Video Game Industry
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Industry.
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Interior Night studio head Charu Desodt appointed chair of BAFTA Games Committee
Charu Desodt, studio director at Interior Night, has been appointed the new chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, succeeding Tara Saunders. Desodt brings over 25 years of industry experience from companies like Microsoft and Sony. Hilary Rosen also takes on a new role as Chair of the BAFTA Board of Trustees.
GTA 6 File Size Revealed, And It’s Massive
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to have a massive file size of 210GB on PlayStation 5, according to PlayStation Game Size. This storage requirement is double that of Red Dead Redemption II and necessitates significant space on consoles. The game is scheduled for release on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version expected later.
Steam Next Fest Was Flooded With Slop. These 50 Demos Cut Through The Noise
The October Steam Next Fest was criticized for being overwhelmed by a large volume of low-quality game demos, making it difficult to find notable titles. Despite the challenges, a list of 50 standout demos was compiled, highlighting trends like social multiplayer games and niche simulation titles. Valve has not addressed the issues, and the number of demos is expected to increase in future events.
PS6 delay looks increasingly likely after PS5 enjoys 22% sales boost
Recent sales data indicates a 22% boost for the PlayStation 5 in September, driven by Marvel's Wolverine and anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6. This surge suggests that a PlayStation 6 release, previously rumored for 2027, is unlikely to occur soon, with potential delays pushing it to 2028 or even 2029.
Commander Shepard actors Jennifer Hale & Mark Meer mourn BioWare: 'It was in the hands of ownership that may…
Voice actors Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer expressed sadness and concern over the reported closure of BioWare and the fate of its intellectual properties. They reflected on the impact on employees and the potential loss of beloved franchises like Mass Effect, with Hale even humorously suggesting a fan-led Kickstarter to save the studio. The article also touches on the broader trend of industry consolidation and the potential for IPs to be mishandled by new ownership.
American publishers are ruining the video games industry - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern that American publishers are ruining the video game industry, citing the closure of BioWare and EA's financial practices as evidence. The author contrasts this with the perceived stability of Japanese and European companies, while also noting the potential negative impact of AI on game development and artistry.
Cancelling Mass Effect And Closing BioWare Was An Obvious Thing For EA To Do, Experts Say
Electronic Arts has confirmed the closure of BioWare and the cancellation of its upcoming Mass Effect game. Analysts suggest this drastic measure was predictable due to EA's significant debt following a leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia's PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity. The studio's recent commercial disappointments, including Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Anthem, contributed to the decision.
Mass Effect Universe trailer leaks and it makes BioWare's closure more painful
A trailer for BioWare's cancelled Mass Effect game, reportedly titled Mass Effect Universe, has leaked online, intensifying anger over EA's decision to close the studio. The footage features a new protagonist and returning character Liara T’Soni, set after the original trilogy. Industry journalist Jason Schreier confirmed the trailer's authenticity, highlighting the loss of potential new entries in the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises.
Games Inbox: Is the video games industry dying?
Multiple readers express concern over the current state of the video games industry, citing high development costs, studio closures, and a perceived decline in quality. There is a debate about whether the industry is truly dying, particularly in the West, with some readers finding solace in Nintendo's unique approach and the enduring appeal of physical media.
BioWare veteran goes to bat for Dragon Age The Veilguard's dev team, says most of them "had little or no say…
Former BioWare director James Ohlen has defended the development team behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard, stating that most had little input on the game's controversial elements. He also addressed criticism of modern entertainment and political messaging, emphasizing the complexity of individuals and the importance of respecting differing views.
Game dev plans affected by Electronic Arts firings take clearer shape as fans and devs mourn BioWare’s end
Electronic Arts has laid off hundreds of employees and shut down the legendary BioWare studio, impacting various game development projects including The Sims and Star Wars titles. The decision has drawn strong criticism from former employees and industry figures, with many lamenting the loss of BioWare's legacy in RPGs like Dragon Age and Mass Effect.
EA has reportedly put DICE and Respawn to work on a new Star Wars: Battlefront game
Electronic Arts is reportedly working on a new Star Wars: Battlefront game, with development potentially split between DICE and Respawn Entertainment. This news follows recent layoffs at EA and the closure of BioWare's Edmonton studio. While not officially confirmed, EA stated that Respawn and DICE would collaborate on a future project, fueling speculation about a new Battlefront title.
Mass Effect's Amazon series is reportedly continuing after BioWare shutdown, which'll make an uncomfortable…
Despite the shutdown of BioWare, the Mass Effect Amazon Prime Video series is reportedly continuing and will be set after the original trilogy. The article criticizes Electronic Arts' management of BioWare, citing the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game and the middling reception of Dragon Age: The Veilguard as examples of the publisher's mismanagement.
Beyond Good & Evil 2 reportedly still in development 18 years after being announced, now a "solo-first" adventure now
Beyond Good & Evil 2 is reportedly still in pre-production 18 years after its initial announcement, with its development focus shifting from a multiplayer-first experience to a "solo-first" adventure with optional co-op. The game has reportedly struggled to meet creative milestones due to constantly changing ideas, and despite Ubisoft's historical support, recent restructuring has cast uncertainty over its future.
Don't Nod is in financial strife, opens safeguard proceedings
The company behind the Life is Strange series, Don't Nod, has entered safeguard proceedings after the Paris Business Court granted its request due to a poor cash position that prevents it from securing financing for its operations and projects. CEO Oskar Guilbert acknowledged the impact on teams, indicating potential layoffs are likely as the company seeks a sustainable solution amidst a challenging industry environment.
1.5 million people planning a sick day for GTA 6 in the US alone
An analyst has calculated that approximately 1.5 million people in the US alone plan to take a "sick day" to play Grand Theft Auto 6 upon its release, potentially costing businesses up to $1 billion in lost productivity. The study, conducted by Professor José García Montalvo, highlights the significant economic impact of major game launches, with men aged 18-30 and technology workers being the most likely to take time off. This phenomenon echoes the impact of Grand Theft Auto 5's release, while Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive anticipate massive revenue from Grand Theft Auto 6.
Golden Joysticks opens console GOTY voting—and it’s already snubbed some of this year’s best titles
The Golden Joysticks awards have opened their voting for Console Game of the Year, but the selection has already drawn criticism for omitting several highly acclaimed titles from the year. This has sparked discussion about the validity and inclusivity of such industry awards.
All The Records GTA 6 Will Break, We Think
Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to break numerous sales records upon its November 19 release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Building on the immense success of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Red Dead Redemption II, analysts project record-breaking revenue and preorder numbers, potentially exceeding $2 billion based on early estimates. Despite Take-Two Interactive's cautious approach to disclosing preorder figures, the game's higher price point and the enduring popularity of the franchise suggest unprecedented commercial success.
Super Smash Bros and Kirby creator Masahiro Sakurai says original games will be harder for AI to rip off, but…
Masahiro Sakurai, creator of Kirby and Super Smash Bros, expressed concerns about generative AI in game development, particularly its ability to replicate established game mechanics. He believes AI-generated games pose a significant threat to original titles, especially in the crowded indie market, and advises players to support human-made games.
Big RPGs like The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2 have CD Projekt Red in a "dangerous place," warns BioWare veteran, with costs and sales expectations exploding
BioWare veteran Mark Darrah expresses concern that CD Projekt Red's ambitious slate of upcoming games, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, places the company in a financially dangerous position. He argues that the escalating costs and sales expectations for AAA titles, exemplified by Grand Theft Auto 6, create immense pressure, requiring games to sell tens of millions of units to be profitable.
