This series of Playable Futures articles considers how the design, technology, people, and theory of video games are informing and influencing the wider world. Horror as a theme has a storied history in video games. From early releases like 1986’s unexpectedly eerie point-and-click Uninvited: Entering the Mansion to the disturbing setting of The Last of … Read more
Sony has partnered with tech leasing service Raylo to offer a rental scheme for PlayStation 5 hardware in the UK via its Flex program. Customers will have the ability to lease PS5 consoles and other accessories for no upfront cost with either a flexible monthly rolling plan that can be cancelled at any time, or … Read more
Hidden Variable has announced that as of January 21, 2025, it was “no longer involved in the development on Skullgirls Mobile, 2nd Encore” due to a “dispute with Autumn Games.” In a statement, Hidden Variable said the dispute had now been formally lodged with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Court papers intimated Hidden Variables … Read more
Sony has announced a new beta program for PlayStation players. In a blog post, the firm described it as an “easier, more consolidated” way for players to sign up for future beta tests. The program requires a single registration, after which participants will be able to express interest to test games that fit their preferences. … Read more
Free-to-play text MMO browser game, Urban Dead, will close just shy of its 20th anniversary because of the introduction of the UK’s Online Safety Act. In a statement spotted by GameDeveloper, developer Kevan Davis said that as the law applies to “all social and gaming websites where users interact” and “heavy corporate-sized fines [apply] even … Read more
90s games publisher Acclaim has been revived, supported by a team of industry veterans looking to support indie titles and “reignite classic franchises.” Led by CEO Alex Josef, former founder and CEO of Graffiti Games, the firm aims to provide resources including funding, marketing, and PR support to independent studios. It has curated an advisory … Read more
Monster Hunter Wilds sells 8m units in three days | News-in-brief
Capcom’s current executive corporate officer and chief product officer, Yoichi Egawa, will step down on April 1, with Monster Hunter producer Ryozo Tsujimoto assuming the latter role from that same date. President and COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto will take over Egawa’s role of overseeing Capcom’s Pachinko and Pachislo business divisions. Ryozo Tsujimoto – who currently serves … Read more
According to a new study from Modl.ai, 30% of game developers believe that artificial intelligence will play an “extremely important” role in QA processes. Conducted in September 2024, the Danish AI firm surveyed 303 US-based game developers across various departments including QA, production, art, programming, game and level design, audio, and studio leadership. Of those … Read more
1312 Interactive – India’s first dedicated PC and console game publishing house – has successfully closed its pre-seed founding round. Founded by “seasoned gaming experts Deepak Gurijala and Raviteja Mantena,” 1312 Interactive said it is set to “discover, nurture, and publish world-class indie and AA games for global audiences” with early support from Akshat Rathee … Read more