Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
How Silent Hill: Townfall gets deep into its protagonist's headspace
Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by Screen Burn, aims to deliver a deeply immersive psychological horror experience through a first-person perspective. The game focuses on protagonist Simon Ordell's internal struggles and his search for his significant other in the eerie Scottish town of St. Amelia, incorporating social commentary and analog horror elements. Developers Jon McKellan and Motoi Okamoto emphasize a grounded narrative and character connections, drawing inspiration from intelligent thrillers and drawing parallels to games like Alien Isolation for its survival mechanics.
Exclusive interview: More than meets the eye: How Stern built its new Transformers pinball machine
Stern Pinball's new Transformers machine blends traditional pinball mechanics with modern video game development techniques, featuring complex software, online connectivity, and intricate mechanical engineering. Lead Game Designer Elliot Eismin and Lead Software Engineer Elizabeth Gieske discuss the challenges of integrating the Transformers license, balancing gameplay for different skill levels, and the evolution of pinball design.
If you bounced off Baldur's Gate 3: now is the time to try again
This article discusses the author's initial negative experience with Baldur's Gate 3, citing its complexity and D&D jargon. After a second playthrough, influenced by watching cast members play D&D, the author found a deeper appreciation for the game's freedom, character depth, and its impact on popular culture and video game acting.
Mistfall Hunter is more Dark Souls than Arc Raiders, thanks to infusing its extraction shooter structure with RPG vibes
Mistfall Hunter aims to blend the Soulslike genre with extraction shooter mechanics, featuring brutal combat, RPG elements, and PvPvE encounters. While the core loop shows promise, the game currently struggles with a user interface that is described as overwhelming and convoluted, particularly on PlayStation 5. Despite these issues, the developers are working on refining the experience, with a planned release for July 20, 2026.
Ustwo Games was pushed out of mobile by the rise of free-to-play – but the mobile way of doing things is coming to PC
Ustwo Games is shifting its strategy from mobile-first to PC-first, citing the dominance of the free-to-play model on mobile and a desire to focus on premium, narrative-driven experiences. CEO Maria Sayans and CCO Daniel Gray explained that while this transition is challenging, the studio aims to retain its core identity while adapting its development philosophy for a new audience. Other mobile-focused companies like Outfit7 are also exploring PC releases, indicating a broader trend of diversification within the industry.
One of Mario's iconic abilities was actually just a glitch in the NES original, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto decided "it's fun" so "leave it as is"
Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that Mario's ability to dash across small gaps in the original Super Mario Bros. was an unintended bug. He decided to keep the feature because it was fun, and it has remained a staple in the series. This glitch-turned-feature is one of several examples discussed, including hidden blocks in the same game and significant glitches in other titles like Hitman, Civilization, and Street Fighter 2.
Accessibility Features That Improve Both Video Games and Online Gaming Platforms - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Accessibility features are increasingly driving innovation in gaming, becoming an expected standard for millions of players. These improvements, ranging from customizable controls to larger text and colorblind modes, enhance the experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. The global market for accessible video games is substantial, reflecting the industry's investment in inclusive design, which is also being adopted by online gaming platforms to improve usability.
The Last Of Us Co-Director Asks Why You Even Care About GTA 6, And The Internet Has Thoughts
Bruce Straley, co-director of The Last of Us, sparked online discussion by asking followers why they are excited for Grand Theft Auto 6, expressing his own uncertainty about the game's appeal. Responses ranged from anticipation for dynamic weather systems and nonlinear missions to debates about deep gameplay systems versus mass appeal.
Casual Gamers Are Finding Their Way Into Canada's Sports Betting Scene - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This article analyzes how sports betting apps in Canada, particularly in newly opened markets like Alberta, borrow heavily from casual and free-to-play mobile game design principles. It highlights how mechanics like streak counters and progress bars are repurposed, creating a sense of familiarity but masking the fundamental difference between a solvable game system and a priced market. The analysis suggests that while transferable skills from puzzle games are limited to skepticism, understanding this design inversion is key for consumers.
Big Walk Is One Of The Best Co-Op Games Ever
Big Walk is a unique co-op puzzle-adventure game where 2-12 players explore a vast island, solving inventive puzzles together. Developed by House House, the game emphasizes teamwork, communication, and player-driven discovery, offering a deeply rewarding experience on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
The Soulslike genre has grown stale after Elden Ring, and only FromSoftware can take it to strange new places
The article argues that the Soulslike genre has become stagnant since Elden Ring, with many developers iterating on FromSoftware's formula without significant innovation. It suggests that only FromSoftware itself can revitalize the genre by taking it in new, unexpected directions, potentially by shifting focus from open-world expansiveness to deeper mechanics or by embracing a more distinct aesthetic like anime.
The Unseen Parallels Between Modern Gaming and Online Casinos
This article draws parallels between the modern gaming industry and online casinos, highlighting similarities in loot boxes, aesthetics, and community features. It suggests that these converging elements offer players a more seamless and engaging experience across both digital entertainment forms.
Three Overwatch maps are getting a huge rework, and they're coming sooner than you think
Blizzard Entertainment is reworking three Overwatch maps: Busan, Eichenwalde, and Paraíso, with the changes set to arrive in Season 4. Game Producer Ren Soanes stated that player feedback and alleviating pain points were key factors in the redesigns, which also aim to support major story beats. The reworks focus on adjusting layouts to be more attacker-friendly and reduce choke points.
Weekend Discussion - August 2, 2026
This Weekend Discussion post from Shacknews reflects on various topics including a potential Ocarina of Time remake, strategies for Surviving Mars, the value of physical media, and music recommendations. It also highlights recent Shacknews articles covering Gears of War: E-Day, Blue Reflection Quartet, and Silent Hill: Townfall.
MMO Week in Review: I want to believe
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates and announcements for numerous titles including Stars Reach, EverQuest Legends, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV. Key stories include Stars Reach's official early access date, Elder Scrolls Online's post-layoff roadmap, and Guild Wars 3 revealing its composers. The article also touches on game development, business practices, and player sentiment across various MMORPGs.
What’s Really Happening With Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake utilizing Unreal Engine 5, has launched to mixed reception despite generally positive critic scores. While it performed moderately on consoles, particularly Xbox via Game Pass, its PC launch on Steam saw significantly lower concurrent player counts compared to previous Halo titles. The article analyzes this lukewarm reception, attributing it to potential shifts in Xbox leadership and strategy, and questions the franchise's future direction.
Silent Hill: Townfall’s CRTV is “Authentic” Because Screen Burn Actually Used (and Abused) Old TVs
Silent Hill: Townfall developer Screen Burn is using authentic CRT screen effects for its in-game device by feeding footage through old hardware and intentionally damaging cables. Director Jon McKellan stated this approach is crucial for the story's feel, differentiating it from traditional maps. The game will feature five endings, with two secret ones unlocked via New Game Plus, and releases September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Beast of Reincarnation – 15 More Essential Details You Need to Know
Beast of Reincarnation will feature a 30-hour playtime with side quests and a unique bond mechanic between the protagonist Emma and her canine companion Koo. The game draws inspiration from Sekiro and Soulslikes, offering features like no consequences on death, persistent world progress, and distinct progression paths for Emma and Koo. It will be a day one release on Game Pass for $59.99, with a Deluxe Edition available for $79.99, and will support PlayStation 5 DualSense features and PC specifications.
As hype builds for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, Remake and Rebirth continue to sell well
Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth are selling "several times better" than expected, according to trilogy director Naoki Hamaguchi. He noted that sales of the earlier games rise whenever a new installment in the trilogy gains attention, and that the PC market, particularly in Simplified Chinese, is a growing factor. Hamaguchi also stated that player feedback is influencing design choices for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, with minigames becoming skippable and rewards being adjusted.
Baldur's Gate 3 is the cheapest it's ever been to celebrate its third anniversary
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available at its lowest price ever on Steam, celebrating its third anniversary with a 30% discount, bringing the cost down to $42. The article highlights the game's critical acclaim, its deep RPG mechanics based on Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, compelling narrative, and extensive moddability.
