game design Archives

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

AI-generated Minecraft unveiled, showcasing AI’s unlimited ability to copy things but worse

Decart has unveiled Oasis, which it claims to be "the world's first real-time AI world model." The company envisions a future where foundation models integrate with entertainment platforms to generate content in real time based on user preferences. Current demonstrations of Oasis resemble a prototype version of Minecraft, lacking the polish of the original game. The technology was developed using Nvidia H100 graphics cards but struggles to perform at 360p and 20 frames per second. Future iterations may utilize Etched ASICs for improved performance up to 4K resolution. Additionally, AI-powered Frame Generation could enhance gaming performance on standard hardware. The author attempted to access the Oasis platform but was unable to load the site.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

Decart AI Releases Minecraft Game-Alike, Oasis

Decart AI, an Israeli company, has launched an AI-driven game called Oasis, which is the first playable "open-world" AI simulation. The game utilizes advanced AI technology to create a real-time, Minecraft-like environment, generating gameplay based on user inputs. Players can download Oasis from Decart's website, where the AI simulates physics, rules, and graphics as they play. There are concerns about copyright issues regarding the use of Minecraft gameplay footage for training purposes. Decart plans to optimize Oasis with upcoming AI accelerator chips for enhanced performance and aims for future versions to support up to 4K gameplay. The game is designed to provide personalized experiences and endless replayability, representing a shift in game development towards dynamic, user-driven interactions. Oasis is part of a growing category of generative AI models, achieving high frame rates and paving the way for more advanced applications in entertainment.

AppWizard

October 28, 2024

AI game testing bots will make buggy AAA launches a thing of the past

The trend of buggy launches in AAA game development is driven by market pressures prioritizing speed over quality, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and stressed development teams. The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 exemplifies this issue, resulting in CD Projekt Red facing refunds, removal from the PlayStation store, and significant investments in post-release fixes and expansions. Fixing production bugs post-launch can cost studios upwards of 0,000 due to the interconnected nature of game design. Advancements in AI and gaming technology have made it possible to reduce the occurrence of post-launch bugs, with automated testing systems now more effective due to deep learning and increased computational capabilities. The industry's shift towards modular development and the use of third-party tools highlights the inefficiency of manual bug hunting. Successful launches, like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, demonstrate the benefits of investing in automated QA tools for ensuring smooth releases. Automating testing with AI-powered tools is becoming essential for cost-efficiency and competitiveness in a market that demands high-quality releases.

AppWizard

October 19, 2024

The creator of Dusk and Iron Lung is making a gruesome but surprisingly funny horror game about beating killer cultists with lead pipes and 2x4s

David Szymanski is developing a first-person horror game titled Butcher's Creek, which focuses on melee combat and features a narrative involving torture cultists in rural Appalachia. The game draws inspiration from classic horror titles, particularly Condemned: Criminal Origins. It includes elements of dark humor, with quirky interactions among cult members. The demo showcases melee mechanics, though players have noted that the cultists could be more aggressive. The game is set to be released in January, and players can currently explore the demo and add it to their Steam wishlists.

AppWizard

October 15, 2024

No, generative AI isn’t going to take over your PC games | Digital Trends

A recent article from PC Gamer discussing generative AI in video games sparked controversy, with industry professionals criticizing its portrayal of AI-generated content. A character designer from Bioshock Infinite referred to an AI-generated reimagining of a character as “half-assed cosplay.” The article highlighted the distinction between generative AI, which creates outputs from inputs, and predictive AI, which forecasts outcomes. Nvidia’s projects, like RTX Remix, demonstrate practical applications of AI in enhancing game visuals without compromising creative integrity. AI tools like DLSS improve final outputs rather than generating them from scratch. Concerns about job displacement in the industry have arisen, particularly following layoffs among 2D artists at companies like Activision Blizzard. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to AI in gaming, recognizing both its potential benefits and ethical implications.

AppWizard

October 13, 2024

Death of a Partisan is one survival game where I didn’t starve to death, thank goodness

Death of a Partisan is a single-player narrative survival game set during World War II on the Eastern Front. Players take on the role of a Russian soldier who has escaped captivity and teams up with another survivor in a rustic shack. The game encourages exploration for food and supplies while avoiding a punishing survival loop. Developer Edwin Montgomery highlights that hunger is a concern but not an immediate death sentence. Players can choose to navigate the game using stealth and distractions instead of violence. The game is currently in early development and is projected for release in mid-2025.

AppWizard

October 4, 2024

The making of Fallout Tactics: ‘I sound like I’m down on it now, but I still love what we made’

In 2001, the hairy deathclaw from Fallout Tactics became a focal point for criticism of the game's developer, Micro Forté, due to its unconventional design choice of a thick fur coat. Lead designer Ed Orman acknowledged the controversy, stating that while variations on deathclaws could be justified, the design was initially seen as sacrilege. Fallout Tactics is considered a bold offshoot of the RPG franchise, created by a passionate team despite limited resources. Although Todd Howard declared it non-canon, elements from the game have influenced later titles and gained appreciation among fans. Orman expressed pride in the team's accomplishment despite the challenges faced during development.

BetaBeacon

September 26, 2024

How to Create a Mobile Game That Works on Both Android and iOS? | GodisaGeek.com

- The mobile gaming market has projected revenues of more than USbn globally, with a great portion coming from in-game purchases, ads, and subscriptions. - Android has more than 70% market share worldwide as of early 2024. - Increased smartphone penetration in emerging markets and advancements in gaming technologies like AR and cloud gaming are key factors driving the growth of the mobile gaming market.

AppWizard

September 8, 2024

Wild Bastards is channeling its creators’ previous work on BioShock with its powers and combos, and even its most normal, ‘all rounder’ character is a cyborg horse with a lever rifle

Blue Manchu is developing a sequel to their game Void Bastards, titled Wild Bastards, which is inspired by classic westerns and aims to create a dynamic ensemble similar to the Magnificent Seven. The design director, Jonathan Chey, expressed challenges with AI teammates in first-person games, noting that they often frustrate players. To address this, the team implemented a swapping mechanic that allows players to switch between characters with unique abilities, enhancing player agency and teamwork without relying on AI. This approach reflects a trend in gaming towards empowering players and may influence future single-player game design.

BetaBeacon

September 6, 2024

FAU-G Domination pre-registrations go live on Android

- India-based games studio Dot9 Games has started pre-registrations for its upcoming battle royale game FAU-G Domination. - The game is published by Nazara Publishing and dedicated to Bharat Ke Veer, a trust supporting India's Armed Forces Martyrs. - nCore Games' co-founder Vishal Gondal expressed pride in responding to PM Modi's call for a game made-in-India for India and the world. - Dot9 Games CEO Deepak Ail believes that India has talent in game design and development, signaling the country's arrival as a major player in the global gaming industry.