Procedural Generation
Ongoing coverage on Procedural Generation.
Latest coverage
"I was chomping at the bit to crack the code": How procedural maps became XCOM 2's biggest ambition, after Firaxis couldn't manage it in Enemy Unknown
Firaxis Games initially struggled with procedural map generation for XCOM: Enemy Unknown, opting for handcrafted levels to ensure quality. For XCOM 2, the team prioritized cracking procedural generation, developing a 'plot and parcel' system to create varied and believable maps across different environments. Key figures like Garth DeAngelis, Jake Solomon, Greg Foertsch, and Brian Hess were instrumental in overcoming the technical and design challenges.
Haste gets surprise Nintendo Switch 2 release
The high-speed third-person running game Haste has been surprise-released on the Nintendo Switch 2. Developed by Landfall, the game features procedurally generated levels across ten Shards, online co-op, and over 90 items for build customization. Landfall also recently released Content Warning on Nintendo Switch.
My Tennis Apocalypse – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
My Tennis Apocalypse is a new roguelike action sports game where traditional scoring is replaced by combat, and the goal is to deplete the opponent's health bar. Each run features a unique competition ladder with procedurally generated opponents and challenges. Players can explore an overworld to interact with NPCs, purchase gear, and practice skills before engaging in matches where power-ups and weapons add chaotic unpredictability. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Housemarque says it 'hancrafted levels, art, design, and combat encounters' and 'kind of connect them in a procedural matter' to create Saros' ever-changing levels
Housemarque's upcoming PlayStation 5 title, Saros, will feature handcrafted levels that are procedurally connected, leading to altered layouts and new paths upon respawning. Creative director Gregory Louden and art director Simone Silvestri highlighted the game's roguelike mechanics and the team's extensive playtesting to ensure a fluid player experience.
Crimson Desert: Sealed Abyss Artifacts Locations
Players are discussing the locations of sealed abyss artifacts in Crimson Desert, with some users expressing a willingness to wait for sales. The conversation touches on the game's reception compared to titles from EA and Ubisoft, with many defending Pearl Abyss's efforts in creating an original and engaging open-world experience despite some rough edges.
Superalignment – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Superalignment is a co-op horror extraction game for up to four players where participants harvest energy cells from derelict orbital stations infested with hostile machines. The game features procedurally generated layouts, and players can invest earnings in better gear between shifts. Teamwork is emphasized, with players dividing roles or sticking together for safety.
'We're playing game designs from 2005 still': Caves of Qud's co-creator wants to build new kinds of sicko gameplay systems that'll use all the processing potential being left untapped
Caves of Qud co-creator Brian Bucklew believes current game development, particularly in the AAA space, is not fully utilizing the processing and networking capabilities of modern hardware. He suggests future games could explore more complex systems and simulations by leveraging untapped CPU potential, potentially leading to experiences that are initially demanding but will become more accessible over time, similar to Caves of Qud's own development trajectory.
HAUNTMATES – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
HAUNTMATES is a co-op horror game where players explore procedurally generated locations to identify entities by gathering evidence and completing side quests. Players must learn monster AI behaviors and escape before the difficulty escalates. A beta demo is available on Steam.
Psychedelic FPS Tamashika Launches April 10 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch
The psychedelic first-person shooter Tamashika, developed by quicktequila and published by Edglrd, is set to launch on April 10, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game features fast-paced combat within a procedurally generated, ever-changing labyrinth, emphasizing player timing and movement. Tamashika also introduces a daily-changing maze configuration for global leaderboard competition and marks Edglrd's debut in video game publishing.
The Night can steal your face in Victorian mansion horror Cordura, aka Phasmophobia meets Dishonored
Cordura is a one-to-four player horror game set in Victorian mansions corrupted by a primal influence, featuring procedural labyrinths and shapeshifting enemies. Players must steal the Rose of the Night, a source of Ambrosia, while managing their sanity, with the game incorporating proximity voice chat that can mimic allies' voices. The developers draw inspiration from Phasmophobia for its haunting mechanics and Dishonored for its stealth elements.
Behold Subnautica 2's fancy fresh windows that come as part of its new procedural base building system
Subnautica 2 is introducing a significantly improved procedural base building system, moving away from fixed pieces to allow for more sculptural and expressive designs, including custom-shaped windows. Base design lead Kiel McDonald highlighted the new system's uniqueness in the survival genre, while senior engineer Carolyn Lu demonstrated its flexibility. The article also briefly mentions ongoing legal disputes between Unknown Worlds and publisher Krafton.
Survival Horror Game Chainsaw Woods Launches on Steam on March 19, 2026
The survival horror game Chainsaw Woods is set to launch on PC via Steam on March 19, 2026. Developed by Ratsuha, the game features procedurally generated forest maps, exploration-focused gameplay with torch lighting, shotgun combat, and online co-op for up to two players.
DreamWorld Sandbox MMO Launches on Steam Early Access with MARBLEX Partnership
DreamWorld, a new sandbox MMO from DreamWorld Realities Inc., has launched on Steam Early Access, marking a significant partnership with MARBLEX. The game features a serverless, procedurally generated world with extensive player construction and exploration, enhanced by the AI-driven DreamForge 3D modeling tool. This launch also signifies MARBLEX's expansion into global PC publishing.
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.
ENTRY_13 – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
ENTRY_13 is a procedurally generated survival horror game with analog horror aesthetics where players explore shifting rooms and document anomalies. The game features unique entities, limited resources for defense, and a parallel narrative that unfolds through VHS tapes, with roughly 60-minute runs and multiple endings. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Exo Rally Championship – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Exo Rally Championship is an upcoming off-road racing simulation set on alien worlds, featuring advanced rovers and a hardcore physics model. Players will compete in procedurally generated stages with challenging weather and terrain, aiming to progress through a career mode inspired by real-world rally events. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Mt. Aki – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Mt. Aki is a procedurally generated downhill snowboarding game where players can sign up for beta access. The game features endless mountains with new routes each time, encouraging players to chain combos by hitting ramps and riding rails for high scores. New boards can be unlocked, with tricks planned for future updates.
New Technological Advancements Shaping the Future of Browser-Based Entertainment - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Technological advancements like WebAssembly, 5G networks, and procedural generation are transforming browser-based entertainment into a platform capable of competing with standalone consoles. These innovations enable instant-play, high-definition gaming experiences without large downloads, while enhanced security protocols and cloud gaming address latency and processing power concerns. The evolution of web browsers into powerful gaming platforms is blurring the lines between native and web experiences, making sophisticated entertainment instantly accessible.
Bite Sized Reviews: Veterum
Veterum is a dark fantasy tactical RPG that offers a more forgiving experience than Battle Brothers, despite its challenging turn-based combat. Currently in Early Access, the game features procedurally generated maps, quests, and battles, with a focus on sandbox gameplay and army management. The title also boasts impressive modding capabilities and environmental interactivity in its combat system.
The best Valheim seeds for resources and bosses
This guide provides a list of recommended Valheim seeds that offer advantageous starting positions for resources and boss encounters. It explains how seeds generate unique world layouts and how players can leverage them for efficient resource gathering and progression, even suggesting using different seeds for resource runs and returning to a main save file.
