Portal
News, coverage and analysis tracking Portal across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Half-Life 2 writer says Valve devs have "been looking" at gen AI for help with video game writing: "It's the one place where I feel like AI is worth investigating"
Valve writer Erik Wolpaw stated that a small group within the company has been exploring generative AI for potential applications in game writing. While acknowledging its limitations in creative tasks, Wolpaw believes AI could be a valuable tool for simulating real-time character reactions and NPC dialogue, deeming it the most promising area for AI investigation in game development.
Room Escapes to Reward Loops: How Game Design Has Shifted Since 2010 - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Game design has evolved significantly since 2010, shifting from contained challenges with defined endings to continuous engagement systems driven by layered rewards. This transformation is influenced by technological advancements, changing player expectations, and new monetization strategies, particularly evident in mobile gaming and live service titles. Modern games prioritize instant feedback, progression loops, and adaptive experiences to maintain player interaction over extended periods.
"It's all of us against apathy, entropy, and loss of art" - Stop Killing Games has reached the EU Parliament, but what happens now?
The 'Stop Killing Games' initiative has presented its case to the European Parliament, advocating for end-of-life policies for video games to ensure their continued accessibility after server shutdowns. While initially met with a lack of understanding regarding modern gaming, the movement successfully framed the issue as a consumer rights problem, gaining bipartisan support. The initiative aims to preserve games as cultural artifacts, facing challenges in maintaining long-term political engagement against industry interests and the constant emergence of new game closures.
Nomori’s Ghibli-Inspired Aesthetic Belies a Mind-Bending Portal Puzzler
Nomori is an upcoming physics puzzler from Enchanted Works that blends a cozy, Ghibli-inspired aesthetic with mind-bending portal mechanics. Players control Kiko in a spirit world, using portals that maintain orientation and a telekinetic Slimebun companion to solve challenges inspired by games like Portal and the work of M.C. Escher. The game is set to release on Xbox Series X|S and PC later this year.
Why Valve Games Feel So Eerily Familiar: The Liminal Space Effect
This analysis explores the 'liminal space effect' present in Valve games like Half-Life 2 and Portal, where environments feel eerily familiar yet unsettlingly empty. The article attributes this feeling to Valve's mastery of atmospheric design, the Source Engine's lighting and sound, and the psychological impact of subverted expectations, creating a sense of displacement that enhances storytelling.
50 Video Game Movies In The Works: How Many Of Them Will Actually Come Out?
Hollywood is actively developing over 50 film and television adaptations of video game properties, ranging from major franchises like Elden Ring and Call of Duty to indie titles such as The Mortuary Assistant. While some projects like Death Stranding and Mortal Kombat 2 are further along, many others are in early development or face potential delays, with varying degrees of success seen in past video game movies.
New Portal-like 3D puzzle-platformer centered on light and shadow – 'THANKS, LIGHT.'
Game Source Entertainment announced that THANKS, LIGHT., a 3D puzzle-platformer from South Korean studio Lightersgames, will be released on PlayStation 5 and Steam in September 2026. The game features a core mechanic where players use a flashlight to manipulate objects between 2D and 3D states. A free demo is currently available on Steam.
ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard - The Making of an Indie Sequel 🎨
Pixel Maniacs CEO Ben Lochmann discusses the development of ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard, highlighting player feedback that led to improvements like a revert mechanic and expanded puzzle design. Lochmann also touches on environmental inspirations, the influence of games like Portal, and the diverse puzzle mechanics created by the small development team.
Indie Selects for March 2025: Fresh Contrasts for a New Season
The Indie Select Hub for March 2025 features a curated collection of indie games on Xbox, highlighting contrasts between genres and themes. This month's spotlights include the violent sci-fi action of Romeo Is a Dead Man, the life sim and action RPG blend of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, the literal money-cleaning sim Cash Cleaner Simulator, the FMV psychological horror Heart of the Forest, the survival horror Crisol: Theater of Idols, and the color-mixing puzzle game ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard.
Critically-Acclaimed Roguelike Puzzler Blue Prince Arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 Today - IGN
The critically-acclaimed roguelike puzzler Blue Prince has received a surprise launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 today. Originally released in April 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the game is the eight-year project of solo developer Tonda Ros. Blue Prince challenges players to assemble the blueprints of an ever-changing mansion, revealing hidden rooms and an intriguing fantasy story.
Bridge Constructor Portal Screenshots and Minimum System Requirements
Bridge Constructor Portal, a simulation and puzzle game developed by ClockStone and published by Headup Games, was released on December 20, 2017, for PC. The game is set in the Portal universe and requires 2 GB of RAM and 200 MB of storage space.
