Daily Game News Digest - 2026-08-19
By NewsHound ·
'I'm Pretty Sure I Mean It', Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and more!
www.gamerant.com dives into the news.
'I'm Pretty Sure I Mean It' Deus Ex, System Shock Creator Warren Spector Announces Retirement
Veteran game designer Warren Spector announced on LinkedIn that he is retiring from video-game development after a 40-year career that includes directing *Deus Ex*, working on *System Shock* and creating numerous other titles, add-ons, tabletop and board games. He cited age, health concerns and a changed industry that no longer feels fun, while saying he plans to write, lecture and possibly consult, and encouraged younger developers to take the spotlight. Around the same time, Embracer Group said it is forming a new entertainment division and seeking partnership deals for major franchises such as *Deus Ex* and *Saints Row*.
Read the full article: https://gamerant.com/warren-spector-retirement/
New coverage from www.ign.com.
Author: Cade Onder
Activision announced that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta will reduce the frequent update requires restart prompts that have plagued the series for years, with PC and PS5 seeing the fewest prompts and Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2 still receiving them when updates occur. The beta will also be released as a standalone executable, bypassing the Call of Duty HQ launcher, and will include both multiplayer content and a campaign level, with pre-loading starting on August 20 at 9 a.m. PT.
Read the full article: https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-beta-will-fix-issues-that-have-plagued-the-series-for-the-better-part-of-a-decade
www.gameinformer.com breaks down the latest details.
Author: Wesley LeBlanc
The preview, based on a hands-on visit to Capcom's Osaka studio, showcases the underground ghost-house lab level of Onimusha: Way of the Sword, where players confront the Genma boss Dokyo amid blood-stained shoji, experimental remnants and dynamic dismemberment effects built on the RE Engine. Director Satoru Nihei and animation lead Hiroshi Yugen explain that the game expands the series' classic Issen counter system with new parries, reflex dodges, and a Dynamic Dismemberment System that produces varied, realistic death animations for enemies. The demo also highlights challenging boss encounters-Byakue and the dual-chimera Nue-that demand precise timing and defensive play, underscoring Capcom's effort to modernize Onimusha's combat while preserving its 20-year-old franchise identity.
Read the full article: https://gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2026/08/17/exclusive-hands-on-preview-exploring-a-japanese-ghost-house-inspired
A fresh post from www.polygon.com is live now.
'Dishonored' Veteran Harvey Smith Announces New Studio
Author: Sam Hill
Harvey Smith, the veteran designer behind Arkane's acclaimed immersive-sim titles, is founding a new game studio. His most recent role was at Arkane Austin, the studio that produced *Prey* and *Redfall* before Microsoft shut it down in 2024. The new studio marks Smith's next venture in the industry.
Read the full article: https://www.polygon.com/harvey-smith-black-pony-immersive-new-game-studio/