I Can't Believe Helldivers 2 Devs Do This

Summary

The video discusses gaming industry news including an Elden Ring expansion allowing separate leveling mechanics within the DLC area, indie game Last Epoch resolving server issues and detailing future content plans, a single Hell Divers 2 developer shaping the ongoing meta campaign narrative by reacting to player behavior, Sony laying off 900 employees and canceling twisted metal, Nintendo suing Switch emulator Yuzu despite its legal status, delays to the Switch 2 console launch aiming to avoid stock shortages, Battlefield's creative director leaving as EA shuts down the RidgeLine studio, and Moon Studios revealing details on their upcoming ARPG No Rest For The Wicked.

Takeaways

• 😀 Last Epoch launched out of Early Access to critical acclaim, hitting 265k concurrent players at peak
• 👾 Elden Ring DLC will have a separate leveling system so players can integrate it into their playthroughs
• 🔥 Diablo 4 is getting a Public Test Realm for players to try out patches before they go live
• 🚀 One developer is guiding Hell Divers 2's live narrative that reacts to the collective player base
• 😢 Sony laid off 900 employees and cancelled some live service games they were developing
• 👮 Nintendo is suing the developers behind the Switch emulator Yuzu for facilitating piracy
• 🎮 The rumored Switch 2 console has been delayed to March 2025 to avoid stock shortages
• 💥 EA laid off 670 people including the closure of Ridgeline Games working on a Battlefield narrative campaign
• 😱 Gearbox may soon be sold from Embracer Group to an unknown buyer
• 👾 Moon Studios revealed more details on their upcoming ARPG No Rest For The Wicked

Q & A

What new information did we learn about the Elden Ring DLC Shadow of the Erdtree?

Game director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed there will be a separate leveling system that only applies within the DLC area. This means players can grind within the DLC to become more powerful before challenging bosses, without over-leveling their character for the main game.

What is planned for the next major update to Last Epoch?

The developers plan to expand the endgame Monolith system, add more itemization options, new bosses, class & balance changes, more campaign content, and introduce new aspirational "Pinnacle" content which will be extremely difficult.

How does the narrative campaign work in Hell Divers 2?

There is an ongoing meta-narrative guided by the actions of the entire player base. As communal goals are achieved, new narrative developments unfold. A developer named Joel adapts the story based on player behavior.

What was the impact of recent layoffs at Sony?

Sony laid off about 900 employees globally, shut down its London studio entirely, and downsized teams at studios like Naughty Dog and Insomniac. A Twisted Metal live service game in early development was cancelled.

Why is Nintendo suing the developers behind the Yuzu Switch emulator?

Nintendo alleges Yuzu illegally circumvents Nintendo's software encryption and facilitates piracy. Nintendo likely aims to prove Yuzu profits from piracy to have the emulator shut down.

When is the still-unrevealed Switch 2 console now slated to launch?

It was delayed from late 2024 to March 2025. This is to ensure adequate stock and avoid shortages that typically happen with new console launches around the holidays.

What changes were announced to Battlefield's development after recent EA layoffs?

The newly formed Ridgeline studio working on a Battlefield narrative campaign was shut down. Criterion will now oversee single-player Battlefield content instead of Ridgeline.

What upcoming Star Wars project was cancelled at EA?

An unannounced Star Wars FPS at Respawn was cancelled. However work will continue on their next Star Wars Jedi title.

Who might soon acquire Borderlands developer Gearbox?

Embracer Group currently owns Gearbox but sources say they will soon sell the Borderlands developer. The potential buyer is unknown.

What was revealed about Moon Studios' upcoming game No Rest for the Wicked?

It's an ARPG with Soulslike combat. The co-founders aimed to evolve the ARPG genre from their love of Diablo 2, resulting in gameplay more reminiscent of Dark Souls.