Game Development
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Microsoft reportedly only announced Ninja Theory's new game at Summer Game Fest to try and attract a buyer for the studio
Microsoft is reportedly considering selling or closing Ninja Theory, the developers of Hellblade. The company allegedly revealed their new game, Senua, at Summer Game Fest with the intention of attracting potential buyers for the studio. This news comes amidst broader reports of Microsoft's plans to divest or shutter several Xbox-owned studios.
Outward 2 Early Access Delayed to 2027 — Nine Dots Statement — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Developer Nine Dots has announced that the early access launch of their action RPG Outward 2 has been delayed to 2027 due to ongoing technical issues and a desire to meet player expectations. The studio's CEO apologized for the delay, emphasizing that the game requires more development time to ensure a quality experience for players, especially after feedback from the recent open beta.
[S2 Preview #9] Myth of Empires: Throne Reveals New Seasonal Talents and Prayer Pillar Locations for Season 2
Myth of Empires is previewing its upcoming Season 2, titled 'War of the Eight Princes,' which will introduce a new seasonal progression system with four new talent sets focused on resource management, siege weapons, environmental adaptation, and sustained control. The update also reveals the locations of three strategic Prayer Pillars on each map, which will offer increased Violet Dawn Essence conversion for guilds that control them, but will also become targets for rival factions. The developers also confirmed that the official launch date and time for Season 2 will be announced tomorrow.
Entire Luna Abyss Development Team Laid Off One Month After Launch
The entire development team for the shooter Luna Abyss has been laid off approximately one month after its release. The game had received positive reception prior to the layoffs.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?
This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Naughty Dog’s Silence Is Getting Harder To Ignore
This article analyzes Naughty Dog's perceived lack of new game releases on the PlayStation 5, contrasting it with their prolific output in previous console generations. Despite the upcoming 'Intergalactic,' the studio's focus on remakes and remasters of 'The Last of Us' and 'Uncharted' franchises has led to concerns about their current development rhythm and originality.
Xbox Denies Rumors of “Reversing Course” on Exclusives, Promises More Yearly
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball has denied rumors that the company is reversing its stance on console exclusives. He confirmed that "Gears of War: E-Day" and "Clockwork Revolution" will remain exclusive to the Xbox platform. Ball also reiterated that Xbox plans to release "signature exclusives" annually, despite ongoing industry-wide layoffs and studio consolidation concerns.
Saros Developer’s Next Title “Might Not Be At That Scale,” As It’s Grown to Nearly 120 Staff
Housemarque, known for Saros on PlayStation 5, is discussing its future projects, which may not be on the same scale as their latest title due to the studio's growth to nearly 120 staff. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted the challenges of managing larger teams for bigger experiences. The studio is also focused on supporting Saros based on community feedback, while exploring new opportunities that might be less ambitious.
Grand Theft Auto 5 PS5, Xbox Series X/S Digital Upgrade is Now Free for PS4, Xbox One Players
Rockstar Games is offering a free digital upgrade for Grand Theft Auto 5 from PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for players who own the digital versions. This move aims to let players experience the enhanced version before the release of The Kortz Center Heist in Grand Theft Auto Online. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly on track for its November 19th release, with Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick indicating that marketing and pre-orders will begin soon, despite significant development costs and a complex release window history.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – Rumor
According to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.
Housemarque Hints Its Next PS5 Game Could Be Smaller Than Saros
Sony-owned studio Housemarque, now a first-party developer after the release of Returnal, is considering smaller-scale projects for its next game. Co-founder Ilari Kuittinen hinted that future titles might not be as large as their recent game, Saros, suggesting a potential exploration of more traditional arcade experiences.
Evening Interviews
Thatgamecompany is celebrating its 20th anniversary, reflecting on its journey from an anti-Columbine school project to a company known for its artistic and emotional games. The article discusses the studio's evolution and its impact on the gaming landscape.
AI Yi-Yi!
Epic Games has sparked debate among Unreal Engine users regarding the use of AI for concept art, while NVIDIA and HPE are expanding their AI factories for agent-based systems. The article touches upon the increasing prevalence and potential impact of AI models in various industries.
Dev releases one of the year's best shooters, entire team is laid off less than a month later: "A decision that was completely outside of our control"
Kwalee Labs has laid off its entire development team and shut down the studio less than a month after releasing its well-received cosmic horror bullet hell shooter, Luna Abyss. Despite positive reviews and critical acclaim, studio CEO Hollie Emery stated the decision was outside of their control. This follows a trend of successful games not guaranteeing studio survival, with the closure of Tango Gameworks after Hi-Fi Rush's release also noted.
Luna Abyss Developers Laid Off Just Weeks After Launch
Kwalee Labs has laid off the entire development team behind its first-person horror shooter Luna Abyss, just weeks after its release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. CEO Hollie Emery confirmed the redundancies for undisclosed reasons, stating the team is now available for new opportunities. Despite positive critical reception and a strong initial player count on Steam, the game saw a significant drop-off in concurrent players.
Around a fifth of Steam Next Fest demos have a generative AI disclosure
Approximately one-fifth of the game demos featured during Steam Next Fest included a disclosure regarding the use of generative AI in their development. The article will analyze player reactions to these disclosures and their potential impact on game development practices.
Less than a month after launch, the entire Luna Abyss team has been laid off
Less than a month after its release, the entire development team behind the game Luna Abyss has been laid off by publisher Kwalee. CEO Hollie Emery announced the redundancies, stating the decision was outside of the team's control. Luna Abyss is a first-person bullet-hell platforming adventure game.
Outward 2 has been delayed to 2027
Nine Dot Studios has delayed the early access release of Outward 2 from July 7th to 2027. CEO Guillaume Boucher-Vidal stated the decision was made to ensure the game meets player expectations and to allow more development time based on beta feedback. The studio aims to deliver a significantly improved experience for the early access launch.
Ori Dev CEO Says Xbox Was Too Focused On Protecting Its Legacy To Build Its Future
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox's focus on legacy intellectual properties like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza hindered its ability to cultivate new talent and games. He suggests that Xbox should prioritize empowering creative individuals and teams who understand the gaming audience, rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Pokemon TCG AI Battle Challenge is a contest specifically for AI agents
The Pokemon Company Japan has launched the Pokemon TCG AI Battle Challenge, a competition for AI agents focused on strategy development and competitive execution. The challenge is open for entry until August 16, 2026, with winners potentially receiving cash prizes and an invitation to a future AI competition in Tokyo.
