Innovation
Ongoing coverage on Innovation.
Latest coverage
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 ports on PS4 and PS5 taught Activision there's "pent-up demand" to return to "good old days," so Modern Warfare 4 is doing just that
Activision found significant success with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2, indicating a strong "pent-up demand" for nostalgic multiplayer experiences. Chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that these learnings are being applied to future titles, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, to recapture the "good old days" of playing with friends.
The Last of Us director apologises for calling out Sony Santa Monica's God of War Laufey after saying he was "not excited"
The Last of Us director Bruce Straley has apologized to the God of War Laufey team at Sony Santa Monica for stating he was not excited about the game's gameplay. Straley expressed concerns about a lack of innovation in the AAA space, but his comments were taken out of context and used for clickbait, leading him to issue a public apology.
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata never wanted tons of Mario and Zelda sequels because that's "not the kind…
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believed that focusing solely on sequels would make the company appear conservative and unwilling to take risks. He emphasized the importance of both serving the fanbase with classic experiences and introducing new gameplay styles to attract broader audiences. This philosophy is seen as a driving force behind Nintendo's successful platforms like the Wii and DS, and continues to influence modern titles like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
15 video game franchises that need to end - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that numerous long-running video game franchises have overstayed their welcome and should be retired to encourage innovation. Titles like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Halo, and The Last of Us are cited as examples of games that have become repetitive and are primarily cash grabs, with the author suggesting developers should focus on new intellectual properties instead.
The Last of Us director apologizes for using God of War Laufey as an example of "lack" of innovation in AAA:…
Naughty Dog veteran Bruce Straley has apologized to the Santa Monica Studio team behind God of War for using their game as an example of a lack of innovation in AAA development. Straley explained that his comments were taken out of context and used for clickbait, and that he was trying to illustrate a broader industry concern about stagnant gameplay loops and a reluctance to take risks.
[Embargoed August 24 // 5.30pm BST/6.30pm CEST] Mutter and Blue Prince among winners at Gamescom Dev Awards 2026
The winners of the Gamescom Dev Awards 2026 have been announced, with Mutter winning Vocal Excellence and Blue Prince taking home the Game Design Excellence Award. Cards & Cannons was named Most Promising Game, and Amir Satvat of Tencent Games received the Ambassador Award for his industry support.
Shigeru Miyamoto was "pleased" to sell the original Nintendo Switch for 8 years as "customers aren't…
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto believes that customers are no longer primarily focused on console hardware specifications, citing the long lifespan and success of the Nintendo Switch. He suggests that Nintendo's focus on unique playstyles and innovative hardware interfaces, rather than raw power, is key to its appeal, drawing parallels to the success of the Nintendo DS and Wii.
UK social media crackdown presents a "threat" to gaming comms innovation, expert warns
A UK government plan to enhance online child safety, including a social media ban for under-16s and restrictions on features like livestreaming and chatting to strangers, poses a significant threat to innovation in the gaming industry. Experts warn that developers, especially smaller studios, may face costly implementation of age verification and communication controls, potentially limiting new game development and features. Concerns also exist that broader restrictions on 'addictive features' or simply time spent in-game could inappropriately impact game design elements and discourage engagement with complex or creative titles.
President of Germany to open Gamescom Congress and attend Gamescom 2026
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will open the Gamescom Congress and attend Gamescom 2026, marking the first time a German head of state has visited the event. He will deliver a keynote speech on the role of games in democracy and innovation, and meet with developers and community members.
Important Considerations Regarding Virtual Sports Wagering with Enhanced Security and Accessibility in an Environment Driven by Constant Innovation - Push Start Play
This article discusses the growing popularity of virtual sports wagering and highlights the importance of enhanced security measures, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect user data. It also emphasizes the need for improved accessibility through mobile optimization and diverse payment options to ensure a positive user experience. The piece concludes by noting that constant innovation is crucial for operators to remain competitive in the evolving online gambling industry.
Witcher 3 Director Says His Vampire Game "Couldn't" Be Made At CD Projekt Red Or Another Established Studio
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of the upcoming vampire game The Blood of the Dawnwalker and former co-director of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, stated that its innovative narrative sandbox and time-loop mechanics likely wouldn't have been possible at CD Projekt Red or other established studios. He believes larger companies often prioritize familiar concepts over truly fresh ideas due to player and stakeholder expectations. Tomaszkiewicz founded Rebel Wolves to pursue such original concepts, aiming to take bigger risks for potentially groundbreaking results.
Apple’s Copy-Cat Playbook is Crushing Mobile Gaming Innovation
This article criticizes Apple's strategy of 'borrowing' innovations from competitors, arguing it stifles progress in mobile gaming. Developers face limitations due to Apple's slow adoption of new features and technologies, impacting the entire iOS gaming ecosystem. The piece suggests the industry is moving towards alternatives as Apple continues its conservative approach.
50 years of Apple pushing tech forward, for better or worse
Over its 50-year history, Apple has driven significant technological advancements, from personal computers and smartphones to wearables and software services. While often met with initial resistance, many of Apple's decisions, such as removing disk drives, headphone jacks, and physical keyboards, ultimately shaped industry standards and consumer behavior. The article examines key product transitions and their impact, highlighting Apple's role in pushing technology forward, for better or worse.
Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang and Sergey Brin join Trump's tech advisory panel
Leaders from major tech companies including Meta, NVIDIA, Dell, Oracle, Google, and AMD have joined an advisory council for former President Donald Trump, focusing on technology and science policy. The council, known as the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), will address emerging technologies and their impact on the American workforce. Several executives expressed honor in joining the council to help ensure US leadership in AI.
Nintendo Wii Turns 20: The Console That Proved Hardcore Gamers Wrong
The Nintendo Wii, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is recognized for its revolutionary approach to gaming with motion controls, which proved highly accessible and broadened the market. Despite graphical limitations compared to its contemporaries, the Wii's innovative design and focus on intuitive gameplay, exemplified by titles like Wii Sports, significantly impacted the industry, influencing subsequent consoles like the Nintendo Switch and even VR technology.
Blue Prince Review - Twisted Voxel
VGChartz's Mark Nielsen highlights Blue Prince as a potential candidate for Most Innovative Game of 2025, contrasting it with the trend of developers relying on safe formulas like remakes and sequels. The game is praised for introducing fresh concepts not previously seen in the gaming landscape.
How Innovation Is Changing the Way Video Games Are Played - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This article explores how innovation is transforming video game play through advancements in motion controls, virtual reality, cloud gaming, procedural generation, artificial intelligence, social integration, and esports. These technologies are pushing the boundaries of player immersion, accessibility, and community engagement, fundamentally changing how games are developed and experienced.
Blue Prince – Launch Trailer – Nintendo Switch 2
The launch trailer for Blue Prince on Nintendo Switch has been released, highlighting the game's innovative approach to gameplay. VGChartz's Mark Nielsen praised the title for offering fresh experiences not commonly seen in the industry, contrasting it with the prevalence of remakes and safe sequels.
Targus Targets Sustainability and Innovation With Their Ecosmart Line of Products - The Game Fanatics
Targus, a long-standing company in PC peripherals since 1983, is focusing on sustainability with its Ecosmart product line. The Cypress Hero backpack is constructed from 26 plastic bottles, and the ErgoFlip EcoSmart mouse is made from up to 85 percent recycled materials. The mouse also features an ambidextrous design and BlueTrace technology for use on various surfaces.
How the video games industry will finally destroy itself - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that the video game industry is unsustainable due to a financial system that disincentivizes innovation and leads to conservatism and consolidation. The author suggests that increasing costs, reliance on finance capital over productive labor, and the rise of AI threaten the industry's long-term survival, potentially leading to a crisis similar to broader economic issues.
