Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Marvel's Wolverine's Glowing Red Tracking Trail Has an In-Universe Explanation
An in-universe explanation has been provided for the glowing red tracking trail seen in gameplay reveals for Marvel's Wolverine. This detail has sparked discussion among players following the latest footage.
Vibe Camp 2 Kicks Off in MapleStory Universe With a Short-and-Snappy Design Mandate
MapleStory Universe has launched Season 2 of its Vibe Camp program, focusing on the creation of short, engaging games using AI. Running from August 18 to September 15 on the MSU Space platform, the event challenges participants to design games that can be completed in one to two minutes, with a $15,000 prize pool in NXPC tokens available. This season introduces an AI Brainstorming Persona to assist creators in developing concepts and mechanics, furthering the goal of turning MapleStory into a creator ecosystem.
Krönika Varför vi älskar att jobba i spel
This article explores why players are drawn to simulation games like Farming Simulator and Powerwash Simulator, which focus on everyday tasks rather than epic heroism. It suggests that the meditative and conclusive nature of these activities offers a unique form of relaxation and stress relief, contrasting with the responsibilities of real-life jobs or world-saving quests in other games.
How To Make The BEST Hens in Grow a Chicken Fighter
This guide provides tips and tricks for creating the best Hens in Grow a Chicken Fighter, focusing on rarity, special skills, corn feeding, fusion, and inversion. It highlights sought-after Hens like the 404 Chick and Reaper Rooster, and suggests investing in high-rarity options and utilizing features like rebirth and UFO mutations to maximize Hen stats and combat effectiveness.
Stare at an imprisoned god to stop the apocalypse in Sarco, a no-saves horror game in which you'll also, somehow, have to explore a gutted scientific base
Sarco is a new horror game from Hello Andromeda where players must keep an imprisoned cosmic entity from escaping by staring at its sarcophagus. The game features no saves and is designed to be played in one sitting, with the entity adapting to the player's actions. Influences include Paratopic and Alien: Isolation.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the first game, is getting RPG skill trees, crafting mechanics and a 'focus meter'
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the original game, will introduce RPG skill trees, crafting mechanics, and a 'focus' meter for Lara Croft. Developed by Flying Wild Hog, the game aims to make Lara feel more agile and dangerous with new mechanics that allow for time manipulation and buffs from collected herbs. These changes, along with the return of dual pistols and other weapon types, represent a significant departure from the 1996 original and have drawn mixed reactions from the community.
"I'm pretty sure I mean it" - Legendary game developer Warren Spector announces retirement
Legendary game developer Warren Spector, known for his work on Deus Ex and the founding of the immersive sim genre, has announced his retirement after a 44-year career. Spector expressed mixed feelings but cited the changing game industry and a desire to pursue other interests like writing and lecturing as reasons for his departure. He encouraged the next generation of developers to continue innovating and experimenting in game design.
Shuhei Yoshida told Expedition 33 studio to avoid terms like 'turn-based RPG' because it may cause people to "overlook" the game
Veteran PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida advised Expedition 33 developers Sandfall Interactive and publisher Kepler Interactive to avoid marketing the game solely as a 'turn-based RPG,' believing the term might cause players to overlook its innovative combat. The team adopted the term 'reactive turn-based battles' instead, contributing to the game's commercial and critical success, selling 5.5 million copies and receiving multiple awards.
Marvel's Wolverine Hands-on Preview - Slice 'n' dice, and a little bit nice
Insomniac Games' Marvel's Wolverine is shaping up to be a brutal, bloody, and linear superhero adventure focused on intense combat. A preview of the game showcased fast-paced action, special moves, and a 'Rage' mechanic tied to Wolverine's healing factor. The preview also highlighted narrative and character-driven moments, with strong performances expected from Liam McIntyre as Wolverine and Troy Baker as Nathaniel Essex.
Nytt gameplay och info från Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero revealed new gameplay details during its State of Play presentation, including over 30 main and 25 side weapons that can be upgraded and reforged. The game will feature four difficulty levels, with the highest adapting to player style and offering a "66 Days Mode" where the game ends after 66 deaths. Phantom Blade Zero is set to release on October 29 for PlayStation 5 and PC.
10 tips from a World of Warcraft art lead for getting started creating amazing houses in WoW
Blizzard principal artist Jay Huang shares ten tips for players looking to create impressive houses in World of Warcraft. The advice focuses on using reference images, breaking down large spaces, limiting color palettes, and creatively repurposing in-game decor items. Huang encourages players to experiment and view housing as an art medium.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis' new combat is built to "showcase some of the things that Lara used to…
Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog are introducing a 'Focus' system in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, allowing players to slow time and perform acrobatic combat moves reminiscent of the original 1996 game. Game director Raul Siqueira and creative director Michal Kuk emphasize the importance of dual pistols feeling right and the ability to use them throughout the entire game, bridging the gap between classic and modern Tomb Raider experiences.
After 8 years, Kingdom Hearts 4 will realize "an idea that we had since Kingdom Hearts 3," Tetsuya Nomura says
Tetsuya Nomura, series lead for Kingdom Hearts, revealed that Kingdom Hearts 4 will incorporate an idea that was conceived during Kingdom Hearts 3's development but couldn't be realized at the time. Nomura highlighted the advantages of creating original worlds based on concepts rather than specific movie stories, allowing for greater creative freedom and narrative integration.
How ompetitive Apex Legends Players Get Better
This guide details how competitive Apex Legends players improve their ranked performance by focusing on strategic decision-making rather than just combat. Key strategies include selective engagement, timely rotations, effective team composition, mastering specific Legends, and managing losses to prevent further RP decay. The article also touches on rank boosting services as an alternative for players with limited time.
Kingdom Hearts 4 Lets You Play As The Final Fantasy Universe’s Most Powerful Black Mage
Kingdom Hearts 4 will feature Donald Duck and Goofy as playable characters during segments set in the Underworld from Hercules. The article highlights Donald's immense magical power, referencing his use of the Zettaflare spell in Kingdom Hearts 3, which is estimated to be one of the most powerful attacks in the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts universes. Series creator Tetsuya Nomura is committed to the game's late 2027 release date.
EVE Online shares overall design principles for giving its HUD ‘accessible complexity’
Fenris Creations is sharing its design principles for improving the user interface complexity in EVE Online, aiming for 'accessible complexity'. The studio's dev blogs will focus on making ship speed, overheating, and danger more legible without altering the HUD's core identity. Testing will be conducted through an opt-in beta.
You'll be "quite easy to kill" in Blood of Dawnwalker during the day because Rebel Wolves didn't…
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of Rebel Wolves' upcoming Vampire RPG Blood of Dawnwalker, revealed that protagonist Coen will be significantly weaker during the day due to his human nature. This intentional design choice aims to create higher stakes and a more compelling narrative by making the character vulnerable. Combat mechanics will reportedly shift dramatically between day and night cycles.
First Impressions: The delicate balance of Stormforge’s dangerous and creative multiplayer survival RPG
Stormforge is an upcoming multiplayer survival RPG from Roboto Games that blends creative building, challenging combat, and unique storm mechanics inspired by the Stormlight Archive. The game features a robust building system, Soulslike-inspired combat, and extensive modding tools, aiming to stand out in a crowded genre. The preview highlights the dynamic storm system as a central threat and gameplay element, with players needing to actively engage with and destroy storm nexuses.
Someone Finally Made Another Game For People Who Miss Peggle
Hyperdrop, a new pachinko roguelite from developer Dark Dark Goose and publisher Devolver Digital, is set to release on PC. The game aims to capture the addictive gameplay loop of Peggle by featuring upgradable pegs and balls, physics-defying mechanics, and a neon-soaked aesthetic inspired by Geometry Wars. A demo is currently available on Steam as part of the Steam Pins and Pegs Fest.
Remothered: Red Nun’s Legacy gets Nintendo Switch 2 release date, new trailer
Stormind Games has announced that Remothered: Red Nun's Legacy will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, 2026. The survival horror game features voice acting from Cissy Jones and Maggie Robertson, and a soundtrack by Akira Yamaoka. Players will utilize hypnosis powers and limited melee weapons to survive against relentless Stalkers.
