AI Killing Game Development - This Week in Gaming

Introduction

Welcome back to another edition of This Week in Gaming! In this week’s round-up, we take a look at several noteworthy developments within the gaming industry, including major shutdowns, exciting new releases, and the implications of artificial intelligence on game development.

Netflix Shuts Down Internal Game Studio

Netflix recently made the controversial decision to shut down its internal AAA game studio, resulting in the layoffs of numerous developers, including top industry talent like Overwatch's executive producer Joseph Staten and God of War's art director. This move coincides with Netflix's announcement that its interactive shows, akin to a Choose Your Own Adventure format as seen in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, would be removed from the platform.

Despite this apparent retreat from traditional game development, Netflix seems poised to shift its focus towards AI-driven game development. Mike Verdu, the vice president of generative AI for games, recently shared his enthusiasm for harnessing AI in creating new gaming experiences, hinting that it may be a transformative moment for the industry.

New Game Releases

In game releases this week, several titles have generated buzz:

• Metro Awakening VR: This title has received rave reviews, with many comparing its quality to that of Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx.
• Planet Coaster 2: Currently sitting at mixed reviews, this sequel has drawn criticism for missing features present in its predecessor.
• Goat Simulator Remastered: A remaster that fans have long awaited finally hits the market.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate: This game is being positively compared to Hades and has garnered excitement from fans.

Oasis: An AI-Generated Minecraft Clone

In an intriguing development, a new low-resolution, AI-driven game called Oasis has emerged. Essentially a Minecraft clone that operates at around 20 FPS, Oasis uses predictive algorithms to generate environments in real-time. While players can interact with these environments, the gameplay is largely rooted in observing an AI hallucinate various terrains and objects, leading to a uniquely unpredictable experience.

Nintendo's Next Console

Nintendo has confirmed that their next console will support backward compatibility with existing Nintendo Switch titles. This represents a significant shift in Nintendo’s approach, as past consoles often required players to repurchase games to access previous libraries. Details regarding the console's specifications, rumored to be labeled as Switch 2 or Switch Pro, remain under wraps.

Six Days in Fallujah and PS5 Pro Release

Six Days in Fallujah, a semi-realistic military FPS, has exited early access with updates including a new documentary mission and AI squadmate systems. Despite some praise, it’s noted that there are fundamental gameplay issues such as a lack of prone mechanics.

Meanwhile, the new $ 700 PlayStation 5 Pro has launched, seen primarily as a luxury upgrade that some reviewers argue is excessively pricey given its performance boosts. Additionally, AMD’s Ryzen 9800 X3D CPU has emerged as a leading gaming CPU, outperforming previous and current generation chips on key metrics.

Roblox's New Safety Measures

In a move to protect younger players, Roblox is implementing new restrictions, making certain social experiences inaccessible to users under 13 starting this December. This decision comes in light of concerning reports about child exploitation on the platform.

Star Citizen Update and GTA 6 Announcement

Star Citizen is preparing for its next big event where players will get their first chance to pilot the new Polaris ship. Meanwhile, Take-Two confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 remains on track for a Fall 2025 release, despite speculation about potential delays.

This edition of This Week in Gaming has shed light on significant industry shifts, particularly regarding AI’s growing role in game development. If you enjoyed this recap or have suggestions for future topics, drop your ideas in the comments!

---

Keywords

• Netflix
• Game studio shutdown
• AI-driven development
• Metro Awakening VR
• Oasis
• Nintendo Switch
• PlayStation 5 Pro
• Roblox safety measures
• Grand Theft Auto 6

FAQ

1. What led to Netflix shutting down its game studio?
Netflix is repositioning its gaming strategy, even as it lays off a significant number of developers amidst the shutdown.

2. What are the notable game releases of the week?
This week, notable releases include Metro Awakening VR, Planet Coaster 2, Goat Simulator Remastered, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate.

3. What is Oasis?
Oasis is a low-resolution, AI-generated game that closely mimics Minecraft, featuring unpredictable terrain and object generation.

4. Will Nintendo's next console support existing games?
Yes, Nintendo has confirmed backward compatibility with Switch titles for its upcoming console.

5. What updates have come to Six Days in Fallujah?
The game has added its first documentary mission and AI squadmate systems, enhancing the gameplay experience.

6. When is Grand Theft Auto 6 expected to be released?
Take-Two has announced that GTA 6 is still scheduled for a Fall 2025 release.