After a week filled with layoff and studio closure news, we have a roundup of some of the latest game development rumors and official announcements. To say that the gaming industry has been undergoing a lot of changes since the start of the new year would be an understatement. With announcements coming from Sony, Microsoft, EA, and of course Embracer Group, just to name a few, regarding layoffs, and studio closures, which have in turn led to the cancellation of multiple projects, it’s no surprise that folks may be wondering what’s still happening.
Game Development Rumors and official announcements
Horizon Online Multiplayer
Rumors about a possible multiplayer Horizon game began surfacing with the discovery of test code in Horizon Zero Dawn and then again later with its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. It wasn’t until 2022 when Guerrilla Games confirmed that a 2021 job listing was indeed for a Horizon multiplayer project but things have been somewhat quiet on that front and with Sony’s announcement of laying off 900 staff, including some at Guerrilla Games, the question has been asked if it is still in development, and according to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, it is. However, Jason had previously said in the same thread that a live-service Twisted Metal game had been canceled.
No
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) February 27, 2024
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
In an almost phoenix-like event, Bioware announced it was laying off 50 staff last summer but was continuing to work on new Mass Effect and Dragon Age games. Bioware has been tight-lipped regarding the next Dragon Age game, which at one point was referred to as Dragon Age 4, but was updated to Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb has been keeping up on the game’s development progress and according to his latest podcast, Bioware is planning a full reveal sometime this summer with a possible Q4 release.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown
The latest trailer for Nacon’s upcoming next entry in the Test Drive franchise appears to have redacted at least part of its release date. A recent financial report from Nacon had indicated a Q1 24 launch, along with previous materials stating “early 2024”, but the trailer now simply states “coming in 2024”. Nacon has explained that it is putting great effort into the game which recreates Hong Kong island on a 1:1 scale and it wants to ensure that its server infrastructure, and other details, are up to expectations before launch:
Per Steam:
“We also know that you want a launch date, and we understand your eagerness. We share your eagerness. Although a launch date has been considered several times, we want to take the time needed to ensure that your experience of Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown is as smooth, stable and fun as can be. Many of you have already pointed this out to us: take the time to release a game that matches your expectations. That’s why we’re working flat out on several aspects, including the stability of the server infrastructure and optimizing the game’s performance. When we feel like these two areas are stable, we’ll be delighted to share the long-awaited launch date with you, then cross the finish line and start our long adventure together.”
EA Cancels Untitled First-person-shooter Star Wars game and closes Battlefield studio
Just a few days ago it was discovered, and then confirmed that EA was laying off some of its staff and had closed a studio it helped put together to develop a narrative-driven Battlefield game. The untitled game was in development at Ridgeline Studios but has now been handed over to Criterion Games (Need for Speed). As part of this streamlining strategy, it was also discovered that an untitled Star Wars first-person shooter that was being developed by Respawn Entertainment had now been canceled as well.