Game Engines
Ongoing coverage on Game Engines.
Latest coverage
As Bethesda boss Todd Howard praises Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5's "incredible" tech team, fans aren't convinced Creation Engine 3 is a good idea: "Gonna release in an absolute buggy mess"
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 will be developed using the updated Creation Engine 3. While director Todd Howard praised the technology team's capabilities, fans expressed concerns about potential bugs and outdated mechanics like loading screens, citing past issues with Bethesda's engine. The engine's modding potential was noted as a positive by some, while others worried about the impact of recent Xbox layoffs on development.
MXGP 26 Announced for PC, Consoles With October 2026 Release Window
Nacon and Artefacts Studio have announced MXGP 26, set to release in October for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The game will feature new motorcycle physics, dynamic terrain deformation, and content from the official 2026 motocross season. This entry marks a significant shift as it is the first in the franchise to be developed using Unreal Engine 5.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
Bethesda reassures fans The Elder Scrolls 6 is "on the way" following the Xbox cuts, and that it's "loving how it looks" and "playing it every day"
Bethesda Game Studios has reassured fans that The Elder Scrolls 6 is actively in development and progressing as planned, despite recent Xbox layoffs. The studio confirmed that the majority of its team is focused on the next installment, which will utilize the Creation Engine 3. Bethesda also announced a closer partnership with Zenimax Online Studios for the franchise and revealed plans for Fallout 5.
Doom: The Dark Ages lead says claims that id Software has been "gutted" by layoffs are "not true," and its engine team is "very much alive and well"
id Software co-studio director Hugo Martin addressed reports of significant layoffs, stating that claims of the studio being "gutted" are untrue. He confirmed that the studio's size is comparable to when Doom (2016) was made and that the id Tech engine team is active, with engineers in both Germany and at MachineGames. Martin emphasized that Doom: The Dark Ages is progressing well and that the studio is focused on celebrating the success of their games.
Microsoft Says Id Tech Is Safe, Former Staffers Say They’ve Fired Everyone Who Could Save It
Microsoft is facing scrutiny following significant layoffs at id Software, with former employees expressing concern that the studio's proprietary id Tech engine may be discontinued. While Microsoft maintains that id Software has sufficient staff and is committed to id Tech, reports suggest that key personnel responsible for the engine's development were among those let go. This situation raises questions about the future of the engine, which is known for its optimization in first-person shooters, and the broader implications of industry reliance on engines like Unreal Engine 5.
Crimson Desert Gets Cross-Save & Wins Best Technical Innovation at the Develop:Star Awards
Pearl Abyss has announced that Crimson Desert now features cross-save functionality, allowing players to continue their progress across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Additionally, Crimson Desert won the Best Technical Innovation award at the Develop:Star Awards for its proprietary BlackSpace Engine.
Report contradicts Microsoft's statements that id Software hasn't been shoved onto Unreal from id Tech: 'It's most likely going to end up in the in the trash can'
A report contradicts Microsoft's statements regarding id Software's engine development, suggesting that the id Tech engine is likely to be abandoned following significant layoffs. An id Software worker claims that the removal of key personnel responsible for maintaining id Tech makes it improbable for the studio to develop future games using it, despite Microsoft's assurances that the engine is still actively supported.
Xbox laid off hundreds of people in a call that lasted only 60 seconds
Xbox has laid off hundreds of employees across various studios, including id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios, leading to concerns about future game development and the loss of institutional knowledge. Employees report that calls announcing the layoffs were extremely brief, and some feel management is attempting to downplay the severity of the cuts. The future of id Tech, id Software's proprietary engine, is also in question due to the significant talent reduction.
"We thought, well, how would we reinvent this wheel?" – Minecraft specialists 4J Studios on building a new sandbox crafting game from first principles
Dundee-based 4J Studios, known for porting Minecraft, is developing its own sandbox crafting game called Reforj. Driven by a desire to innovate beyond Minecraft and a pragmatic need for new revenue streams after Microsoft brought more development in-house, 4J has created the Elements Engine, designed for high performance on consoles and featuring advanced sculpting and circuit systems. Reforj will also integrate a narrative from the outset, differentiating it from Minecraft's more open-ended approach.
Capcom says the RE engine is perfect for the Nintendo Switch 2
Capcom producer Naoto Oyama stated that the company's RE engine is a perfect fit for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Capcom has already released titles like Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata on the current Nintendo Switch, utilizing the RE engine.
Unreal Engine 6 to Launch at the End of 2027
Epic Games has announced that Unreal Engine 6 is slated for an early release around November 2027, with a stable version expected by late 2028. The new engine will introduce Verse as its core programming language, phasing out C++ and Blueprints, and will integrate AI models like Gemini and Claude to enhance developer creativity and streamline tasks.
Id claims it has "the crew we need to build the games and tech we're known for" following mass layoffs
id Software stated on X that it retains the necessary staff to develop its known games and technology, following significant layoffs across the Xbox portfolio. The studio claims its current team size is comparable to when DOOM (2016) was developed, emphasizing a flat, maker-focused philosophy. This comes after reports suggested the layoffs left the company unable to maintain its idtech engine.
Capcom on why it used RE Engine for Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection
Capcom discussed their decision to use the RE Engine for the upcoming Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection in an interview with Automaton. The company explained the reasoning behind choosing this engine for the compilation of classic Mega Man titles.
QuakeCon 2026 will be a place for celebration, mourning, and outrage
Recent layoffs at Xbox and id Software cast a somber shadow over the upcoming QuakeCon 2026, turning what should be a celebration into a potential funeral. The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding id Software's future, the potential abandonment of their proprietary id Tech engine in favor of Unreal Engine, and the likely fan outrage at the event.
Edward Kenway is the biggest bastard in Assassin's Creed history
This opinion piece discusses Edward Kenway's unlikeable character in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, particularly in the context of its remake, "Resynced." The author argues that the game's expansive open world, rebuilt in the Anvil engine, distracts from the narrative and prolongs the player's exposure to Kenway's shallow motivations and "asshattery."
Xbox confirms there isn't just "1 person left in Texas" working on id Software's engine following mass layoffs, but "dozens" across "multiple locations"
Xbox has refuted claims that only one person remains in Texas working on id Software's id Tech engine following extensive layoffs. A spokesperson stated that dozens of employees are still working on the engine across multiple locations, though the exact number is unconfirmed. Former id Software artist Derek Best criticized Microsoft's actions, stating that significant institutional knowledge and technological advancements, particularly for Doom: The Dark Ages, have been lost due to the layoffs.
id Software Now Has “Roughly the Same” Number of Workers as When it Made DOOM (2016) – Rumor
Reports suggest id Software's current workforce is similar to when it developed DOOM (2016), despite rumors of significant layoffs impacting its engine development and QA teams. Microsoft confirmed that dozens of employees work on the id Tech engine across multiple locations, refuting claims of a drastically reduced headcount. The studio will continue to use its proprietary id Tech engine, with no plans from Xbox to switch to Unreal Engine.
How do you put a price tag on a legacy like id Software's?
The article discusses the recent layoffs at id Software and contrasts Microsoft's handling of the studio's legacy with Costco's long-standing commitment to its $1.50 hot dog price. It questions Microsoft's stewardship of id Software's influential franchises like Doom and its proprietary id Tech engine, suggesting a lack of appreciation for their historical and creative value compared to their financial performance.
"Probably dead forever": Team behind the incredible Doom and Wolfenstein engine reportedly reduced to 1 person…
Following significant job cuts at id Software, the legendary studio's proprietary id Tech engine reportedly has only one person left working on it. This development raises concerns about the future of the engine, which has powered iconic titles like Doom and Wolfenstein since the mid-'90s. While some speculation exists about potential support from the id Software Frankfurt office, the immediate future of the engine and id Software's projects remains uncertain amidst widespread layoffs impacting Microsoft's gaming divisions.
