Game Design
Game Design business and news from across the web.
These are the best Pokemon games on Nintendo SwitchThis article ranks the best Pokemon games available on the Nintendo Switch, acknowledging the franchise's polarizing reception on the platform. While games like Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are discussed with their respective flaws, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is highlighted as a standout title for its ambition and engaging gameplay. The article also provides recommendations for new players with the Let's Go series and for those seeking a more traditional experience with FireRed and LeafGreen.
The Last of Us Part 3 Could Offer “A Whole Other Story,” Says Troy BakerVoice actor Troy Baker believes there is potential for a "whole other story" in The Last of Us franchise, expressing his willingness to participate in a potential The Last of Us Part 3. He cited the rich lore between Joel and Tommy as a strong foundation for new narratives, and trusts Naughty Dog to decide the direction of future installments.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 executive producer talks about expanding the sequel for four playersExecutive Producer Lyle Hall of Cold Iron Studios discusses Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, highlighting the expansion to four-player squads as the biggest change. The sequel will also feature more teamwork, weapon variety, and new classes, including a customizable Specialist. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is slated for a Summer 2026 release on PC and consoles.
"They're usually just really boring" – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead says "perfect" games are like people with "no personality"Guillaume Broche, creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, believes that games striving for perfection often become boring, comparing them to people with no personality. He argues that imperfections and quirks, like those found in the Devil May Cry series and even his own award-winning RPG, contribute to a game's charm and make it more endearing.
Star Fox Review – A Stunning, Faithful RevivalThis review discusses the Star Fox remake for the Nintendo Switch 2, which serves as a faithful revival of Star Fox 64 with significant visual upgrades and expanded storytelling. Developed by Velan Studios using their VIPER Engine, the game boasts photorealistic graphics that are a generation ahead of previous Nintendo Switch titles. While the core gameplay remains true to the original arcade rail shooter experience, the remake introduces fully animated, voiced cutscenes that adapt to in-game events and enhance character dynamics, making it the definitive edition of the classic tale.
Well, Professor Pippin Barr, you've done it again: you've ruined chessExperimental game developer Pippin Barr has released another set of eight browser-based chess variants, continuing his trend of playfully subverting the classic strategy game. These new variations include concepts like 'chess but on a travelator' and 'chess but also Candy Crush Saga,' challenging players to adapt to absurd rule changes. The article expresses mock outrage at these 'grievous injuries' to chess, suggesting Barr should instead target games like Monopoly.- Vague Patch Notes: The struggle of expansions against MMO identityThis analysis explores the challenges and identity shifts inherent in MMO expansions, using examples like Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. Expansions that introduce new areas can either seamlessly integrate or create a jarring tonal clash, impacting the game's overall feel and player perception.
Star Wars Outlaws and the Ubisoft ProblemThis opinion piece criticizes Ubisoft's current game design philosophy, arguing that a pursuit of ubiquity has led to formulaic and uninspired titles, exemplified by Star Wars Outlaws. The author contrasts this with Ubisoft's past willingness to take creative risks and explore mature themes, suggesting the company has lost its innovative edge.
Slay the Spire 2 beta patch adds new multiplayer cards and modding fixesA new beta patch for Slay the Spire 2 introduces significant updates, including new multiplayer-focused cards for multiple characters and improvements to modding functionality. The patch also addresses various quality-of-life tweaks, bug fixes, and balance adjustments for both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Shadow of the Colossus and Ico director says "unforgiving or clunky" elements that developers didn't plan for "are what actually end up being memorable"Fumito Ueda, director of Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian, believes that unintended or 'clunky' elements in game design can lead to more memorable player experiences. He reflects on how difficult sections in his past games, like Shadow of the Colossus, stick with players, though he admits he might approach such elements differently with modern development tools. His upcoming game, Gen Atlas, is being developed in collaboration with Epic Games.
More Systems Don’t Automatically Make a Better Strategy GameMandate Order, a city-builder from Digital Sky set in ancient China, focuses on making its complex systems understandable rather than simply adding more. The game aims to provide clear feedback on farming, logistics, conscription, and defense, allowing players to diagnose issues and make informed adjustments. This approach seeks to transform complexity into strategic depth, enabling players to build and manage a thriving military stronghold.
Sponsored Post: Solitaire Was the Original “Small Game” – and Indies Are Proving It RightThis article argues that the indie game development philosophy of creating focused, small-scope experiences is not new, but rather a vindication of principles demonstrated by the classic card game Solitaire. It highlights how Solitaire embodies the indie ethos of executing a single idea flawlessly, respecting player time, and offering complete, replayable experiences without unnecessary padding or monetization schemes.
Clair Obscur is flawed on purpose, says director: 'Games that try to be perfect, that try to fix all their flaws—they're usually just really boring'Guillaume Broche, creative director for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, believes that games with intentional imperfections are more endearing and less boring than those striving for unattainable perfection. He argues that flaws contribute to a game's personality, much like they do in people, and that embracing 'jank' can be a source of fun and character.
Onchain Heroes Unveils Maze of Gains 2.0 Playtest Featuring 250 Arcade KeysOnchain Heroes has launched an incentivized playtest for Maze of Gains 2.0, offering players a chance to win 250 Arcade Keys. The update introduces new persistent upgrades, redesigned battle systems, and requires a Ringbearer NFT or Expedition Pass for participation. This playtest aims to gather crucial player feedback for the game, which is set on the Abstract Ethereum Layer 2 network.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 lead says the idea turn-based RPGs are "old-school" is "total nonsense," because they're "incredibly satisfying" in a way action games aren'tGuillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, argues that the idea of turn-based RPGs being 'old-school' is 'total nonsense,' stating they offer a unique and incredibly satisfying intellectual reward that action games do not. He contrasts the strategic planning and execution in turn-based combat with the dexterity-focused gameplay of action titles like Devil May Cry, emphasizing the brain-rewarding nature of the former.
Slay the Spire 2 update adds a crucial feature for every roguelike along with a randomizer button, modding improvements,…An update for Slay the Spire 2 has been released on its Steam beta branch, introducing several improvements. Key changes include enhancements to modding support, a new run timer that pauses during the menu, and a randomizer option for custom runs. The update also features bug fixes and new assets for the Aeonglass boss.
I love Baldur's Gate 3's queer representation, but triple-A games can still do so much more to explore lesbian stories with the depth they deserveThis article discusses the queer representation in Baldur's Gate 3, particularly focusing on lesbian stories and the limited options available in mainstream AAA games. While praising Baldur's Gate 3 for its characters like Shadowheart and the Isobel/Aylin romance, the author argues that games often fail to cater to a specific lesbian gaze, assuming lesbian sexuality aligns with heteronormative dynamics. The piece calls for more diverse and nuanced lesbian narratives in games, from indie titles to major blockbusters.
Games Inbox: Giving up consoles because of PS5 going digital-onlyReaders discuss Sony's potential shift to an all-digital PlayStation 5, with concerns about game ownership, pricing, and accessibility for those with poor internet. Some readers are considering switching to PC or Nintendo, while others see digital as a convenient and inevitable evolution, provided consumer rights are protected.
Following the success of Mouthwashing, developer Wrong Organ wasn't ready to make a better 'story game,'…Developer Wrong Organ is shifting focus from narrative horror with Mouthwashing to a co-op tank simulator called Carcass Clad. The studio aims to avoid being pigeonholed and explore different gameplay experiences, with plans to potentially return to a "gameplay story game" in the future.- Mortal Online II has launched its Sarducaa expansion, but you have to roll fresh to see itMortal Online II has launched its Sarducaa expansion, introducing a new continent that can only be accessed by new characters created after the patch. This design choice aims to create a level playing field for all players. The expansion also includes a new Lockpicking system, balance changes, new NPCs, items, and enemies.