All articles tagged with #video game development
Quantic Dream developers on strike warn that Star Wars Eclipse cannot be finished if the planned layoff of 115 workers who had been inactive on Spellcasters Chronicles proceeds, arguing the project is severely understaffed and that retaining these roles is essential to completion amid a wider industry crunch and the Chronicles closure.
Crystal Dynamics says Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis will use generative AI for early concept art and placeholder visuals, while Lara Croft’s design remains 100% human-crafted. AI is described as a tool to speed up early development, with final content created by humans; the studio has faced layoffs in recent years. The game is scheduled to launch in 2027 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.
IO Interactive previews 007 First Light as a cinematic origin story for James Bond, blending film-like storytelling with gameplay, drawing on Ian Fleming and Moonraker for inspiration, featuring Patrick Gibson and a star cast, and releasing May 27, 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S (with a Nintendo Switch 2 version in development) while prioritizing tonal realism and performance-driven storytelling.
SNK and former Tekken director Katsuhiro Harada announced VS Studio, a Tokyo-based game developer led by Harada with SNK’s support as a consolidated subsidiary; the studio aims to combine technology and expertise to create memorable games, though no debut title is announced yet, and the meaning of “VS” spans from their fighting-game roots to broader innovation. SNK has been expanding its presence with new offices and ventures, suggesting continued investment in diverse projects and potential future fighting-game or other-genre titles.
Take-Two/2K confirms NFL 2K is no longer in development due to the NFL license exclusivity with EA; multiple creative direction shifts stalled progress, and the mobile NFL 2K Playmakers title shut down in 2025. The company says it remains open to reviving NFL 2K if the right opportunity arises.
Owlcat Games confirmed that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will rely on generative AI for prototyping and experimentation (e.g., 2D-to-3D looks, color tweaks) but all final game assets and content will be 100 percent human-made, with a spring 2027 release window announced.
Ubisoft confirmed 40 employees were laid off at its Toronto studio, which is working on the Splinter Cell remake. The company said the cuts were not a reflection of the impacted workers’ talents and will provide severance and career placement assistance. The remake is being developed from the ground up as a linear title, with Ubisoft Toronto continuing to contribute to other projects as the game remains in production.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond credits reveal a collaboration of multiple developers including Retro Studios, Next Level Games, and Virtuos, with Next Level Games contributing significantly, and introduce a new voice for Samus, receiving positive reviews for its innovative direction.
BioWare confirms that the next Mass Effect game is still in development, with the team focused solely on it, and details about an upcoming Amazon TV series set after the original trilogy are also revealed. The studio remains committed to expanding the franchise despite recent restructuring and layoffs, and the TV show will explore a new story within the universe.
BioWare confirms it is fully focused on developing the next Mass Effect game, with promises of new features, romances, and a related TV series set after the original trilogy, reassuring fans about the series' future amidst recent rumors.
Bioware reassures fans that a new Mass Effect game is still in development, with the team focused on expanding the universe and working on a related TV show, despite recent corporate uncertainties and lack of new gameplay footage.
BioWare confirms that the next Mass Effect game is in development, with the team focused on building new features and stories, and a related TV series in partnership with Amazon is also underway, exploring a new storyline set after the original trilogy. No release date or platforms have been announced.
Borderlands 4, released six years after its predecessor, reflects longer development times in the gaming industry due to technological advances, studio challenges, and investor pressures, but has been well-received, highlighting the complex balance between quality and release timing.
Football Manager fans received their first look at FM26 after the cancellation of FM25, which was delayed and ultimately shelved due to not meeting quality standards. The new installment promises visual and interface upgrades, as well as the inclusion of women's teams, with a teaser hinting at a 'match day first look' soon. Fans are excited about the return of the series, which has been a popular football management simulation since 2004.
Weta Workshop's new game studio faces significant challenges in developing its first console game, Tales of the Shire, due to inexperience, poor management, communication issues, and industry pressures, leading to layoffs, delays, and a tense work environment, but the team remains dedicated and hopeful for future success.