game development Archives

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Predicting the (actually very exciting) future of Xbox hardware

A game analyst predicts that the high-end console market may not support both PlayStation and Xbox, suggesting a possible exit for Xbox. However, the relevance of console exclusives is diminishing as PlayStation expands to platforms like Steam, and Valve allows manufacturers to create consoles based on its operating system. Xbox is likely to increase its device variety, with Microsoft appointing Roanne Sones to lead its hardware ecosystem. Under her leadership, Xbox is expanding beyond traditional consoles, showcasing devices like the ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming PC and mobile controllers. The upcoming CES 2025 will feature discussions on enhancing Windows for gaming handhelds. Both Xbox and PlayStation rely on x86 AMD architecture, and the industry is exploring monetization strategies amid rising costs and stagnant user growth. Microsoft aims to align Xbox more closely with Windows for easier game deployment and potential integration of third-party stores. There is speculation about eliminating the paywall for premium multiplayer gaming in the next generation. Successful execution of this vision is uncertain, as Microsoft must navigate regional marketing and distribution complexities while ensuring a smooth gaming experience and backward compatibility.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Ubisoft releases new Blood Dragon game… with NFTs

Ubisoft is facing challenges, including game cancellations and workforce reductions, while exploring new engagement opportunities through the nostalgic universe of Far Cry 3 and the spin-off Blood Dragon. They are launching a top-down shooter called Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E., featuring Rayman as a commentator. Players must purchase an NFT, the 'Niji Warrior' card, to participate, which evolves as they progress. The game promotes familiar NFT concepts, such as shaping the world and earning exclusive rewards, but gameplay details remain vague, with minimal in-game footage available. Ubisoft's previous NFT initiatives faced backlash, but they continue to pursue this technology, partnering with blockchain platform Immutable and keeping NFT content separate from their main branding.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Windows Central Game Awards 2024 — Showcasing the best Xbox and PC games of the year

In 2024, the gaming landscape has seen significant developments, including impressive game releases on Xbox and PC despite industry layoffs. Indie games have gained popularity for their innovative concepts, while established franchises have reinvented themselves. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions have increased, indicating a growing interest in PC and cloud gaming. Speculation about new hardware from Microsoft, including a potential Xbox handheld device, has generated excitement for the future. The contributions of various professionals in game development have been recognized as vital to the industry's progress.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

11 Bit Studios makes layoffs

Poland's 11 Bit Studios announced a restructuring that resulted in an undisclosed number of layoffs and the cancellation of Project 8, its first console-focused game, which began development in 2018 with a team of 37 staff members. The company invested approximately PLN 48.4 million (around .8 million) into Project 8. The decision to cancel the project was based on a comprehensive evaluation that identified several challenges, including disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The president of the board, Przemysław Marszał, indicated that changing market conditions and revised sales forecasts raised doubts about the project's profitability, leading to the conclusion that further extensions of the production timeline and budget increases would be necessary.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Lost Soul Aside is officially coming to PC in 2025

Lost Soul Aside is set to launch on PC in 2025. A new gameplay trailer has been released, showcasing dynamic combat and stunning visuals. The game was originally conceived as an indie project using Unreal Engine 4 and draws inspiration from Final Fantasy XV. Players will engage in fast-paced battles, mastering combos and upgrading weapons. The game will support DLSS 3 and Ray Tracing on PC. Sony will publish the title, and the PC version will not be a timed exclusive for the PS5, though a PSN account will be required to access the game.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Trailmakers dev Flashbulb makes layoffs

Flashbulb Games, a Danish game development studio, is laying off seven employees after completing an unannounced project. The majority of the affected team members have been reassigned to work on the studio's flagship title, Trailmakers. Flashbulb Games was founded in 2016 and is known for its games, including Trailbrakers (2019) and Rubber Bandits (2021).

Winsage

December 16, 2024

Horror classic Clock Tower’s Windows 95 port jabbed a giant pair of scissors through my rose-tinted glasses

Pasokon Retro highlights the history of Japanese PC gaming, focusing on the 1997 release of Clock Tower, a suspenseful point-and-click adventure developed by Human Entertainment for Windows 95. The PC version featured a lackluster CG intro and inferior graphics compared to earlier versions, with intentional visual shortcomings such as dithered mist effects and smudgy softness. Despite these issues, the game maintained an engaging experience with intuitive mouse controls and randomization of key item locations, allowing for varied playthroughs. The game ran smoothly on Windows 11, showcasing its compatibility with modern systems.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Polish studio Dark Passenger lands $3m funding

Polish game developer Dark Passenger has secured funding for its inaugural project, a third-person multiplayer stealth action game set in feudal Japan. The investment was led by The Games Fund, with participation from Blite Fund. CEO Jakub Ben highlighted the transformative impact of this funding on team expansion and project development. Ilia Eremeev, co-founder of The Games Fund, noted a market gap for bold gaming experiences and praised the quality of Dark Passenger's early work.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

Big Screen Heroes coming to Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025

Big Screen Heroes will participate in Pocket Gamer Connects (PGC) London 2025 on January 20-21, 2025. The conference will expand its focus beyond mobile gaming to include PC, console, and cross-platform innovations. PGC London 2025 will feature live demonstrations of various games, keynote talks from industry leaders, networking opportunities with hardware manufacturers and publishers, and a celebration of the Top 50 UK Game Makers. Tickets are currently available for attendees.

AppWizard

December 13, 2024

This year The Game Awards finally tackled the plague of game industry layoffs

Geoff Keighley addressed the significant layoffs in the video game industry over the past two years during The Game Awards, noting the unprecedented nature of these job losses. Amir Satvat created the Games Jobs Resources website to support those affected by these layoffs, offering career planning, job listings, and networking opportunities. He highlighted that over 34,000 jobs have been lost in the last three years, emphasizing the importance of talent in game development.