, or leads to bugs. Nesmith also noted that while frequent releases can be beneficial, too much time between titles can cause fan fatigue.
Massively Overthinking: Under what conditions, if any, would you accept AI use in an MMORPG?
Industry figures discuss the conditions under which they would accept the use of generative AI in MMORPGs. While some see potential for AI in specific tasks like coding or placeholder assets, many express concerns about job displacement, reduced game quality, and a general loss of trust in studios that utilize the technology. The consensus leans towards AI being a net negative if it compromises human work or game integrity.
'Generational talent just gone': Developers react in shock at the brutal scale of Bungie layoffs, which has reportedly seen the Destiny 2 team almost completely wiped out
Bungie has undergone a significant reduction in force, reportedly impacting most of the Destiny 2 team, along with members of the Marathon team and external contractors. Sony confirmed the layoffs, with a WARN notice indicating 292 positions affected in Washington, though the total number is likely higher. The news has drawn widespread shock and dismay from developers and the gaming community, with many former employees sharing their experiences.
A year on from its launch, former Blizzard devs' Wildgate only has one last update left, but it's not shutting down
Moonshot Games' sci-fi shooter Wildgate will receive its final major update next month due to a lack of a large enough player base to sustain ongoing development. While active development is ceasing, the game will continue to receive occasional bug fixes, balance updates, and server maintenance. The studio's team will shift focus to new R&D projects, and the game is currently available at a discount on Steam.
Deltarune Chapter 5 launches to nearly 300,000 concurrent players on Steam, Chapter 6 is coming in 2027
Deltarune Chapter 5 launched on Steam, achieving nearly 300,000 concurrent players and ranking among the platform's top sellers. Creator Toby Fox confirmed that more chapters are planned, with Chapter 6 aiming for a 2027 release and development on Chapter 7 potentially starting soon after. Chapters 1 and 2 remain free, while subsequent chapters are paid, with purchasers of Chapters 3 and 4 receiving all future content at no additional cost.
1 year after launch, spaceship shooter Wildgate will end development after its next update
Moonshot Games is ending development on its PvPvE spaceship shooter Wildgate after one year due to a lack of players. While the game will continue to receive occasional bug fixes and balance updates, no further major content patches are planned. The studio will transition a core team to new projects, with no layoffs expected.
Digital Extremes teases Warframe and Soulframe fans with a TennoCon 2026 countdown trailer
Digital Extremes has released a countdown trailer for TennoCon 2026, scheduled for July 10th. The event will feature major reveals for both Warframe and the upcoming title Soulframe, with Twitch drops and in-game relays for viewing. Warframe players can expect to receive the Haalvu weapon and a Mesa Prime.
Cresata Is an Upcoming 2.5D Side-Scrolling Action Platformer Inspired by Strider
Rocket Panda Games Japan and Shatter Flask Games have announced Cresata, a 2.5D side-scrolling action platformer inspired by Strider and Castlevania. Previously known as Revenant's Reach, the game is slated for a 2027 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The developers have also launched a Kickstarter campaign and revealed voice talent including Ben Starr and Aleks Le.
It's not layoffs, but you can see them from here: Numerous Compulsion Games employees are looking for new jobs
Numerous employees at Microsoft-owned Compulsion Games are reportedly looking for new jobs, with some indicating they have been given permission to do so due to impending layoffs. While not officially confirmed as layoffs by studio leadership, the situation mirrors reports of potential closures and job cuts at other Xbox studios like Double Fine and Ninja Theory. These expected layoffs are anticipated to occur in early July, following the end of Microsoft's fiscal year.
"Mission Impossible is high on my list" – how Paramount plans to use co-dev to exploit its archive, while building its own all-new IP
Paramount has merged its video game divisions into the new Paramount Games Studio, led by EVP Dan Prigg. The studio aims to leverage Paramount's extensive IP archive through co-development and internal projects, targeting PC, console, Roblox, and mobile platforms. While exploiting existing franchises like Mission Impossible and Star Trek is a focus, the studio is also developing original IP, aiming for games to potentially inspire future linear entertainment.
Stars Reach adds a lore animatic, addresses stability, and revokes outdated playtest ahead of early access
Playable Worlds has revoked access to an older playtest version of Stars Reach to streamline preparation for its Early Access launch. The studio also released a game update addressing stability, performance, and bug issues, and added a lore animatic for new characters. UI elements for trading, character selection, and menus have also been refined.
Hooded Horse brings world-class strategy and tactics games to the 2026 Steam Summer Sale!
Hooded Horse is participating in the Steam Summer Sale, offering discounts of up to 80% on its portfolio of strategy and tactical games. The publisher also highlighted recent releases and milestones for titles like Xenonauts 2, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, and 9 Kings. Upcoming plans include the release of Fogpiercer and Sandustry, and a new game announcement at TactiCon.
