Harvey Smith, Dishonored director, addresses the fate of immersive sims as he launches a new studio dedicated to the genre.
This week brings a notable piece of industry introspection, with Harvey Smith, the director of the Dishonored series, discussing the state of immersive sims—a genre he has long been associated with. In an interview shared by RockPaperShotgun, Smith addresses concerns about the genre’s viability in the current gaming landscape while launching a new studio dedicated entirely to immersive sims. This move follows earlier commentary by a designer from the seminal Thief: The Dark Project, who expressed doubts about the genre’s place in the AAA industry. Smith’s commitment suggests a continued belief in immersive sims, despite skepticism about their broader market appeal.
Game Updates and Fixes
In game update news, Bethesda has finally patched a long-standing issue in the Skyrim Special Edition that caused the game to crash on SteamOS and the Steam Deck when using the on-screen keyboard. According to GamingOnLinux, this fix aligns with similar updates made to Fallout 4, improving the gameplay experience for Steam Deck users.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope has launched, offering a sizable expansion and a free upgrade for existing owners. As reported by GamingOnLinux, this release marks a significant addition to the open-world shooter’s content.
Industry Oddities and Inspirations
A curious situation has arisen in the world of music and gaming. Kumi Tanioka, known for composing for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, has denied involvement with an album on her Spotify page, which is likely AI-generated. RockPaperShotgun reports on Tanioka’s confusion over the unauthorized use of her name, highlighting ongoing challenges with AI in creative fields.
In the genre-blending space, the upcoming NBA 2K27 is drawing comparisons to Crusader Kings 3 with its new MyNBA Legacy mode. The mode is touted as a basketball dynasty experience, referencing historical figures and team dynamics in a manner similar to the grand strategy game’s multi-generational scope. This development was humorously detailed by RockPaperShotgun.
Meanwhile, in the world of indie horror, “SKINFACE,” an upcoming stealth game involving face-stealing, will surely attract fans of the macabre as noted by GamingOnLinux.
Upcoming Releases
Looking ahead, survival game “Enshrouded” is slated to leave early access in October, with its 1.0 update set to make its toughest boss less of a “chore,” according to PCGamesN. This move by Keen Games aligns with a trend of survival games making significant strides in development.
