Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Wardogs is getting loadouts, CEO confirms, but the devs want you to "keep trying different weapons rather than…
Wardogs developer Bulkhead, through CEO Joe Brammer, has confirmed that custom loadouts are coming to the game. The feature was intentionally withheld to encourage players and the development team to experiment with a wider variety of weapons for better testing and data collection. Loadouts will be an unlockable feature within the game's meta-progression.
Ace Combat 8’s Best Fights Begin in the Clouds
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve offers spectacular aerial combat where weather elements like clouds and icing significantly impact gameplay. While the game excels in its urgent, action-packed sorties and tactical preparation, its uneven storytelling, pacing issues, and occasional mission design flaws hold it back from perfection.
Hidden content made Baldur's Gate 3 special, but Fallout co-creator worries RPGs are ditching secrets because "nobody thinks people will find things on their own"
Fallout co-creator Timothy Cain expresses concern that modern RPGs are becoming too linear and are ditching hidden content because developers and publishers are prioritizing unseen content and common player experiences. He argues that this trend, exemplified by the move away from unguided exploration and optional dialogue, diminishes the sense of discovery that made older RPGs special, though he acknowledges that beloved studios like Larian and FromSoftware may continue to include such features.
I’m Enjoying Fire Emblem More By Not Playing Fire Emblem More
This article offers a contrarian take on enjoying Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave by suggesting players engage with it less. The author argues that while the core tactical gameplay is excellent, the abundance of chores and side activities can make the experience feel like a slog. By selectively engaging with content and skipping less rewarding tasks, players can better appreciate the game's strengths.
ISK: Podd-dags med Toem 2 & Lucas och Niklas - "Skönt att kunna avsluta en upplevelse!"
Lucas Gullbo and Niklas Mikkelsen from Something We Made discuss their recently released game, Toem 2. The developers share insights into their creative process, inspirations drawn from Nordic landscapes and Swedish children's media like Mumin and Jan Lööf, and their experiences at game festivals.
Casually Classic: The good, the bad, and the pretty of the Skyborne
The inclusion of the new Skyborne race in World of Warcraft Classic is a divisive topic, with some seeing it as a bold strategic move by Blizzard to signal a departure from the 'no changes' philosophy and others criticizing its aesthetic and lore disconnect. While the race's design may be jarring to some long-time fans, its potential as a revenue stream through optional purchases and its appeal to players seeking new content could lead to broader acceptance.
The Treasure Chest Trick Behind Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors' success, including its BAFTA win over Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarok, is partly attributed to its engaging chest drop mechanic, inspired by slot machine design. Creator Luca Galante, who previously worked on gambling software, meticulously crafted the sound and visual feedback for these moments, demonstrating how detailed polish in small interactions can significantly enhance player experience and drive genre innovation.
Perfect Ten: Why Fallen Earth deserves a second chance with its Unity remake
This article argues that the MMORPG Fallen Earth deserves a second chance, highlighting its unique blend of post-apocalyptic and western themes, dark humor, and innovative gameplay mechanics like its faction system and semi-survival crafting. The author expresses hope for the game's future, particularly with its ongoing remake in the Unity engine by Little Orbit.
Arc Raiders' PvE test is finally here and it's the perfect reason to jump back in
Embark Studios has launched a Player versus Environment (PvE) test for Arc Raiders, offering a more relaxed experience for players who prefer exploration and cooperative play over PvP combat. This PvE toggle allows players to enjoy the game's world and challenges without the constant threat of other players, fostering a more communal atmosphere.
Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake’s Dedicated Jump Button Is Good, Actually
The addition of a dedicated jump button to the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a positive change that enhances the modern feel of the game. While the original game did not feature a jump button, its inclusion in the remake, based on hands-on experience, feels natural and improves exploration without fundamentally altering the game's design.
Ocarina of Time Remake Hands-On Preview (Switch 2)
A preview of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 showcases a reimagined Kokiri Forest, Hyrule Field, and Castle Town. The updated version features enhanced visuals, a new orchestral score, and modernized controls including a manual jump and free camera movement, aiming to capture the original's sense of awe with a dreamcore aesthetic.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Is Surprisingly More Different Than You Think | IGN Preview
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is not a direct 1:1 translation, featuring redesigned challenges, updated controls, and a detailed art style that redefines combat and puzzle-solving. The remake focuses on depth and theatrical inspirations, offering a fresh approach to the classic story.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time modernizes an all-time great
A hands-on preview of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch reveals modernized visuals and gameplay features, including manual jumping and motion controls for aiming. The remake retains the classic adventure's charm while updating it for contemporary players.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake preview - the once and future king
A preview of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time highlights its graphical overhaul and updated gameplay. While the remake is a visual masterpiece, some changes like manual jumping and the inability to rename Link have drawn criticism.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Has Figured Out How To Balance Old With New | Preview
This preview discusses how The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manages to balance its classic gameplay elements with modern design sensibilities. It highlights the game's enduring appeal and its influence on contemporary game development.
My Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Skepticism Vanished After Playing It
A hands-on preview of the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time reveals that initial skepticism about the project has vanished. The remake successfully balances reverence for the original design with modernizations like a jump button, updated visuals, and voice acting, making the classic feel fresh yet familiar.
GTA 6’s Nightclubs Have An Absurd Amount Of Detail, Right Down To The Lighting
Grand Theft Auto 6 developer Rockstar Games has put an extensive amount of detail into its fictional nightclubs, including realistic lighting systems that sync with music. Artist Aaron Garbut revealed that research trips to Miami informed the design, resulting in unique animations and scripts for patrons and a bar full of distinct drinks. This level of detail aims to make the game world more immersive than previous titles.
Haunted Chocolatier is still 'a town game', but it'll be more of an action RPG: 'It's for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines'
Haunted Chocolatier is described as a town game with a stronger focus on action RPG elements, including adventuring, combat, and boss fights, appealing to players who enjoy the mine exploration in Stardew Valley. Developer ConcernedApe aims to recapture the feeling of creating Stardew Valley without external pressure, acknowledging the challenge of following up such a successful title.
Games Inbox: What video game console is best to get for Christmas?
Readers debate which console to purchase for Christmas, weighing the merits of the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Discussions touch on upcoming games like Grand Theft Auto 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, alongside opinions on Gears of War: E-Day and concerns about AI in game development.
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser says he 'failed' with Max Payne 3, and I'm sorry Danno but that's…
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed regret over Max Payne 3, calling it a personal failure due to its perceived reception and deviation from the original games' tone. However, the author of this article argues that Houser is mistaken, highlighting the game's cinematic brilliance, strong performances, and unique Rockstar identity as reasons why it was not a failure.
