Firaxis Games
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The solution to staleness in modern gaming is cross-pollination - Reader's Feature
A reader proposes that cross-pollination of ideas between different genres and franchises is the key to combating staleness in modern gaming. The article provides numerous examples of successful genre blends, such as Castlevania becoming an RPG or Zelda incorporating rhythm mechanics, suggesting this approach can revitalize long-running series and create fresh experiences.
Dispatch is lying to you about RNG for your own good, just like XCOM: "Those guys are pretty smart, so we thought…
Dispatch developer AdHoc Studio has admitted to intentionally manipulating the game's random number generation (RNG) to benefit players, a practice also employed by XCOM developer Firaxis. This approach aims to ensure a more favorable experience and prevent players from feeling unfairly penalized by bad luck.
Något för X-com-fansen – Xenonauts 2 får skarp release i april
Xenonauts 2, a turn-based strategy game inspired by classic X-COM titles, will launch on PC on April 2. The game entered early access in the summer of 2023 and has received positive reviews from players on Steam. The original Xenonauts was released in 2014.
Just like XCOM, superhero comedy Dispatch cheats random percentages of success in the player's favor: 'anything that had over a 76% success chance would automatically succeed'
The game Dispatch, developed by AdHoc Studios, employs a mechanic similar to XCOM where random success percentages are subtly manipulated in the player's favor. This approach aims to mitigate the frustration of perceived unfairness from true randomness, though the developers noted that in the finale, these 'invisible helpers' are disabled to increase difficulty.
This is how RNG works as an 'equalizer' in Dispatch
AdHoc Studio's game Dispatch uses Random Number Generation (RNG) as an 'equalizer' to provide players with a chance of success even with suboptimal choices. Creative directors Nick Herman and Dennis Lenart explained at GDC Festival of Gaming how they implemented invisible boosts and adjusted percentages to ensure a fair and engaging experience, particularly in its story-driven format.
CEO of Kitfox Games reckons hundreds of hours playing Civilization could be the secret to the Dwarf Fortress publisher's success: 'Maybe Kitfox wouldn't be as successful if I didn't know how to alternate between science trees and army defences'
Tanya X. Short, CEO of Kitfox Games, discusses her gaming habits and how playing games like Civilization has influenced her leadership style. She highlights the importance of 'plate spinning' in managing projects and her fondness for database games and her studio's first title, Moon Hunters.
Jake Solomon-led Midsummer Studios shuts down
Midsummer Studios, founded by Firaxis Games veteran Jake Solomon, has ceased operations after two years. The studio, which raised $6 million in funding, was developing a life simulation game called Burbank. Solomon shared footage of the game, noting its use of AI for character writing and voice acting, while emphasizing that all art was created by human artists.
Former Firaxis Games creative director announces closure of Midsummer Studios
Midsummer Studios, co-founded by former XCOM designer Jake Solomon, is closing its doors. Solomon announced the closure and shared pre-alpha footage of the studio's unreleased game, Burbank. He also clarified that while AI was used for character performances, all art was created by human artists.
Civilization VII "Developer Update" for Sept. 2025 details what's coming next
Firaxis Games shared details about the September 2025 update for Civilization VII, which is set to launch on September 30th, 2025. The update focuses on the strategic decisions players will make to shape their evolving empires, choose legendary leaders, and construct cities and wonders.
The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Games
This article ranks the top 50 games available for the Nintendo Switch 2, released in June 2025. The list includes a mix of new titles and enhanced ports of existing games, with Mario Kart World topping the sales charts and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Hades II receiving the highest critical ratings. Many Switch 1 games are playable on the Switch 2, with some offering paid upgrade packs for enhanced features.
The best strategy games on PC 2026: clever tactical planning
This article provides a comprehensive list of the best strategy games available on PC, covering various sub-genres like grand strategy, turn-based, and real-time strategy. It highlights titles such as StarCraft 2, Manor Lords, Solium Infernum, Against the Storm, and Total War: Warhammer 3, among others, detailing their unique mechanics and appeal to different player preferences.
