Welcome again to a different version of Patch Notes, right here on my second (and last) sub-in for its standard writer, senior information editor Chris Kerr. This week, we had extra layoff information, sadly, this time hitting studios like Embracer-owned Crystal Dynamics and Rec Room. Crystal Dynamics, particularly, is struggling its third spherical of layoffs since being snatched up by Embracer in 2022.
Elsewhere, now we have some information on Swap 2 growth kits, union efforts for a lot of people engaged on the Diablo franchise, Atari snatched up a few fascinating older Ubisoft properties, and we ponder the inventive core of weirdo indie social video games.
By way of Sport Developer/Digital Foundry // Freshly returned from Gamescom, Digital Foundry senior workers author and video editor John Linneman spoke with “quite a lot of builders” that stated they’re unable to get Swap 2 growth kits. The demand is there: loads of groups wish to be crafting video games for the Swap 2, however they’re reportedly being instructed to ship for the unique Swap and depend on the brand new console’s backward compatibility options.
By way of This Week in Video Video games // Atari snatched up quite a few intriguing Ubisoft properties this week, together with the how-on-earth-was-this-a-whole-decade-ago climber Develop House and its sequel Develop Up, Little one of Eden, Chilly Worry, and I’m Alive. Within the put up, Atari VP of recent enterprise Deborah Papiernik stated “Atari has a wealthy gaming legacy and deep appreciation for these traditional titles… We’re excited to see how they’ll evolve and join with gamers in contemporary, significant methods.”
By way of Sport Developer // As famous above, information of one more spherical of layoffs at Tomb Raider studio Crystal Dynamics got here in sizzling this week. Sport Developer contributing information editor Diego Arguello writes “That is the third spherical of layoffs since Embracer Group acquired the studio in 2022. As Embracer issued an absurd variety of mass layoffs, undertaking cancellations, and divestments throughout its portfolio, Crystal Dynamics carried out job cuts in 2023 and early this 12 months.
By way of Sport Developer // Senior editor Bryant Francis lined the information as we speak with one in every of my favourite opening strains in Sport Developer information historical past: “The forces of hell are unionizing. As we speak the Communication Employees of America has introduced that over 450 recreation builders at Blizzard Leisure who work on the Diablo collection have voted to unionize beneath the CWA.”
By way of Sport Developer // On this interview piece from information columnist Nicole Carpenter, the core attraction and breakout success of “weirdo social video games” (or, for those who please, “friendslop”) is examined in nice element by a few of the people working within the style as we speak.
