Wardogs developers admit mistakes with Season 2 changes, while concerns about genAI prompt a demo cancellation.
The PC gaming industry is experiencing a bit of a mixed bag this week, with developers navigating community backlash and technological anxieties. The standout story involves “Wardogs,” a multiplayer sandbox FPS, and the developers at Bulkhead backtracking on a contentious change to their latest season. Meanwhile, the fear of generative AI rip-offs has led to a game demo being pulled from circulation before release.
Wardogs’ Missteps in Season 2
Developers Bulkhead introduced a “social experiment” for their game “Wardogs” with Season 2, designed to address balance issues by providing the Blue Team—known as the Lonestar faction—with exclusive bonuses in XP and in-game currency. The goal was to entice skilled players to this less popular faction to improve its performance records. However, this move was met with swift and harsh criticism from the community, prompting Bulkhead to abandon the idea just one day after implementation. As reported by both Rock, Paper, Shotgun and PCGamesN, Bulkhead admitted their strategy was flawed, with CEO Joe Brammer openly stating “We were wrong” in a candid video addressing the mistake.
Generative AI Fears Cancel “Drunken Goddess Reflux” Demo
A significant development in gaming concerns the growing impact of generative AI on intellectual property security. The developers of “Drunken Goddess Reflux” have taken the unusual step of canceling a planned demo of their game. As noted by Rock, Paper, Shotgun, the creators are concerned that their work could be cloned using AI, with potential copycats releasing a similar game before their official launch. This move highlights escalating concerns in the industry regarding the protection of creative assets amidst advances in AI technology.
Elsewhere in the PC Gaming World
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW users can enjoy enhanced streaming with new DLSS 4.5 controls, offering more refined graphics settings for a better gaming experience. GamingOnLinux provides more details.
- “Abiotic Factor,” inspired by games like “Half-Life,” is planning a busy year with plenty of updates. It continues to build upon its co-op survival crafting experience, and some outlets believe it deserves more attention among the gaming community. PCGamesN details the planned roadmap.
- The indie puzzle game “Nonolith” challenges players with unique mechanics, focusing on exploration without traditional unlockable abilities. Rock, Paper, Shotgun explores this intriguing title in more detail.
- For those seeking frights, the “Orcatober Aquatic Horrors Bundle” offers a fresh take on spooky games, launched by former Humble Bundle staff now known as Digiphile. GamingOnLinux outlines the offers in this bundle.
- A new demo for “Archrebel Tactics,” a sci-fi strategy game, is now available, offering players a taste of its tactical gameplay. More info can be found at GamingOnLinux.
