Tag Archives: Games

Events, Games, Gaming, News

Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025: A Comprehensive Recap

The Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025 was a highly anticipated event, especially after the tumultuous year the company had in 2024. The showcase provided a detailed look at the upcoming indie games and updates from the publisher, reaffirming its commitment to delivering unique and engaging gaming experiences.

Here’s a comprehensive recap of everything announced at the showcase, along with the backstory of the significant developer departure that shook the company last year.

Key Announcements from the Showcase

  1. Wheel World
    • The showcase kicked off with a fresh look at Wheel World, an open-world biking game from developer Messhof. The dev diary provided insights into the origin of the project and its freeform exploration mechanics. While a firm release date wasn’t revealed, the game is scheduled to launch this summer for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
  2. Wanderstop
    • Ivy Road’s debut game, Wanderstop, is set to release on March 11. This cozy tea shop management simulator is created by a team of indie veterans, including Davey Wreden of The Stanley Parable fame. A new trailer was shown, and a free Steam demo is available for players to try out.
  3. Skin Deep
    • Blendo’s latest project, Skin Deep, will launch on April 30. The game stars a former bounty hunter turned pirate-slaying insurance commando. Described as “Die Hard, but with more comedy,” the game features playful action and various ways to take down pirates on a spaceship.
  4. Cocoon Collector’s Edition
    • Geometric Interactive announced a collector’s edition of its debut game, Cocoon, in collaboration with Iam8bit. The edition will include a vinyl soundtrack. Additionally, the team confirmed that they are working on their next game, although no details were revealed.
  5. Lushfoil Photography Sim
    • The hyper-realistic photography game, Lushfoil Photography Sim, finally has a release date set for April 15. A new trailer showcased nine of the game’s world-spanning locations, with a mysterious 10th location being kept secret for now.
  6. Faraway
    • Solo developer Steph Thirion’s puzzle game, Faraway, made a quick appearance during the showcase. Inspired by Tetris, the game is still in development, and no release date was provided.
  7. Sayonara Wild Hearts PS5 Release
    • The cult hit Sayonara Wild Hearts is getting a PS5 release with a brand new mode. This was one of the few surprises in the showcase.

The Backstory: Developer Departure

In September 2024, Annapurna Interactive experienced a significant upheaval when its entire staff resigned following a clash with management. The dispute arose from failed negotiations to spin off the gaming arm into an independent entity. Annapurna Interactive’s president, Nathan Gary, along with other executives and around two dozen staff members, collectively resigned after the company’s owner, Megan Ellison, walked out of the talks.

In a joint statement, Gary and the resigned staff described the decision as “one of the hardest decisions we have ever had to make.” The mass resignation left the company in a state of chaos, with partner developers left without a point of contact. Despite the upheaval, Annapurna Interactive reassured its partners that existing contracts would be honored, and efforts were made to replace the departed staff.

The showcase in 2025 was a crucial moment for Annapurna Interactive to demonstrate its resilience and commitment to its projects. The announcements and updates provided a sense of continuity and hope for the future, despite the challenges faced in the previous year.

The Annapurna Interactive Showcase 2025 was a testament to the company’s dedication to delivering innovative and captivating indie games. Despite the significant challenges faced in 2024, the showcase highlighted the exciting projects in the pipeline and reassured fans of the company’s commitment to its vision. From Wheel World to Sayonara Wild Hearts, the future looks bright for Annapurna Interactive and its community of gamers.

Games, Gaming, News

CD Projekt Red has made a big promise for Cyberpunk 2077 sequel regarding NPCs

Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, has been a topic of much discussion since its rocky launch in 2020. Despite the initial setbacks, the game has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to continuous updates and the highly praised Phantom Liberty DLC expansion. Now, CD Projekt Red is gearing up for an even more ambitious project: the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion.

One of the most exciting promises of Project Orion is the development of the most realistic and reactive crowd system in any game to date. According to a recent job listing, CD Projekt Red is looking for a lead encounter designer to create memorable combat encounters and craft experiences that cater to all play styles. This new crowd system aims to make NPCs (non-player characters) more lifelike and interactive, enhancing the immersion of the game.

What Makes This Crowd System Special?

The new crowd system will not only feature realistic animations but also reactive behaviors. Unlike previous games where NPCs would simply run away or ignore the player, the NPCs in Project Orion will interact with the player in more meaningful ways. This could include forming crowds that react to violence, assisting or hindering the player based on the situation, and even engaging in combat themselves.

Learning from Past Mistakes

CD Projekt Red has openly acknowledged the issues faced during the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and has committed to learning from those mistakes. The success of the Phantom Liberty DLC, which added more life to Night City’s inhabitants and surroundings, has shown that the developer is capable of delivering high-quality content. With Project Orion, CD Projekt Red aims to take this a step further by creating a truly immersive and dynamic crowd system.

The gaming community has been abuzz with excitement and speculation about the new crowd system. Many players have compared it to the crowd systems in games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V, wondering if Project Orion can surpass them. Some have even debated whether the developers should create an entirely new city or improve and evolve the existing Night City.

While CD Projekt Red hasn’t disclosed a release date for Project Orion, the promise of the most realistic and reactive crowd system is a tantalizing glimpse into the future of gaming. If the developer can deliver on this promise, it could set a new standard for crowd interactions in video games, making Project Orion a game to watch out for.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

NetEase in a rare moment of optimizing resource in middle of the Marvel Rivals hype

In a surprising turn of events, NetEase Games has recently laid off the entire US-based development team behind the successful hero shooter, Marvel Rivals. This decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, especially given the game’s massive success since its launch in December 2024.

The news broke on February 18, 2025, when Marvel Rivals game director Thaddeus Sasser took to LinkedIn to announce that his entire team had been let go. Sasser, a veteran in the gaming industry, expressed his disbelief and frustration over the sudden layoffs, highlighting the team’s significant contributions to the game’s success.

Marvel Rivals’ Success

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals has been a runaway success. The game has garnered over 20 million downloads and consistently attracts hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on platforms like Steam. Its popularity has made it one of the most talked-about games in the competitive live service space.

NetEase cited “organizational reasons” and the need to “optimize development efficiency” as the primary reasons for the layoffs. The company emphasized that the core development team based in China remains committed to the game’s ongoing support and future updates.

The layoffs have had a significant impact on the affected employees, many of whom have been with NetEase since the game’s inception in January 2023. Sasser and his team specialized in game and level design, contributing to the innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay that have defined Marvel Rivals.

The gaming community has reacted with a mix of shock and anger to the layoffs. Many fans and industry professionals have expressed their support for the affected employees and criticized NetEase for cutting a team that played a crucial role in the game’s success.

NetEase’s Financial Performance

On February 20, 2025, NetEase announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The company reported net revenues of RMB26.7 billion (US$3.7 billion), a slight decrease of 1.4% compared to the same quarter of 20231. However, the Games and Related Value-Added Services segment saw an increase in net revenues to RMB21.2 billion (US$2.9 billion), up 1.5% year-over-year.

Despite the layoffs, NetEase has assured fans that Marvel Rivals will continue to receive updates and new content. The company is investing more resources into the game’s evolution and growth, aiming to deliver an exceptional experience for its global player base.

The layoffs at NetEase Games serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry. While Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, the affected employees now face the challenge of finding new opportunities in a competitive job market. As the gaming community rallies around them, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of Marvel Rivals and the broader industry.

Business, Featured, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Xbox Muse is the start of serious AI use in gaming preservation and re-development

Microsoft has recently unveiled an exciting new development in the gaming world: Xbox Muse, a generative AI model designed to revolutionize game ideation and preservation. Developed in collaboration with Xbox Game Studios’ Ninja Theory, Muse is a groundbreaking tool that leverages real player inputs to create gameplay sequences.

What is Xbox Muse?

Xbox Muse, short for World and Human Action Model (WHAM), is a generative AI model trained using data from Ninja Theory’s multiplayer battle arena game, Bleeding Edge. The model can generate both game visuals and controller actions, providing a detailed understanding of the 3D game world, including game physics and player interactions.

How Does Xbox Muse Work?

Muse was trained using anonymized data from 500,000 play sessions of Bleeding Edge. This extensive dataset allows the AI to simulate realistic gameplay sequences, demonstrating a significant step towards generative AI models that can empower game creators2. The model can generate gameplay visuals at a resolution of 300×180 pixels, a considerable improvement over previous models.

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https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/uploads/prod/2025/02/diversity1new.mp4?_=3
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Potential Applications of Xbox Muse

One of the most exciting aspects of Xbox Muse is its potential to revive nostalgic games that are no longer playable on modern hardware. By leveraging AI technology, developers can port old games to new platforms, making them accessible to future generations of players2. This not only preserves gaming history but also opens up new creative possibilities for game developers.

Microsoft plans to discuss AI experiences from Xbox in greater detail at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025. Additionally, the company aims to make a series of AI-powered game experiences available on its Copilot Labs website, where subscribers can access various experimental AI features.

Xbox Muse represents a significant advancement in the intersection of AI and gaming. By harnessing the power of generative AI, Microsoft is paving the way for innovative game development and the preservation of classic games. As we look forward to more updates from Microsoft, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the exciting possibilities that Xbox Muse will bring.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Dark Souls: A PlayStation “What If”? because Sony being Sony

In the world of video games, few stories are as intriguing as the relationship between FromSoftware and Sony. This tale begins with the release of Demon’s Souls, a game that would later become a cornerstone of the “Soulslike” genre.

However, the journey to that point was fraught with challenges and misunderstandings.

Demon’s Souls was developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with Sony Japan Studio. Initially, it was planned that Sony would publish the game globally. However, due to the game’s high difficulty and negative early playtests, Sony decided not to localize Demon’s Souls for an English language release. Instead, Atlus published the game in North America, and Bandai Namco handled the European release1.

Sony’s Misjudgment

Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed in an interview with the Sacred Symbols podcast that Sony’s decision not to publish Demon’s Souls globally was a significant misjudgment. Yoshida admitted that he didn’t see the game’s global appeal at the time and even described his initial experience with the game as “unbelievably bad”1. This decision led to a sour relationship between FromSoftware and Sony.

FromSoftware was deeply disappointed by how Sony handled Demon’s Souls. Despite the game’s eventual success, thanks to the efforts of Atlus and Bandai Namco, the developer felt let down by Sony’s lack of faith in the game. This disappointment led FromSoftware to turn down Sony’s offer to work on a sequel to Demon’s Souls.

Instead of working with Sony, FromSoftware decided to partner with Bandai Namco for the development of Dark Souls. This decision proved to be a turning point, as Dark Souls became a massive success and solidified FromSoftware’s reputation as a leading developer in the “Soulslike” genre.

Despite the rocky start, Sony and FromSoftware eventually reconciled. They teamed up once again for the development of Bloodborne, a PS4 exclusive that received critical acclaim. Yoshida expressed his respect for FromSoftware’s president, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and acknowledged that Bloodborne is one of his best games1.

Lessons Learned

The story of FromSoftware and Sony serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and communication in the gaming industry. Sony’s initial misjudgment and FromSoftware’s disappointment highlight the challenges that can arise when expectations are not met. However, the eventual collaboration on Bloodborne shows that redemption is possible, and great things can come from learning from past mistakes.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Palworld surpassed the 32 million players mark

In the ever-evolving world of video games, few titles manage to capture the imagination of millions within such a short span of time. Palworld, developed by Pocketpair, has done just that, surpassing an incredible milestone of 32 million players across PC, PS5, and Xbox in just one year. This achievement is a testament to the game’s unique blend of survival mechanics, action, and creature collection, which has resonated with a vast audience.

Palworld’s journey began with its early access release in January 2024. The game, often dubbed as “Pokémon with guns,” quickly gained traction due to its engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics. Players are tasked with exploring the environment, capturing and taming creatures known as Pals, and using them to complete various missions. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, Palworld allows players to equip their Pals with special gear, such as assault rifles, adding a unique twist to the classic creature collection formula.

Milestone Achievement

Pocketpair announced the milestone through a heartfelt social media post, expressing gratitude to the fans who made it possible. “Over 32 million Pal Tamers!” the message read. “It’s been a year since Palworld was released, and thanks to you our fans, Palworld has surpassed over 32 million players across all platforms!” This achievement is even more impressive considering the game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass from the very start, which significantly contributed to its widespread reach.

At its core, Palworld is a survival-crafting game that challenges players to construct bases, gather resources, and advance through various tiers of technology and equipment. The game’s creature collection twist, inspired by the Pokémon series, has been a major draw for players. Pals not only assist in battles but can also be put to work in the player’s base to farm materials or produce goods. This multifaceted approach to gameplay has kept players engaged and contributed to the game’s sustained popularity.

Legal Challenges and Future Plans

Despite its success, Palworld has faced legal challenges, most notably a lawsuit from Nintendo over alleged patent infringement related to the game’s mechanics. Pocketpair has vowed to fight the case in court, asserting their position and continuing to release major updates for the game. The developer recently unveiled the Palworld Year 2 roadmap, detailing plans for co-op crossplay, collaborations with other games, and new features for 2025.

Palworld’s journey from a promising early access release to a global phenomenon with 32 million players is a remarkable story of innovation, dedication, and community support. As Pocketpair continues to navigate legal challenges and expand the game’s features, the future looks bright for this unique and captivating title. Congratulations to the team behind Palworld for achieving this incredible milestone!

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Pokémon Go & other popular AR games could land in Saudi Arabia Kingdom’s hand

Niantic, the developer behind the global phenomenon Pokémon Go, is reportedly exploring the sale of its gaming division to Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). This potential deal could significantly reshape the mobile gaming industry and raise questions about the future of Niantic’s popular AR games.

The Potential Deal

According to reports from sources of Bloomberg, Niantic is in advanced discussions with Savvy Games Group to sell its gaming business for approximately $3.5 billion. The deal would likely include Pokémon Go, Monster Hunter Now, and other titles developed by Niantic. While the terms of the deal remain confidential, sources suggest that an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks.

For Niantic, the sale would allow the company to focus on other ventures, including the development of AR technology for various applications beyond gaming. Niantic has been exploring areas such as geospatial data projects and the creation of a real-world AR metaverse. The sale would provide the company with the resources to pursue these initiatives more aggressively.

Impact on Pokémon Go and Other AR Games

The potential acquisition raises questions about the future of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games. Players are curious about Savvy Games Group’s plans for the acquired titles and whether they will continue to support and develop them. While Pokémon Go remains a major hit for Niantic, its subsequent games have not achieved the same level of success. The acquisition could provide Savvy Games Group with a platform for future growth in the AR gaming space.

The gaming community is closely watching the developments. Many fans of Pokémon Go and other Niantic games are concerned about potential changes under Savvy Games Group, especially regarding monetization and game updates. The community has expressed mixed feelings about the potential sale, with some hoping for continued support and others worried about the impact of the new ownership.

The potential sale of Niantic’s gaming division to Savvy Games Group could mark a new chapter in the company’s story. While the deal is not yet finalized, the fact that discussions are reportedly taking place indicates a potential shift in the gaming industry and the strategies of both companies. The future of Pokémon Go and other AR games remains uncertain, but the acquisition could provide opportunities for growth and innovation in the AR gaming space.

Business, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

The details behind Sony Japan Studios closure

In a recent interview on the Sacred Symbols PlayStation Podcast, former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida shed light on the closure of Sony Japan Studios, a decision that left many fans and industry insiders puzzled. Yoshida attributed the closure to the disappearance of the “double-A” game market, which he believes played a significant role in the studio’s downfall.

During his tenure at PlayStation, Yoshida acknowledged that Japan Studio produced many great games, but they rarely achieved the same level of commercial success as their AAA counterparts.

Other than Gran Turismo, we didn’t really have many triple-A-level successful products.

As the gaming industry shifted its focus towards larger, blockbuster titles, the double-A market struggled to compete.

Yoshida cited Gravity Rush 2 as an example, noting that director Keiichiro Toyama pitched several ideas for a follow-up, but none of them could be greenlit due to market conditions.

The market became really difficult for these kinds of games.

This shift in the market dynamics ultimately led to the closure of Japan Studio in April 2021.

Despite the closure, the legacy of Japan Studio lives on through Team Asobi, a spin-off studio that developed the acclaimed Astro Bot series. The studio’s recent release, Astro Bot, even won The Game Awards’ 2024 Game of the Year, showcasing the continued creativity and talent of the former Japan Studio team.

Yoshida’s comments have sparked a conversation about the challenges faced by mid-sized game studios in today’s market. While the closure of Japan Studio was a significant loss, it also highlights the evolving nature of the gaming industry and the need for studios to adapt to changing market conditions.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

NetEase’s Shocking Layoffs: The Marvel Rivals US Development Team

In a surprising turn of events, NetEase Games has recently laid off the entire US-based development team behind the successful hero shooter, Marvel Rivals. This decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, especially given the game’s massive success since its launch in December 2024.

The news broke on February 18, 2025, when Marvel Rivals game director Thaddeus Sasser took to LinkedIn to announce that his entire team had been let go. Sasser, a veteran in the gaming industry, expressed his disbelief and frustration over the sudden layoffs, highlighting the team’s significant contributions to the game’s success.

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals has been a runaway success. The game has garnered over 20 million downloads and consistently attracts hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on platforms like Steam. Its popularity has made it one of the most talked-about games in the competitive live service space.

Reasons Behind the Layoffs

NetEase cited “organizational reasons” and the need to “optimize development efficiency” as the primary reasons for the layoffs. The company emphasized that the core development team based in China remains committed to the game’s ongoing support and future updates.

The layoffs have had a significant impact on the affected employees, many of whom have been with NetEase since the game’s inception in January 2023. Sasser and his team specialized in game and level design, contributing to the innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay that have defined Marvel Rivals.

Community Reaction

The gaming community has reacted with a mix of shock and anger to the layoffs. Many fans and industry professionals have expressed their support for the affected employees and criticized NetEase for cutting a team that played a crucial role in the game’s success.

Despite the layoffs, NetEase has assured fans that Marvel Rivals will continue to receive updates and new content. The company is investing more resources into the game’s evolution and growth, aiming to deliver an exceptional experience for its global player base.

The layoffs at NetEase Games serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry. While Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, the affected employees now face the challenge of finding new opportunities in a competitive job market. As the gaming community rallies around them, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of Marvel Rivals and the broader industry.

Gaming, Hardware/Console, PC

Nvidia Ends PhysX Support with RTX 50 Series

Nvidia has officially retired 32-bit PhysX support on its latest RTX 50 series GPUs, marking the end of an era for the once heavily marketed physics simulation technology. This move comes as Nvidia deprecates 32-bit CUDA applications starting with the RTX 50 series.

PhysX, originally developed by Ageia in 2004 and later acquired by Nvidia, was a proprietary physics simulation SDK capable of processing ragdolls, cloth simulation, particles, volumetric fluid simulation, and other physics-focused graphical effects. It was integrated into several notable AAA games, including the Batman Arkham trilogy, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Borderlands 2, Metro: Last Light, Metro: Exodus, Metro 2033, Mirror’s Edge, The Witcher 3, and some older Assassin’s Creed titles.

PhysX was designed to run physics calculations on the GPU rather than the CPU, allowing for significantly greater rendering performance for physics-related graphical effects. This resulted in higher frame rates and improved quality of physics effects compared to what could be achieved on a CPU.

Despite its initial success, PhysX’s adoption slowed significantly by the late 2010s as developers moved towards more flexible, cross-platform physics engines. The biggest drawback of PhysX was its strict requirement for an Nvidia GPU, preventing it from being used on competing GPUs, consoles, and smartphones. Nvidia also gradually removed support for some PhysX features, contributing to its decline.

The End of PhysX on RTX 50 Series

With no known 64-bit games using PhysX, Nvidia has decided to end support for 32-bit PhysX on the RTX 50 series GPUs. This means that games from the 2000s and early 2010s that relied on PhysX for particle and clothing effects will no longer benefit from the technology on the latest Nvidia GPUs.

For those who still want to use PhysX, the only solution is to install an older RTX 40 series or earlier graphics card and dedicate it to PhysX processing in the Nvidia control panel.

The retirement of PhysX on the RTX 50 series marks the end of an almost lifelike era in gaming physics. While it was a groundbreaking technology in its prime, the shift towards more versatile and cross-platform solutions has rendered it obsolete. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see what new innovations Nvidia brings to the table.