Rockstar Development 🛠️, Xbox Labs 🧪, Epic launcher 🖥️
Games and Releases 🎮
METRO 2039 pre-orders open ahead of February 2027 release
Deep Silver has opened pre-orders for METRO 2039, 4A Games’ post-apocalyptic first-person shooter and sequel to METRO Exodus, scheduled for February 4, 2027, on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. All pre-ordered editions include the Specialist Pack, which unlocks Blueprints early. The Deluxe Edition includes a soundtrack, concept art book and access to a story expansion scheduled for 2027. The Collector’s Edition adds a wearable Spartan Helmet replica to the Deluxe contents and pre-order bonus.
Rockstar expects GTA 6 technology and expanded team to shorten future development
Rockstar leaders told Bloomberg they expect the engine, tools and team built for Grand Theft Auto 6 to help develop future games faster. Co-head of development Phil Hooker said these foundations would allow quicker production of new content. Rockstar reported 4,711 employees across 12 offices in 2026, up from 2,441 in 2018, with 4,020 working in development and QA. GTA 6 is scheduled for November 19, 2026, after delays from 2025 and May 26, 2026.
Gaming Platforms and Tools 🛠️
Xbox announces Labs team to consolidate experimental development
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced Xbox Labs on October 13, 2026, bringing together existing staff to develop and test experimental tools, products and features, with success judged by user feedback and participation. A company spokesperson said the team formalises ongoing research, including game ports to Apple silicon, browser distribution using WebGPU and support for modders. No new staff have been recruited, there is no requirement to use AI, and no product announcements are currently planned. Some projects may reach users through Xbox Insiders; others may use different channels.
Facepunch plans free-to-play transition and human curation for s&box
Facepunch Studios plans to make s&box free-to-play toward the end of 2026 and prioritize human curation of games. Founder Garry Newman cited poor reception, weak retention and discovery problems, arguing that a “Netflix for games” model does not work. The Play Fund now requires creators to apply for approval after Newman said self-enrollment rewarded botting. Facepunch is also moving toward Steam Workshop, starting with maps. Existing purchasers will receive exclusive Steam inventory items, with extras for those who paid $20 rather than $10.
Epic Games releases rebuilt launcher preview; Fortnite Linux support remains pending
Epic Games released an optional preview of its rebuilt launcher for Mac, Windows and Linux on October 14, 2026. The company reports library loading up to 30 times faster, with persistent cross-game voice chat and access to installed Steam and Xbox PC games. Epic plans to replace the legacy launcher but has given no date. Native Fortnite support on Linux remains pending sufficient distribution maintainers meeting Epic’s anti-cheat security requirements; it will not cover every distribution, and no release timeline was provided.
Game Development 🎨
Anthony Koithra releases free Locodrome Character Animation Tool for Unreal Engine 5
Anthony Koithra has released the Locodrome Character Animation Tool (LCAT), a free Unreal Engine 5 editor utility widget available on Fab and Gumroad. Rebuilt from his earlier MetaHuman Animation Tool, LCAT switches interfaces according to the selected Control Rig, including between MetaHuman face and body controls. It also supports the UE5 Mannequin skeleton and CC4 skeleton through Reallusion’s custom MetaHuman Control Rig. Development incorporated feedback from Unreal Engine animators and received support from an Epic MegaGrant.
Indie Game Clinic assesses onboarding and clarity in four game playtests
Indie Game Clinic playtests Derelict Scrapper, Grave Juice, Blunder Construction and City of the Big Rollers. The host finds Derelict Scrapper’s upgrades satisfying but criticizes confusing menus and wrecks that poorly convey spaceship salvage. Grave Juice’s action platforming is engaging, though its web build lags on the host’s machine. Blunder Construction earns praise for combining physics stacking with deck building, alongside suggestions for a more gradual tutorial. City of the Big Rollers offers interesting dice and building interactions but inadequately communicates impending defeat.