User-Generated Content
Ongoing coverage on User-Generated Content.
Latest coverage
Tomoland Raises $2M to Expand Mobile-First UGC Platform With Crypto.
Tomoland has secured $2 million in a funding round led by Sky9 Capital to expand its mobile-first user-generated content (UGC) platform with Web3 integration. The company, built on BUD World technology and featuring veterans from Tencent and NetEase, aims to enable creators to own and monetize their digital assets through an on-chain framework. This funding will support the integration of Web2 scale with Web3 ownership for content, gameplay, and AI tools, following a successful NFT sale of its Blueprint Founder Pass.
Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 pre-orders start?
Readers discuss the long wait for Grand Theft Auto 6, speculating on when pre-orders might begin and when the next trailer will drop. Other topics include potential Star Wars games, Nintendo's announcement strategies, and Sony's price increases for PlayStation Plus.
Share of the Week: EA Sports FC 26
Sony Interactive Entertainment is showcasing user-submitted screenshots from EA Sports FC 26, which was part of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for May. Players shared goal-winning moments, goalie saves, and stadium crowd views using the hashtag #PSshare. The next theme for submissions is 'Hands', with a deadline of May 20, 2026.
Garry Newman acknowledges Gmod successor S&box had a bumpy launch, but is baffled by the number of people complaining about NFTs, which aren't in the game: 'I have no idea what this s**t is about'
Garry Newman, co-founder of Facepunch Studios and creator of Garry's Mod, has addressed the mixed reception of the newly launched content creation platform S&box. Newman acknowledged performance issues and user complaints about the game not being a direct successor to Garry's Mod, while expressing confusion over negative reviews mentioning NFTs, which are not present in the game. He also discussed concerns regarding AI-generated content and the platform's comparison to Garry's Mod's extensive user-generated content library.
Hitman: Absolution Drops a New Contracts Mode on Mobile for Free
Feral Interactive has released a free update for Hitman: Absolution on Android, introducing the Contracts Mode. This asynchronous multiplayer feature allows players to create custom assassination puzzles by setting targets and conditions within existing story missions. Players can then challenge others to match or beat their performance to earn rewards and unlock new items.
Garry's Mod successor punishes gen AI use as creator admits "our Steam reviews obviously aren't…
Facepunch Studios' S&box, the spiritual successor to Garry's Mod, is implementing measures to discourage the use of generative AI assets, including suppressing games with AI-generated cover art. Lead developer Garry Newman acknowledged that Steam reviews have been negative, with a significant portion citing AI usage and performance issues. The company is actively working to address these concerns while also clarifying that they do not use NFTs or blockchain technology.
"It's a UGC platform, there is always going to be dog s***" Garry's Mod creator says as S&box's latest update aims to punish AI-generated thumbnails
Facepunch Studios' S&box platform is implementing measures to discourage AI-generated content, particularly thumbnails, following player feedback. Founder Garry Newman stated that while AI generation is easy, it leads to a homogenous look, and the platform will now allow moderators to mark packages with AI thumbnails, reducing their visibility. The update also addresses complaints about NFTs and introduces performance enhancements.
Roblox Safety Score: An Honest Assessment for Adult Gamers (2026) | TAG
Roblox, a user-generated content platform with over 111 million daily active users, is undergoing intense scrutiny regarding its safety infrastructure. Despite significant investments in moderation and safety initiatives, the platform faces legal challenges in multiple states for allegedly failing to protect children from predators. The article assesses Roblox's safety score, highlighting the tension between its robust safety measures and documented failures, particularly concerning the interaction between adults and minors on the platform.
Why the founder of Kongregate believes that Roblox is its successor
Jim Greer, co-founder of Kongregate and Senior Director of Game Solutions at Roblox, believes Roblox is a successor to legacy Flash game platforms like Kongregate due to its similar creator community. He highlights Roblox's efforts to support developers in creating hits and reaching older audiences, noting that a significant and growing portion of its user base is over 18. Roblox is also implementing new developer programs and increasing revenue share to foster more ambitious projects and retain users as they age.
Perfect Ten: MMOs with player-generated content that somehow didn’t require blockchain
This article discusses several MMORPGs that feature robust player-generated content systems without relying on cryptocurrency or blockchain technology. Games like Final Fantasy XIV, Star Wars Galaxies, and Warframe are highlighted for their successful implementation of user-created content, demonstrating that player engagement and creativity are sufficient motivators for content creation.
MindsEye studio Build A Rocket Boy reportedly lays off around 170 more employees following story campaign update inspired by alleged sabotage
MindsEye, the studio behind Build A Rocket Boy, has reportedly laid off approximately 170 more employees, reducing its staff to around 80. This follows previous layoffs and the exit of publisher IOI Partners. CEO Mark Gerhard has cited external sabotage attempts, a narrative reflected in the recent 'Blacklisted' content update, though former employees dispute the sabotage claims.
Epic and Disney launch largest IP toolset to date, allowing devs to create Star Wars games in Fortnite
Epic Games and The Walt Disney Company have launched a comprehensive Star Wars toolset for Fortnite, enabling creators to build their own Star Wars-themed games within the platform. The tools include characters, vehicles, and gameplay features, with new lightsaber and force power customization options available in Unreal Editor for Fortnite. Developers must adhere to brand guidelines and share engagement payouts with Disney to publish their creations.
The Roblox player count is 132 million as of April 2026, but it still sent its stocks tumbling
Roblox reported 132 million daily active users for Q1 2026, a significant drop from the previous quarter's 144 million, causing its stock value to fall by 13%. Despite the user decline, hours engaged grew 43% year-on-year, and revenue reached $1.4 billion. The company also cut its full-year 2026 bookings guidance, reflecting the impact of a mandatory age-verification system implemented in January 2026 and ongoing child safety concerns.
A bunch of Star Wars experiences are jumping into Fortnite today
Fortnite is launching three new Star Wars-themed games today: Galactic Siege, Escape Vader, and Droid Tycoon, developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Disney. Additionally, new Star Wars quests will be available weekly, and a special watch party event for The Mandalorian and Grogu film is scheduled for May 19th. This content drop coincides with Star Wars Day and follows previous collaborations between Fortnite and the Star Wars franchise.
GTA Online launches Community Mission Series promoting its new Rockstar Mission Creator
Grand Theft Auto Online has launched its new Community Mission Series, which will highlight player-created missions made with the new Rockstar Mission Creator. This feature allows players to design and share their own unique adventures within the game world.
Fortnite's new partnered Star Wars games are a bad look for both Fortnite and Star Wars
The new Star Wars-themed games within Fortnite, including Galactic Siege, Droid Tycoon, and Escape Vader, are criticized for their low quality and lack of polish, resembling dated movie tie-in games. The article argues these experiences, developed by Fortnite Creative partners, fail to leverage the Star Wars IP effectively and highlight limitations in the platform's user-generated content capabilities.
Fortnite's Star Wars gamble: a tale of chaos, jank, and opportunity
Fortnite is launching three new Star Wars-themed islands created by studios using the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), marking a shift towards user-generated content with pre-licensed assets. While the experiences, including Galactic Siege, Escaping Vader, and Droid Tycoon, range in quality from janky to engaging, they represent an opportunity for smaller teams and a new iteration strategy for the Star Wars brand within the game.
Lucasfilm Exec Says Fortnite is the Future of Star Wars Storytelling
Lucasfilm executive James Waugh stated that user-generated content within Fortnite represents a significant avenue for the future of Star Wars storytelling. He also addressed the possibility of bringing 'Legends' skins into the game.
I don't think anyone is prepared for the amount of Star Wars that's about to hit Fortnite
Epic Games has launched new Star Wars-themed creation tools and islands within Fortnite, allowing developers to create official Star Wars experiences. Three exemplar islands, including 'Galactic Siege,' 'Escape Vader,' and 'Droid Tycoon,' showcase the potential of these tools. This initiative expands Fortnite's user-generated content offerings and deepens Disney's engagement with interactive entertainment.
Fortnite Is Adding New Star Wars Modes, And One Of Them Feels Like Battlefront
Fortnite is launching new user-created Star Wars-themed modes on May 1, utilizing the Unreal Editor for Fortnite. These include a Battlefront-style "Galactic Siege," a survival horror mode called "Escape Vader," and a "Droid Tycoon" map. Epic Games is providing Star Wars assets for creators, with hundreds of modes expected to be available at launch.
