Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy May Get Traditional Games if the Idea “Truly Resonates” With Fans, Says Square Enix
Square Enix is considering traditional remakes of older Final Fantasy titles if they resonate with fans, following the HD-2D remake of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The company aims to balance market trends with player expectations, assessing which games would benefit from modern mechanics or complete remakes. This approach contrasts with the high-budget, open-world style of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s First 18 Minutes Showcased in New Video
A new video showcases the first 18 minutes of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, featuring protagonist Edward Kenway in a naval tutorial sequence before he becomes an assassin. The game, releasing July 9th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, will feature modernized combat and extensive underwater exploration. Technical director Jussi Markkanen highlighted the reactive, hitbox-based combat system and new secrets to discover.
Obsidian decided to do Grounded 2 once it settled on creating bug mounts
Obsidian Entertainment decided to develop Grounded 2 because the original game's design did not support the new bug mount feature. The sequel is built from the ground up to properly utilize this system, requiring a revamped world. Grounded 2 also drops support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to focus on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, allowing for technological advancements.
Brigador devs think it's crucial that their abrasive, hardcore mech sims aren't for everyone: 'I think we…
Stellar Jockeys developers Jack and Hugh Monahan believe their hardcore mech simulators like Brigador and Brigador Killers are intentionally not for everyone, embracing a 'boy slop' aesthetic. They argue that creative passion and a degree of difficulty are essential for building strong player communities and maintaining artistic integrity, rather than solely focusing on broad market appeal.
Alien: Isolation 2 devs address what took so long to get to the sequel
Creative Director Al Hope and Animation Director Simon Ridge of Creative Assembly discussed the decade-long gap between Alien: Isolation and its sequel, Alien: Isolation 2. They explained that the studio has been busy with other projects and felt now was the right time to return to the franchise. The interview also touched upon the challenges of moving the xenomorph's hunting ground outdoors for the sequel.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 49
This article highlights several underappreciated games, including the solo-developed survival horror Tache Noire, the free roguelite KIBORG: Arena which shaped its full release, a Game Boy Advance port of Crazy Taxi, and the Gothic-inspired adventure The Island of Doctor Morose. It discusses their unique gameplay mechanics, potential bugs, and reasons for their obscurity.
Live Service Games for Busy Adults: The 2026 Ranking | TAG
This article ranks live service games based on their suitability for players with limited time, evaluating factors like return friendliness, session flexibility, FOMO pressure, and catch-up cost. Deep Rock Galactic and Helldivers 2 are highlighted as the most casual-friendly options, while games like Destiny 2 and ranked Apex Legends are deemed unsuitable for adult schedules due to their punishing nature for irregular play and aggressive battle pass systems.
Live Service Games Worth Your Time 2026 | TAG
This guide offers strategies for busy adults to navigate the demanding landscape of live service games in 2026. It advises prioritizing titles like Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, and Helldivers 2 that respect limited playtime, while cautioning against games with excessive daily logins, battle pass pressure, or overwhelming grind. The article also provides a framework for quitting games that become obligations and discusses ethical monetization practices.
The Daily Grind: What’s the personal achievement you’re proudest of in an MMO?
This article discusses personal achievements within the MMORPG genre, distinguishing between in-game achievements and personal goals players set for themselves. It encourages players to share their proudest accomplishments, regardless of whether they were officially recognized by the game.
Boss themes, sagas, and Goblin Jazz: How World of Warcraft's music reflects a shifting Azeroth
Blizzard Entertainment's music team discusses the evolution of World of Warcraft's soundtrack, from its early ambient roots to the thematic depth of the current Worldsoul Saga. Lead Composer Leo Kaliski, Music Director Derek Duke, and Principal Producer Charlotte Pyle highlight how music has become integral to the MMORPG's narrative and player experience, balancing nostalgia with innovation, including experimental pieces like the Goblin Jazz album.
Bibidi Bibidi! is a wizardly card battler with real magic in its veins
Bibidi Bibidi is a wizardly card battler with a unique spell-crafting system where players combine parts of three cards to create a single spell. Developed by a team that previously made the roguelite Surmount, Bibidi Bibidi features unstable elements and tricky decisions, presented with bright colors and characterful designs. A playable demo is available on Steam.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Includes Machinima Mode and Dropping Weapons for Teammates
Halo: Campaign Evolved, launching July 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, will feature a Machinima mode allowing players to control freecams and lower weapons. The game also includes the ability to drop weapons for teammates, a feature from Halo Infinite. Developer Halo Studios confirmed that enemy AI has been improved in recent builds and that LASO mode will feature a curated selection of skulls.
Object Impermanence is a puzzle game where the moment you look away from something, it stops existing
Object Impermanence is a puzzle game where objects cease to exist when not being observed, challenging players to navigate environments by manipulating this unique mechanic. The game, which takes place on an alien planet after a crash landing, features mechanics similar to Portal, requiring players to place objects to open doors. It is planned for release in Q4 2026 and is available to wishlist on Steam.
Warframe community director talks designing the Frames that people want to see
Digital Extremes Community Director Megan Everett discusses the challenges of designing Warframes and their various cosmetic skins, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core design integrity while allowing for creative experimentation. The interview touches on the evolution of Warframe's visual style over the years, the design process for Prime and Deluxe skins, and how the team balances new aesthetics with established lore and player expectations.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is "sort of the successor" to Final Fantasy creator's overlooked JRPG Lost Odyssey, lead says: "Truly one of the most powerful, emotional experiences of my life"
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has praised Hironobu Sakaguchi's JRPG Lost Odyssey, calling it a successor to his own work and one of the most powerful emotional experiences he's had as a gamer. Broche highlighted Lost Odyssey's linear structure, random battles, and ambitious story, noting its rarity as a turn-based game with realistic graphics. He also mentioned that Lost Odyssey is available digitally on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Shadow of the Colossus: The Hidden Danger of Following our Heart
Shadow of the Colossus is highlighted as an iconic PlayStation title, with its history spanning releases on PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. The article delves into the game's design and its impact, suggesting a discussion around the emotional choices players make within the game.
Adrian and a Friend in Need - A direct sequel to the incredible C64 game 'Crystian and the Lost Crystals
Marcel Sásik has released "Adrian and a Friend in Need," a direct sequel to the Commodore 64 platformer "Crystian and the Lost Crystals." This new title features a more athletic protagonist, Adrian, and introduces significant technological advancements for the hardware, including fluid movement, high-resolution assets, and non-linear map design across six new worlds.
5 small but notable changes Xenoblade 2’s Nintendo Switch 2 Edition could make
This article discusses potential quality-of-life improvements for Xenoblade Chronicles 2's upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Suggestions include adjusted Rare Blade drop rates, clearer tutorials, automatic collectible pickup, improved lip-syncing for English dialogue, and additional save file slots.
These are the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch
This article ranks the best Pokemon games available on the Nintendo Switch, acknowledging the franchise's polarizing reception on the platform. While games like Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are discussed with their respective flaws, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is highlighted as a standout title for its ambition and engaging gameplay. The article also provides recommendations for new players with the Let's Go series and for those seeking a more traditional experience with FireRed and LeafGreen.
The Last of Us Part 3 Could Offer “A Whole Other Story,” Says Troy Baker
Voice actor Troy Baker believes there is potential for a "whole other story" in The Last of Us franchise, expressing his willingness to participate in a potential The Last of Us Part 3. He cited the rich lore between Joel and Tommy as a strong foundation for new narratives, and trusts Naughty Dog to decide the direction of future installments.
