The Australian government is changing the way video games that contain in-game purchases are classified in the region. The new rating guidelines will go into effect on September 22, 2024, and will require that titles that feature “in-game purchases with an element of randomness” must have a minimum rating of “M” (not recommended for children … Read more
Introduction Photography as a mechanic is emerging in games, moving beyond simple photo modes, and instead using photo-taking as the key driver for the game’s progression. But how do we as developers measure player success with photography, something that is so freeform, subjective, and artistic? That was a question that my team and I … Read more
The 75th Hunger Games featured in Lionsgate's 2013 release The Hunger Games: Catching FireIt marked two significant changes in Panem's deadly rivalry. The first was that tributes were collected from previous winners instead of juniors from districts. The second was that there would be no winner, an outcome that would lead Panem to revolt, and … Read more
Embracer has completed the financial portion of its divestment from Saber Interactive and confirmed that 4A Games and Zen Studios were not included in the deal. The Swedish conglomerate sold significant assets of Saber Interactive–including studios like 3D Realms, Slippage, and New World Interactive–to Beacon Interactive earlier this year. Beacon is owned by Saber co-founder … Read more
Upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro More details were provided in a technical presentation hosted by Mark Cerny. In addition to revealing the upgraded console's controversial $700 price tag, the eight-minute presentation also revealed a number of games that will receive PS5 Pro support once the console launches on November 7, 2024. Although the initial reception of … Read more
Merge Games cut staff over the weekend and closed its only office based in Chelford, England. The studio is part of Maximum Entertainment and, in a statement, Gaming IndustryCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cristina Seelye explained that the cuts were part of previously announced consolidation plans. At the time of writing, it is unknown how many developers … Read more
Developers working on Godot who want to bring their game to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S have some good news today: according to W4 Games vice president Simon Jones, the company led by Godot founders Rémi Verschelde and Juan Linietsky will distribute the console port and other platform interface tools as early … Read more
The Fallout The franchise has become one of gaming's most popular franchises over the years, with the recent Amazon Prime series boosting its popularity. As apocalyptic, nuclear wasteland game franchises go, Fallout perhaps the mascot of the industry and thrives on its retro-futuristic setting. It's one of Bethesda's flagship franchises, and it's popular enough with … Read more
Games parent company Roblox Corporation shared some fascinating news today at the Roblox Developers Conference. The company announced that developers make “paid access experiences” (think premium games) on Games will soon be able to earn a larger share of revenue than developers making free-to-play games. This increase applies to games purchased with “real money value” … Read more
Following the news on Lightspeed LA Signs SAG-AFTRA Interim Interactive Media Agreement to employ union talent in Last Sentinel (and future games), the organization is celebrating a “big win” in announcing 80 games followed suit. The interim agreements allow unionized workers to work during the broader strike, which has been ongoing since July. In a … Read more