At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
The Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 studio believes more expensive games will create an opportunity for smaller teams.
Games priced at $40 and $50 will stand out if they can rival AAA productions in quality.
More titles following in the studio’s footsteps would be a game-changer for the AA industry.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has stood out in the industry for many reasons. Besides the incredible visuals, gameplay, soundtrack, and narrative, the game has become a testament to how affordable AA experiences in the industry can rival the most expensive AAA productions of today.
In fact, with the industry rapidly moving toward more and more expensive games, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become somewhat of an inspiration for smaller teams. According to publisher Kepler Interactive, a potential price hike to $80-100 will create even more opportunities for smaller games to stand out.
Why it matters:Xbox and Nintendo recently confirmed the shift to $80 games, and prices are only expected to rise from here.
Clair Obscur: Expedition Surpassed The 1 Million Sale Mark In Just 3 Days
Speaking to Gamesindustry, Kepler Interactive’s portfolio director discussed the decision to launch Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for just $50.
Matthew Handrahan described that the $50 price point initially drew some criticism from players who thought the game would be too short or feel cheap. However, because the final experience exceeded expectations, the price point was a major win for the studio.
As that AAA price goes up, I think it creates more of an opportunity to be launching more sensibly scoped games.
According to the portfolio director, as AAA games become more expensive, smaller games will have a greater opportunity to stand out.
He believes that the industry can also change player perception about cheaper games by continuing to offer quality on par with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 with future $40-50 releases.
Gaming Is Becoming More And More Expensive Each Year
Matthew Handrahan’s perspective is so intriguing since balancing budgets, player expectations, and game pricing is a major problem for the industry at the moment.
With major gaming giants seemingly set on pricing games as high as $80, and GTA 6 rumored to cost as much as $100, AA titles appear to have a golden opportunity on their hands.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Early previews for Splinter Cell Remakes are positive, with an insider calling it genuinely impressive.
An official reveal may be coming at the upcoming Summer Game Fest.
Splinter Cell Remake will be slightly altered from the original, bringing in fresh new changes.
With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows now finally out of the way, all eyes are now on the Splinter Cell remake. While we haven’t had our first look at the game yet, those who have already had a chance are reporting positive responses so far.
An insider says that Splinter Cell Remake is genuinely impressive from what he’s seen, suggesting that Ubisoft may be making a comeback with that release.
Why it matters: Ubisoft’s game development has become questionable over the years because it has consistently released poor titles. Splinter Cell Remake might be their first step towards a long path of redemption.
Insider Sharing His Thoughts On The Splinter Cell Remake || Source: Social Media
This statement comes directly from Tom Henderson, who has a proven track record of accurate inside information from Ubisoft. Henderson also added that he hopes to hear more about the game soon.
His wish may have come true as Ubisoft has just begun teasing the remake. Just recently, they posted an enigmatic social media post of Sam Fisher ahead of the Summer Game Fest, where they’re confirmed to be a partner.
We’ll likely get to see our first proper look at the Splinter Cell Remake at that event. The project was announced all the way back in 2021, and a reveal has been due for quite some while now.
With Ubisoft facing internal turmoil and several leadership changes, the Splinter Cell Remake was also severely impacted, which explains why the title is releasing so late after its announcement.
Nevertheless, it seems that Ubisoft was able to shelter one of its most prized IPs from too much damage. Being a remake, Splinter Cell has little room for failure. Still, Ubisoft has altered the game slightly to fit modern themes better, so it remains to be seen how that will turn out.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
Sony has finally removed the region lock for Stellar Blade on Steam, making the game available in almost every region.
The title was locked in 132 countries ahead of its 11 June PC launch.
The Shift Up game will use Denuvo anti-tamper tech on the platform.
Stellar Blade, led by its charming protagonist Eve, is finally set to make its way onto PCs this June. Still, Sony’s region lock debacle left many players doubtful about whether they would be able to access the game. But thankfully, no fan has to worry about it now.
Why it matters: Sony’s decision to remove the region lock just before Stellar Blade’s PC launch might make it the company’s most successful PC port.
Stellar Blade is no longer region-locked on Steam.
Sony has removed the region lock on Stellar Blade, as per a new changelist on the game’s SteamDB page, allowing many countries, including Egypt, Estonia, and Albania, to access the game. The Shift Up title wasn’t purchasable in 132 regions when it first became available on Steam, with many not even able to view it on Steam.
Fans unsurprisingly raised concern regarding this, as the action-adventure game did not require PSN, and even Shift Up stepped in to help solve this obnoxious issue. However, Stellar Blade is now available in every region besides territories like Russia, North Korea, and Syria on Steam.
Furthermore, a demo is also playable on the platform, so players can try out the title before making up their mind. Of course, Stellar Blade still has Denuvo anti-tamper technology on PC, but at least the game is accessible to players.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
Story Highlight
Nvidia is reportedly cutting its RTX 50 production by 20-30%.
This move is being made to focus on AI products like GB300.
The gaming giant might increase production once the rumored RTX 50 Super refresh comes around.
Nvidia recently unveiled the last GPU of the RTX 50 family, completing its latest lineup of graphics cards. Despite the heavy criticism this series has faced over low VRAM, driver issues, and more, recent reports have revealed that Nvidia continues to lead gaming graphics card sales in the market.
It may come as a surprise, then, that the gaming giant is allocating further resources to its AI business. In fact, a new report reveals that Nvidia is set to cut RTX 50 series production as part of the same endeavor.
Why it matters: The RTX 50 series is already hard to find at MSRP several months after its release, so this decision will only make things worse.
Nvidia RTX 50 Series Supply Situation Might Get Worse Soon | Image via X
As per a Board Channels leaker, Nvidia is prepared to enter full production of the upcoming GB300 chip. Moreover, the gaming giant intends to accelerate the production of existing chips like GB200 and the China-exclusive B40.
To ensure as many chips as possible are produced, the gaming giant is said to be reducing RTX 50 production by 20-30%. The impacts of this decision might not be apparent immediately, but could lead to additional shortages in the long run.
However, because the AI business is so profitable for Nvidia, this move will not hurt the company as much as it will hurt the consumers looking to buy a new gaming GPU.
The RTX 50 Series Has Been Quite Controversial So Far
Meanwhile, AMD is gearing up to release the RX 9060 XT, its latest mid-range gaming product. Equipped with 16GB of memory, this GPU could benefit from Nvidia’s production cut in the coming months.
Nvidia is also rumored to be working on a Super refresh for the RTX 50 series, so the gaming giant might eventually increase production in the future. If the rumors are to be believed, this lineup is expected to deliver slightly more capable GPUs and a lot more VRAM than the existing product stack.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Ubisoft’s recent social post seems to be teasing the Splinter Cell Remake.
An announcement is expected soon at the Summer Game Fest, where Ubisoft is confirmed to be a partner.
The title is expected for a 2026 release.
Ubisoft’s release slate has been streamlined over the past year, with the once-renowned publisher incurring significant losses from several failures. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows was their first step towards recovery, and the French publisher is only expected to climb back up from here.
Splinter Cell, one of Ubisoft’s most successful IPs, hasn’t seen a new entry in over a decade. A remake was announced back in 2021, but no follow-up news was given on the title, with many speculating that the game was cancelled. Now, Ubisoft has just started teasing Splinter Cell Remake, which implies that an official reveal is coming soon.
Why it matters: Splinter Cell is arguably one of the best stealth franchises. A remake would certainly do good for Ubisoft, especially in such dire times when the publisher is in need of a commercial success.
Ubisoft’s Enigmatic Social Media Post Teasing Splinter Cell’s Remake || X
Ubisoft’s X account just posted a close-up photo of Sam Fisher in his younger appearance with an enigmatic caption. This may be the start of the marketing for Splinter Cell Remake, which is expected to be revealed at the upcoming Summer Game Fest, where Ubisoft is an announced partner.
From what we know so far, Splinter Cell Remake is heavily inspired by Metal Gear Solid games. The title is also built on the Snowdrop engine, the same engine used in Star Wars: Outlaw.
Moreover, Ray Tracing will play an essential part in the stealth gameplay. Ubisoft will also take some creative libertieswith the remake, including adjustments to the game’s story to better suit the modern audience.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
Xbox is reportedly preparing to announce the new mainline Halo game in October this year during the World Championship event.
The big announcement could also end up officially confirming the rumored original Halo remake.
The rumor appears to be credible because last year’s October event also gave us a glimpse into the future of the franchise.
Now, the reliable Halo insider, Rebs Gaming, claims that the long-awaited unveiling of what appears to be the next mainline Halo game is set for October this year at the World Championship event.
Why it matters: Xbox appears ready to bring the next mainline Halo entry or the original game’s remake into the limelight after facing many controversies in the past few years. The franchise could recover after a string of repeated losses.
Rebs says a Halo Studios developer told his source a big reveal is planned for October. This lines up with last year’s event, where Xbox shared Halo’s future.
Past rumors by Rebs also suggest that multiple games are already in the playtesting phase, with at least one reveal planned for later this year. However, this ‘big announcement’ could also turn out to be the original Halo remake that has been speculated for a while.
For those not in the know, 343 Industries transformed into Halo Studios last year, around the same time Infinite finally became a profitable venture for Xbox. The current trajectory suggests we may see a new Halo game launch in a year or two.
Halo Infinite failed to make the impression that fans and developers expected.
It appears that Halo will have quite a low presence in the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, with Infinite expected to be announced for Switch.
Do you think Microsoft will finally start focusing on the Halo franchise after the last game’s disaster, or are we in for a more grounded announcement instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Star Citizen is one of the most expensive games in the industry right now.
The game was supposed to be launched on PC only, but now the developer seems to have changed its mind.
CIG is hiring cinematic animators for in-game animation on current and next-gen consoles.
Star Citizen is one of the most hyped projects in the gaming industry, as its developer has raised over $800 million for the development. This amount of money is ridiculous for a game, especially if that game’s release date is still not in sight.
The director who promised that the title would be released before 2026 has also left the studio, so fans are highly concerned. That said, a new job listing revealed that the game’s developer is hiring cinematic animators for current and next-gen consoles.
Why it matters: This suggests that the game is still far from release and may launch when the next-gen consoles hit the market.
Job Posting To Hire Cinematic Animator For Star Citizen On Current And Next-Gen Consoles
The developer of Star Citizen Cloud Imperium Games (by Wccftech) is looking for Cinematic Animators for the current and next-gen consoles. This means the developer is looking to release the game on both the current and next-gen consoles.
As a Cinematic Animator, you will be part of a team of Animators and Cinematic Designers dedicated to bringing to life the performances of some of the best actors in the industry and tying them into the Squadron 42 narrative. You’ll be developing scenes with multiple branching options, deep and emotional narrative, and exciting action.
-Job Description
Xbox is expected to release its next-gen console in 2026, and the game is also expected to be released in the same year. PlayStation 6 may not release before 2028, so Xbox can benefit a lot from this game if it is released in 2026.
Professional experience in game animation development, ideally on current/next-gen consoles.
-One of the responsibilities
That said, Star Citizen may also be released before any of the next-gen consoles hit the market, but that seems very unlikely. The Imperium Games boss previously stated that he doesn’t really care about consoles, but it looks like he has changed his mind.
What do you think about the game being potentially released on the PC platform? Which platform would you prefer to play the game on? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
Story Highlight
Elden Ring Nightreign has finally been released and it is already a success.
While the reviews from critics weren’t that great the game launched to over 313K players.
That said, fans are complaining that there should be a duo and voice chat option.
However, that didn’t stop it from launching to over 313K players on Steam but the ratings are mixed.
Why it matters: Elden Ring is a well-established IP so the success of Nightreign was a given. While the launch has been tremendous we have yet to see whether this game will be able to maintain the player count.
Elden Ring Nightreign Launched To Over 300K Players On Steam | Source: SteamDB
The game reached an all-time peak of 313,593 pretty quickly which shows how hyped the fandom was. As of the time of writing, there are nearly 151K players playing it. It is also worth noting that the game launched during the weekdays, so the player count is expected to increase significantly during the weekend.
The title has over 8k reviews and nearly 70% of them are positive. Many fans are having a good time playing this game but some have concerns. The main concern appears to be the lack of an option to play duos. While the developer may add that feature fans are complaining that if you don’t have two friends to play this game with don’t even think about hopping on.
Impossible to make progress without voice chat. If you have 3 friends you can talk to and play regularly, you will have a great time, the connection is smooth, the map is full of events and the game loop is very interesting.
Fans Are Upset Over Nighreign Not Featuring The Duo Option And Voice Chat
Without voice chat it makes sense why it would be a nightmare to play with randoms. Also, there isn’t a crossplay so if you have friends who are playing the game but are on PC and you are on a console there is sadly no way to play together.
FromSoftware should address these concerns or more negative reviews may pile up.
What do you think about the game so far? Are you having a blast? Please share your experience and thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
Story Highlight
Despite Black Panther’s cancellation, EA is still working on at least 3 Marvel games.
The company states that its long-term collaboration with Marvel remains strong.
This comes after EA recently canceled a Marvel project and shuttered the studio.
EA recently canceled its Black Panther game and also closed Cliffhanger, the studio working on the title. In 2023, EA signed a multi-title deal with Marvel, which would lead to a collaboration between the two companies on various projects.
Now, while Black Panther has been canceled, EA has reassured that the gaming giant is still working on at least 3 more Marvel games, all of which haven’t been revealed as of yet.
Why it matters: Initially, three projects were revealed: Black Panther, Iron Man, and an unannounced game. However, after the cancellation of the first one, it appears that many titles are still planned.
EA says, despite Black Panther cancellation, it’s still working on 3 Marvel games.
In a statement sent to IGN, EA revealed that its partnership with Marvel remains strong despite the cancellation, and their long-term collaboration will continue. The spokesperson also confirmed that there are at least 3 Marvel games in development.
The multi-title, long-term relationship between Marvel Games and EA, a creative collaboration focused on original storytelling with various, beloved Marvel characters, remains strong.
– EA
Iron Man would be the first project, followed by others.
What’s more curious is the identity of the other two games. One is Motive’s Iron Man, and 2 of the projects are yet to be announced. Nonetheless, it is a good sign that those are still in development, so that we might hear about them soon.
EA revealed that it canceled Black Panther because it only wanted to focus on games that bring growth, so the other titles must be huge to remain on the deck. Anyhow, this was the 3rd title EA has dumped this year, along with hundreds of employees.
What are your thoughts on EA still working on 3 Marvel licensed games? What do you think the other 2 could be? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I began as a comparison writer, analyzing GPU and CPU performance. Now, I focus on writing reviews and contributing to the best-ofs section, sharing personal insights after hands-on testing.
Story Highlight
The ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition can be overclocked easily, achieving remarkable boost clocks.
With a quad-slot GPU, you need to be wary of your chassis compatibility. Also, your GPU might overlap on an extra PCIe slot (or two).
The new design doesn’t stand out and looks like a regular ASUS GPU, but brown. The original collaborations gave us better designs.
Over the years, we’ve seen many GPU collaborations between different brands. Some are decent, while others are not so much. For example, Noctua’s GPU collaborations with ASUS have been a delightful treat. The ASUS RTX 3070 Noctua Edition improved thermals, leveraged Noctua’s outstanding fan technology, and provided something exciting. This time around, Noctua and ASUS showcased the latest RTX 5080 Noctua Edition, and while I love Noctua GPU collaborations, a quad slot graphics card isn’t it.
You read that right. If you didn’t already know, Noctua and ASUS teased this hefty quad-slot GPU during Computex 2025. It’s not that we haven’t seen quad-slot GPUs before, but they’re never fun to deal with.
It’s Cold And Quiet
It’s no surprise that the ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition GPU is presumed to have remarkable air cooling and doesn’t produce as much noise, either. Cooling-wise, it’s similar to the ASUS RTX 4080 Noctua Edition, except the GPU has an extra cooling fan this time. So, instead of two, we see three fans and a massive heatsink for lower temperatures.
They likely chose this heatsink and fan alignment because the RTX 5080 has a whopping 360W TGP. Considering that the RTX 4080 is lagging at 320W TGP, an extra fan makes sense if ASUS and Noctua are trying to keep up the “coolest GPU” title. However, that also means a thicker, heavier GPU.
Overclocking Is A Breeze
Overclock With MSI Afterburner. (Image By Tech4Gamers)
Yes, I understand, not everyone goes for manual overclock, seeing as many AIB GPUs are already factory overclocked. But what about GPUs that still have headroom for more? The ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition is slightly factory overclocked, with a boost clock of 2,730MHz compared to the original 2,617MHz. A meager 4% overclock sounds too underwhelming for such a massive graphics card, right? That’s why some manual overclocking might be the solution.
Consequently, you can at least increase the boost clocks by up to 500MHz, adding a 40% overclock! Now, that’s amazing. You have to do a lot of manual tweaking to achieve those numbers, but it’s possible. If you’re new to the entire concept, it’s better to aim for around a 250MHz increment and live with that.
Quad Slot Means Issues
There aren’t many GPUs that are truly quad-slot, but those that are similar all share some problems. There are a total of two major issues:
Case Compatibility
Looking at the size of the GPU. (Image Credits: ASUS)
If you’re using an ATX chassis and want to buy this graphics card, you may want to look into a new E-ATX case. The issue is the length and whether the width matches an ATX case. We don’t know the official size of the GPU, but looking at the images, it will likely be over 360mm in length and 80mm in width. The Corsair 4000D Airflow that I use might barely fit this mammoth, but I can say goodbye to decent cooling at that point.
The GPU May Overlap Other PCIe Slots
Chuckle, as you read this, but it is a real problem for those who want to make the most of the extra x8 and x4 PCIe slots. Again, the official dimensions of the GPU haven’t been released, so this is mere speculation, but if the GPU’s width goes beyond 80mm (which is likely the case), you may have to say goodbye to those extra PCIe slots. Also, let’s not forget that you’ll need a GPU sag bracket to avoid breaking this thing.
The New Design Overshadows The Noctua Fans
Showcasing the design of the ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition GPU. (Image Credits: ASUS)
One thing I loved about previous ASUS and Noctua GPU collaborations was how the Noctua fans stood out and provided a beautiful beige color design. Add that with a beige or brownish chassis, and you have a beautiful PC build. However, this time, the entire GPU shroud is brown, which blends with the Noctua fans and might even overshadow them.
The previous models looked like you strapped the high-end Noctua fans to the heatsink itself, but this time, it’s not like that. The new GPU looks like any other ASUS graphics card—just brown. Such collaborations should also consider the design, even though that’s only a gimmick at the end of the day.
The GPU Is Great But Has Its Problems
In conclusion, I love Noctua GPU collaborations, but a quad slot doesn’t cut it for me. Some of these issues could have been dealt with during the developmental phase, but it seems like both companies let them be. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a quintuple slot next generation at this rate.
Even so, if you’re looking for a beige mammoth that can handle any overclocks you throw at it, you should keep your eyes peeled for the ASUS RTX 5080 Noctua Edition. The cooling and performance are undeniably outstanding, and I have always loved this collaboration for that reason. If the issues had been addressed, the GPU would have been very solid. Oh well…
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
Story Highlight
Microsoft has delayed its plans for the dedicated Xbox handheld that was previously scheduled for a 2027 release.
They’re now working on improving the Windows 11 gaming experience for handheld devices.
They likely felt threatened by SteamOS, which delivers a better gaming performance for handhelds in comparison.
Currently, Microsoft has two Xbox handhelds in development, with the first, Project Kennan, a variant of the Asus ROG Ally, due this year. The second dedicated Xbox handheld is scheduled for release in 2027, alongside the next-generation hardware.
Xbox may have shifted its plans as the dedicated handheld is now on pause. The gaming giant has now shifted its focus towards optimising the Windows 11 gaming experience for third-party handhelds.
Why it matters: The Windows 11 gaming experience will be a huge part of handhelds, with Microsoft previously stating that it wants to merge the best of Xbox and Windows. Perfecting the Windows 11 gaming experience is essential for them before they start working on a dedicated handheld.
Next-Gen Xbox Is Said To Be Their Last One
This report comes directly from Windows Central, which states that the dedicated Xbox handheld is currently sidelined. The focus is now on Project Kennan, which is set to be released this year.
This sudden shift in plans is likely due to Microsoft being threatened by the SteamOS. Valve has decided to bring its OS to other handheld devices. The Lenovo Go S is the first handheld to utilise SteamOS, achieving an average FPS increase of 12.64% compared to Windows 11.
Microsoft would need to improve the Windows 11 gaming experience for handheld devices significantly. Currently, the experience is quite bloated, resulting in a subpar gaming experience compared to SteamOS.
First Look At Project Kennan
Project Kennan will likely be the first handheld to showcase their developed ecosystem. The handheld is nearly complete in terms of hardware, but it appears Microsoft is doubling down on its OS side, which may result in a delay for the OEM.
Returning to the dedicated Xbox handheld, it remains unclear whether these decisions will result in a delay. It is possible for the OEM to release on a different timeframe than the next-gen Xbox consoles.
What are your thoughts on this decision by Microsoft? Do you think Windows 11 can deliver a better gaming performance than SteamOS after all these changes? Let us know in the comments below or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
Story Highlight
CDPR has continued its streak of hiring developers for its upcoming games, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2.
This trend suggests the studio is stable compared to many others across the industry that are suffering massive layoffs.
Capcom, Nintendo, and a couple of other AAA gaming studios are also standing strong in an otherwise bursting industry.
Following the COVID pandemic, dozens of unexpected closures and massive layoffs rattled numerous AAA studios. Many developers were affected across PlayStation earlier this year after live-service project cancellations, and now EA is also allegedly laying off 400 developers.
Despite these developments, CDPR is continuing its streak of hiring new staff for its in-development projects. Both The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2 now have even more developers compared to February of this year.
Why it matters: CDPR appears stable, handling multiple projects and hiring to meet growing demand—unlike many other AAA studios.
CDPR has hired more developers for its upcoming games despite industry-wide layoffs.
As per the Q1 2025 earnings report by CDPR, 23 new faces have joined the company since February, bringing the total number to 730. 422 of these are now working on The Witcher 4 as opposed to 411 in February, while 96 are involved with Cyberpunk 2 instead of only 84.
Meanwhile, 48 developers are focused on the Witcher spin-off, 19 on Hadar, and 14 others are developing unannounced titles—either developed internally or by external studios. The remaining 131 are handling localization, quality assurance, and other shared services.
There have been a multitude of layoffs across various studios in the last few years.
Only some AAA studios like Capcom and Nintendo are steady and doing well in the struggling gaming industry, as they are either expanding or not facing any layoffs.
Do you think CDPR will continue hiring developers to keep up with the influx of in-development projects? Will this eventually result in layoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
