Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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The solution to staleness in modern gaming is cross-pollination - Reader's Feature
A reader proposes that cross-pollination of ideas between different genres and franchises is the key to combating staleness in modern gaming. The article provides numerous examples of successful genre blends, such as Castlevania becoming an RPG or Zelda incorporating rhythm mechanics, suggesting this approach can revitalize long-running series and create fresh experiences.
Starfield Will “Become Legendary,” Says Composer, Who Believes People Weren’t Ready for its Launch
Composer Inon Zur believes Starfield will eventually achieve legendary status, suggesting players were not ready for its initial launch. He praised Bethesda's Todd Howard as a visionary who sticks to his creative course. The article also touches on upcoming updates, potential DLC, and rumored PlayStation 5 availability.
MotionRec hits the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in April — MP3s & NPCs
The tape recorder-themed puzzle action game MotionRec is set to release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 on April 2, following its earlier PC launch. Players will use a recording and playback mechanic to guide a robot through a devastated world, solving puzzles by manipulating movement trajectories and utilizing stage gimmicks.
Marathon's murderous audio change was an 'overcorrection,' Bungie admits, promises to pull it back in an…
Bungie has acknowledged that a recent audio change in Marathon, which increased the hearing range of gunfire and explosions, was an 'overcorrection.' The developer plans to adjust the audio settings in an upcoming update to provide a more comfortable and intuitive player experience while still allowing players to hear nearby actions.
SGJ Podcast #511 – Rediscovering Gems You Initially Skipped
The SGJ Podcast episode #511 discusses games that listeners initially skipped or disliked but later returned to and enjoyed. Host Spaz shares his experience with F-15 Strike Eagle II, which he initially overlooked due to disliking the first game in the series. The episode also touches on the topic of 'Long Haul Games' for a future discussion.
'No matter what we changed, somebody was going to get mad:' After hearing what an Obsidian dev went through to get RPG difficulty right, I get why nobody's ever gotten RPG difficulty right
Obsidian senior systems designer Robert Donovan discussed the challenges of balancing RPG difficulty, using The Outer Worlds 2 as an example. He explained that the team focused on a 'hits to kill' system for Normal difficulty, acknowledging that no single setting would satisfy all players. Despite the difficulties in tuning, The Outer Worlds 2 was ultimately considered a success.
Donkey Kong Bananza devs admit the blatantly OP elephant transformation "probably went too far," but "it's fun" and "that's what matters most"
Nintendo programmer Tatsuya Kurihara admits that the Elephant Bananza transformation in Donkey Kong Bananza is likely overpowered. However, he emphasizes that the fun factor and satisfying gameplay experience are the most important aspects of the game design.
Opinion: Crimson Desert Could Be PS5 Game of the Year, or a Total Mess
Crimson Desert has the potential to be a generation-defining open world adventure or a messy failure due to its ambitious scope and numerous mechanics. Developer Pearl Abyss has clarified it is not an RPG, aiming to manage player expectations. The game's success will depend on whether it can deliver on its vast promises without crumbling under its own weight.
Seven Years Later: Ash & Rust ARPG Finally Reaches Its Destiny
After seven years of development, the indie Action RPG Ash & Rust has officially launched its version 1.0. Created by a single developer, the game features thirteen unique regions, a modular build system that supports diverse roles, and strategic combat. The developer, Ash & Rust Studios, expressed excitement for the launch and plans for future multiplayer content.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection Review – A Satisfying Monster Collection RPG
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an ambitious monster collection RPG that refines the gameplay loop and enhances storytelling compared to its predecessors. While it boasts improved visuals and a more engaging narrative, the game struggles with technical optimization on the Nintendo Switch and retains some of the series' inherent combat tedium.
Starfield's composer says the game will become 'legendary', Todd Howard's a 'visionary', and maybe you 'were just not ready for it'
Composer Inon Zur, known for his work on Fallout and Starfield, defended Starfield and Todd Howard's vision in a recent interview. Zur described Howard as a "visionary" and suggested players "were just not ready" for the game's scope. He also discussed his musical approach to Starfield, aiming to capture the vastness of space contrasted with the individual player.
'It Is Getting Very Hard to Keep Players From Going All Over the Place' — Yes, the Donkey Kong Bananza Devs Are Watching Your Speedruns - IGN
Donkey Kong Bananza developers Kenta Motokura and Tatsuya Kurihara are closely watching player speedruns and unintended tricks, finding it increasingly difficult to prevent players from exploring all areas. While they design for player freedom, they also acknowledge and sometimes even appreciate the creative sequence breaks and movement techniques discovered by the community.
Donkey Kong Bananza dev says Elephant Bananza “probably went too far” with destruction
Nintendo developers discussed the destructive capabilities of the Elephant Bananza transformation in Donkey Kong Bananza, with programmer Tatsuya Kurihara admitting it "probably went too far" but remains fun. Producer Kenta Motokura added that the goal was to allow for playful destruction and enable Donkey Kong to transform anytime to increase the chaos.
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 536: Legendary Cooperation
The Official PlayStation Podcast episode 536 features discussions on upcoming releases like The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, MLB The Show 26, Crimson Desert, and Death Stranding 2. The episode includes an interview with Darren Bridges, Lead Designer at Sucker Punch, about Ghost of Yōtei Legends, and highlights updates for Helldivers 2, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Little Nightmares: Altered Echoes for PS VR2.
"It Probably Went Too Far" - Even Bananza's Creators Think One Transformation Is Overpowered
Creators of Donkey Kong Country Returns admit the Elephant Bananza transformation may be overpowered, with programmer Tatsuya Kurihara stating it "probably went too far." Producer Kenta Motokura explained the goal was playful destruction, and the team found the transformation fun despite its destructive capabilities. The developers also noted the elephant's appearance in both Donkey Kong Country Returns and Super Mario Bros. Wonder was a coincidence.
Starfield is a game people were "just not ready" for and it'll still come good at some point, reckons Fallout 4 composer
Starfield composer Inon Zur believes the game will eventually become legendary, stating that players were "just not ready for it" upon release. He asserts that Todd Howard's visionary approach, proven with previous Bethesda titles, will ultimately lead to Starfield's success over time, despite its current reception.
No matter who Capcom pegs as Resident Evil’s next protagonist, they must not repeat some of their legendary missteps
This article discusses Capcom's approach to selecting protagonists for the Resident Evil series, arguing that a return to less experienced characters is necessary to maintain the survival horror elements. The author suggests that relying on established, overpowered characters like Chris Redfield diminishes the fear factor and shifts the focus from horror to action, advocating for new protagonists who can grow throughout the game.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Creating Proprietary IP Framework for AAA Game Development
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is developing a proprietary system for AAA game development, focusing on a strong visual identity and art direction. Creative Director Feng Zhu introduced the studio's "90:10 Balance" philosophy, emphasizing a systematic approach to building intellectual property that goes beyond just art.
Screenbound: Getting Our Heads Around the Brain-Breaking 5D Platformer
Screenbound is a new platformer that challenges the traditional 2D or 3D distinction by incorporating both perspectives. The game aims to blend these elements, offering a unique gameplay experience for players.
Here’s how Pantheon is overhauling its attribute system this spring
Visionary Realms is overhauling Pantheon's attribute system this spring, aiming to make stats like strength, dexterity, and intellect more intuitive and relevant. The changes include replacing Constitution with Concentration and Charisma with Presence, reworking base effects, and redesigning attributes for class abilities to improve synergy and reduce player confusion.