Square Enix has announced that FOAMSTARS will be launching as part of the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for February, allowing subscribers to redeem, download, and try out the new online 4v4 foam party shooter at no extra cost for a limited time. According to recent comments shared by producer Kosuke Okatani and Square Enix, FOAMSTAR features some degree of AI-generated art.
Okatani on FOAMSTARS:
- “All of the core elements in Foamstars – the core gameplay, and the things that make the game enjoyable – those are all made by hand. However, we did want to experiment with AI as well.”
- “In terms of the content in the game, this makes up about 0.01% or even less, but we have dabbled in it by creating these icons in the game.”
Square Enix on FOAMSTARS:
- “AI was used in the creation of the in-game album covers for the music featured in the FOAMSTARS’ soundtrack. As developers, we’re always looking at new technologies to see how they can assist with game development.”
- “In this instance, we experimented with Midjourney using simple prompts to produce abstract images. We loved what was created and used them as the final album covers players will see in the game. Everything else was created entirely by our development team.”
Availability:
- February 6 to March 4 via PS Plus
- $29.99 via PS Store beginning March 5, 2024 (requires PS Plus subscription)
Comments:
- “Day one onto PS Plus is exactly what this game needed, especially since the Beta was pretty fun.”
- “Is ths just Sony’s version of Splatoon? lol”
- “Hell yeah man, I’ll be off of work that day too!”
- “Can’t wait for those Foamstars Rule 34.”
Description:
FOAMSTARS is a vibrant, over-the-top shooter, that is accessible to players of all skill levels. It combines the fun of partying with the thrill of combat where players blast through matches using foam to attack, build and defend. Taking control of a quirky and colorful ensemble of athletes, players are dropped into the eccentric city of Bath Vegas to compete in FOAMSMASH. Created as a casual yet competitive experience for everyone, FOAMSTARS features a combination of PvP and PvE modes for up to eight players, either as four vs. four, solo, or co-op as a Squad with three teammates.
Sources: PlayStation.Blog, VGC