Unity has issued a warning to developers using versions 2017.1 and later to urgently patch their games following the discovery of a security vulnerability, although no exploits have been reported. The company has provided fixes and updates for various versions and urged developers to review guidance to ensure user safety, leading some to temporarily remove their games from sale.
Despite strong consumer interest and a sales boom for Nintendo's Switch 2, independent game developers are experiencing sluggish sales, highlighting challenges in the gaming industry. Additionally, Nvidia and OpenAI are planning a significant $100 billion investment to develop AI infrastructure.
Over 450 game developers, artists, designers, engineers, and support staff working on Blizzard's Diablo franchise have unionized through the Communications Workers of America, aiming to improve compensation, job security, and workplace conditions under Microsoft, which has seen a growing trend of unionization among its employees amid layoffs.
Over 450 game developers working on Diablo at Blizzard Entertainment voted to unionize under the CWA, driven by concerns over layoffs and job security, marking a significant step in industry-wide labor organization efforts in California.
Game developers are criticizing Neil Druckmann, director of The Last of Us, for his comments on using AI to enhance storytelling in games. They argue that AI cannot replace the creativity and collaboration of human developers and express concerns over the ethical implications and quality of AI-generated content.
Game developers Tim Stobo and Lis Moberly presented at the 2024 Game Developers Conference, highlighting the prevalence and impact of occupational burnout in the game industry. They emphasized the need for prevention and recovery strategies, pointing out that burnout affects developers at all experience levels and is influenced by various factors such as work overload, lack of control, and value conflicts. Their research revealed that recovery from burnout can take years, and most developers reported insufficient support from employers. They urged studio leaders to take proactive measures, including anonymous surveys and collaborative efforts with employees, to address burnout and create a healthier work environment.
Discord is set to introduce in-app ads, called "sponsored quests," to support game developers, with reports suggesting the feature will be implemented this week. The ads will be displayed at the bottom left of the app and will offer users gifts for completing in-game tasks while their friends watch on Discord. These ads will be targeted based on users' gameplay, age, and geographic location data, and users can opt out of seeing them if they choose.
Major game developers, including Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Roblox, Epic Games, and Rockstar, are facing lawsuits alleging that their games intentionally create addiction. The developers argue that games are a form of expression protected by the First Amendment and that finding their games "too entertaining" is not a valid reason to limit constitutionally protected speech. The lawsuits claim that games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft use addictive features to hook players, leading to detrimental impacts on mental and physical health. The developers have motioned for the cases to go to arbitration, while the plaintiffs await a decision on whether the pre-trial proceedings of the six similar addiction cases will be consolidated.
Game developers at GDC are reportedly puzzled about the purpose of Sony's rumored PS5 Pro upgrade, with many feeling that they haven't fully utilized the capabilities of the current PS5. While some believe that the upgrade may appeal to dedicated PS5 fans, others argue that the focus should be on creating original next-generation software rather than a mid-generation update. It's suggested that the PS5 Pro may cater to a niche market interested in features like PlayStation Spectral Resolution, potentially targeting a specific segment of PlayStation users.
Eurogamer's Chris Tapsell reports on the mood at GDC 2024, highlighting a cautious sense of hope among game developers despite industry turmoil and skepticism surrounding AI. The conference showcased dozens of developers presenting their best work, with a focus on moving forward from the challenges of the past 18 months, offering a glimpse of optimism for the future of the gaming industry.
At the Game Developers Conference, a panel of industry professionals made a strong case for unionization in the gaming industry, emphasizing the need for protections against layoffs, crunch, and unilateral changes. They highlighted the power of collective action and the accountability unions bring to companies. The panel also hinted at a potential nationwide union effort, signaling a significant shift in the industry's labor landscape.
Ubisoft has unveiled its experimental "Neo NPCs" in collaboration with Nvidia and Inworld.ai, allowing players to interact with AI-powered characters in a video game prototype. The NPCs engage in conversations and collaborative decision-making, with the aim of integrating gameplay objectives into the dialogue. While the technology is still in the prototype stage and exhibits some awkwardness in delivery, it represents a step towards more interactive and intelligent game environments.
Discord is launching a new Embedded App SDK on March 18, allowing developers to create experiences embedded within Discord chats. The platform is also reintroducing its app pitches program, offering funding for app ideas, and experimenting with technology to allow users to add apps to their accounts. These updates come after a recent round of layoffs and a partnership program with game developers to sell themed avatars and profile effects.
Google Play announced new features for game listings, including AI-powered FAQs, displaying YouTube videos, immersive ad formats, and support for native PC game publishing. The updates aim to attract more users and drive in-app purchases, with new tools for developers to promote their games and target specific user groups. Additionally, Google is introducing new ad products and expanding its Play Pass and Play Points programs to offer more benefits to users and developers.
Over 900 game developers were laid off from Sony PlayStation, Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, and Guerrilla Games, among others, leading to personal stories of financial and mental hardship. The layoffs have left many struggling with unemployment, loss of health insurance, and instability, impacting their physical and mental well-being. The situation has also led to a sense of hopelessness and survivor's guilt among those who remain employed, with many considering leaving the gaming industry altogether due to fierce competition for limited job opportunities.
