studio head Archives

AppWizard

March 5, 2026

After planning 2 more paid acts, narrative scifi power-washer Ambrosia Sky is instead finishing its story in one free update to ‘maximize’ its focus on what players loved: ‘People got in on that sapphic yearning right away’

Ambrosia Sky: Act One was released in November 2025, featuring Dalia, a researcher in a decaying space station. Developer Soft Rains initially planned a trilogy but will now conclude Dalia's story in a free update, Ambrosia Sky: Act Two, set for release later this year. Act Two will resolve the mysteries from Act One and introduce new mission locations, exo-fungus to harvest, and an updated progression system. The decision to streamline the narrative was influenced by player feedback. Act One is available on Steam, and owners will receive Act Two for free. After Act Two's release, the game's price will increase for new players. A 15% discount on Act One is available until March 13.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The Mass Effect spiritual successor I can’t wait to play just lost its studio head, but he doesn’t want you to worry

James Ohlen, the former studio head of Archetype Entertainment, announced his departure from the company in December, following the release of the latest trailer for the sci-fi adventure game Exodus. He stated that his decision to step down was made last summer, was amicable, and had the full support of Hasbro. Ohlen emphasized that Exodus is "in a good place" and expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue the project under the leadership of trusted colleagues. He will remain with Wizards of the Coast as a creative consultant, focusing on tabletop RPGs and his own venture, Arcanum Worlds. The game Exodus features a time dilation mechanic where players experience long journeys at near-light speed, with a planned release date set for early 2027.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Despite Krafton ownership, Last Epoch dev won’t charge for its first expansion and isn’t pivoting to AI: ‘To be clear, our development approach is not changing’

Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) has confirmed that the upcoming Orobyss expansion for Last Epoch will be free for all existing players who own the base game, and new players purchasing the game post-launch will also receive the expansion at no additional cost. This decision honors a pledge made during the game's Kickstarter campaign in 2018. EHG's leadership has stated that their development approach will not change despite Krafton's shift towards an "AI-first company." EHG is preparing for two upcoming seasons with substantial updates to the base game, although the intervals between these seasons may be longer due to recruitment efforts and preparations for the game's debut on PlayStation 5.

AppWizard

October 16, 2025

Ben Brinkman returns to 2K to head up 31st Union

2K Games has appointed Ben Brinkman as the new studio head of 31st Union, following the departure of Michael Condrey in February 2025. Brinkman has a background with EA, Activision, and Respawn Entertainment, and previously worked at 2K from 2006 to 2008. The studio is currently developing Project Ethos, with community feedback from a playtest last fall influencing its direction. Company president David Ismailer expressed optimism about the project and noted that confidence in it is growing.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

Escape From Tarkov update nerfs its ‘aimbot’ enemies as Battlestate finally responds to hardcore frustrations

Battlestate Games has released a new update for Escape From Tarkov that addresses player concerns regarding enemy AI. Key changes include: - Increased time for AI soldiers to detect enemies, both initially and after losing track. - Slower aiming mechanics for AI, reducing their instantaneous lethality. - Adjusted detection angles for improved realism and fairness. - Fixes to the AI detection system that previously allowed them to see through non-transparent obstacles. - AI will no longer aim for the head if they have not seen the player for at least 15 seconds. These changes affect various AI opponents, including regular bots, sniper scavs, raiders, and bosses, though some bosses will retain their previous capabilities. The update also includes balance changes such as increased maximum offer slots at the Flea Market, restoration of the full item range for the Peacekeeper and Jaeger LL4, and an increased experience multiplier for certain raid outcomes.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

‘It would have damaged us forever’: After the calamitous cancellation of Football Manager 25, what does FM26 need to deliver?

The release of Football Manager 2025 has been canceled by Sports Interactive due to concerns about the player experience and interface. Studio head Miles Jacobson stated that releasing the game in its current state would not provide good value for money and could damage the company’s reputation. The next installment, Football Manager 26, is expected to feature a new game engine, updated user interface, and enhanced graphics. It will also include women's football, a feature developed with a new player database and motion-capture sessions. Additionally, a partnership with the Premier League will enhance the game's management experience. Fans have created mods for FM24 to improve the match engine following the cancellation of FM25.

AppWizard

September 7, 2025

After Indiana Jones, it sounds like MachineGames is ready to make another Wolfenstein game: ‘We have always seen this as a trilogy’

MachineGames studio head Jerk Gustafsson expressed the ambition to create a direct sequel to Wolfenstein: The New Colossus, indicating that the studio has always envisioned the story as a trilogy. The narrative for protagonist BJ Blazkowicz was planned across three installments since the early days of Wolfenstein: The New Order. The previous game, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, ended in a way that left players wanting more, while the 2019 spinoff, Youngblood, focused on Blazkowicz's twin daughters two decades later. Creating a sequel presents challenges, including whether to position it as an interquel or explore a timeline retcon. Despite these hurdles, MachineGames is confident in delivering a compelling sequel, though fans may need to be patient as the team has recently released a story DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

AppWizard

September 1, 2025

NetEase has closed down T-Minus Zero

NetEase has decided to close T-Minus Zero, a studio established in August 2023. The announcement was confirmed by the company and the studio head, Rich Vogel, expressed pride in the team's journey and their achievements, including a playable demo. The closure is part of NetEase's restructuring efforts, which also included the shutdowns of other studios like Jar of Sparks and Liquid Swords. The company is recalibrating its investments, particularly in non-Chinese studios.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Lightspeed opens second Osaka studio

Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios has opened a second studio in Osaka, following its initial launch in November 2024. The studio has hired three former Capcom employees: Toshihiro Nakagawa, Daigo Ikeno, and Bengus, who have experience with franchises like Devil May Cry, Dragon's Dogma, Street Fighter, and Darkstalkers. Hideaki Itsuno, the studio head, highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration among the team, which includes other former Capcom colleagues. Itsuno noted that few studios in Japan are developing original triple-A IP from scratch, which is the focus of their new project.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Rod Fergusson is Cloud Chamber’s new studio head

Rod Fergusson has become the studio head at Cloud Chamber, the studio behind the BioShock franchise, following the departure of former studio head Kelley Filmore and creative director Hogarth de la Plante. The studio is undergoing restructuring and facing an undisclosed number of layoffs, although no WARN notice has been filed by parent company 2K Games. Fergusson previously worked at Blizzard Entertainment on Diablo 4 and has experience at The Coalition and Irrational Games. He expressed enthusiasm for returning to 2K and leading the BioShock franchise, acknowledging the challenges posed by the studio's restructuring while committing to the team's efforts on the upcoming BioShock title and overseeing franchise extensions, including a Netflix movie adaptation.