Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Big Walk patch addresses voice volume complaints with restraint: 'We consider it an important part of the game's design that you can only hear players who are close to you'
Developer House House has released a patch for Big Walk to address player complaints about quiet proximity voice chat. The update aims to increase the volume for players with quieter microphone setups without altering the game's core design of limited voice range. The studio considers this a significant fix but will monitor feedback for potential future adjustments.
Pushing the limits in Simulating a City, One Page at a Time
Stone Librande discussed his 'one-page design' methodology used during the development of SimCity (2013) at GDC. He explored how this approach, focused on concise visual communication, was pushed to its limits throughout the project's lifecycle, proving effective for team buy-in and problem-solving despite the complexity of the game.
Baldur's Gate 3 is a "great sequel" because it's so different from the original RPGs, says…
Former Baldur's Gate and Dragon Age developer Mark Darrah believes Baldur's Gate 3 is a great sequel precisely because it deviates significantly from the original games. He highlights Larian Studios' ability to blend their own CRPG influences with the Baldur's Gate legacy, creating a modern experience rather than a literal imitation.
Overwatch's new mech hero is the sword-and-board sequel to D.Va, except her code isn't 'a plate of…
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed D.Mon, a new mech hero for Overwatch, set to debut in season 4. Unlike D.Va, D.Mon is designed as a single entity, simplifying development and maintenance. She features an energy sword and shield, functioning as a tank with a dash ability and a powerful ultimate called Limit Break.
Warframe of Mind: The problem with Warframe’s Dog Days of summer
This article discusses the recurring issue with Warframe's limited-time events, particularly the 'Dog Days' summer event, and how they fail to provide long-term engagement for veteran players. While the game is designed for players to take breaks, the current content update strategy lacks sufficient depth and variety, leading to a feeling of mandatory breaks rather than optional ones. The author hopes future updates will offer more substantial content with longer-lasting appeal.
Game of the Week – Big Walk is a brilliant co-op puzzler that's more than "friendslop"
Big Walk is a brilliant co-op puzzler that offers mind-bending design and the joy of playing with friends. Developed by House House, the game requires players to collaboratively build a language to solve puzzles without explicit instructions. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, Big Walk takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete and is part of August 2026's PlayStation Plus Essentials.
Mistfall Hunter Review – Risk Gives Way to Mist
Mistfall Hunter offers a more approachable take on the extraction genre by softening its traditional frustrations and ensuring progression even after failed expeditions. While its Souls-inspired combat and diverse class system shine, the game's progression becomes overly complex with overlapping systems and multiple currencies. The developer, Bellring Games, has also locked solo players out of the second map, which detracts from the experience despite the game's otherwise solid combat and buildcrafting.
Rush is Real adds ex-Escape from Tarkov designer to its roster, and he hopes to "change the fabric" of videogames
Nomion Games, a new studio founded by former Escape from Tarkov veterans, has hired Jean Tyulegenov, the former Lead Game Designer of Escape from Tarkov, as its Creative Director. Tyulegenov, who conceived the idea for the studio's upcoming FPS game 'Rush is Real,' aims to innovate player motivation mechanics and create a unique experience distinct from existing tactical shooters. The studio, also featuring former Battlestate Games PR personnel Dmitry Ogorodnikov and German Terekhov, is actively engaging with its community through Discord for feedback and early access to in-game nicknames.
The Daily Grind: How many MMORPGs have you played to date?
This article discusses the common feature in MMORPGs where players know who crafted their in-game gear, noting its prevalence across many titles. It highlights the surprise of a player who, despite playing for 13 years and several MMORPGs, had never encountered this feature. The author also touches on the broader topic of player engagement with game developers and artisans.
WoW's changing how world bosses work because they've 'really been a little bit lackluster' in recent…
World of Warcraft is changing its world boss format in the upcoming Curse of Ula'tek patch, shifting them to a 'lair' system that functions like scaled dungeons for 15-25 players. Lead encounter designer Taylor Sanders explained that the change aims to address lackluster recent world boss experiences, which often involved players clustering around a boss that died quickly or struggling to find groups. The new system will allow players to queue for world bosses, offering a more accessible and engaging combat experience, though it sacrifices the chaotic, emergent feel of stumbling upon a world boss in progress.
EDGE #427 review scores – Big Walk, Splatoon Raiders, more
EDGE magazine's October 2026 issue, #427, features review scores for several Nintendo-related titles including Big Walk (9/10) and Splatoon Raiders (8/10). Other games reviewed include Palworld (5/10) and Veritas Tales (7/10). Excerpts highlight the emotional impact of Big Walk's exploration and the chaotic, rewarding gameplay of Splatoon Raiders.
The makers of the glorious Othercide have another tactics RPG bloodbath out in September, with a playtest live now
Lightbulb Crew, the developers behind the tactics RPG Othercide, have announced their new game Ex Sanguis will launch on September 10th. A demo is currently available on Steam. Ex Sanguis appears to be a roguelite tactics game with a focus on timing, positioning, and environmental interactions, similar to Othercide but with a modern roguelite campaign structure.
Surprise! The original Quake gets a free expansion on all platforms to celebrate its 30th birthday
To celebrate Quake's 30th birthday, id Software and MachineGames have surprise-released a free expansion, Quake: Dawn of the Machine, on all platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The expansion features a 19-map campaign with a looping structure, new enemies, weapons, and a soundtrack, offering a fresh take on the classic shooter with roguelike elements.
Halo Co-Creator Says Issues With Campaign Evolved Are Taking “A Back Seat to the Fun”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto believes criticisms of the Halo: Campaign Evolved remake are overblown, stating that the game's fun factor outweighs its issues. Lehto praised the remake's lighting, animations, cinematics, and movement, while acknowledging minor gripes, including some cringe-worthy cinematics and overly heavy-handed hints for new players. The remake has been released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, though initial sales on PlayStation 5 were reportedly overshadowed by other releases.
Beast of Reincarnation – Why Are Players Divided?
Beast of Reincarnation, Game Freak's latest title, has received a divided reception from critics and players, reflected in its mixed Metascore and Steam ratings. While praised for its art direction and combat potential, criticisms include technical issues, janky cutscenes, camera problems, and a slow start with limited enemy variety. Despite these flaws, the game offers depth in its build customization and narrative progression, though many suggest waiting for patches or a price drop.
Best Palworld 1.0 Solo Settings to Cut the Grind, Not the Fun | Two Average Gamers
This guide for Palworld 1.0 explains how to adjust game settings to reduce tedious chores without sacrificing the core gameplay challenge. It differentiates between 'difficulty sliders' that affect combat and 'friction sliders' that impact repetitive tasks like inventory management and base maintenance. The article recommends specific settings to save time, such as reducing item weight and structure deterioration, while advising players to leave combat-related settings untouched to preserve the intended difficulty.
BioWare vets' new X Files-like mystery game could "not exist in the AAA space" that would rather "throw money at a problem" than experiment
Studio Reset, an indie developer comprised of BioWare veterans, is creating a supernatural mystery game called The Eventide. The developers believe that AAA studios are too risk-averse to create games with the unique "neon-noir" aesthetic and investigative gameplay that The Eventide offers. The game, built in Unreal Engine 5, focuses on creative freedom and mature narrative themes, distinguishing itself from the larger, more experimental-averse AAA space.
Couple's dispute over playing Slay the Spire 2 in bed gets a ruling from comedian John Hodgman: 'Pick an…
Comedian and podcast host John Hodgman has ruled on a dispute between a couple regarding playing video games in bed. The ruling, made on his show 'Judge John Hodgman,' states that it is permissible to play 'Slay the Spire 2' on a laptop in bed, even if a partner objects, as long as it does not directly impede their sleep.
Fading Echo announced for Nintendo Switch 2
New Tales and Emeteria have announced that Fading Echo, an action-adventure game focused on water manipulation and elemental interactions, will be released for the Nintendo Switch 2 this fall. Players control One, a young Legend who can shift between human and water forms to traverse surreal worlds, solve puzzles, and engage in fast-paced combat against the Paradox corruption.
Brighter Shores lead dev Andrew Gower talks with players in-game about combat update plans
Andrew Gower, lead developer for the MMORPG Brighter Shores, discussed upcoming combat updates directly with players in-game. The plans include multi-combat encounters, AoE attacks, wave survival modes, consumable health regeneration, loot chests for rare cosmetics, and a repeatable boss. The first of five planned combat updates is expected later this month.
