Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
GTA 6 may end up being too 'grounded' according to first official preview
The first preview of Grand Theft Auto 6 suggests the game will be more 'grounded' and realistic, potentially impacting the series' traditional chaotic gameplay. Features like controlling both characters simultaneously, realistic NPC reactions to player actions, and character weight gain/muscle building based on diet and exercise have been highlighted. The article speculates that this focus on realism might deviate from the series' established DNA.
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros isn't even out yet and it already feels ancient
Game of Thrones: War for Westeros, an upcoming RTS based on the HBO series, is criticized for feeling dated and ill-timed, especially with its 2027 release date following the show's conclusion in 2019. While competent, the game's Age of Empires-style mechanics fail to capture the epic scale of the source material, leading to a dry and predictable experience despite some factional asymmetry.
Baldur's Gate 3 is "a great game," but Warlock devs say their own virtual D&D experience is…
Invoke Studios' upcoming Dungeons & Dragons game, Warlock, is being developed with a very different approach compared to Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3. While acknowledging Baldur's Gate 3 as a great game, Invoke Studios' Jeffrey Hattem stated that Warlock is set in a distinct D&D setting, the Domain of Dread, and will not be turn-based.
FC 27 will "let the game breathe," even if it's not perfectly balanced
EA Sports aims to "let the game breathe" with FC 27, prioritizing stability and player mastery over frequent balance patches. Developers Kantcho Doskov and Sam Rivera explained that major issues like exploits will be addressed, but the focus is on consistent mechanics, particularly in defending, which required a complete rewrite of the interception system.
Why Progression Systems Keep Casual Games Engaging for Years - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Game progression systems are crucial for maintaining long-term player engagement in casual games by offering a balance of instant gratification and future goals. Mechanics like unlocks, upgrades, collections, and levels provide players with continuous reasons to play, while effective design ensures progression remains challenging yet attainable, preventing frustration and encouraging continued play.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour Has the YA YA YA YA YAs but Stumbles With the “World” Part of World Tour – Gamescom 2026
Crazy Taxi: World Tour offers a straightforward arcade racing experience, eschewing modern complexities like skill trees and crafting. However, the article expresses concern that the "World Tour" aspect may not be fully realized in the game's level design.
I'm still not convinced The Witcher 3 Songs of the Past is worth pasting over the perfect ending that was Blood and Wine
The author expresses skepticism about the upcoming "Songs of the Past" DLC for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, questioning its necessity given the perceived perfect ending provided by the "Blood and Wine" expansion. While acknowledging the potential for more content and the involvement of veteran developers, concerns are raised about whether this new addition will enhance or detract from Geralt's established conclusion, especially with a potential remaster also on the horizon.
How to utterly embarrass yourself while “playing” Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch 2
This guide offers humorous advice for new players tackling Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting common pitfalls like character customization over class choice, performance issues in docked mode, and the game's unforgiving nature. Despite the challenges, the article praises the game's impressive presentation on the Switch 2 and its suitability for portable play.
Minecraft Dungeons II: The New Features Being Shown at gamescom 2026
Minecraft Dungeons II will feature new mechanics like a Blacksmith for upgrading gear and an Enchantsmith for adding new effects, alongside a new hub town called Brave Haven. The sequel also introduces a new boss, the Copper Monstrosity, and quality-of-life improvements such as an on-screen inventory option for quicker item management, especially for couch co-op players. The game is set to launch on September 29 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and will be available on Game Pass, with additional releases on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Iron Soul Dungeon Armor Tier List [BEST Chestplates and Helmets]
This guide provides an Iron Soul Dungeon Armor Tier List, ranking chestplates and helmets from best to worst. It details various armor sets like Molten Armor, Void Bastion, and Horned Plate, along with how to obtain them through forging.
Dragon Quest 7 was going to be an open-world game, series creator Yuji Horii says, but "the story fell apart" so the team had to "add some degree of order to it"
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii revealed that Dragon Quest 7 was initially planned as an open-world game. However, the development team had to rework the design to add more order to the exploration because the story 'fell apart' in its initial open-ended state.
Having played it, Tides of Annihilation looks to be a flashy, combo-heavy game of Simon Says
Tides of Annihilation is a stylish, combo-heavy action game that blends various mythologies for a unique visual presentation. The combat system, featuring summonable knights that enhance combo chains, is a standout feature, though the game's reliance on Simon Says-like reactive prompts and excessive hand-holding are noted concerns. Despite these issues, the preview suggests potential for engaging swordplay and exciting boss battles.
Förhandstitt: Heroes of Might & Magic 3: Remake
Ubisoft is developing a remake of Heroes of Might & Magic 3, aiming to preserve the original's charm while updating visuals with 4K resolution, dynamic lighting, and a 3D world. The remake will feature new cutscenes and animations, with the option to switch between 2D and 3D perspectives. Ubisoft has promised compatibility with old maps and fan-made campaigns, and the preview session highlighted an intuitive interface and challenging gameplay reminiscent of the original.
Roblox applies restrictions to games featuring "reward-driven media feeds" available in Roblox Kids and Select
Roblox has implemented a new policy restricting "reward-driven media feeds" within its Kids and Select categories. This change specifically targets games that combine media feeds with mechanics like autoplay, infinite scroll, and rewards for continuous viewing, aiming to enhance child safety on the platform. The policy was reportedly enacted following issues with the game 'Steal an Egg'.
Emuurom Review
Emuurom is a game with a fantastic aesthetic and clever "peaceful" mechanics, though it requires a significant time commitment to play. The review highlights an "anger a nature spirit" mechanic as a particularly noteworthy WTF moment.
Metro 2039 executive producer says the game brings back the 'spookiness' of the claustrophobic metro tunnels from the first games while also offering open world zones: 'We didn't want to ditch everything that we did in Metro Exodus'
Metro 2039 executive producer Jon Bloch stated that the game will reintroduce the claustrophobic tunnel exploration from earlier titles while retaining open-world elements from Metro Exodus. Creative director Andriy Shevchenko added that the team aims to blend the best aspects of both approaches to create a compelling, immersive story. Metro 2039 is set to release in February 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a focus on optimization across all platforms.
'If we stuck with the silent protagonist method, we wouldn't be able to tell this story properly' — Metro 2039 executive producer says making The Stranger a speaking protagonist 'goes hand in hand with telling a personal story'
4A Games executive producer Jon Bloch stated that Metro 2039's new protagonist, The Stranger, is a speaking character to better tell a darker, more personal story. This contrasts with the silent protagonists of previous Metro titles, allowing for deeper exploration of the character's motivations and feelings. Metro 2039 is set to release in February 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
From Boss Battles to Bonus Rounds: How Games Build Toward Big Moments
This article discusses how game developers meticulously plan and build tension towards significant moments like boss battles and bonus rounds. It draws parallels between video game design principles, such as pacing and psychological tactics used by figures like Shinji Mikami, and the mechanics found in casino slot games. The piece highlights how Elden Ring and its DLC, under Hidetaka Miyazaki's direction, exemplify this approach to creating engaging and climactic player experiences.
GTA 6 Leak Suggests Rockstar Has Tripled the Length of a Full In-Game Day
A leak from Grand Theft Auto VI suggests that the in-game day-night cycle will be three times longer than in Grand Theft Auto V, lasting 144 minutes compared to the previous game's 48 minutes. This change indicates Rockstar Games' confidence in having enough content to fill the extended in-game time, addressing player feedback about the rapid day-night transitions in earlier titles. Grand Theft Auto VI is set to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 Gamescom Demo Showcases Intelligent Design Changes In Action
The Gamescom 2026 demo for Minecraft Dungeons 2 showcases intelligent design changes, including a new combat system with jumping and an improved inventory management system for co-op play. The game introduces a new world called The Sift, featuring a sprawling map with a lot to explore. The art direction and charm are highlighted as key elements that will keep players engaged.
