At least eight developers have decided to push their projects' publishing dates after Team Cherry announced that Hollow Knight: Silksong is releasing on September 4.Exactly a week ago, the studio shared the news via its own YouTube channel. During the past seven days, multiple developers announced delays for their game and demo releases, directly mentioning Silksong's popularity.At the time of writing, this includes Aeterna Lucis by Aeternum Game Studios, Stomp and the Sword of Miracles by Frogteam Games, CloverPit by Panik Arcade, Demonschool by Necrosoft Games, Little Witch in the Woods by Sunny Side Up, Faeland by Talegames, Megabonk by Vedinad, and Baby Steps, which is being published by Devolver Digital.The release of Little Witch in the Woods initially matched Silksong's. In the delay announcement, Sunny Side Up said it's moving the launch to September 15, given the "immense influence" of Team Cherry's game. "We fear that launching Little Witch in the Woods on the same day would not only dishearten our dedicated team but also disappoint our devoted audience," the studio wrote.'We would not be doing our game any favors by wading into waters we can clearly see are blood red'Both CloverPit and Demonschool, now releasing on September 26 and November 19, respectively, were initially locked in for a launch on September 3, the day before Silksong's release.Related:"Silksong is the most anticipated and wishlisted game on all of Steam and we think people will love this game and play it right at launch (including us) but that also means it will overshadow all games launching close to it," Panik Arcade wrote. Via GamesIndustryBiz, almost 5 million people have wishlisted Silksong. "So if we stick to our original date we would risk the launch of CloverPit a fair bit."Ysbryd Games, the publisher of Demonschool, called the process behind the decision an "anguished consideration," saying that it's "reasonably qualified to say that at any point of 2025 on balance, has been or will be as brutal as market conditions can get" when it comes to picking a release date."Crueler still, that we should find out with such short notice that Hollow Knight: Silksong will launch just one day after our planned release for Demonschool," the publisher added.Via Bluesky, Necrosoft Games said that the delay "was not our choice," but that the studio "understands why the choice was made." Necrosoft said that Ysbryd is paying for the delay. "Dropping the GTA of indies with 2 weeks notice makes everyone freak [out]," the developer added.Related:"We have to remind ourselves that gaining visibility for Demonschool is our main goal," continues the publisher's statement. "Thus, the Ysbryd team strongly believes we would not be doing our game any favors by wading into waters we can clearly see are blood red."The other four games were all slated to release sometime in September, but decided to move either later in the month or directly into 2026, as is the case for Aeterna Lucis.  Out of all developers, Stomp and the Sword of Miracles and Faeland are notable examples, considering both games also fall into the metroidvania genre (similar to Silksong.)Frogteam Games planned to release a demo for Stomp and the Sword of the Miracles on August 29, with a Kickstarter campaign launching on September 12. Now, the developer is unsure about when it'll resume these plans."Trying to market an indie game is already really, really hard," Frogteam wrote. "It's the task of trying to get attention in a deep sea of other amazing games. In the case of Silksong, however, I feel like a little krill trying not to get eaten by a blue whale. Tiny devs like me rely on word of mouth and streamers to bring in visibility, and everyone's gonna be busy with Silksong for quite a while."Related:

PC players are nowadays seeing a lot of console-exclusive ports make their way to Steam and various launchers. This is great news for anyone who's felt like they've been missing out without owning a console, and it's clear that the lines between console and PC are beginning to blur, especially concerning Microsoft and its desire to port its impressive games library to both ecosystems. PC Game Pass has made things even more lucrative, and many series once thought console-locked forever are receiving PC versions (even if it takes a year or so to adapt them over).

Game Developer can confirm that Chinese publisher, developer, and studio investor NetEase has shut down T-Minus Zero Entertainment, the game studio founded by BioWare alumni Rich Vogel in 2023.Vogel initially posted on the company's LinkedIn page about NetEase' decision to cease its partnership with T-Minus Zero. "We deeply appreciate NetEase for providing us with both ample runway and support - from helping us find potential investors to giving us the time and budget to develop our game into a fully playable hands-on demo. It has generated a lot of interest."Days later, he told Game Developer that NetEase has shut down T-Minus Zero.T-Minus Zero had been working on a "third-person online multiplayer action game set in a sci-fi universe," according to the company's founding announcement. It appears the project was well-liked by high-level NetEase employees. Former NetEase president of global investments and partnerships Simon Zhu commented on the company's post, stating that the game "delivers [the] great fantasy of fighting against 15th floor kaiju to protect the city you care about."Meanwhile NetEase head of brand/publishing for North America & Europe Cisco Maldonado called it a "super great concept and [in my opinion] a solid market fit" in a post on Vogel's page.Related:A spokesperson for NetEase initially told Game Developer that the company is "actively working with the studio [to] find a new publishing home." They added that the company "cannot confirm any layoffs," and that it was "working with the full studio in terms of this transition and future publishing plans."Said spokesperson offered a follow-up comment after we queried the company about Vogel's statement that the company is shutting down T-Minus Zero. They stated that NetEase has made the "difficult decision" to discontinue funding for the company. "This decision was made with careful consideration, as we have been inspired by our partnership with the studio and their bold vision," they said. "However, we have had to reassess our business priorities and are now working closely with the studio to provide support and explore next steps."NetEase is reversing course on millions of dollars worth of studio investmentsNetEase has spent 2025 unwinding a number of international investments in studios like Skybox Labs, Ouka Studios and Jark of Sparks, also laying off US-based developers working on live service megahit Marvel Rivals. This hasn't been a complete withdrawal. Rebel Wolves and Anchor Point made statements saying they were not affected by a business pivot reported on by Bloomberg News.Related:Update 8/29: This story has been updated with additional comment from NetEase.

Yuto Suzuki's Sakamoto Days is one of the best shonen manga of the 2020s, and it is only going from strength to strength. Along with great art and creative fight sequences, the series is also known for fantastic characters, be they awesome (and funny) heroes or intimidating (and funny) villains.

The announcement that Hollow Knight: Silksong would release on September 4 was such a surprise that even the most tuned-in Hollow Knight fans were in shock at the news. And now, just days before Silksong releases, Hollow Knight is seeing a renaissance with gamers, passing its Steam concurrents records over and over again, hitting a new peak of 56,192 players on August 29, according to SteamDB.For years, Hollow Knight's biggest day was in May of 2022 when the game had over 20,000 concurrent players. Since the announcement of Silksong's impending release date, though, each consecutive day has seen that concurrent peak rising, having hit 21,000 on August 22, just a day after the announcement, and hit 56,192 today. For a seven-year-old indie game, this is pretty big.Of course, it's important to note that SteamDB is not the be-all-end-all of game stats. Steam is a dominant platform for sure, but Hollow Knight is available on all last and current-generation consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, with Switch being a particularly popular platform for the game. Even so, it's indicative that the legend of Hollow Knight continues to grow.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Solo developer Immersiv Games reached out to me back in June to check out its non-linear adventure game, Arcadian Days, during Steam Next Fest, and it ended up being one of my favorite demos fro

The post Free Play Days – EA Sports College Football 26, Surviving Mars, The Knightling and Lost Eidolons appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Path of Exile 2's next update The Third Edict is set to add a whole new act, region, and plenty of other new content to the game--but it's the new asynchronous trading system that really has players excited. Grinding Gear Games has shown off the system's new in-game market browser, just days out from the update drop.GGG explains in the video that the in-game trade browser wasn't quite ready to be shown off when the studio did its initial content drop for The Third Edict, but it's now ready to go. The in-game market browser works similarly to PoE 2's official trade website, allowing players to search for items they want in the player-to-player trade system. The new asynchronous trade system means the seller no longer has to be online for a trade to take place--buyers can now purchase it directly from the seller's Hideout. The seemingly simple feature brings a major quality-of-life improvement for PoE 2 players, simplifying what was previously a fairly involved, multi-step process into an easier task. The asynchronous trade system is set to come to the original Path of Exile in future too, provided its integration into PoE 2 goes smoothly.Continue Reading at GameSpot

CW: This article contains mentions of sexual abuseUbisoft CEO Yves Guillemot has been summoned to appear before the Bobigny District Court on October 1.Via the French news network BFM TV, the company received a subpoena from the Solidaires Informatiques union and four other individuals. This is in relation to the harassment allegations against three former Ubisoft executives during court hearings back in June.A month later, the French court sentenced three former Ubisoft executives to suspended prison terms, with charges including sexual assault and "enabling a culture of sexual and psychological harassment."Specifically, the convictions entail former editorial vice president Thomas François, who was convicted on a charge of attempted sexual assault was handed a suspended three-year term. Former chief creative officer Serge Hascoët was given an 18-month suspended sentence, while former games director Gillaume Patrux received a 12-month suspended sentence.In a statement provided by Ubisoft, a spokesperson said the civil parties and facts are the same as those involved and judged by the court this past June, following an investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office.The spokesperson also noted that, after that investigation, and "contrary to the civil parties' requests," the Public Prosecutor's Office decided that there were "no grounds to initiate criminal proceedings against Ubisoft or its management," a decision it "confirmed during its closing arguments at the hearing last June."Related:Ubisoft says protecting physical and moral integrity of employees is its 'top priority'The statement goes on to say that Ubisoft will continue to cooperate with the justice system in this matter, "as it has done over the past five years in the review of the facts" related to this case.“Our top priority is to ensure the absolute protection of the physical and moral integrity of its employees, through a policy of prevention and zero tolerance with regard to sexual or moral harassment, sexist behavior, assault, insult, or discrimination of any kind,” Ubisoft executive vice president Cecile Russeil stated.The hearings took place over four days at the beginning of June. As reported by The Guardian, the court was told how the aforementioned Ubisoft executives frequently abused their power to harass and bully employees.The women who previously worked at Ubisoft described how they were subjected to constant comments about sex and their bodies, made to endure sexist and homophobic jokes, and touched physically without consent.Related:During the hearings, François, Hascoët, and Patrux denied all charges. State prosecutor Antoine Haushalter, however, said the case revealed "overwhelming" evidence of harassment within Ubisoft and claimed the video game industry has "systemic" issues with sexism and abuse.The news comes a month after Ubisoft confirmed it laid off 19 people at Ubisoft Red Storm. The redundancies happened four months after securing a $1.25 billion investment from Tencent, and they followed hundreds of job cuts and studio closures over the past year. At the beginning of the year, Ubisoft said it must take "decisive steps" to reshape its business and "drive significant cost reductions."

Pokemon Go developer Scopely has revealed new details on the game's next season, Tales of Transformation. The season will start on September 2 and will run through December 2, with some of the highlights including a new transformation for a legendary Pokemon, more Mega Pokemon, and a few new pocket monsters will be coming to the game.Kicking things off is confirmation that Keldeo will be able to transform into its Resolute Form during a season-long Special Research journey. In the Pokemon games, this form gives the mythical Pokemon more power and speed, and players who have already caught Keldeo can earn Keldeo Candy to power it up further. Fans of Mega Pokemon can look forward to Mega Raid Days throughout the season, as Mega Sharpedo, Mega Camerupt, and Mega Metagross will all appear during this event. There'll also be new Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon appearing during Tales of Transformation, like Dynamax Abra, Dynamax Duraludon, and Gigantamax Garbodor. Anyone looking to capture some new critters can also hunt for Dripplin and Hydrapple next month.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with talented game developers from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) through the PlayStation MENA Hero Project. This initiative was launched with a simple goal: to identify and support original voices and empower creators from emerging regions to tell their stories through games. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the first cohort of titles supported under the MENA Hero Project, each one a unique reflection of the creativity, and spirit of developers in the region. The First Cohort of MENA Hero Project Games Red Bandits | Developer: Team Agenda | Country: Saudi Arabia Red Bandits is a fast-paced robbery action game set in a hyper-capitalist age where one company rules the world through complete monopoly. In this world, a newly formed thieves organization known as the Red Bandits, emerges to challenge the system and spark a rebellion. You play as Stutt, a seasoned old thief with a stuttering condition and a mysterious past he can’t fully remember. Break into the company’s fortified floors, take down the powerful board of directors, and bring back a de-monopolized world order. With a dynamic cover system, evolving heists, and a vibrant comrades’ hideout, Red Bandits blends fast, stylish action with a deeply personal story of rebellion. Robbing its way to PS5 and PC. Enci’s Solution | Developer: Dark Emerald | Country: United Arab Emirates Exiled by humans centuries ago, the Aeons are confined to the desolate underground. Their village is safe, but beyond the gates, danger lurks at every corner, and not everyone can be trusted. No one has left the village before, except for Ji’we. Inspired by techno-dystopian aesthetics, Enci’s Solution is a hand-painted, 2.5D narrative platformer following the story of Ji’we, a young Aeon venturing out into the unknown in an attempt to save his dearest friend. Stumbling upon Enci, a lost encyclopedic robot who finds himself far from home, the two form an unusual bond and set out together to the surface of planet Regalia.  Play through 40+ levels with increasing difficulty and explore uncharted territories. Find collectibles and uncover the secrets they carry about the world and its odd inhabitants. Keep an eye out for hidden levels and challenge yourself to think outside the box. Will you find your solution on PS5 and PC? Play Video The Perfect Run | Developer: Lanterns Studios | Country: Tunisia Save the world or blow it up yourself, one loop at a time! The Perfect Run is an action-adventure RPG game where the player controls Quicksave, a time-traveling hero caught in an epic struggle between supervillain gangs, marketed superheroes, and a powerful mega corporation for the control of the city of New Rome. With three days to decide the city’s fate, the player can go back in time to decide their perfect ending… if they have the skill to do so! Interact with NPCs and unlock new dialogue options thanks to information collected in earlier loops, join a faction in one route and fight them the next, bend time itself in epic battle against superpowered bosses, collect the best upgrades before the reset, and unlock the city’s secrets in this memorable superhero adventure. Find the perfect run on PS5 and PC. A Cat’s Manor | Developer: Happiest Dark Corner | Country: Bahrain You awaken trapped in a house infested with spiders and inhabited by an eccentric family. At the end of your tail, you discover a crudely stitched hand. With no memory of who you are or how you got here, you let curiosity guide you forward. A Cat’s Manor is an atmospheric adventure that blends puzzles, combat, crafting, and rhythm-based music challenges. Use your wits to escape the manor. Investigate your surroundings, solve puzzles, fight your way through deadly encounters, or outsmart your foes and avoid trouble. Inspect, observe, listen, and feel your surroundings for clues and cues, immersing yourself with 3D audio and PS5 DualSense controller features. Uncover the secrets of the manor and unravel what the family is hiding. Creeping its way to PS5 and PC near you.  About the MENA Hero Project The MENA Hero Project is the newest chapter in SIE’s global Hero Project family, joining India and China in our mission to discover and nurture the next generation of original game creators. We believe that great games can come from anywhere. Through the MENA Hero Project, we’re committed to unlocking the region’s creative potential, supporting locally inspired experiences with the power to captivate players around the world.

Chris Kerr, Senior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comAugust 22, 20252 Min ReadImage via Tencent Tencent debuted a new AI creation tool called VISVISE at Gamescom 2025 that it claims will accelerate video game art production by automating repetitive tasks. The Chinese conglomerate billed VISVISE as an end-to-end AI game creation suit that will "dramatically cut down game art design time from days or even months, down to minutes." "With capabilities spanning animation and modeling to the creation of intelligent NPCs, or managing digital assets, VISVISE provides game developers and designers with a complete AIGC-powered toolset to accelerate workflows," it added. Tencent said the tool will specifically allow developers to rapidly skin and animate characters in a matter of minutes—a process it claims usually takes up to three-and-a-half days. In addition, the company claimed skeletal animations can be produced in just 10 seconds with VISVISE. Tencent said that process usually takes between three and seven days. "This results in an eightfold improvement in character skinning throughput and transforms animation into a fully automated process of 'keyframe generation + intelligent in-betweening,'" it continued. Tencent claims it doesn't want VISVISE to replace 'human ingenuity'Tencent Games VISVISE expert Zijiao Zeng delivered a keynote at Devcom (soon to be rebranded as Gamescom Dev) and shared more details on VISVISE's two key core technologies: VISVISE GoSkinning and VISVISE MotionBlink. Related:GoSkinning works by leveraging a universal AI model to automatically adapt to different skeletal structures. Tencent told Game Developer the tool is based on an AI model developed in-house. The company explained GoSkinning achieves around 85 percent automation and uses a two-step process of bone chain prediction and weight refinement, while its proprietary 'Skirt AI' addresses "complex garment deformation issues." MotionBlink, meanwhile, uses a self-regressive diffusion architecture to rapidly generate keyframes combined with pre-trained CVAE and contrastive learning to produce smooth motion transitions that Tencent claims will rival optimal motion capture and eliminate common issues such as foot sliding and jitter. VISVISE tools have already been integrated into the development of over 90 titles, including PUBG Mobile. Addressing the widespread concerns surrounding AI technology and automation, Tencent said it doesn't envision a future in which VISVIE replaces workers and instead explained it views the technology as a "supporting tool." "VISVISE is designed to automate repetitive tasks with human oversight, enabling creative teams to focus on core artistic and design elements that define a great game," a Tencent spokesperson told Game Developer. "Human ingenuity, intuition and connection continue to be pillars of our industry's success, and the keys to developing engaging, emotionally resonant games. With AI, we hope to accelerate creativity, building a collaborative environment where we can continue to create, play and sell quality games."Related:Game Developer attended Gamescom 2025 via the Gamescom Media Ambassador Program, which covered flights and accommodation.Read more about:GamescomAbout the AuthorChris KerrSenior Editor, News, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like