Byte Action - Issue 113
Byte Action is a newsletter for game developers and fans
Hello, and welcome to the 113th edition of Byte Action newsletter!
Apologies for a late release this week, we’re back to our normal schedule starting from next week.
Last week marked one of the most disheartening periods in the gaming industry in a very long time, as Epic Games, Mediatonic (part of Epic), Team17 and Creative Assembly all were impacted by huge layoffs. A lot of highly skilled and talented people within the industry are now seeking new opportunities. We extend our heartfelt wishes and hope for everyone to secure new roles and continue doing what they love.
In other news, 16-year-old studio Puny Human is facing closure after allegations of non-payment by a client. The studio had worked on The Callisto Protocol IP.
Lastly, Valve's appeal against the EU antitrust ruling has been denied. In 2021, the European Commission fined the Steam company for implementing content geo-blocking.
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The Byte
The Action
Retro Byte
Studio Byte
Founded in 2007 Fatshark is a game development studio based in Stockholm, boasting a team of 180 professionals. Their focus lies in the development and publication of titles catering to both console and PC gamers.
Among their notable creations are unique gaming experiences, including titles like Lead and Gold, Krater, Bloodsports.tv, Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide, Warhammer: Vermintide 2, and their eagerly anticipated game, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide.
Legal Stuff
UK's Advertising Standards Authority upheld two loot box disclosure violations by Hutch Games
Seven ex-BioWare staff are suing in Canada, claiming the offered severance is unreasonably low
Acquisitions/Investments
New Game Corner
Alan Wake II - October 27th 2023
That time is almost here. One of the most anticipated games of the year is releasing this month.
Resource Byte
I’m not sure who’s the original author of this doc, but given the current landscape of the industry I wanted to share it here with anyone who is either looking for work now or anyone who is looking to hire experienced game developers.
Who’s Hiring?
Technical Designer - Liquid Swords - Stockholm, Sweden
VP of Growth - Carry1st - Remote
Technical Artist - Thatgamecompany - Remote, US
Senior AI Programmer - Sony Bend Studio - Remote, US
Senior Technical Animator - Remedy Entertainment - Helsinki, Finland
Audio Director - Phoenix Labs - Vancouver, Canada
Senior Game Designer - Madbox - Paris, France
Lead Environment Artist - Build a Rocket Boy - Edinburgh, UK (Remote)
Producer - Tiny Build Games - NYC, Remote
Principal Game Designer - Demiurge Games - USA, Remote
Technical Artist - Digital Insight Games - Los Angeles, CA
Senior Game Designer - Shiro Games - Bordeaux, France
Online Programmer - Midnight Society - San Francisco, CA
Senior Animator - Coffee Stain Studios - Stockholm, Sweden
Dev Talks
Interview with Alex Skidmore and Sean Greaney
“I think the vampire setting is a relatively fresh fantasy, still. There are games that have allowed you to do it, but Vampire: The Masquerade is offering you a whole range of vampire fantasies, and we've chosen to support different player approaches for that” Alex Skidmore
Sydney Games Festival (October 15th-22nd)
SXSW Sydney 2023 offers an exceptional chance for gaming experts, dedicated enthusiasts, and newcomers to immerse themselves in the limitless world of the gaming industry. Attendees can dive into a wide range of gaming events, featuring live gameplay, interactive demonstrations, captivating performances, and exciting product premieres.