Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Physint Release Date-Estimate, Gameplay, And Everything We Know
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, is a tactical espionage action title being published by Xbox and developed by Kojima Productions. Originally a PlayStation project, Sony dropped the game due to concerns about budget and deadlines, but Xbox stepped in to support Kojima's vision. The game is still in its conceptual stages, with a potential release window as far out as 2030, and will feature actors like Bill Skarsgard in lead roles.
Elder Scrolls Online’s rumors system offers ‘an old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience’
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing a new 'rumor system' on September 28th, designed to offer a less guided, 'old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience.' This system categorizes quests into Whispers, Plots, and Conspiracies, with increasing difficulty and requiring players to connect clues without extensive UI guidance.
"If the player trusts you enough, they are not going to savescum": Why the makers of some of the best RPGs on PC want you to get used to failing
Several RPG developers discuss the concept of player failure in digital versus tabletop role-playing games. They explore how game design can encourage players to embrace failure as a narrative tool rather than something to be avoided through savescumming, emphasizing trust and agency.
After playing Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, this huge expansion is the second wind the game needs
An early hands-on preview of the Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance expansion reveals a significant upgrade for the base game, introducing a new vertical zone, Skybound Eyrie, and enhanced monster AI. The expansion also adds the Boost Bracer system, allowing players to enter a powered-up state with unique super attacks, aiming to increase combat intensity and provide a fresh challenge for experienced hunters.
Chadley Is Back For Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, Whether You Like It Or Not
Despite player complaints about his omnipresence in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Chadley will return with an expanded role in Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. Game director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed Chadley will have his own laboratory on the Highwind and will be more involved in the main story, while his AI assistant Mai will take over guiding players through open-world exploration.
The Daily Grind: Which MMORPG do you think deserves a movie adaptation?
This article discusses which MMORPGs deserve a movie adaptation, acknowledging the poor reception of the Warcraft film. It prompts readers to consider games with strong stories or those that fit well into film genres, regardless of gameplay quality.
"We will not force it": The Blood of Dawnwalker's sequel might drop the timer mechanics, says director, but I hope they stick around
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, stated that the game's divisive 30-day timer mechanics may not return in future entries if they don't fit the narrative. Rebel Wolves is exploring new ideas to differentiate their RPGs from titles like The Witcher, while also considering player feedback on the current timer's effectiveness.
Guild Wars 3 dev wants you to be able to take a break for months at a time and know you're "not going to be left behind"
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre is still thriving and that Guild Wars 3 aims to address common player concerns about time commitment. He emphasizes the need for games to allow meaningful progress in short sessions and for players to be able to take extended breaks without falling behind.
The Blood of Dawnwalker sequels might include the RPG's controversial time limit, director confirms, but devs…
Rebel Wolves director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz confirmed that sequels to The Blood of Dawnwalker may feature the controversial in-game time limit mechanic. The team is still deciding whether to implement it, aiming to use it to enhance urgency where appropriate, but is also exploring other innovative ideas for the RPG genre. The original game's time limit was a significant talking point among players.
Get a first look at Monster Hunter Wilds running on Nintendo Switch 2
The first gameplay footage of Monster Hunter Wilds running on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has been revealed, showcasing 17 minutes of handheld mode. Capcom presented this version ahead of its appearance at the 2026 Tokyo Game Show, highlighting the game's dynamic environments and the hunter's struggle for survival.
Sniper Dan review – a shooting gallery for pacifists
Sniper Dan is a cheerful, colorful hidden object game rather than a true sniper simulation, where players use a rifle to help townsfolk with comical calamities. While its unique premise and silly humor are enjoyable, the gameplay falters when objectives become hard to find or when quick-time events expose the gunplay's lack of precision. Despite its budget price and suitability for children, it doesn't fully live up to its potential.
Control Resonant vs Control – 10 Biggest Changes You Need to Know
Control Resonant introduces significant changes compared to its predecessor, Control. The sequel features a non-linear campaign structure, boss encounters that permanently alter the game world, and a zone-based progression system instead of traditional character leveling. Combat encounters are less restrictive, dialogue choices can have consequences, and players will need multiple playthroughs to unlock all content, pushing it further into action-RPG territory.
INTERVIEW Jigrapher, From Plant Budz 98
An interview with Phil Walsh (Jigrapher), game designer and coder for Plant Budz 98, and composer Peter Karman. The game, published by G-Bean Studios, is described as a wholesome experience with a blend of genres and a touch of nostalgia for 20th-century gamers.
The First Zombie announced for Nintendo Switch
Phoenixx has unveiled The First Zombie, a "reverse" zombie game coming to Nintendo Switch. Players control humanity's first zombie, aiming to multiply the undead by "making friends" with humans and transforming Tokyo into a zombie city. Kentaro Fujii, known for Wednesday Downtown, is producing the game, with a release date to be announced.
Get a good look at Control Resonant's otherworldly bosses in a PC Gaming Show exclusive extended interview
Remedy developers discuss Control Resonant, the upcoming ARPG sequel to Control, in an extended interview. Creative director Mikael Kasurinen and art director Elmeri Raitanen highlight inspirations like M.C. Escher and films such as Paprika, while lead level designer Anne-Marie Grönroos details the game's open-world elements and the unique 'Resonant' bosses. Composer Petri Alanko also explains his innovative approach to the game's soundtrack.
Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter review for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Second Chapter is an extraordinary continuation of the first game, offering a massive adventure that expands upon its predecessor's foundations. The JRPG excels in its interconnected storytelling, rewarding exploration, and fluid combat system, all presented beautifully on the Nintendo Switch 2. While not recommended for newcomers, it's a deeply emotional and memorable experience for fans of the series.
WoW: Forever Is More Than Classic+, It’s WoW 2
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a new iteration of its MMORPG that goes beyond the expected 'Classic+' update. The game introduces significant visual overhauls, new quests, dungeons, raids, and systems like transmog and a legacy perk tree. It aims to blend the nostalgia of World of Warcraft Classic with modern features, offering a fresh experience for long-time players.
As Wardogs hits a "perfectly acceptable decline," studio boss asks players what they want to change: "Remember, we're in charge here, we're the ones with the vision"
Despite Wardogs' player count declining from its peak, developer Bulkhead is seeking player feedback on issues and design decisions for future updates. CEO Joe Brammer emphasized that the studio retains creative control while encouraging community input, though some players have offered humorous or trivial suggestions.
Parts of GTA 6 are "a bit outdated and weird," says former Rockstar dev, but "like GTA 5" it will "perform really well" and keep fans busy for a decade
A former Rockstar Games developer, Mike York, shared his insights on Grand Theft Auto 6, noting that while some elements appear "outdated and weird," the game is expected to perform well and engage players for a decade, similar to Grand Theft Auto 5. He also commented on the distinct personalities of the protagonists, Jason and Lucia, and Rockstar's strict internal policies regarding employee social media presence.
The Blood of Dawnwalker's controversial time mechanic won't necessarily be in a sequel, the game director says
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, has stated that the game's controversial time mechanic may not be included in future installments. He indicated that the mechanic, which imposes a time limit on quests and actions, will only be used if it fits the narrative, and that Rebel Wolves is exploring other innovative ideas for the RPG genre. Tomaszkiewicz acknowledged player complaints but defended the mechanic's balance, noting that most content is achievable within the time limit and that mods exist for those who prefer to play without it.
