Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Red Dead Redemption 2 dev would "be surprised" if GTA 6 doesn't feature any ideas from Rockstar's…
A former Rockstar Games developer, Rob Carr, believes Grand Theft Auto 6 will likely incorporate ideas from Red Dead Redemption 2, similar to how Grand Theft Auto 5 borrowed mechanics from earlier titles. Carr suggests features like the Dead Eye system or slow-motion driving could be re-imagined for the upcoming sequel.
Super Putty
Super Putty for the SNES features creative mechanics and level design but is ultimately hampered by an overly aggressive difficulty curve and lack of polish. Players control Billy Putty, who must rescue his friends from an evil wizard by using his malleable body to absorb enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate challenging platforming sections. Despite its innovative gameplay, the game's relentless pace and punishing enemy placement make it a frustrating experience.
Slay the Spire 2 nerfs card removal, buffs shivs, and adds a new reward system
Mega Crit has released a beta update for Slay the Spire 2, introducing new progression systems like Badges and significant balance changes. Notably, card removal costs at shops have been increased, and several cards and relics have been redesigned to alter gameplay strategies. The update is currently available on the game's beta branch.
Modulus: Factory Automation Finally Arrives on Steam After Years of Community-Driven Development
Modulus: Factory Automation has launched on Steam after years of community-driven development by Happy Volcano. The game aims to blend strategic depth with a relaxing, aesthetically pleasing factory-building experience. Publisher Kwalee is supporting the launch with a week-long streaming schedule to foster community engagement.
Damon and Baby Review
Damon and Baby is a game that, despite its charming premise and world, fails to be engaging. Developed by Arc System Works, the twin-stick shooter gameplay with platforming elements is described as uninspiring and repetitive. While some mechanics like the 'yeet Baby' dodge are interesting concepts, the overall experience is hampered by inconsistent difficulty, bugs, and projectiles that go through walls, making cover ineffective.
GTA 6 Will Likely Borrow Ideas From Red Dead Redemption 2, Former Rockstar Dev Says
A former Rockstar Games developer believes Grand Theft Auto 6 will likely incorporate elements from Red Dead Redemption 2, similar to how Grand Theft Auto 5 borrowed mechanics like Dead Eye. While specific details were not shared, the developer cited Rockstar's tendency to build upon successful features from previous titles. Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled for release on November 19.
Marathon Review – Bungie Nails the Extraction Shooter Loop
Bungie's Marathon successfully revitalizes the extraction shooter genre, offering a compelling gameplay loop that respects player time. Despite initial hesitation towards the genre, the game's smart design, engaging faction system, and satisfying gunplay make it a standout experience. However, effective communication with teammates is crucial, especially in later maps, which can be a challenge with random matchmaking.
"Touch the right color, or die"
The survival horror game IROONI - Color Tag - by indie developer North Fox Games has launched on PC via Steam. The game features a unique color-matching mechanic for survival and is available with a 20% launch discount for a limited time. It is also available in multiple languages and was developed using Unreal Engine 5.
Neptunia Unlimited Dev Interview Explains Long Development, Originating with Sisters VS Sisters
Producer Hikaru Yasui and artist Tsunako discussed the lengthy development of Neptunia Unlimited, revealing that its predecessor, Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters, began as a mainline sequel. Tsunako's involvement in the early planning stages was a key factor in the direction of Neptunia Unlimited, with the team aiming to update the series' world to reflect modern gaming. Full development for Neptunia Unlimited began in 2023, with an initial concept that leaned towards existing characters before shifting to new CPU goddesses.
Marvel Rivals’ new map is full of references to Spider-Man villains, but will they ever be playable?
The new Lower Manhattan map in Marvel Rivals features numerous references to Spider-Man villains like Mysterio, Norman Osborn, and Doctor Octopus. Despite these references and the inclusion of Kingpin as a story element, the article questions why more villains are not playable characters in the game, which currently features a limited selection of villains among its roster.
Garry Kitchen Fire & Ice RGX 2026 Guest of Honor
Video game designer Garry Kitchen has been announced as a Guest of Honor for the Fire & Ice RGX 2026 event. Kitchen is recognized for his pioneering work at Activision during the early years of the video game industry, including developing hit titles for Atari 2600, Commodore 64, NES, and SNES. The event will take place on June 20 and 21, 2026, in Roseville, CA.
EVE Online discusses Catalyst feedback and reception, EVE Frontier runs another free play promotion
CCP Games is discussing player feedback on the EVE Online Catalyst expansion and its design choices. Separately, EVE Frontier is running another free play promotion until April 13th, allowing players to experience the blockchain MMO without purchasing founder's access. CCP Games also reported over 4,000 bans in EVE Online for February, primarily due to RMT and unauthorized automation.
Early access sandbox BitCraft overhauls character movement and fleshes out its cash shop
Early access sandbox MMORPG BitCraft Online has received a new patch, 'Roots and Ruins,' introducing profession dungeons for carpenters and masons. The update also significantly overhauls character movement, including permanent running, road speed bonuses, and an 'RP Walk' mode, alongside new cosmetic items in the cash shop.
What will Slay the Spire 2's eventual ending be like? 'I do want it to be more extravagant when you win,'…
Mega Crit is considering multiple endings for Slay the Spire 2, with the current placeholder featuring a figure called The Architect. The developers are open to player feedback shaping the final conclusion, which is expected to be more extravagant than the current version.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream fans say who needs an official Switch stylus when you can use carrots and inside-out bags of chips for next-level Mii creation instead
Fans of the upcoming game Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream are showcasing creative Mii designs using unconventional tools like carrots and chip bags as styluses on the Nintendo Switch. This innovative approach to Mii creation is gaining attention online, with players humorously noting that these methods work even when official styluses do not.
Nexon CEO admits The First Descendant had 'no staying power,' and that can't be addressed with a quick fix: 'These are design issues that are not fixed with a patch'
Nexon CEO Junghun Lee admitted that The First Descendant suffers from fundamental design issues that cannot be fixed with simple patches, leading to a lack of player retention. The game, which saw a high of 10 million players in its first week, has since dropped to around 5,000 concurrent players on Steam, receiving a 'mixed' user rating.
Blizzard’s new game hints that a UE5 open world shooter, with a focus on cinemetic storytelling is on the way
Blizzard Entertainment is actively hiring for an unannounced AAA open-world shooter project utilizing Unreal Engine 5. Job postings reveal a focus on cinematic storytelling, advanced combat mechanics, and potentially a new intellectual property or a revival of the StarCraft franchise. The game is in early pre-production, with a potential reveal possibly at BlizzCon in 2026.
Pride precipitates a dizzying fall in Ascenders, a climbing game spin on Darkest Dungeon
Ascenders: Beyond The Peak is a new turn-based roguelite that combines climbing mechanics with cosmic horror elements, drawing parallels to Darkest Dungeon. Players will manage a team of alpine occultists attempting to recover cursed artifacts from Lovecraftian mountains before the world ends. The game features nine character classes with unique traversal abilities, permadeath, and choices that impact both individual climbers and the wider world. Developed by Ludogram and published by Twin Sails Interactive, it is slated for release in late 2026.
Monster Crown: Sin Eater gets Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer
Studio Aurum has announced that Monster Crown: Sin Eater will be released on Nintendo Switch on April 30. This monster-taming RPG features breeding mechanics, a deep story where players control Asur, and over 1000 unique monster sprites with a robust crossbreeding system.
Stars Reach’s Open Horizons alpha update pulls the starting experience back off the rails
Playable Worlds has released an alpha update for Stars Reach's Open Horizons, addressing player feedback regarding the initial experience. The update moves away from a linear progression system towards a new 'Challenges' feature, reducing required missions while still offering guidance. It also introduces an in-game encyclopedia, clarifies skill progression, and includes updates to weapons and crafting.