workforce Archives

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Chronicles: Medieval Is a Mount and Blade-Like ‘Dynamic Medieval Sandbox RPG’ Out Next Year in Early Access

Raw Power Games, an independent studio based in Copenhagen, Denmark, introduced its first title, Chronicles: Medieval, during the Summer Game Fest 2025. The studio has around 100 employees with experience from notable games like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. Chronicles: Medieval is a dynamic medieval sandbox RPG set in 14th to 15th century Europe, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary 'Asgard' technology. Players can craft their own narratives, engage in intense combat, and lead armies in battles. The game features character creation, troop recruitment, and third-person battlefield engagement, with historical units like English longbowmen and French cavalry. The combat system emphasizes realism and fluid weapon mechanics, developed in collaboration with HEMA expert Björn Rüther. The game allows for player choices and potential diplomatic interactions, with modding capabilities hinted at. An early access launch on PC is planned for next year.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

Build a Rocket Boy loses two c-suite execs ahead of MindsEye launch

Two senior executives at Build a Rocket Boy, Riley Graebner (chief legal officer) and Paul Bland (chief financial officer), have announced their departures ahead of the launch of the game MindsEye. Graebner, who served for three and a half years, noted the company's growth to over 450 employees and the successful launch of multiple products. Bland left after a two-year tenure. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard suggested that negative sentiment towards MindsEye may be influenced by external forces, although he did not provide evidence for this claim.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Torchlight 3 studio Echtra Games, acquired by Zynga in 2021 to help it move into PC and console gaming, is being closed without doing that

Zynga has announced the closure of Echtra Games, the studio behind Torchlight 3, ending development on future titles and reducing roles at the studio. This decision is part of a broader realignment of the company's resources and priorities. Echtra was acquired by Zynga shortly after the release of Torchlight 3, which received mixed reviews. The closure follows the shutdown of NaturalMotion's Star Wars: Hunters and reflects a trend within the gaming industry of companies reassessing their portfolios. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive, Zynga's parent company, has faced a workforce reduction of approximately 5% and sold its Private Division publishing division. The share price of Take-Two fluctuated after the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now set for a May 26, 2026 release on consoles.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

People Can Fly lays off staff as it cans two projects

Polish developer People Can Fly has decided to scale down its teams after canceling two projects, Gemini and Bifrost. CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski announced the halt in development due to issues with their publishing partner for Gemini and funding problems for Bifrost. The studio has faced challenges in recent years, including the termination of a publishing deal with Take-Two Interactive in 2022 and two rounds of layoffs in 2024. Despite these setbacks, the studio announced a collaboration with The Coalition on Gears of War: E-Day, set for early 2025.

AppWizard

June 1, 2025

‘We wish to express our deepest regret’: Bulletstorm and Outriders dev People Can Fly suspends unannounced projects in yet another wave of gaming layoffs

Sebastian Wojciechowski, CEO of People Can Fly, announced the indefinite suspension of two game development projects, codenamed Gemini and Bifrost, and a scaling down of the workforce due to unsuccessful negotiations with a publisher that left the studio without necessary resources. The suspension of the Gemini project is attributed to the publisher's failure to provide a draft for a content rider related to the Publishing Agreement and a lack of communication regarding the project's future. Despite these challenges, People Can Fly is still working on three unannounced projects, Bison, Echo, and Delta, and the development of Lost Rift is progressing, with a demo set to be released during the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Services firm Side sets up Sao Paulo studio

Side has opened a new studio in São Paulo, Brazil, described as a "state-of-the-art space," with plans to double its size within the next year. This is Side's second studio in São Paulo, following the establishment of its first location in 2024. The company has achieved a 50 percent year-over-year growth and aims to continue its aggressive expansion strategy. Plans are in place to lease an additional floor in the new building to accommodate further growth.

AppWizard

May 27, 2025

How Amazon Ads used Minecraft to help Andalusia’s tourism board reach 17 million people

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AppWizard

May 23, 2025

NDreams co-founder Patrick O’Luanaigh stepping down as CEO

Patrick O’Luanaigh will transition from CEO to Chairman of NDreams effective June 1st, with Tom Gillo, the current Chief Development Officer, becoming the new CEO. O’Luanaigh co-founded NDreams in 2006 and expressed pride in the company's growth. NDreams was acquired by Aonic Group for 0 million in 2023, but subsequently laid off 17.5 percent of its workforce nearly a year later.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.