Indie Studios Are Outshining AAA Giants—Here’s Why

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Today’s Insights

• Team up with friends in giant mech suits with this PvP battle royale.

• Indie studios putting the big AAA studios to shame.

• Monumental deal reached between AI, SAG-AFTRA, and video game voice actors.

• Use your card deck to craft sprawling dungeons, then master them.

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THIS WEEK IN GAMING

Pilot Giant Mechs To Defeat Enemies In Epic PvP Battles

Yes, another live-action shooter, but with a fresh approach. Mecha Break is a fast-paced, mech-based third-person shooter that sets itself apart in the crowded PvP live-action market. You can choose between 13 distinct, balanced mechs, known as Strikers, each equipped with unique weapons and abilities. Strikers cater to a variety of play styles. Some are best for solo combat, while others work better with teams or as support vessels. Despite the alternative styles, no single Striker feels overly nerfed or completely domineering on the field.

You can spend hours on your character if you choose. Before you start wrecking your enemies in giant robots, you’ll have to design your pilot. Character customization is a standout feature in Mecha Break. Players can create highly detailed pilots using an advanced customization system. While body types are somewhat limited, the facial and hairstyle customization will have you altering their looks for hours. Similar to Cyberpunk 2077, you can alter pupils, sclera, irises, lip gloss, and even color the hair from roots to tips.

So far, there are no plans for single-player quests. Right now, Mecha Break is mainly 3v3 or 6v6 campaigns with a short tutorial mission and no real storyline to follow. But that doesn’t dampen the fun; the giant maps, different mechs, and collectibles keep this game fun, fresh, and engaging. Speaking of gameplay, the environments are destructible and react dynamically to the huge mechs. Bridges crack and crumble, and buildings can be destroyed, which may release collectible items. 

Coming in 2025, but no official date just yet. If this sounds like something you’d love to get your hands on, you’ll have to wait a little while. Mecha Break is scheduled to come out in 2025, but there is no set date yet. Until then, check out the beautiful trailer and get ready to pilot your own giant robots. 

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DEVELOPER INSIGHTS

Small Indie Studios are Challenging Major Game Makers

Big AAA studios are struggling, while indies are gaining popularity. The video game industry is at a pivotal moment, with indie games gaining more popularity as major studios face mounting challenges. Former Ubisoft developer Davide Soliani and ex-Rockstar Games writer Christian Cantamessa believe the industry is shifting. Smaller studios continue to deliver standout titles while big-budget, multi-million dollar games struggle to impress.

Failed expectations lead to massive layoffs. It’s constantly in the news; high-profile releases from major companies like Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Activision have often failed to meet expectations. Games that took years and millions of dollars to develop haven't always delivered the quality or innovation players hoped for. This has led to mass layoffs across major studios, including Ubisoft, Bethesda, and Epic Games.

But, the gaming industry is still going strong. Despite these setbacks, the gaming industry isn't slowing down—it's simply changing. More players are turning to indie games, which often offer fresh ideas and unique experiences. Titles like Baldur's Gate 3 from Larian Studios and Hades from Supergiant Games have shown that smaller teams can create critically acclaimed games that also perform exceptionally well.

The change is similar to the movie industry shift decades ago. Soliani and Cantamessa, now working together at their new indie studio Day 4 Night, believe this shift mirrors the film industry's transformation in the late '60s and early '70s. During that time, audiences gravitated toward independent films that prioritized storytelling over spectacle. The parallels in the gaming industry today are hard to miss. 

Indie games don’t reflect low quality. With indie games becoming more ambitious and accessible, their appeal continues to grow. Players are increasingly drawn to games with personal, creative visions rather than overdone, formulaic blockbusters. If major studios don't adapt to this evolving landscape, the recent wave of disappointing releases and continued layoffs may become more common.

The future of gaming might be in the hands of smaller studios. As indie studios rise to meet player demand, the future of gaming could be shaped by smaller teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible—proving that bigger isn't always better.

TECH SPOTLIGHT

An Agreement To Use AI In Video Game Voice Overs Has Been Reached

Deal made with AI-generated voices in video games. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing film and TV performers, has reached a deal with Replica Studios, an AI voice technology company. The agreement sets rules for how AI-generated voices can be used in video games and other media. This deal aims to protect voice actors by requiring their consent and offering fair compensation before their voices can be digitally replicated.

Control is given to actors and performers. Under the new agreement, no matter how often they allow AI to generate their voices, actors can then say no to having their voices used in any or all future projects. This is a big step toward giving performers more control over their work in an industry where AI is becoming more common and possibly unscrupulous. The deal also applies to actors who aren't well-known and who often have less bargaining power.

Replica Studios offers a library of AI voices for game developers. The company says it only uses voices from actors who have given permission, setting itself apart from other platforms accused of using voices without consent. The agreement gives developers a way to use AI voices ethically without crossing legal or ethical lines.

Even though a deal has been made, not everyone is happy. SAG-AFTRA’s national director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, said the deal helps build trust between actors and the gaming industry. While some worry about AI’s impact, he believes the technology can benefit performers if used responsibly and with consent. Not everyone is convinced, though. Some social media users responded to the news with frustration, showing that the conversation around AI in creative work is far from over.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Craft Your Own Dungeon, Then Go Defeat It

Don’t click away yet! Disclaimer: We are using the worn out words “Roguelike” and “Deckbuilder,” but before your eyes glaze over and you angrily click away, hear us out. Into the Restless Ruins is a fresh take and contains a fun twist to these overused genres. Give us a few precious seconds of your time before you decide we’re wasting it; we promise it’s worth it. 

Your deck is used to build the dungeon. Instead of using collected playing cards to fight enemies, you're using them to build the dungeon you'll explore later on. During the day, you lay down cards to create rooms and try to forge a path to the level’s Warden. At night, you navigate the dungeon, battling enemies, searching for loot, and attempting to defeat the Warden.

Each day, you're given Build Points to spend on placing cards. The challenge is to design a layout that's both efficient and survivable. Standard rooms are simple and spacious, while special rooms offer buffs, health, or ways to dispel the fog that hides valuable relics. Linking rooms strategically can unlock hidden Seals or powerful upgrades.

Once the dungeon is built, the real test begins. Your torch slowly burns out as you explore, shrinking your field of vision. You can't check your map while exploring, so a smart layout makes the difference between making it back alive or getting lost in the ruins. The faster you can memorize your path, the better your chances of surviving the night.

Destroy your enemies, but maybe not too many… You’ll need to fight minions to collect Glimour to gain Favours (more cards) from the Maiden, but each defeated enemy increases Curses and the hostility level. You’ll have to be strategic in your crafting and your dungeon crawl. Every run blends puzzle-solving, quick decision-making, and a bit of luck.

Into the Restless Ruins strikes a satisfying balance between strategy and action. It’s a fresh take on the deckbuilding genre that proves there’s still plenty of life left in these types of games, or at least this one in particular.

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