Game Design
Game Design business and news from across the web.
Subnautica 2 studio isn't backing down on fish murder, but you can at least stun them now thanks to game's first major updateUnknown Worlds has released the first major update, 'Adaptive Measures,' for Subnautica 2's early access period. This update introduces the ability to stun certain creatures using the Sonic Resonator, offering players a defensive option without outright killing them, a design choice the studio strongly supports. The update also includes improvements to creature flinching, BioMods, wreck gameplay, PDA clarity, and audio prioritization, with multiplayer features and a significant content drop planned for later updates.
Dead by Daylight's Entity lives off emotions, and I can't stop feeding itThe Entity in Dead by Daylight is sustained not by death, but by the intense emotions experienced by both killers and survivors during trials. Developer Behaviour Interactive revealed that the thrill of the hunt, the highs of escape, and even the despair of defeat all feed this ultimate evil. The article argues that player emotions, mirroring those of the in-game characters, also contribute to keeping the game's core loop alive.
Good Fun Corp announces Open Beta for HUNGER, with sign-ups now openGood Fun Corp has announced an Open Beta for their multiplayer extraction RPG, HUNGER, with sign-ups now available on Steam. The game is set in plague-ravaged Napoleonic Europe and blends melee and ranged combat with RPG elements. Following a successful closed test, the Open Beta will launch later this year, with Early Access planned shortly after, and a console release targeted for the future.
2XKO Creative Director says creature characters like Warwick 'open doors' for future picks2XKO Creative Director Mike Henry discussed the challenges and implications of including creature characters in the fighting game. He explained that while characters like Warwick required significant development time due to unique rigs, their successful implementation opens the door for future non-humanoid characters, potentially making similar champions easier to develop.
Steam Summer Sale Shows Strategy Games Are Competing With Backlogs, Not Just New ReleasesThe Steam Summer Sale highlights that strategy game players face immense competition not just from new releases but also from their existing backlogs. New strategy titles must offer a clear, compelling problem for players to solve and demonstrate unique system relationships to stand out amidst a mature market with deep discounts. Games like Mandate Order need to articulate why their specific blend of city-building, war, and management systems is worth the significant time investment required.- Pokemon Winds And Waves Could Have 300 New Pokemon, But Don’t Get Too ExcitedRumors suggest that the upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive, Pokemon Winds and Waves, could feature around 300 new Pokemon and forms, significantly more than previous generations. This number includes regional variants, new evolutions, and legendary Pokemon, though it also accounts for various forms of existing creatures. The game is slated for a 2027 release and may draw inspiration from MMOs with a focus on communication and post-launch DLC.
Subnautica 2's olive branch to fend off threats is just enough to preserve the terrorUnknown Worlds has released a significant update for Subnautica 2, focusing on quality-of-life improvements and new deterrents against hostile creatures. While permanent solutions for predators are not yet available, players can now better fend them off with improved flinch reactions and a stunning Sonic Resonator. The update also introduces new biolabs for biomod discovery and a personal storage chest, with larger features like multiplayer and new biomes planned for later releases.
You're invited to Destiny's cursed unofficial final raid: Pete Carsons' Vault of CarsA fan-created parody raid, 'The Vault of Cars,' has emerged as a satirical send-off for former Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, who retired amidst Destiny 2's decline. This browser-based game mimics mechanics from the original 'Vault of Glass' raid and pokes fun at Parsons' car collection and business decisions.
Doom: The Dark Ages DLC lands to rave Steam reviews as id Software reportedly faces losing half its staff: "It may very well be the last piece of good Doom content that we ever get"The new Doom: The Dark Ages DLC is receiving positive reviews on Steam, with players praising its faster-paced gameplay. However, its release coincides with significant layoffs at developer id Software, with reports indicating around half of the studio's staff have been let go by Microsoft. Many reviews acknowledge the layoffs, with some expressing concern that this could be the last significant piece of Doom content.
Say My Name: What it takes to make it to the Games Done Quick stageThe article details the author's experience preparing for and participating in an AGDQ speedrunning event, highlighting the challenges of performing a difficult kaizo ROM hack while navigating personal identity and community dynamics. It touches on the author's journey as a transgender woman in the speedrunning community, the harassment faced, and the eventual acceptance and support found.
Path of Exile 2 for Busy Adults | TAGThis guide offers strategies for busy adults to engage with Path of Exile 2, a demanding ARPG with frequent league resets. It recommends focusing on the campaign and standard league progression, skipping competitive elements like ladder climbing and complex trade optimization. The article suggests a minimum time commitment of 6-8 hours per week for a satisfying experience and outlines realistic paths for new and returning players, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing core skill gems and basic atlas progression.
Past Midnight: building the next era of World of WarcraftBlizzard Entertainment's Game Director Ion Hazzikostas discusses the current state and future of World of Warcraft, particularly focusing on the latest expansion, Midnight. He highlights the game's transition towards blending classic elements with modern features, addressing player housing, the solo experience, and the controversial changes to the game's addon policy. Hazzikostas emphasizes that World of Warcraft in 2026 offers flexibility for players of all time commitments and playstyles.
Subnautica 2 update finally lets players fight the fish, but you won't be able to kill them as Unknown Worlds sticks to a key principle of the survival gameUnknown Worlds has detailed the Early Access 1.1 update for Subnautica 2, introducing 'creature mitigation' that allows players to interact with and stun aggressive fauna using the Survival Multi-Tool and Sonic Resonator, rather than kill them. This update addresses player feedback while adhering to the developers' principle of not making it a 'killing game'.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced review - it'll all end in PrivateersAssassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a remake that rebuilds the original game on a new engine, but the integration of new elements feels awkward and detracts from the experience. While the core gameplay and Caribbean setting remain strong, the new quests and combat mechanics are inconsistent, leading to a "misshapen" final product that struggles to justify its existence.
I beat the Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake and 2013 original back-to-back, here's my reviewAssassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced is a faithful remake that improves visuals and some mechanics but ultimately loses the essence of the original. While the new Anvil engine offers a more dynamic world, changes to combat, stealth, and the removal of the present-day Abstergo narrative detract from the experience. Despite its polish and graphical fidelity, the remake is considered inessential compared to the 2013 original.- War Legends Launches Worldwide: PC RTS Experience, Now on Your PhoneWar Legends has launched worldwide, bringing a PC real-time strategy experience to mobile platforms. The game emphasizes direct unit control, base building, and tactical combat without auto-battles. It features campaign modes for Light and Dark factions, various PvP and FFA multiplayer modes, tournaments, and limited-time events.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Writer Wants Completionist Players to “Step Out of Their Comfort Zones”Rebel Wolves' narrative director Jakub Szamalek discussed the time limit in The Blood of Dawnwalker, stating that players likely won't complete all side content in a single playthrough. He hopes this encourages completionist players to "step out of their comfort zones" and consider multiple playthroughs. The game is set to release on September 3rd for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Interview – Faithfulness to the Original, Anvil Engine, and MoreDevelopers from Ubisoft Singapore and Ubisoft India discuss the creation of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, focusing on faithfulness to the original game and the contributions of the Indian teams. They highlight the challenges and rewards of modernizing a beloved classic using the Anvil engine, emphasizing player freedom and immersion as key takeaways.
10 Best Looking Games of 2026 So FarThis article ranks the 10 best-looking games released in the first half of 2026, highlighting advancements in graphical fidelity and immersive world design. Titles like Resident Evil Requiem, RIDE 6, and Forza Horizon 6 are praised for their stunning visuals, character models, and environmental details, showcasing how current hardware allows developers to blur the line between reality and virtual worlds.
Palworld 1.0 – Everything You Need to KnowPalworld 1.0 marks the full release of the popular title, exiting Early Access with significant upgrades. The update introduces a reworked progression curve, a mission-driven story structure, an overhauled world map featuring the World Tree, and mechanically reworked bosses and raids. Players are advised to consider a new playthrough to fully experience the redesigned journey and new content.