Summary

Recently, suspicious ads for four unconfirmed Activision mobile games have surfaced online. The ads allegedly feature AI-generated art, sparking concerns among players.

This comes just days after Activision admitted to using AI-generated assets in Black Ops 6. The situation is complicated by the fact that only one of these games, Guitar Hero Mobile, has been officially acknowledged by Activision.

Reports suggest that other games, such as Call Of Duty: Sniper and Call Of Duty: Zombies Defender, may not even exist. The ads are appearing on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, with a link to a survey where players can share their opinions.

The implications of this are significant, particularly in terms of player trust and transparency. Game developers must be held accountable for any misleading or deceptive marketing practices.

Summary

Kenji Ozawa, co-director of Visions of Mana, has launched a new studio called Studio Sasanqua after his previous studio, Ouka Studio, was shut down by NetEase last year. Ozawa is calling out the poor decisions made by management that led to game creators being let go.In an interview with Automaton, Ozawa expressed his desire to start anew and ensure that both developers and management are aligned on goals and values.

He emphasizes the need for a sense of security for developers, acknowledging that he will accept full responsibility if a game fails due to management mistakes.By prioritizing collaboration and open communication, Ozawa aims to create a studio culture where everyone is accountable for the project's success or failure. This approach seeks to break down silos between departments and foster a more responsible and sustainable game development environment.

Summary

R In a surprise revelation, Level-5 CEO Akihirio Hiro has opened up about the tumultuous development of their highly anticipated RPG, Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time. The game's release window has been pushed back multiple times, and it is now set to launch on May 21st.Hiro has cited "harsh" feedback from internal playtests as a major factor in the significant overhaul of the game.

This sentiment is particularly interesting given that producer Keiji Inafune, a renowned figure in the gaming industry, departed from Level-5 last summer amidst these same concerns.As a result of this shift, Hiro has acknowledged the immense challenges faced by the team in bringing Fantasy Life i to life. The game's development woes serve as a cautionary tale for game developers navigating the complexities of community feedback and creative vision.

Summary

In a shocking move, Warner Bros. has shut down its legendary Monolith studio, leaving behind a legacy of iconic games such as the Operative series and Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

This closure not only affects the fans of these franchises but also the employees who worked tirelessly to bring these games to life.The cancellation of the Wonder Woman game, initially announced in 2021, is a significant blow to the gaming community. The game's development had been highly anticipated, and its demise serves as a harsh reminder of the risks and uncertainties involved in game development.

The pressures of meeting expectations, managing budgets, and dealing with cancellations can be overwhelming for developers.As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the well-being of developers and the impact of studio closures on their livelihoods. Alternative paths, such as game jams, independent projects, or new studios, may offer opportunities for developers to continue creating games that fans love.

Summary

Warner's games business had a disappointing year in 2024, but the company is already taking steps to rectify the situation. The exact reasons behind this decline are not specified, but it's clear that the organization has taken note of its shortcomings and is committed to making changes.The company's plan for improvement is not yet publicly available, but it's likely that Warner will be focusing on addressing issues such as game quality, customer satisfaction, and market competition.

By investing in these areas, Warner can work towards regaining the trust of their audience and establishing a more positive reputation in the gaming industry.While there is no guarantee of success, it's heartening to see a company acknowledge its mistakes and take proactive steps to rectify them. The gaming industry is highly competitive, but with a renewed focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Warner may be able to turn things around and emerge stronger in the long run.

Summary

The release of Monster Hunter Wilds has sparked controversy over its monetization model, specifically the requirement to pay real-life money for editing certain aspects of characters and companion designs. This revelation has left players perplexed, as review copies of the game did not disclose this feature.The lack of transparency from the game developers is a significant concern, as it may have misled players into believing that such modifications would be free or accessible through in-game means.

This raises questions about the ethics of such practices and the responsibility of game devs to clearly communicate their monetization strategies.It's worth noting that some cosmetic changes can still be made without financial repercussions, but more substantial alterations come with a price tag. This dichotomy highlights the complexity of character customization in games and the need for developers to strike a balance between creative freedom and player expectations.

Summary

Microsoft is shutting down Skype in May, with data being transferred to Teams. The move has left the gaming community feeling disappointed, as Skype was once touted as a key feature for Xbox One.

However, its features, such as Snap and voice controls, have been largely forgotten. Despite this, Skype's legacy lives on in Microsoft Teams, which will continue to offer video conferencing and communication features.

This move highlights the evolution of Microsoft's communication tools and prioritization of new projects. The shutdown is a reminder that even big companies can change their priorities and abandon projects.