Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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The bizarre spirit of classic Elder Scrolls games is alive and well in little lo-fi RPG A Short Quest
A Short Quest is a lo-fi first-person RPG from developer Silent Moon that aims to capture the quirky spirit of classic Elder Scrolls titles like Morrowind and Oblivion. The game features a unique approach to quests, combat, and item usage, encouraging player experimentation without quest logs or maps. It is slated for release next year and is seen as a potential spiritual successor to the series.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Is Now Available, Bringing Its Dark Fantasy Vampire RPG to Life | Invision Game
The Blood of Dawnwalker, a dark fantasy open-world action RPG from Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment, has been released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game features a protagonist who is human by day and a vampire by night, with choices significantly impacting the narrative and world.
Dungeons And Dragons Icons Could Take The TTRPG To A Modern-Day Setting
Joe Manganiello, chief creative officer for the D&D Icons initiative, has teased that the program could explore modern-day settings beyond traditional fantasy. He suggested potential for games focusing on genetics and military themes, or even futuristic worlds inspired by titles like Halo or Horizon: Zero Dawn, aiming to broaden the Dungeons & Dragons experience.
Hidetaka Miyazaki says he has no idea why people think "I have a bit of a thing for feet," apparently forgetting all the barefoot women in FromSoftware games
In a new interview, FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki addressed fan theories about his supposed fascination with feet, stating he is unsure of the rumor's origin. He also discussed recurring hand motifs in games like The Duskbloods and Elden Ring, and the symbolic meaning behind character design choices such as bare feet.
Persona 4 Revival plays fantastically, but I'm still not convinced it's an essential remake of Golden
Persona 4 Revival offers a visually impressive remake of the JRPG classic, featuring updated character models, modernized combat controls, and a re-recorded soundtrack. While the hands-on demo showcases smart updates and preserves key elements, the article questions the necessity of a $70 remake when Persona 4 Golden is readily available and questions the value proposition.
I installed a mod that adds building interiors to GTA 5, at the low cost of deleting most of the map's exterior
A mod for Grand Theft Auto 5, called Open World Interiors, adds inhabitable interior spaces to businesses but at the cost of deleting large portions of the game's exterior map. While some interiors function, attempting to enter a gym causes the player to fall through the world.
With wall-running and surprisingly weighty combat, Guild Wars 3 is aiming high: "If we hadn't been making MMOs for 26 years I don't think we could have built this"
Guild Wars 3 is aiming for a more visceral, action-RPG-like combat experience with a new momentum system that allows for wall-running and impactful attacks. Developer ArenaNet is focusing on making the MMO accessible for both new and returning players, with a launch planned for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Borderlands 4’s Loveless the Hacker is a contagion-spreading monster
Gearbox Software has revealed Loveless the Hacker, a new Vault Hunter for Borderlands 4, set to release on September 10, 2026. Loveless is an ex-corporate infiltration specialist who merged with a digital mind virus, granting her abilities like summoning a digital wyrm and spreading poison through a contagion effect. The character is a subtle nod to Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
Vague Patch Notes: In which I do not memorialize Elyon
This opinion piece reflects on the nature of player connection to games, using Elyon and Astellia Online as examples of games that failed to maintain player interest or community. The author contrasts these with Final Fantasy XIV and Warframe, highlighting how emotional impact and shared experiences, even in flawed games, can be significant.
Persona 4 Revival is the best looking Persona to date, and after 1 hour playing, I'm already desperate to return to…
An early hands-on preview of Persona 4 Revival suggests it will be the definitive version of the beloved JRPG. The remake boasts significantly improved visuals, enhanced combat mechanics inspired by Persona 5, and quality-of-life updates that streamline gameplay. Despite some changes to the soundtrack and voice cast, the preview indicates a faithful yet modernized experience.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 51
This article highlights three overlooked games: Phantom 2040, a choose-your-own-adventure Metroidvania with ambitious gameplay for its time; Soukyuu Gurentai, a fast-paced Sega Saturn shooter with a unique lock-on mechanic; and Sky Destroyer, a challenging NES rail shooter with a novel 3D perspective. The pieces celebrate these titles as hidden gems deserving of recognition.
Cygames announces Where the Seeds Fall for Nintendo Switch 2
Cygames has announced Where the Seeds Fall, a new action-adventure game from its CygamesEdge brand, for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game is set for a November 5, 2026 release and features a narrative-driven experience about a soldier escorting a Fell Child to the surface world.
Soulslikes demoner kräver en ängels tålamod
This article discusses the demanding nature of Soulslike games, drawing parallels between their challenges and martial arts competitions. It argues that the difficulty in games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring is not unfair but a tool for player growth, requiring patience and strategic adaptation rather than relying on character builds. The piece suggests that the emphasis on patience and learning from failure in Soulslikes offers valuable life lessons.
Casually Classic: Does cosmetic transmog belong in WoW Classic?
This opinion piece discusses the controversial topic of adding transmogrification to World of Warcraft Classic. The author argues that transmog, a feature allowing players to change gear appearance, would be a positive addition, enhancing character personalization and replayability, despite community division and arguments against it.
Final Fantasy Resonance is somehow even better than all those beautiful trailers make it look
Final Fantasy Resonance, a reimagining of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius's first arc as a single-player RPG, offers a spectacular and lush experience despite adverse demo conditions. The game features deep, rewarding turn-based combat with a unique 'stagger' system, gorgeous HD-2D visuals, and exciting cameos from iconic Final Fantasy characters.
Final Fantasy Resonance: The Final Preview
Final Fantasy Resonance aims to be both a tribute to past Final Fantasy titles and a fresh take on the series. The preview highlights its gorgeous HD-2D aesthetic, impressive soundtrack, and engaging battle system, suggesting it's on the right track.
"I'm a massive fan of Aliens, but it is a very different beast": Why Creative Assembly are still ignoring every movie but the original in Alien Isolation 2, despite heading planetside
Creative Assembly is focusing Alien: Isolation 2's design solely on the original 1979 film and its own predecessor, deliberately ignoring sequels like Aliens. This approach emphasizes pure horror and disempowerment, with developers Archie Whitehead and Ana Sopikova detailing how they meticulously recreate the original film's aesthetic and technology for an immersive, authentic experience.
Guild Wars 3's devs think they've found an answer to one of MMOs' biggest problems, but can ArenaNet pull it off?
ArenaNet is developing Guild Wars 3 with a focus on dynamic momentum-based movement and combat, aiming to break away from traditional MMORPG design. Studio lead Colin Johanson and combat lead Kevin Stocker demonstrated how chaining traversal and combat actions creates a more fluid, action-RPG-like experience, contrasting it with the static nature of many MMOs. The game will also feature more defined player roles and cooperative multiplayer combos.
Guild Wars 3 Plays Unlike Any Other MMO, And That’s A Good Thing
Guild Wars 3 is set to redefine the MMORPG genre with its unique, fluid combat and traversal systems, moving away from traditional action bars and tab-targeting. Developed by ArenaNet, the game emphasizes momentum-based movement and environmental interaction, aiming to provide an equally engaging experience on both PC and PlayStation 5 with controller support.
Guild Wars 3's approach to combat and movement is like nothing I've ever seen in an MMO before: 'One of our big goals when we make a new game in the Guild Wars franchise is to set out and try new things'
ArenaNet's Guild Wars 3 aims to innovate within the MMORPG genre with a focus on dynamic movement and visceral action combat. The game, set 1,000 years before Guild Wars 2 in the land of Orr, introduces mechanics like wall running, mantling, and seamless transitions between gliding and combat, all powered by a momentum system. This approach aims to create a fluid experience distinct from traditional MMOs, with developers Colin Johanson and Kevin Stocker highlighting how movement directly impacts combat effectiveness.
