UE Tween Tools 🛠️, AI-Powered PBR Maps 🗺️, Peak Sales Boom 📈
🎮 Game Development Innovations
Unreal Engine 5.6 Releases Tween Tools 2.0 for Enhanced Animation Control
Unreal Engine 5.6 brings a major usability upgrade with Tween Tools 2.0, offering animators hotkeys for slider control, toggling options, and a new Time Offset slider to refine keyframe interpolation. These enhancements streamline animation workflows and provide precise control over motion timing and easing.
Mirror Engine: Real-Time Collaborative Game Dev Reimagined on PlayCanvas
Mirror Engine, originally built on Godot, has fully transitioned to PlayCanvas to overcome technical hurdles. This TypeScript-powered engine offers a unique live multiplayer collaboration where all changes sync instantly, and developers can switch between building and playing seamlessly without recompilation. Positioned as an open-source alternative to platforms like UEFN and Roblox, Mirror is currently in closed alpha, inviting early adopters to join and experience its innovative approach to game development.
🚀 Breakthrough Technologies
SwitchLight 2.0: AI-Powered PBR Maps from Any Video Footage
Beeble’s SwitchLight 2.0 uses AI to generate accurate PBR texture maps—including normals, metallic, roughness, and more—from any video footage, now available for free via its cloud-based web app. The upgraded model understands entire scenes and delivers impressive quality even in complex lighting and motion blur scenarios. With Blender and Unreal plug-ins, game developers and artists can easily integrate these realistic textures and real-time lighting effects into their projects for enhanced visual fidelity.
Peak Rockets to 4.5M Sales with Explosive Multiplayer Coop Success
Peak, the co-op multiplayer game by Aggro Crab and Landfall, has surpassed 4.5 million sales mere weeks after its June 16 launch, rapidly gaining an average of 100,000 daily concurrent Steam players. Developed during a fast-paced game jam collaboration, Peak’s success was boosted by a strategic launch discount and the strong followings of its creators. Studio head Nick Kaman credits the win to a natural, trust-driven teamwork and the power of friendship fueling the game’s growth.
💸 Monetization and Investment Strategies
Xsolla Launches SDK for Defold to Simplify Browser Game Monetization
Xsolla has released a new SDK for Defold, enabling game developers to integrate seamless in-game purchases into browser games with just a few lines of Lua code. This SDK offers access to over 700 global payment methods, is optimized for high web performance, and requires no complex backend setup. Developed in partnership with Defold and CrazyGames, it empowers developers to monetize faster and scale across platforms effortlessly.
How to Raise Game Studio Investment in 2025: Insights from Aonic
Raising investment in the gaming industry remains challenging in 2025, with increased selectivity and investor savvy. Olliver Heins of Aonic shares that companies need to present tangible demos and thorough market knowledge to attract funding, noting the process can take a year and numerous meetings. He advises tailoring pitch decks, setting realistic budgets, and choosing investors aligned with your studio’s goals, whether strategic partners or venture capitalists.
📣 Advertising and Insights
Mastering Playable Ads for Midcore & Hardcore Games: Tips & Insights
Creating effective playable ads for midcore and hardcore games requires balancing rich gameplay demonstration with fast user engagement. This guide highlights how interactive ads drive higher retention, especially when focused on core mechanics and tailored audiovisual feedback. Understanding user interaction patterns, regional update cadences, and leveraging data-driven creative testing can significantly boost ad performance. Learn from successful campaigns like Legend of Slime, which saw up to a 40% increase in Day 7 ROAS through well-crafted playables.
BFI’s Groundbreaking AI Report: What It Means for UK Game Developers
The British Film Institute’s new report offers the first detailed look at generative AI adoption across the UK’s screen sectors, including games. It highlights AI’s growing impact, from creative innovation to concerns over copyright and job displacement. With nine strategic recommendations, the report urges responsible AI deployment, collaboration, and skills development to support sustainable growth. This deep dive is essential reading for game developers navigating AI’s evolving role.