The latest State of the Game Industry survey by the Game Developers Conference reveals a significant trend: developers are showing a clear preference for creating games on the PS5 and Switch 2 over the Xbox Series X/S. With only 20% of surveyed developers expressing interest in Xbox, compared to 40% for PS5 and 39% for Switch 2, it’s evident that the landscape of game development is shifting. This survey, which included responses from over 2,300 industry professionals, highlights a growing divide in platform preference.

Ubisoft has made headlines by cancelling six games, including the highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of its game portfolio and streamline its development process. The company has acknowledged that these titles did not meet its new quality benchmarks, prompting a significant shift in its operational focus. In addition to the cancellations, Ubisoft is delaying seven other games to ensure they meet the enhanced quality standards.

Sony has recently patented a groundbreaking technology that could change the way we experience video games. The concept of a ‘Ghost Player’ allows players to summon an AI-generated version of their character to assist them when they encounter challenging sections of a game. This innovative feature could either demonstrate the solution to a puzzle or complete the level entirely, offering a new layer of support for gamers who find themselves stuck.

The recent shutdown of Goonswarm Games, the studio behind the anticipated title Postal: Bullet Paradise, serves as a stark reminder of the potential fallout from allegations surrounding generative AI in creative industries. After accusations that elements of their reveal trailer were created using AI, the studio faced immense backlash, leading to the cancellation of their project and ultimately, their closure. This incident highlights the fragile trust between developers and their communities, especially in an era where technology is rapidly evolving.

In a surprising turn of events, NetEase Games has announced the closure of Bad Brain Game Studios, a Montreal-based game developer it established just two years ago. Studio head Sean Crooks revealed in a LinkedIn post that the studio will officially close its doors on November 17. This news comes as a shock to many, especially considering that the studio was in the process of developing an intriguing title code-named “The Midnight Riders,” which promised an 80s-themed action-adventure experience.

In a recent interview, Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming emphasized the studio’s commitment to remaining a single-project developer after the release of Ghost of Yotei. This decision reflects a dedication to quality over quantity, as the studio believes that focusing on one project at a time allows for deeper iteration and creativity. Fleming noted that while there are many good ideas, the studio can only pursue the best one every five years, making each decision crucial.

The gaming community is buzzing with excitement and intrigue following the leak of a pre-release build for Sony Interactive Studios and Firewalk Studios’ ambitious project, Concord. This build, named FWChaos, reportedly dates back to November 14, 2023, a significant nine months prior to the game’s anticipated launch in August 2024. The authenticity of the build has been confirmed by VGC, raising questions about the game’s development and future. Upon loading the game, players are greeted with a login screen that cannot be bypassed.