Since 1988, the Game Developers Conference (GDC) has been a cornerstone of the global gaming industry. What began in the living room of Atari designer Chris Crawford has grown into a 30,000-person event at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, with the GDC Vault serving as an invaluable archive of talks and insights. But despite its storied legacy, GDC is facing an identity crisis - and its rebrand to the “Festival of Gaming” may not be enough to save it...
AAI is moving deeper into the core of game development. At the 2025 Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit, Tencent Cloud announced a major upgrade to its HunYuan 3D 3.0 model and a new HunYuan 3D Studio - an all-in-one tool designed to automate and optimise the full lifecycle of game production. From concept art to motion systems, Tencent is positioning AI as not just an assistive tool, but a standardised part of the pipeline...
Australia’s next generation of game developers has just been revealed through the Smart Program 2025 - a 90-day accelerator designed to sharpen skills, build networks, and prepare emerging creators for careers in one of the country’s fastest-growing creative industries. Backed by the City of Melbourne and the City of Port Phillip, the program has become a cornerstone of Victoria’s games ecosystem, producing graduates who have gone on to shape the local and international scene...
The gaming media landscape has been turbulent in 2025, with mass layoffs, AI-driven content strategies, and ownership changes reshaping trusted outlets. But from the ashes of Polygon’s restructuring emerges Rogue - a new independent video game publication created by seven former Polygon staffers. Their mission? To humanise developers, spotlight both indie and AAA titles, and deliver writing “by humans, for humans” - without being bound by algorithms or corporate interests...
GameDev Market just drew a hard line: a blanket, platform-wide ban on generative-AI assets. From now on, every sprite, texture, 3D model, and sound effect listed must be 100% human-made, with sellers certifying zero AI use. The marketplace will enforce the policy via stricter vetting, random audits, and community reporting. Whether you see this as a bold stand for craft or a risky bet against the tide, it’s a pivotal moment for asset marketplaces and the teams that rely on them...
Dead Space and Callisto Protocol veteran Glen Schofield says he’s “100% behind AI” for game development. In a new interview, he likened today’s AI moment to the arrival of Photoshop and motion capture - tools that initially spooked creatives but ultimately raised the bar. That stance lands amid a real adoption curve: the latest GDC survey notes 52% of studios already use gen-AI tools, even as curiosity cools and some companies push back...
Australia’s video game sector is shaking off a decade of “not serious” snubs and stepping into a bona fide growth era. With the federal Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) in place, state top-ups accelerating investment, and headline projects (hello, Carmen Sandiego) proving the talent pipeline, the country is fast becoming a credible destination for global studios - and a stronger launchpad for local ones. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how studios can capitalise right now...
As of August 29, 2025, Tokyo-based developer Yuke’s will complete its acquisition of Aquaplus - and its music arm F.I.X. Records Inc. - for ¥783.52 million ($5.3 million USD). This strategic deal significantly bolsters Yuke’s long-term vision by not only adding essential in-house publishing capabilities but also enriching its portfolio with a storied visual-novel IP catalog, which has garnered a dedicated fan base over the years. The integration of Aquaplus' unique storytelling and artistic flair will complement Yuke’s existing action-game expertise, enabling the company to diversify its offerings and appeal to a broader audience...
As of July 31, 2025, QingCi Games, one of China's leading game developers, has officially established its international studio, UltraPlayers, right in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD. This significant move underscores Victoria’s ever-growing reputation as a global hub for digital games innovation and investment, enhancing Melbourne’s standing in the international gaming landscape...
As of July 2025, the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) has officially launched Game On Australia, an innovative new resource aimed at boosting Australia's local game development industry. The new website serves as a one-stop platform to assist local studios in accessing funding opportunities, while showcasing Australian gaming creativity to a global audience...
