Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
Latest coverage
Next Red Dead Launching By 2027 Or 2028 “May Not Be Unreasonable,” Bank Says, But It Definitely Is
Investment bank Citi suggested that a new Red Dead game could potentially release by 2027 or 2028, based on Rockstar Games' development timelines and financial projections for Grand Theft Auto VI. While this prediction is considered ambitious by industry standards, Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games have indicated efforts to streamline development processes.
Celebrating the Next Generation of Latin American Game Creators
Xbox is actively supporting and highlighting the vibrant game development scene across Latin America through initiatives like the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program and Xbox Game Camp. The article showcases six upcoming games from the region, including Mariachi Legends, Colorbound, Sky Dust, Treetopians, GHOSTLESS, and Greak 2: Alliance of the Storms, emphasizing their unique cultural integrations and innovative gameplay.
Busting myths in game writing
This article debunks common myths surrounding game writing and narrative design, such as the idea that screenwriting directly translates to game writing or that players dislike reading stories. It features insights from writers Bruno Dias, Aysha Farah, and Andrea Saravia Pérez, who have worked on titles like Fallen London and Life is Strange: Double Exposure.
We finally get to see the canceled Assassin's Creed game set in China, and darn it, it looks pretty good
Details and footage have emerged for the canceled Assassin's Creed Destiny, a triple-A game that was a collaboration between Ubisoft and Tencent's TiMi Group. Set in China during the Qin Empire, the game was canceled last year due to restructuring. While Assassin's Creed Jade is still in development for mobile, Destiny showed potential for a full-scale return to Chinese history.
How Star Wars: Galactic Racer kept the core team small and sustainable through "distributed development"
Fuse Games' CEO Matt Webster discusses the success of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, attributing its achievement to a small core team and a "distributed development" model. This approach involved leveraging external providers and co-development partners, allowing the studio to maintain a lean team of under 75 people while scaling capacity and knowledge. The game's innovative roguelike racing mechanics and narrative elements, inspired by Formula 1's Drive to Survive, have been well-received by critics and players.
SGJ Podcast #521 – If You Could Go Back and Change Something in Gaming, What Would it Be
The SGJ Podcast episode 521 features hosts Spaz, Julie, and Jacob discussing hypothetical changes they would make to video game history. Despite technical difficulties, the conversation explored fun hypotheticals about improving past gaming experiences, with a particular lament for MicroProse.
This Anime Stalker Russian Roulette Game Is Afraid AI Copycats Will Steal Its Ideas
Alliance Arts has canceled the public demo for its upcoming anime Russian roulette game, Drunken Goddess Reflux, due to concerns about AI-assisted copycats. The developer fears that the demo's content could be quickly replicated using AI tools, potentially releasing before the official launch. Instead, the studio will conduct closed online play sessions and gather feedback through its Discord server.
Ubisoft were working on a second Assassin's Creed game set in Qin Dynasty China, if this allegedly leaked footage is to be believed
Alleged leaked footage suggests Ubisoft was working on a cancelled Assassin's Creed game codenamed 'Assassin's Creed Destiny,' set in Qin Dynasty China for PC and consoles. The project, reportedly led by Tencent's TiMi Studio Group, was cancelled as Tencent scaled back on Western series. This is separate from the mobile title Assassin's Creed Jade.
Cyberpunk 2 boss says the dystopian RPG has evolved beyond his original idea, "and I look forward to sharing…
Gabe Amatangelo, director of Cyberpunk 2, states that the game's vision is evolving beyond his initial ideas as more people contribute to its development. He emphasizes empowering the team and embracing diverse interpretations of the cyberpunk genre. While Cyberpunk 2 is progressing with over 180 developers, the studio's current focus is on The Witcher 4.
Resident Evil Veronica: Everything you need to know about the Code Veronica remake
Capcom has officially revealed Resident Evil Veronica, a remake of the 2000 cult classic Resident Evil: Code Veronica, set to launch in 2027. The remake will feature modernized graphics and gameplay enhancements, and is confirmed for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X. The story will follow Claire Redfield's search for her brother Chris, leading her to Rockfort Island.
CD Projekt Red says its mysterious Hadar game is its "biggest project to date", but even after "several good years" it's seemingly a long way off
CD Projekt Red's upcoming game, codenamed Hadar, is described as its biggest project to date, though it is still in the early stages of development and not yet in pre-production. Joint-CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the team has a clear vision for the world and key elements, and is currently developing prototypes and testing gameplay mechanics using Unreal Engine. While other projects like The Witcher 4 are further along, Hadar represents an entirely new intellectual property for the studio.
Peter Molyneux explains why Black & White 3 remains MIA, and then drops a tantalising teaser: 'It's such a difficult, difficult, challenging title to develop'
Peter Molyneux discussed the challenges behind developing a potential Black & White 3, citing technical hurdles and the declining market for god games. He also hinted at the possibility of a Black & White remaster being in development, though he is not involved and advises caution.
GTA 6 is still undergoing changes despite releasing next month, Rockstar boss says: "The game is never completely…
Rockstar Games director of technology Phil Hooker stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 is still undergoing changes and is never completely settled, even close to its November 19 release date. This is normal for large-scale games, which are often updated post-launch.
Assassin's Creed Destiny Leak Reveales Unused Game Location
Leaked footage and screenshots reveal a cancelled Assassin's Creed game, codenamed Destiny, which was reportedly in development at Tencent's TiMi Studio Group. The game was set during the fall of the Qin Dynasty and featured familiar Assassin's Creed mechanics, but was abandoned early in production. Neither Ubisoft nor Tencent has officially confirmed the project or the reasons for its cancellation, though it may be linked to Tencent's strategic shift towards internally owned projects.
Activision CMO Decries 'Call of Duty Tax'
Activision CMO Tyler Bahl claims traditional games media applies a 'Call of Duty tax,' negatively impacting reviews and coverage due to the series' long history and large player base. The article argues that critical reception is based on game quality and innovation, not audience size or development team size, citing franchise fatigue and declining quality in recent Call of Duty titles as reasons for diminished media interest.
CD Projekt is in "a really dangerous place", says Anthem's executive producer, pointing to ballooning costs of making games of that scope and quality
Former Bioware executive producer Mark Darrah warns that the triple-A game industry is in a 'dangerous place' due to ballooning development costs and hyper-specialization, predicting a market bifurcation. He highlights how massive teams and extended development cycles, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto VI's delays, increase financial risks, potentially leading to more studios adopting smaller, focused models with significant outsourcing, like Sandfall Interactive.
GTA 6’s Reported PC Timeline Could Mark a Major Shift for Rockstar
A report suggests Grand Theft Auto 6 may launch on PC in the first quarter of 2027, a significant departure from Rockstar Games' traditional staggered release strategy. This potential shift, if true, would mark an unprecedented move for the company, which historically prioritizes console releases before PC ports, with Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 seeing delays of over a year and several months respectively.
Grand Theft Auto 1 – Almost 30 Years Later
This article reflects on the original Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows, as a precursor to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. It details the troubled development by DMA Design, its initial reception as a rough and unplayable mess, and its eventual success and legacy. The piece contrasts the original top-down perspective and objective-based gameplay with the freedom and 3D open-world experience of later titles like Grand Theft Auto 3.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 Re-Releases Taught Activision to Lean More on Nostalgia, Says Exec
Activision's chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that the successful re-releases of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 taught the company to lean more into nostalgia. He noted the pent-up demand for playing with friends and how these ports informed future game development, including the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which will conclude the current Modern Warfare series. Activision is also working on a new sub-franchise, aiming for innovation and fresh experiences after the mixed reception of Modern Warfare 3.
Cyberpunk 2 Director Had An “Idea in the Beginning,” But “It Evolves As I Involve More People”
Gabe Amatangelo, game director for Cyberpunk 2, shared that his initial ideas for the sequel have evolved significantly as more people have become involved in the development process. He emphasized that the final product will be a reflection of the entire team's collective vision. The game is currently in pre-production, with CD Projekt RED aiming to expand its development team.
