Game Design
Game Design business and news from across the web.
Review: The Necromancer’s Tale (Switch 2)The Necromancer's Tale is an isometric RPG for the Nintendo Switch 2 that features a deep, choice-driven narrative and extensive character customization. Despite its engaging story and lore, the game is significantly hampered by clunky controls and underdeveloped turn-based combat, making it a frustrating experience on the platform.
Why Modern Players Expect Casino Games to Borrow Features From Video GameModern casino games are increasingly incorporating features from video games, such as progression systems, skill-based elements, and immersive visuals, to appeal to a new generation of players. This trend, known as gamification, aims to enhance player engagement by making casino experiences more interactive and rewarding, blurring the lines between traditional gambling and video entertainment.- The Daily Grind: What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever died in an MMORPG?This article discusses humorous and often frustrating ways players have died in MMORPGs, citing examples like falling to death due to poor jump timing in Guild Wars 2, accidental deaths while AFK, and forgetting to breathe underwater in Ultima Online. The piece invites readers to share their own 'dumbest' in-game deaths.
This week in PC games: Stardew Valley plus vampires, a lavish gamebook RPG, and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, finallyThis week's PC game releases include the remake Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, the gamebook RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle, and various indie titles like Cosmodrill and Mothkeep. News includes potential job cuts at Microsoft and studio closures, while previews of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and interviews are also mentioned.- Bournemouth University’s Games Courses Achieve TIGA AccreditationBournemouth University's BSc (Hons) Games Design and BSc (Hons) Games Software Engineering courses have received accreditation from TIGA, the trade association for the UK video games industry. The accreditation highlights the university's best practices, including industry connections, portfolio development, and student-led workshops.
Dark Souls isn't "an especially difficult game," former Tekken boss says – it's in its world where FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki's "true creativity shines through"Former Tekken lead Katsuhiro Harada believes Dark Souls' true strength lies not in its difficulty, but in Hidetaka Miyazaki's creative world-building. Harada describes Miyazaki as a unique and serious developer whose obsessive approach to creativity shines through in the intricate worlds of FromSoftware's games, including Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
Super Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai sometimes "sounds exactly like Goku," ex-Tekken boss says: "A Saiyan who genuinely believes he's just another ordinary human"Former Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada compares Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai to a Dragon Ball Saiyan, noting Sakurai's seemingly effortless solutions to complex problems. Harada also briefly mentions Hidetaka Miyazaki and discusses Bandai Namco's collaboration with Sora Ltd. on the Super Smash Bros. series, particularly regarding the inclusion of Kazuya Mishima.
War Fantasy is “the anti–Call of Duty” and delivers a kick to the groin of the games industry’s relentless gamification of conflict.War Fantasy, developed by a former Call of Duty developer, is described as an "anti Call of Duty" game that critiques the gamification of conflict. The game aims to expose how war is marketed to players and highlights the tragic cost of conflict, contrasting with typical war game narratives.
Weekend Discussion - July 5, 2026This Weekend Discussion article from July 5, 2026, touches on various gaming topics including Demon's Souls, the World Tendency system, ammo counters, and the eerie atmosphere of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It also features music recommendations and highlights recent Shacknews articles.- MMO Week in Review: EverQuest risingThis week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
Final Fantasy May Get Traditional Games if the Idea “Truly Resonates” With Fans, Says Square EnixSquare Enix is considering traditional remakes of older Final Fantasy titles if they resonate with fans, following the HD-2D remake of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The company aims to balance market trends with player expectations, assessing which games would benefit from modern mechanics or complete remakes. This approach contrasts with the high-budget, open-world style of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s First 18 Minutes Showcased in New VideoA new video showcases the first 18 minutes of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, featuring protagonist Edward Kenway in a naval tutorial sequence before he becomes an assassin. The game, releasing July 9th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will feature modernized combat and extensive underwater exploration. Technical director Jussi Markkanen highlighted the reactive, hitbox-based combat system and new secrets to discover.
Obsidian decided to do Grounded 2 once it settled on creating bug mountsObsidian Entertainment decided to develop Grounded 2 because the original game's design did not support the new bug mount feature. The sequel is built from the ground up to properly utilize this system, requiring a revamped world. Grounded 2 also drops support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to focus on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, allowing for technological advancements.
Brigador devs think it's crucial that their abrasive, hardcore mech sims aren't for everyone: 'I think we…Stellar Jockeys developers Jack and Hugh Monahan believe their hardcore mech simulators like Brigador and Brigador Killers are intentionally not for everyone, embracing a 'boy slop' aesthetic. They argue that creative passion and a degree of difficulty are essential for building strong player communities and maintaining artistic integrity, rather than solely focusing on broad market appeal.
Alien: Isolation 2 devs address what took so long to get to the sequelCreative Director Al Hope and Animation Director Simon Ridge of Creative Assembly discussed the decade-long gap between Alien: Isolation and its sequel, Alien: Isolation 2. They explained that the studio has been busy with other projects and felt now was the right time to return to the franchise. The interview also touched upon the challenges of moving the xenomorph's hunting ground outdoors for the sequel.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 49This article highlights several underappreciated games, including the solo-developed survival horror Tache Noire, the free roguelite KIBORG: Arena which shaped its full release, a Game Boy Advance port of Crazy Taxi, and the Gothic-inspired adventure The Island of Doctor Morose. It discusses their unique gameplay mechanics, potential bugs, and reasons for their obscurity.- The Daily Grind: What’s the personal achievement you’re proudest of in an MMO?This article discusses personal achievements within the MMORPG genre, distinguishing between in-game achievements and personal goals players set for themselves. It encourages players to share their proudest accomplishments, regardless of whether they were officially recognized by the game.
Boss themes, sagas, and Goblin Jazz: How World of Warcraft's music reflects a shifting AzerothBlizzard Entertainment's music team discusses the evolution of World of Warcraft's soundtrack, from its early ambient roots to the thematic depth of the current Worldsoul Saga. Lead Composer Leo Kaliski, Music Director Derek Duke, and Principal Producer Charlotte Pyle highlight how music has become integral to the MMORPG's narrative and player experience, balancing nostalgia with innovation, including experimental pieces like the Goblin Jazz album.
Bibidi Bibidi! is a wizardly card battler with real magic in its veinsBibidi Bibidi is a wizardly card battler with a unique spell-crafting system where players combine parts of three cards to create a single spell. Developed by a team that previously made the roguelite Surmount, Bibidi Bibidi features unstable elements and tricky decisions, presented with bright colors and characterful designs. A playable demo is available on Steam.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Includes Machinima Mode and Dropping Weapons for TeammatesHalo: Campaign Evolved, launching July 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, will feature a Machinima mode allowing players to control freecams and lower weapons. The game also includes the ability to drop weapons for teammates, a feature from Halo Infinite. Developer Halo Studios confirmed that enemy AI has been improved in recent builds and that LASO mode will feature a curated selection of skulls.