Two former developers from Rocksteady Studios have shared their candid insights regarding their time working on the troubled title, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, in a recent interview with Bloomberg. Designer Johnny Armstrong expressed the team's initial enthusiasm about stepping away from the Batman franchise after completing three consecutive Arkham games. However, as development on Suicide Squad progressed, that excitement began to wane. The shift in creative direction was largely driven by Warner Bros., which aimed to create a live-service game, a concept unfamiliar to the Rocksteady team. Axel Rydby, who assumed the role of game director in 2022, highlighted the mounting pressure associated with the prolonged development period. With seven years invested in the project, Warner Bros. intensified its efforts to ensure the game maximized replayability and player engagement in order to recover its financial investment. Rydby conveyed his growing dissatisfaction with the creative process, stating, "That’s when I started feeling like I wasn’t making games anymore. I was following a spreadsheet, some elusive marketing-analysis spreadsheet that no one could present clearly. I kind of felt like this isn’t the gaming industry I wanted to work in." Armstrong echoed these sentiments, revealing his own disillusionment with the industry stemming from his experiences on Suicide Squad. He reflected, "I felt everything drained from me. I said, ‘I can’t do this again. I don’t know if I’m done with the industry, but I’m done.’ I could feel myself coming apart at the seams." Both developers eventually departed from Rocksteady, seeking new opportunities that would reignite their creative passion. They have recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new RPG deckbuilder titled Secret of Circadia, aiming to raise $11,000 from backers to bring their project to fruition. The fallout from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has been significant for Rocksteady, marking a stark contrast to the success of the Arkham series. It is hoped that this experience has conveyed a crucial message to Warner Bros. regarding the types of games the studio should pursue in the future. While the current status of Rocksteady's next project remains unclear, there are rumors suggesting a potential return to the Batman universe. However, many of the key creative talents responsible for the Arkham series have since left the studio. Despite this, Rocksteady still has a talented roster of developers, indicating that any upcoming project will likely differ from titles like Arkham Knight.

Having restored the Earth Crystal, your next destination is Crescent Lake, which has 19 new bestiary entries and 37 treasure chests waiting to be discovered. Sailing to Crescent Lake To reach Crescent Lake, depart from Melmond and board your boat. Set sail westward until you arrive at the next continent, docking at the port located on the eastern shore. From there, navigate southwest through the forest, around the crescent-shaped lake, until you finally reach the town. Crescent Lake Upon arriving in Crescent Lake, you have two main tasks to tackle. First, be sure to visit the local shops. Here, you'll find new Level 6 spells such as Thundaga and Quake. Additionally, you can upgrade your arsenal with the Mythril Sword and Mythril Axe. However, since the upcoming dungeon offers a wealth of armor drops, consider limiting your spending on Mythril armor unless you are in dire need of Gil. The Mythril Mail is the one upgrade you should prioritize at this moment. Next, make your way to the Circle of Sages located in the northeast corner of town. If you're interested in looking into the lore, take the time to converse with each sage. If you're looking for expedience, head straight to the sage located at the bottom-right of the Circle, next to the blue-robed sage. He will provide you with a Canoe, granting you the ability to navigate shallow rivers. Journey to Mount Gulg Once you’ve spoken to the sages, make sure to rest at the Inn and stock up at the item shop before leaving town. To journey toward Mount Gulg and walk west until you reach the mountains. Your canoe will be deployed automatically when you enter the water, where you can find seven new entries for your bestiary. Utilizing Thunder-based spells will allow you to dispatch enemies swiftly. If you find yourself struggling, remember that battles in the river yield great experience points. Take the opportunity to rest at the Crescent Lake Inn as needed until you feel adequately prepared. Continue paddling westward until you can turn north. At the next fork, take the right path (the left leads to a dead end) and then make an immediate left. At the final fork, head west and follow the path until you reach land, leading you to Mount Gulg. Climbing Mount Gulg Mount Gulg introduces 11 new enemies to your bestiary and has 37 chests spread across five floors. Be cautious, as stepping on lava will cause 1 HP damage to your entire party. Monitor your mages' health closely as you navigate through the dungeon. Starting on B1, there are no treasure chests here; head northwest to find the stairs. On B2, you’ll collect 18 chests. Skip the first door and enter the second to gather as much treasure as possible, including a big room filled with chests. Exit through the right side and descend the stairs to B3. Beating Marilith Moving through the dungeon, the middle floors will have you navigating between B3 and B4 several times. On B4, there are 15 chests across six rooms. Once you reach B5, the final floor, you will encounter four remaining chests and face a significant boss battle against Marilith. Equip your Warrior with the Flame Mail you find here, as it offers fire resistance, and prepare to take her down with strategic attacks. Defeating Marilith will restore the Fire Crystal, unlocking the second of three story trophies associated with the Fiends. After the battle, exit Mount Gulg through the portal and take your canoe back to Crescent Lake. Remember to rest at the Inn and stock up on any Level 6 spells you might have missed earlier before setting sail north to the Cavern of Ice.

After successfully rescuing Princess Sarah, players can now access the bridge north of Cornelia, allowing for a brief detour to Matoya's Cave before heading to Pravoka. This chapter introduces seven new entries to the bestiary and has three chests waiting to be opened. Exploring Matoya's Cave To reach Matoya's Cave, navigate northwest from the bridge towards the mountains. When you encounter a body of water, veer left and continue north until you discover the cave entrance. Once inside, you'll meet Matoya, a witch who is in dire need of her lost Crystal Eye, which she must have to see. Make sure to return to her once you recover it. Before exiting the cave, be sure to open the three chests located on the left side of the room, which contain two Potions and an Antidote. The first Potion is located on the upper left side, noted as Journey to Pravoka After leaving Matoya's Cave, make your way south back to the mountain range, then take a right to follow the path leading to Pravoka. As you travel, you'll encounter various foes, including Cobras and Ogres. While their bestiary entries can be recorded more effectively in later chapters, it's a good opportunity to capture the entry for the frequently spawning Lizards along this route. Arriving in Pravoka Upon reaching Pravoka, head to the Inn situated at the northern end of the town to rest and recuperate. After resting, make a trip to the local shops to enhance your gear. Key purchases include the Battle Axe for your Warrior and Blindna for your White Mage. Once you feel prepared, proceed to the northwest corner of the town to find Captain Bikke along with his crew of nine pirates. Confronting Captain Bikke Engaging with Captain Bikke will lead you into a battle against his nine pirates, who attack simultaneously. To emerge victorious, focus your efforts on taking down one pirate at a time. Defeating them will reward you with a Leather Shield, which has a 2% drop rate. After the skirmish, Bikke will hand over his ship, granting you the ability to sail across the seas. Before you set off, it’s wise to return to the Inn for another rest and stock up on Potions and Antidotes, especially since you’ll soon encounter enemies capable of inflicting poison. With preparations complete, you are now ready to set sail toward Elfheim, where new adventures await.

As you embark on your adventure in Final Fantasy I, your journey begins just outside the Kingdom of Cornelia. At this stage, it's advisable to skip any overworld battles to focus on acquiring essential gear, including weapons and armor. The game has a total of 12 bestiary entries and 3 treasure chests to discover, but rest assured, nothing in this initial phase is permanently missable. Should you overlook anything, you can always return to collect it after the credits roll, allowing you to play at your own pace. Exploring Cornelia Town Before venturing north, take a moment to explore Cornelia Town and make the most of your starting funds, which amount to 500 Gil. Here’s what to prioritize in your shopping spree: Cure: This spell is vital as it is your primary healing option for your White Mage. Fire: Equip this spell for your Black Mage, as it will be your main source of damage. Thunder: It's a wise choice to acquire this spell early on, as it will prove particularly effective against sea enemies in the next chapter. While browsing through the weapon and armor shops, ensure you upgrade any items that surpass your starting gear. If you have a Monk in your party, remember to remove their weapons, as their unarmed damage scales with levels, making them stronger than anything available in Cornelia. The King's Request After equipping your characters, speak with the guard located north of town to meet the King of Cornelia. He will assign you the important task of rescuing Princess Sarah, who is being held captive by Garland, a rogue knight residing in the Chaos Shrine to the north. Confronting Garland Garland is your first boss encounter, and you'll find him to be primarily a physical attacker. This fight is straightforward due to his low magic defense, making spells like Fire and Thunder particularly effective. Here’s a recommended strategy: Use your Black Mage to cast Fire or Thunder. Engage in auto-attacks with your Warriors. Keep your party healed with your White Mage’s spells. Rescuing Princess Sarah Upon defeating Garland, Princess Sarah will teleport your party back to Cornelia Castle. The King will express his gratitude by ordering the reconstruction of the bridge to the north. Additionally, Sarah will gift you the Lute, which is a key item you will need for future quests. Approach the newly rebuilt bridge to trigger a cutscene, paving the way for your next adventure into Matoya’s Cave and Pravoka.

A new entry for a possibly unannounced Metroid game has been spotted online. According to a report by Universo Nintendo, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security listed a game titled Metroid Ravenous, although the listing was promptly removed from the website. Fortunately, a screenshot was taken by an editor before it disappeared, capturing the brief details of the listing. The listing itself provides limited information, with only a production year of 2026 mentioned. Considering the lengthy development cycle of Metroid Prime 4, if Metroid Ravenous is indeed a new title, it is unlikely to follow the first-person adventure format unless it is a DLC expansion for Metroid Prime 4. More plausibly, should this listing be authentic, Metroid Ravenous could be another 2.5D side-scroller, especially given the success of Metroid Dread, which was released five years ago. Metroid Dread was developed by the Spanish studio MercurySteam, known for their work on titles such as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Metroid: Samus Returns. This particular game was exclusive to the Nintendo Switch and takes place after the events of Metroid Fusion, making it the latest installment in the Metroid series timeline. In 2023, it was revealed that MercurySteam was developing "two large undisclosed titles," one of which turned out to be Blades of Fire, released last year. The status of the second title remains a mystery, leaving fans speculating about what it could entail. As fans await further developments regarding Metroid Ravenous, excitement builds for what could be the next chapter in this beloved series. Stay tuned for more updates as information becomes available.

Valve's Steam Machine has hit a significant snag with its hardware, leading to the emergence of a notable nickname among early users. A Reddit user known as me_hill was one of the first to get their hands on the Steam Machine this week, only to experience a critical failure shortly after. The console ceased functioning just minutes after the user installed the latest firmware update, displaying a red line on the light bar, which has since been dubbed the 'red line of death.' According to me_hill, the Steam Machine was rendered unusable following a brief five-minute session playing No Man's Sky. "Got five minutes of No Man's Sky in, then I installed the update the machine had available and it bricked itself," me_hill recounted. The user advised those still waiting for their units to remain hopeful, as they believe Valve will address these issues in future updates. Digital Foundry highlighted that the red light on the right side of the light bar is an error code designed to assist users in diagnosing problems. The Steam Machine support documentation indicates that this specific error code points to a GPU failure. This aligns with me_hill's experience, as they confirmed that there was no display output on their monitor, a common indicator of GPU malfunction. Members of the Steam Machine subreddit have been actively sharing troubleshooting tips in hopes of reviving affected units. However, the consensus is that contacting Valve support for a replacement may be the most effective course of action. This could prove challenging, considering the limited number of Steam Machines that have been produced. The situation has drawn parallels to past hardware failures, such as the notorious Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death and, to a lesser extent, the PlayStation 3's Yellow Light of Death. For users like me_hill, it's a frustrating reminder of those experiences. The prevalence of this issue remains uncertain, as it's typical for any new hardware to have a small percentage of faulty units. The gaming community will be keeping a close watch on discussions within the subreddit in the coming weeks to determine whether this incident may signal the onset of another widespread hardware crisis.

Recent revelations have uncovered Sony's ambitious yet ultimately unrealized project: the PlayStation PUGA, a battery-powered console integrated within a DualShock controller. Designed as a plug-and-play device aimed at the Brazilian market, this retro hybrid could have allowed players to enjoy ten classic games through a memory card. The details surrounding the PUGA emerged during a presentation by Brian 'Biscuit' Watson, a veteran game developer with a storied career that includes significant contributions to Sony, particularly in PS2 emulation. The talk took place at The Retro Collective, a vintage computing museum located in Chalford, UK. Biscuit described the PUGA as "a PlayStation controller with PS1 inside of it," emphasizing its battery-operated functionality, which was tailored for Brazil's restrictive import regulations. He noted that due to these restrictions, many consoles in Brazil were often sourced through the grey or black market. Biscuit elaborated that by producing the PS1 plug-and-play within Brazil, Sony could navigate around various import limitations. This approach is reminiscent of earlier console strategies, such as Sega's collaboration with Samsung to manufacture Mega Drive and Master System consoles in South Korea in response to Japanese import bans. Unfortunately, the PUGA prototype no longer functions, as Biscuit lacks the necessary software to exit debug mode. However, he recalled that it had performed exceptionally well during its operational phase, boasting ten games on a 4GB card. The project’s cancellation stemmed from licensing disputes, with Biscuit citing difficulties in negotiating royalty terms with both third-party developers and even within different divisions of Sony itself. He lamented, "The unfortunate problem is that Sony licensing couldn’t get their act together about the royalty terms for each of the games." Biscuit explained that even for Sony-developed titles, negotiations involved separate units within the company, which often resulted in dissatisfaction regarding royalty agreements. He noted that the low MSRP of the PUGA would have meant roughly 10 cents in royalties per unit, a figure that ultimately contributed to the project's demise. He remarked, "I almost left Sony over that one," reflecting on the frustration of being involved in the first cancelled project of his career. From a technical perspective, the PUGA utilized a TI-OMAP 3530 system-on-a-chip featuring an ARM CPU, akin to the older MediaTek MT8167A chipset found in the PS1 Classic. The prototype included a DC jack next to the composite video cable and memory card slot, and it was designed to run on four AA batteries, providing an impressive 20 hours of gameplay. Although the concept of the PlayStation PUGA may evoke comparisons to low-cost plug-and-play consoles from the early 2000s, its software ultimately found a second life in the Sony Xperia Play. This past attempt at reviving classic gaming on new platforms highlights Sony's ongoing struggle to effectively preserve its gaming heritage amid an increasingly digital scene. With recent news of plans to cease PlayStation disc production by 2028, it seems unlikely that Sony will pursue more physical projects like the PUGA or the PS1 Classic in the near future, making such initiatives feel even more crucial as we transition to a primarily online world.

Game preservation is a pressing issue in the gaming industry, especially following Sony's announcement to halt physical disc production for new PlayStation titles by 2028. This topic emerged prominently during a recent shareholders' meeting at Square Enix, where the company addressed concerns regarding the availability of its classic games. During the meeting, a shareholder pointed out that while Square Enix is actively publishing remakes, a significant portion of its original titles remain inaccessible on modern platforms. Additionally, many live-service games and mobile-only titles, which pose challenges for preservation without publisher support, have been discontinued. The shareholder sought clarity on Square Enix's policy for maintaining the availability of its media. In response, Square Enix acknowledged the complexities involved in preserving games post-service. The company highlighted that their approach varies depending on the game. For example, they mentioned that for titles like the NieR series, they share relevant information through official livestreams. they preserve cutscenes on video platforms for other games. Square Enix concluded by affirming their commitment to finding methods to keep their titles accessible, stating, "We will continue to create pathways befitting each title to ensure that players are able to enjoy them even after service has ended or the story has reached its end." However, this response has sparked debate within the community. Critics argue that simply uploading cutscenes to YouTube does not equate to a robust effort in game preservation, especially when compared to making the games playable on current systems. Take the NieR series, for instance; while the remastered version of the first title is available on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the original remains elusive. The Kingdom Hearts franchise presents similar challenges. The Game Boy Advance iteration of Chain of Memories is still confined to its original cartridges, with only the PlayStation 2 remake included in the 1.5 Remix collection. Notably, two entries in the franchise, 358/2 Days and the mobile game X, are available only as cutscene compilations in the Kingdom Hearts collections, raising questions about preserving gameplay experiences. While some exceptions exist, like the difficulties of porting the DS game 358/2. there is an increasing expectation for companies to ensure that fans can access and enjoy their cherished titles. As the gaming scene progressively shifts toward digital formats, it is essential for industry leaders, including Square Enix, to prioritize both preservation and physical media. Collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to support physical purchases when possible and advocate for better accessibility to their favorite games. The future of beloved titles may hinge on these efforts and demands from the gaming community.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Akihiro Hino, the president and CEO of Level-5, shared intriguing insights into the company's workplace culture. One standout practice involves conducting "knowledge quizzes" that pertain to the company’s content among its employees. Those who excel in these quizzes are rewarded with pay raises, irrespective of their tenure at the company. Although the specific figures related to these raises were not disclosed publicly, the interviewers expressed surprise at the amount and noted that Hino's plans to further increase it could significantly boost employee motivation. Hino explained that this practice stems from his experiences in game development, where he learned the importance of entrusting responsibilities to individuals who possess extensive knowledge about the subject matter. He emphasized that a lack of knowledge requires other team members to step in for support or review, while knowledgeable employees can take charge and enhance workflow efficiency. "A person’s knowledge of and passion for the company’s games is a genuine skill," Hino stated, highlighting the value of expertise in the gaming industry. Responding to the astonished reactions regarding the salary increases, Hino reassured that the efficiency gains for Level-5 far outweigh the costs associated with these raises. However, for those eager to apply with a resume showing their skills in games like Dark Cloud, Hino clarified that Level-5 is not aggressively expanding its workforce. While the company is currently enlarging its Osaka office, one of its three locations alongside its headquarters in Fukuoka and its Tokyo offices. it is taking a more selective approach in hiring. The focus is not solely on talent and motivation; the company also seeks candidates who genuinely love gaming and are passionate about Level-5’s franchises. Hino has taken a more active role in the hiring process, participating from the early stages to ensure that new hires align with the company’s values and possess the right skills. This approach underscores Level-5's commitment to cultivating a knowledgeable and passionate workforce. In related news, Level-5 has announced that employees will be permitted to arrive late on June 26 to watch the World Cup match between Japan and Sweden. This gesture reflects the company’s understanding of work-life balance and its emphasis on fostering a supportive work environment. As Hino continues to reshape the company culture at Level-5, the impacts of these innovative practices on employee engagement and productivity are sure to be closely watched.

A recent report confirms that Krafton has resolved a protracted financial dispute by agreeing to pay substantial bonuses to the employees of Unknown Worlds Entertainment. This development marks the conclusion of legal issues stemming from a lawsuit against the studio's leadership, which accused them of neglecting their management responsibilities. The conflict arose following Krafton's acquisition of Unknown Worlds for $500 million in 2021, which included a promise of an additional $250 million in bonuses contingent upon the success of their upcoming title, Subnautica 2. With the settlement now finalized, Unknown Worlds’ CEO, Ted Gill, has stepped down from his position. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reported that Gill's resignation comes after a tumultuous period during which he was previously dismissed by Krafton due to escalating financial and legal concerns. Notably, he was reinstated as CEO in March 2026. In discussing his departure, Gill mentioned that it was a mutual decision aimed at allowing the studio to progress with new leadership. In the settlement, Gill indicated that the bonuses for Unknown Worlds staff would be "significantly more" than initially planned and that additional incentives would be provided as they continue to develop Subnautica 2. The game itself entered early access on May 14th and quickly gained traction, achieving nearly half a million concurrent players on Steam shortly after launch, along with a wave of positive reviews. According to details shared by Bloomberg, every employee at Unknown Worlds, including newer hires, will benefit from the bonus distribution. With this resolution, the protracted litigation and drama surrounding the studio appears to have reached a conclusion.

A bill in California aimed at requiring game publishers to either provide a standalone version of their online games or issue full refunds upon server shutdown has not passed a key committee vote in the state senate. This setback halts the progress of the bill, known as AB 1921 or the Protect Our Games Act, which has garnered support from the Stop Killing Games campaign. According to the latest update from campaigners shared on Reddit, the bill failed to secure enough votes during a hearing held by the Californian Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development committee. Of the 11 members who cast votes, four supported the bill and three were opposed, resulting in insufficient backing for its advancement. Despite this outcome, the committee noted that there is a possibility for reconsideration, indicating that the bill could have another chance to be voted on in the future. Following this challenge, representatives from the Stop Killing Games campaign expressed their surprise at how far they had come, emphasizing that even reaching this point was a significant achievement given their limited resources. They pointed out that this was their first attempt at legislative action in the United States, operating on a budget of zero dollars and relying solely on volunteers and emails. The campaign noted, "This was our first attempt, in our first year, in the United States... We ran this on volunteers, emails and phone calls. And we still pushed a consumer rights bill through the entire state assembly and 43 to 16. We were only three votes away from this becoming law." In light of the recent developments, the campaigners have acknowledged the effectiveness of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) in their advocacy against the bill and have pledged to return for the next legislative session with a stronger presence. They plan to secure funding for in-person lobbying efforts and assemble a coalition of organizations and developers to support their cause. Additionally, the Stop Killing Games campaign is considering introducing similar legislation in other states and is exploring opportunities at the federal level. Alongside their ongoing efforts, they have launched a new initiative called Stop Killing the Internet, aimed at opposing the UK's recent proposal to enforce age verification for social media users under 16 by 2027. This sister campaign is being developed in collaboration with established groups such as Big Brother Watch and Index on Censorship. As the situation unfolds, the Stop Killing Games campaign remains committed to advocating for consumer rights in gaming and beyond.

Next week, Microsoft is expected to announce significant layoffs affecting its Xbox studios and employees. According to sources familiar with the situation, these layoffs may lead to the closure or spinoff of several studios and potential studio mergers. Reports suggest that Microsoft is considering shutting down at least five game studios, including the team responsible for developing Marvel’s Blade. This decision is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy within the Xbox gaming division. Blade, which was in development at Arkane Studios, known for its work on the Dishonored series. was originally slated for release later this year. However, insiders indicate that the game’s internal ship date has been pushed back to late 2027, and it is currently exceeding its budget. In addition to potentially canceling Blade, Microsoft is reportedly looking into the possibility of selling Arkane Studios. Earlier this month, Bloomberg highlighted that the company is also attempting to spin off other studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine. GamesBeat reported that Microsoft is actively seeking a buyer for Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. If these studios can secure buyers, they may avoid closure, but discussions could take several months. Compulsion Games, which is developing South of Midnight, has already begun informing its employees to seek new job opportunities, fearing that closure is imminent. Meanwhile, Ninja Theory staff were notified about Microsoft’s intentions concerning the future of the UK-based studio, which could either face closure or a spinoff. Beyond these studio concerns, Microsoft is preparing for a substantial wave of layoffs across the Xbox division that will significantly transform its workforce. Sources indicate that these layoffs are set to begin on July 6th and will impact various departments within Xbox. Speculation suggests that there could be as many as 1,000 job losses. Coupled with the potential closure of five studios, this could mean at least 500 employees are affected even before the broader cuts take effect. This restructuring is part of a “reset” for the Xbox division under new CEO Asha Sharma, who recently expressed the need for making difficult decisions. Sharma has previously stated that the Xbox business is not in a healthy state, but she emphasized that her goal is to position the company as the leading name in gaming and entertainment. As Microsoft navigates these changes, the gaming community will be closely watching how these developments unfold and what they mean for the future of its studios and titles.