Hideaki Itsuno, the renowned director behind iconic titles like Devil May Cry and Dragons Dogma, has embarked on an exciting new journey by establishing a second branch of his studio in Osaka. This move not only signifies a fresh start for Itsuno after over 30 years at Capcom but also highlights his commitment to creating original AAA game titles, a rarity in the current gaming landscape. The new studio has already made waves by hiring key veterans from the Devil May Cry and Street Fighter franchises, including narrative designer Toshihiro Nakagawa and character artist Daigo Ikeno.

When it comes to video game sequels, few have faced as much backlash as Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. Released in 2008, this title took a bold departure from the beloved 3D platforming formula that fans had come to adore. Instead of jumping and collecting, players were thrust into a world of vehicle building, sparking outrage among a community that had been waiting eight long years for a true sequel. Yet, beneath the surface of this controversial shift lies a game that is not only innovative but also a testament to creativity.

A new video game based on the iconic Friday the 13th franchise is officially in development, stirring excitement among fans of horror and gaming alike. During a recent San Diego Comic-Con panel, Robert Barsamian, executive vice president at Horror Inc, confirmed that both a sequel game and a new movie are on the horizon, marking a significant return for the franchise that has been dormant for years. While details remain scarce, Barsamian hinted that the upcoming game may not be a direct follow-up to the 2017 title, Friday the 13th: The Game, which was pulled from sale after its licensing expired.

The recent push by the Stop Killing Games movement for legislation that mandates offline alternatives for online games has sparked a heated debate in the gaming community. The EU lobbying group, Video Games Europe, argues that such laws could make the development of live service titles prohibitively expensive, ultimately stifling creativity and innovation in the industry. As the gaming landscape evolves, the call for consumer protection is more relevant than ever.

The latest update for eFootball has introduced a thrilling new mode called Time Leap Trials, celebrating 30 years of the iconic Winning Eleven/Pro Evolution Soccer series. This limited-time mode invites players to score goals against AI opponents, all while immersed in visuals reminiscent of the classic PS1 game, World Soccer Winning Eleven. With rewards based on how quickly players can score, this nostalgic nod is sure to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

In a shocking turn of events, Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the much-anticipated game MindsEye, has reportedly initiated mass layoff proceedings that could affect over 100 employees. This news comes on the heels of a rocky launch for MindsEye, which has been plagued by technical issues and bugs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among players and even refunds from PlayStation. According to sources cited by IGN, the Edinburgh-based developer has begun a 45-day consultation process, a legal requirement in the UK when laying off 100 or more staff.

Gearbox has officially unveiled the story trailer for Borderlands 4, and while it doesn’t spill all the secrets, it certainly sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the franchise. Fans can look forward to familiar faces like Claptrap and Mad Moxxi, alongside new characters such as the villainous Timekeeper and the four default Vault Hunters: Vex, Rafa, Harlowe, and Amon. This mix of old and new promises to keep the spirit of the series alive while introducing fresh narratives.

After nearly a year of striking, SAG-AFTRA has announced a tentative agreement with major video game companies, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing debate over AI voice acting in the industry. This agreement comes after prolonged negotiations, highlighting the union’s commitment to protecting the rights of voice actors while navigating the complexities introduced by AI technologies. The new Interactive Media Agreement aims to establish essential guardrails around the use of AI in video game voice acting, ensuring that performers have informed consent regarding the digital replication of their voices.