Game Development
Ongoing coverage on Game Development.
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Dispatch update rolls back most of its Switch censorship
AdHoc Studio has released an update for its narrative game Dispatch, rolling back most of the censorship previously implemented in the Nintendo Switch version. The HR Violations update restores content like nudity and middle fingers, aligning it with other platforms, though some content remains restricted per Nintendo guidelines. New visual censorship options have also been added.
Comings and Goings
It is claimed that Microsoft planned the closure of Ninja Theory concurrently with the announcement of Senua. Additionally, the entire Luna Abyss Development Team was laid off one month after their game's launch.
Morning Multiplex
This article highlights recent trailers and demos, including the launch trailer for Jason in Dead by Daylight and the Fame Or Folly multiplayer demo trailer for Steam Next Fest. It also mentions the State of Unreal 2026 livestream from Unreal Fest Chicago.
AI Yi-Yi!
NVIDIA is expanding its Texas facility to scale AI's optical backbone, while Epic Games has released a video addressing the company's use of AI in its art pipeline. The article touches on the growing integration of AI within the gaming industry.
Report: Xbox was set on splitting with Ninja Theory when unveiling its new project
A report suggests Microsoft planned to separate from Ninja Theory around the unveiling of its new project, Senua. This comes amid broader reports of internal turmoil at Xbox, with multiple studios reportedly negotiating to become independent due to potential shutdowns of less profitable teams. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a reset for the division, which may include significant cuts and reduced budgets.
SPINNING SCARECROW UNLEASHES A TWISTED NEW STEAM NEXT FEST DEMO
Indie developer IV Productions, in collaboration with Power Up Publishing, has released an updated demo for their arcade puzzle game Spinning Scarecrow for Steam Next Fest. The demo features new power-ups, enemies, and obstacles, offering players a deeper look at the game's precision-based, rotating gameplay and dark, hand-drawn art style. A developer broadcast will also showcase gameplay and discuss design choices.
Lumen Lite mode available for Nintendo Switch 2 development in Unreal Engine
Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.8, introducing a new Lumen Lite mode for improved global illumination in Nintendo Switch 2 game development. This update aims to enable developers to utilize advanced lighting techniques on the platform with lower performance requirements.
Unreal Engine's big new idea is letting gen-AI LLMs plug directly into it and talk to it
Epic Games has introduced a new tool for Unreal Engine 5.8 that allows generative AI large language models to directly integrate with and control the engine via text prompts. This tool, called the Unreal MCP plugin, was demonstrated by Michael Lentine and is available now for developers, significantly reducing the time needed for asset creation and iteration.
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI
Many game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
Returnal director will be 'responsibly ambitious' to ensure his new studio prospers
Returnal director Harry Krueger has founded a new indie studio, Cosmic Division, with a philosophy of being 'responsibly ambitious' to ensure long-term success. He emphasizes prioritizing gameplay-first experiences, fostering good team chemistry, and maintaining a lean, sustainable operation, drawing lessons from his 15 years at Housemarque. Krueger views AI as a tool rather than a savior, focusing on iterative development and creative vision.
Unreal Engine 5.8 out today, Lumen Light confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2
Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.8, featuring a new Lumen Light mode optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2. This mode, which uses irradiance fields with probe occlusion, is twice as fast as the previous Lumen High Quality and allows games relying on global illumination to run at 60 FPS on the console. This advancement aims to improve the performance of Unreal Engine 5 titles on Nintendo's upcoming handheld.
"The world is built": Skyblivion devs call for extra quest-making hands to help overcome the massive mod's "final roadblocks" to release
The developers of the massive Oblivion mod, Skyblivion, are seeking additional volunteers, particularly those with quest editing experience, to help overcome final release roadblocks. While locations are nearly complete, the team is focusing on implementing quests and fixing bugs. They have indicated that detailed progress updates with completion percentages are less relevant at this stage.
Xbox Hypes Up Gamescom Return Amid Questions About Its Future
Xbox is confirming its presence at Gamescom, with Gears of War: E-Day headlining playable demos. This comes amid reports of significant internal turmoil, including potential studio closures and layoffs, which Microsoft has disputed. CEO Asha Sharma and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have alluded to upcoming changes and the need for Xbox to become a more sustainable business.
Kwalee Labs shut down following launch of Luna Abyss
Kwalee Labs, the developer of the PC and PlayStation 5 shooter Luna Abyss, has ceased operations just one month after the game's release. The studio, formerly known as Bonsai Collective, was acquired by Kwalee in 2025. Despite positive reviews and sales of 12,000 units on Steam, the entire nine-person team was made redundant due to circumstances beyond their control.
Microsoft Apparently Already Knew It Would Be Closing Ninja Theory When It Announced Senua
Microsoft reportedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory before the studio announced its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This decision was part of a broader strategy following a "reset" memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, citing declining revenues despite significant investments. While Microsoft is reportedly exploring buyouts for Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, the future of these studios and their franchises remains uncertain.
The VFX tech behind Saros: from NGP to Graphite
Housemarque details the evolution of their visual effects technology, from the NGP particle engine used in Returnal to the unified Graphite framework powering Saros. The article highlights advancements in volumetric fog rendering, GPU simulation, and Houdini integration for creating dynamic and reactive in-game environments on PlayStation 5.
Take-Two boss asserts GTA 6 launch date in 'man-on-the-street'-style TikTok interview
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19. In a TikTok interview, Zelnick stated that Rockstar Games' pursuit of creating an unprecedented experience is the reason for the extended development time. The company anticipates a significant revenue increase this year, projecting $8 billion.
It just keeps getting worse—Microsoft reportedly already had Ninja Theory in its crosshairs while pushing the…
Microsoft is reportedly planning to close or divest Ninja Theory, despite recently revealing a new game from the studio. An anonymous source suggests this decision was made before the game's announcement, with the reveal intended to attract potential buyers. This move adds to concerns about Microsoft's commitment to its studios and its overall strategy in the gaming industry.
"How dare we use something like that on someone's dream?" – Why generative AI artwork is a no-go for The Scroll of Taiwu
ConchShip Games, developers of the wuxia RPG The Scroll of Taiwu, have stated they will not use generative AI for artwork, believing it compromises the unique vision and creative expression essential to game development. The studio emphasizes the importance of human creativity and the trust built with players over years of development, warning that using AI could be seen as a shortcut and damage that relationship.
GameSpain Direct Summer Showcases 26 Spanish Indie Gems Today!
The Spanish Videogame Developers Association (DEV) presented the GameSpain Direct Summer showcase, featuring 26 Spanish indie games. The event, streamed on Best Indie Games' YouTube channel, aims to promote Spanish independent game development globally and connect developers with investors and publishers. A concurrent Steam event highlights many of the showcased titles.