Former Rockstar Games North technical director Obbe Vermeij believes generative AI could enable unauthorized PC ports of Grand Theft Auto 6 within hours of its console launch. He warns this threat may pressure Rockstar to release an official PC version much sooner than the studio's traditional timeline to protect its sales.
Epic Games has announced the Epic AI MegaJam, a three-day game development competition running November 12–15 with a $50,000 prize pool that explicitly encourages AI tool usage in Unreal Engine and UEFN. Critics argue the tight timeline makes it nearly impossible for all-human teams to compete, calling the event another provocative push toward AI-first development from a company that recently bragged its store launcher was "vibe coded" because programming is hard.
Microsoft is developing AI-powered gaming tools for Xbox behind the scenes despite avoiding public announcements about the strategy. Internal documents and job listings reveal a coordinated push toward generative AI integration across game development and player experiences.
Insomniac Games has released update 1.001.006 for Marvel's Wolverine on PS5, introducing three new toggle settings that let players disable controversial scent trails and audio clues for collectibles. The patch also fixes several bugs including stuck claws during a tree slide sequence and overlapping bathroom signs that sparked generative AI accusations.
Sjoerd De Jong, a renowned Unreal Engine expert and former lead evangelist, has departed Epic Games after 12 years, citing the industry's approach to a pivotal moment. De Jong's journey with Unreal Engine spans 27 years, from modding the original 1998 FPS at 15 to leading its global adoption. His departure coincides with Epic's unveiling of Unreal Engine 6, focusing on interoperability and generative AI.
Vampire Survivors' crossover with Fortnite is under review following Epic's reveal of generative AI usage in game development, sparking mixed community reactions. The move comes as Epic highlights AI's role in speeding up content creation, despite recent layoffs. Fans praise Poncle's cautious stance.
A potential crossover between Vampire Survivors and Fortnite is under review due to Epic's increased use of generative AI in game development. Vampire Survivors developer Poncle expressed uncertainty over the collaboration following Epic's announcement. The move could potentially impact other indie developer partnerships with Fortnite.
Far Far West, the sci-fi fantasy co-op shooter, has achieved a remarkable milestone by selling over 1 million copies in just three weeks on Steam Early Access. Publisher Fireshine Games has simultaneously made a strong stance against the use of generative AI in core game creation, echoing sentiments similar to Hooded Horse. This move contrasts with the industry's mixed approach to AI tools.
Arcanaut Studios' new Star Wars game, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, eschews Generative AI in favor of a lean, creative approach. With a $100 million private investment, the team, led by Mass Effect director Casey Hudson, promises a focused experience, avoiding the bloat of 100+ hour games like Crimson Desert. This strategic move reflects the studio's belief in people-driven development over relying on AI or excessive funding.
Arjan Brussee, former Epic Games technical director, announces The Immense Engine, positioned as a European alternative to Unreal and Unity, integrating generative AI. This move aligns with European efforts to reduce dependency on US tech. The engine aims to serve beyond gaming, including defence simulation.
