Tag Archives: Industry

Business, Editorial, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

The Story Behind the cancelled Wonder Woman Game

In the ever-evolving world of video games, few stories are as intriguing and heart-wrenching as that of the cancelled Wonder Woman game. Announced with much fanfare in 2021, the game promised to be a groundbreaking addition to the superhero genre. However, despite the high hopes and the dedicated efforts of its developers, the game was ultimately shelved, leaving fans and creators alike to wonder what might have been.

The Wonder Woman game was set to be a single-player, open-world action-adventure, developed by Monolith Productions, the studio behind the acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games. The game aimed to immerse players in the world of Themyscira, allowing them to step into the boots of Diana, the Amazonian princess, and experience her journey to unite her Amazon family with the modern world.

One of the most exciting aspects of the game was its planned use of Monolith’s Nemesis System, which had been a standout feature in the Middle-earth games. This system was designed to create dynamic relationships between the player and both enemies and allies, making each playthrough unique. In the Wonder Woman game, this system was to be adapted to allow Diana to form alliances and friendships with NPCs, adding a layer of depth and emotional engagement to the gameplay.

The Development Journey

According to past and present sources like late Game Informer and Polygon, the development of the Wonder Woman game was a tumultuous journey fraught with challenges. After the initial announcement, the project faced several hurdles, including shifting creative directions and internal restructuring. In 2024, the game underwent a significant reboot, resulting in the removal of the Nemesis System, which had been a cornerstone of the original vision.

The game was reimagined as a more traditional action-adventure title, drawing comparisons to the God of War series.

Despite these changes, the team at Monolith Productions remained committed to creating a game that would do justice to the iconic character of Wonder Woman. According to Gail Simone, a veteran comic book writer who served as a consultant on the project, the game was “gorgeous and expansive,” and every effort was made to ensure it would be a standout title. The developers poured their hearts and souls into the project, hoping to create an experience that would resonate with fans.

The Cancellation

In February 2025, Warner Bros. Games announced the closure of Monolith Productions, along with two other studios, Player First Games and WB San Diego. This decision was part of a broader strategic shift within the company, which aimed to focus on its key franchises such as Harry Potter, Batman, Mortal Kombat, and Game of Thrones.

The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game was a significant blow to both the developers and the fans. The project had reportedly cost Warner Bros. over $100 million and was still years away from release. Despite the best efforts of the team, the game was ultimately deemed not viable within the company’s new strategic priorities. The decision left many questioning the future of superhero games and whether other iconic characters would suffer a similar fate.

While the Wonder Woman game will never see the light of day, its story serves as a testament to the passion and dedication of its creators. The game’s development journey was fraught with challenges, but the team at Monolith Productions remained committed to their vision until the very end. Their efforts showcased the potential for innovative gameplay and storytelling within the superhero genre.

For fans, the cancellation of the Wonder Woman game is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the video game industry. Projects can be announced with great excitement, only to be shelved years later due to shifting priorities and unforeseen challenges. However, the dream of a Wonder Woman game lives on, and perhaps one day, another team will take up the mantle and bring Diana’s story to life in the way it deserves.

In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy Wonder Woman’s adventures in other media, from comics and animated series to blockbuster films. The legacy of the cancelled game may serve as inspiration for future developers, who can learn from its trials and tribulations to create even more compelling and innovative experiences for players.

Games, Gaming, News

Gaming world react to WB Games holding an interesting patent despite Monolith Productions closure

The recent closure of Monolith Productions, along with Player First Games and Warner Bros. Games San Diego, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. Monolith Productions, known for its critically acclaimed titles like F.E.A.R. and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, was a beloved studio with a storied history.

The decision to shutter these studios was part of a strategic shift by Warner Bros. Games to focus on their key franchises, including Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones.

One of the most significant aspects of this closure is the fate of the Nemesis System, a groundbreaking gameplay mechanic introduced in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The Nemesis System allowed NPCs to remember their interactions with the player, creating dynamic and personalized gameplay experiences. This system was patented by Warner Bros. Games, ensuring that no other developer could replicate it without permission.

Despite the closure of Monolith Productions, Warner Bros. Games retains the patent for the Nemesis System until 2036. This decision has sparked a range of reactions within the gaming community. On one hand, there is frustration and disappointment that such an innovative system may not be utilized to its full potential. The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game, which was reportedly going to incorporate the Nemesis System, only adds to this sentiment.

On the other hand, some see the retention of the patent as a strategic move by Warner Bros. Games. By keeping the patent, they maintain control over a unique and valuable gameplay mechanic that could be used in future titles. This could potentially give them a competitive edge in the industry, especially as they focus on their core franchises.

The closure of Monolith Productions and the retention of the Nemesis System patent highlight the challenges and complexities of the gaming industry. As studios navigate financial pressures and shifting market trends, decisions like these can have far-reaching implications for developers and players alike. While the future of the Nemesis System remains uncertain, its legacy as a pioneering gameplay innovation is undeniable.

In the end, the gaming community can only hope that Warner Bros. Games will find a way to honor the legacy of Monolith Productions and the Nemesis System in their future projects. Whether through new titles or by licensing the system to other developers, there is potential for this innovative mechanic to continue shaping the gaming landscape for years to come.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

WB Games cuts internal studio as response of Warner Bros. Discovery Q4 2024 performance

WarnerMedia, now part of Warner Bros. Discovery, recently released its earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024. The report highlighted both achievements and challenges faced by the media giant. While the company saw growth in some areas, it also had to make tough decisions, particularly within its gaming division.

Warner Bros. Discovery reported a fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $10.03 billion, a slight decline of 1% year-over-year. The company’s net loss widened to $494 million from $400 million the previous year. Despite these setbacks, the company’s studios segment saw a 16% increase in revenue, reaching $3.66 billion. This growth was driven by an increase in TV revenue, although it was offset by declines in theatrical and games revenue.

The direct-to-consumer (DTC) segment also showed positive results, with total DTC subscribers increasing to 116.9 million from 110.5 million a year ago. The company aims to reach 150 million subscribers by 2026.

WB Games: Studio Closures and Cancellations

One of the most significant and unfortunate developments in the earnings report was the announcement of multiple studio closures within WB Games. The company decided to shut down three studios: Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego. This decision was part of a strategic shift to focus on fewer but bigger franchises, such as Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, DC, and Game of Thrones.

Monolith Productions, known for its critically acclaimed Middle-earth series, was working on a highly anticipated Wonder Woman game. Unfortunately, the game has been canceled as part of the studio’s closure. The Wonder Woman game was expected to be an open-world action-adventure title featuring the iconic DC character, but it faced numerous development challenges and was still years away from release.

Player First Games, the studio behind the platform fighter MultiVersus, and WB San Diego, which focused on mobile games, were also affected by the closures. The decision to shut down these studios was not a reflection of the talent within them but rather a strategic move to allocate resources more effectively.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

The closure of these studios and the cancellation of the Wonder Woman game have sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. Monolith Productions, in particular, had a storied history of delivering high-quality games, and its closure marks the end of an era. The decision to focus on fewer but bigger franchises may help Warner Bros. Discovery streamline its operations and improve profitability, but it also means that fans will miss out on potentially groundbreaking games.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s earnings report underscores the challenges and opportunities facing the company. While the financial performance showed some positive trends, the tough decisions within WB Games highlight the difficulties of navigating the competitive gaming industry. As the company moves forward, it will need to balance its strategic priorities with the expectations of its fans and stakeholders.

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Microsft CEO confirms that Xbox Muse is scheduled with a training based on a catalog of games

In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has revealed that the company plans to train its new AI system, Muse, on a catalog of video games. This announcement was made during an interview on the Dwarkesh Patel Podcast, where Nadella expressed his excitement about the potential of this technology to revolutionize the gaming industry.

Muse is a generative AI model designed to assist with game ideation, development, and preservation. Unlike traditional AI models, Muse can generate gameplay footage based on user input, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. Nadella described seeing Muse in action as a “massive, massive moment of ‘wow’,” comparing it to the first time he saw other generative AI models like ChatGPT and DALL-E.

Muse has been trained on years of gameplay footage from Ninja Theory’s arena shooter, Bleeding Edge. By ingesting this extensive archive, Muse can generate new gameplay footage and adapt it based on specific prompts from users. For example, if a user suggests adding a jump pad to a level, Muse can generate gameplay footage that incorporates this change.

Nadella emphasized that Muse is not yet capable of coding its own games or creating entirely new concepts. Instead, it serves as a tool to speed up the development process by providing generated gameplay footage. This capability could be particularly useful for game developers looking to quickly prototype and iterate on new ideas.

Potential Impact on the Gaming Industry

The introduction of Muse has sparked a range of reactions within the gaming community. Some experts, like gaming AI specialist Michael Cook, have praised the technology’s ability to handle complex visual information, such as lighting and camera angles. However, others remain skeptical about its practical applications.

Nadella also highlighted the potential for Muse to assist with game preservation, ensuring that classic titles remain accessible and playable for future generations. This aspect of Muse could be a game-changer for the industry, providing a new way to maintain and celebrate gaming history.

Microsoft’s decision to train its new AI on a catalog of games marks a significant step forward in the integration of AI technology within the gaming industry. While there are still many questions about how Muse will be used and its long-term impact, the excitement and potential surrounding this innovation are undeniable. As Nadella put it, this is just the beginning of what could be a transformative journey for both game developers and players alike.

Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

ID@Xbox FamFest Showcase 2025 was Xbox 2nd Round of 2025 gaming presentation

The ID@Xbox FamFest Showcase 2025 was a thrilling event that highlighted the vibrant future of indie games on the Xbox platform. Held on February 24, 2025, this showcase was part of the larger IGN Fan Fest, and it brought together a diverse array of indie developers and their upcoming projects.

Key Announcements and Highlights

  1. Revenge of the Savage Planet One of the most anticipated announcements was the release date for “Revenge of the Savage Planet,” set for May 8, 2025. The new trailer showcased a variety of wild and creative weapons, including a Goo Canon, an electric lasso, and Conductive Fero Goo that can shock or slow down enemies and open doors.
  2. Jump Ship “Jump Ship,” a co-op space adventure game, was another highlight of the showcase. The game is set to enter Early Access this summer and promises a unique multiplayer experience, blending elements from “Sea of Thieves,” “Left 4 Dead,” and “FTL”.
  3. Balatro Collaboration The showcase also featured the next big collaboration for “Balatro,” a game that has been generating a lot of buzz in the indie community. This collaboration is expected to bring new and exciting content to the game, further enhancing its appeal.
  4. Diverse Indie Lineup The event highlighted a wide range of indie studios, including Raw Fury, Team 17, Akupara, 11 Bit, and many others. These studios presented trailers, gameplay, and reveals for their upcoming projects, showcasing the creativity and innovation that indie developers bring to the gaming industry.

Other games included Echo Weaver, 33 Immortals, Astor: Blade of the Monolith, Vampire Survivors, Dungeons of Hinterberg, Monster Hunter Wilds, WWE 2K25 & Alien Rogue Incursion.

The Future of Indie Games on Xbox

The ID@Xbox FamFest Showcase 2025 demonstrated the strong support that Xbox continues to provide for indie developers. By partnering with IGN for this event, Xbox has created a platform for indie games to shine and reach a broader audience. The showcase not only highlighted the upcoming releases but also emphasized the importance of indie games in the gaming ecosystem.

The ID@Xbox FamFest Showcase 2025 was a celebration of indie games and their creators. With exciting announcements, diverse game reveals, and a strong focus on creativity, the event set the stage for a bright future for indie games on Xbox.

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.

Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News, PC, Technology

Is Microsoft’s Quantum Leap the Future of Gaming?

Microsoft recently unveiled its groundbreaking quantum processor, Majorana 1, which is set to transform the computing world. This innovative chip leverages topological qubits, a new state of matter called topoconductors, to achieve unprecedented stability and scalability. But what does this mean for the future of computing, and how will it impact PC gaming?

Majorana 1 is powered by Majorana zero modes (MZMs), quasiparticles that were theorized in 1937 but only recently harnessed. Unlike traditional qubits, which are prone to environmental interference, topological qubits encode information in the parity of electrons split across nanowires, making them inherently resistant to noise. This hardware-level error protection could reduce the overhead of quantum error correction by tenfold.

The introduction of Majorana 1 marks a paradigm shift in quantum computing. Microsoft’s architecture promises a path to one million qubits on a single chip the size of a desktop CPU. This density avoids the “airplane hangar” footprint required by other approaches, enabling integration into Azure data centers. The potential applications are vast, from designing catalysts to break down microplastics to inventing self-healing materials for construction and healthcare.

Impact on PC Gaming

Quantum computing holds immense potential for revolutionizing PC gaming. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Enhanced AI: Quantum-powered AI could provide truly dynamic and unpredictable non-playable characters (NPCs), making games more engaging and challenging.
  2. Immersive Virtual Reality (VR): Quantum computers, with their immense processing power, could solve hardware limitations, resulting in VR experiences that are indistinguishable from reality.
  3. Cloud-based Gaming: Enhanced processing power could redefine cloud-based gaming, offering a seamless experience even for those without high-end gaming PCs.
  4. Randomization and Procedural Generation: Quantum computers could improve procedural generation, creating more complex and interesting game environments.

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 is a significant leap toward practical quantum computing. Its potential to revolutionize various industries, including PC gaming, is immense. As we move closer to realizing the full potential of quantum computing, the future of gaming looks more exciting than ever.

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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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.