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GDC Report Reveals Disturbing Trend: Layoffs Impact One-Third of Developers in the Past Year

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A significant portion of game development studios have experienced layoffs in the past year, causing a sense of unease among employees who fear potential future cuts at their workplace. As per the annual report commissioned by the Game Developers Conference (GDC), organizers of the world’s largest industry professional event,.

The report clearly emphasizes what is evident. Numerous job losses have occurred, with more happening daily, as companies grapple with ill-advised decisions made during a period of rapid digital growth for the industry, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. It seems that quality assurance testers have been the most affected by layoffs this year, with 22% of them reporting being let go, compared to 7% of all developers. Business and finance roles experienced a modest decline of 2%.

When it comes to the ongoing unionisation efforts, only 5% of developers are currently part of a union. However, an increasing number of game industry workers, specifically 57%, believe that unionising is necessary, which is a slight rise from 53% last year. When it comes to demographics, it’s worth noting that a significant portion of the developers surveyed are men (69%), with a majority being of white or Caucasian origin (65%) and falling into the millennial age range of 25–34 years old (35%).

The report also highlights the concerns surrounding AI that we have been discussing in recent months. It specifically addresses the increasing acceptance of generative AI in video game development and the subsequent uncertainty that arises from its implementation. A significant portion of the respondents (49%) reported that they are currently utilizing or are familiar with colleagues who are using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, GitHub Copilot, and Adobe Generative Fill. Surprisingly, a staggering 84% of respondents expressed varying levels of concern regarding the ethical implications of utilizing these generative AI tools in the development process.

It seems that the once-promising vision of a blockchain-dominated future is losing its appeal. A staggering 77% of respondents have expressed their lack of interest in technologies such as cryptocurrency, NFTs, or Web3, which is quite amusing. Opinions may vary, but we’ll consider the last one a success.

What are your thoughts on this brief glimpse into the industry and the concerns of the developers behind the games we love? Please share your thoughts and any relevant information in the comments section below.

As Editor here at GeekReply, I'm a big fan of all things Geeky. Most of my contributions to the site are technology related, but I'm also a big fan of video games. My genres of choice include RPGs, MMOs, Grand Strategy, and Simulation. If I'm not chasing after the latest gear on my MMO of choice, I'm here at GeekReply reporting on the latest in Geek culture.

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New Fallout 4 PS5 Update Is Available to Download Now

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In accordance with Bethesda’s previous announcement, the developer has now made available a new PS5 patch for Fallout 4. This patch focuses on enhancing the game’s graphical options and includes additional fixes and improvements. The update is now ready for download on PS5, with a compact size of just 189.4MB. You’ll have it downloaded and installed in no time.

Bethesda hasn’t yet released any official patch notes for version 1.000.002. However, players have already started sharing their findings, suggesting that the resolution and frame rate settings can now be adjusted separately on the title screen. Now you have the option to select from three different target frame rates (30 fps, 40 fps for select TVs, and 60 fps), along with the choice of either a native 4K resolution or a dynamic one. The upcoming update will address the visual bugs that have been reported in the PS5 version.

Update: Bethesda has provided the patch notes for PS5 update 1.10.985:

Display settings for Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5

Thanks to your valuable feedback, we have successfully incorporated the feature that allows you to adjust the graphic quality and performance. We strongly suggest sticking with the default settings, but now you have the option to customize your preferences to better suit your playstyle and display.

Setting the frame rate target

You have the option to select between 30, 40, and 60 (default) for the Frame Rate Target. It’s worth mentioning that in order to choose 40, your display needs to have the capability to handle 120 Hz.

Emphasizing Visual and Performance Prioritization

Now you have the option to select between Visuals and Performance (default) in order to uphold the frame rate target. If you opt for a Frame Rate Target of 60, it is advisable to choose the Performance option. Both modes have the ability to dynamically adjust internal resolution as scenes or actions become more intense.It is important to remember that both modes can only be adjusted from the main menu.

Bug Fixes

  • General stability improvements
  • Fixed visual issue with certain image spaces
  • Auto HDR is re-enabled (Xbox Series S|X)
  • Fixed issue where reserved space was not displayed correctly in load order menu (Xbox Series S|X)
  • Fixed issue with character name field when in widescreen mode. (PC)
  • Fixed an issue that occasionally caused bundles to not fully download and could cause a crash
  • Fixed an issue with material swaps
  • Fixed an issue with load order that would break DLC until a restart after downloading mods (PlayStation 5)
  • Fixed an issue that would occasionally cause a crash if you returned to the Main Menu with queued mods still downloading (PlayStation 5)
  • Fixed an issue that could cause the Creation Club menu to not appear (Microsoft Store)
  • Fixed a crash that could occur when connecting to the network after a suspend/resume with the network disabled (Xbox One)

Creations Fixes

  • Fixed missing art issue with certain Creations
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Helldivers are angry at Arrowhead because the community manager was fired without due process

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Throughout history, it has become evident that, in the face of tyranny, those who cherish liberty and democracy will stop at nothing to defend them. They will fight relentlessly, using every last round of ammunition and shedding the final drop of blood. In a stunning turn of events, it appears that developer Arrowhead is facing a potential revolution, as previously loyal Helldivers 2 players who once supported the developer are now expressing their outrage. They passionately advocate for justice and the inclusion of the undemocratically dismissed community manager, who has affectionately been nicknamed “General” Spitz, into the official in-game lore.

In typical fashion, an overnight Change.org petition (courtesy of RPS) has garnered nearly 4,500 signatures at the time of writing. This is an attempt to make Arrowhead reevaluate their decision to let go of Spitz, a community manager who has been an integral part of the community since the game’s release. In the midst of the PC/PSN account linking debacle, Spitz, like a game critic sensing the winds of fate, rallied the community on Discord (as seen on Twitter) to express their discontent through reviews, refunds, and other means. It enhances our influence in the discussions with Sony. They completely disregard our discord.

After the chaos subsided the following day (yesterday), Spitz addressed the community, describing this action as “almost.” It hasn’t exactly resulted in their termination. Shortly after, a final transmission was confirmed where Spitz disclosed that they had been released, expressing their resilience by saying, “Every war has its casualties.”

On May 7, 2024, around 11:45 PST, the Helldivers Discord community made an interesting discovery. It seems that the community manager, Spitz, had been unexpectedly removed from his position, and any evidence of his previous involvement in the discord was completely wiped out. This incident seems to have ignited a revolution, with Helldivers demanding the immediate reinstatement of Spitz and his immortalization in the game for his self-sacrifice.

“We strongly advocate for the official canonization of General Spitz in Helldivers lore. Embracing the spirit of liberation. Supporting democracy. For the betterment of the game and its devoted community.

It’s interesting to see how this situation unfolds. Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt himself commends the determination of players in the Sony showdown, but there seems to be a hint of contradiction here. “General” Spitz provided us with some thought-provoking words to ponder: “I was well aware of the potential consequences when I made my statement about refunding and altering reviews; nevertheless, I remain steadfast in my position. I fulfilled my role as a representative of the community, just as I was expected to.

Spitz is no longer the Community Manager.
byu/Tabub inHelldivers

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Ciri from The Witcher expresses her hope that fans will give Liam Hemsworth a fair chance in his portrayal of Geralt

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Netflix’s The Witcher has been at the forefront of the recent trend of video game IP transitioning to TV, alongside HBO’s The Last of Us and Amazon’s Fallout adaptations. In 2022, it was announced that Henry Cavill would be stepping away from his role after Season 3, making way for Australian actor Liam Hemsworth to become The White Wolf in Season 4.

In an interview with Collider (courtesy of Eurogamer), Freya Allen, the actress who plays Ciri in the series, has reached out to fans who may find the change to be a challenge. Allen expressed his view of the situation, acknowledging that it may not be ideal and that fans can be quite critical. He mentioned that he doesn’t want to speak on behalf of Hemsworth, but based on his understanding, it seems like Hemsworth is aiming to inject some heartfelt elements into the project. I’m eagerly anticipating his performance after all that training. And he’s truly a delightful individual. I hope people give him a fair chance, you know?

It’s unclear why Henry Cavill decided to depart from the show, despite his previous commitment to stay for the entire seven seasons if needed. Netflix has announced that The Witcher has been renewed for a fifth season, which will be the final installment of the series.

 

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