Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Not So Massively: Reflecting on the first year of Overwatch Stadium
This article reflects on the first year of Overwatch's experimental game mode, Stadium, describing its current state as 'weird' with a mix of fun and inconsistency. It details the mode's evolution, including the addition of new heroes like Brigitte and Pharah, the introduction of quick play and new map types, and discusses player reception to changes like item icon reworks and the addition of divisive heroes like Jetpack Cat.
Uncharted 4 Investigation Reveals Just How Different Amy Hennig’s Original Vision Was
An investigation by Michael Kemp reveals significant differences in Amy Hennig's original vision for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End compared to the final release. Kemp's research, based on game files and leaked assets, suggests a greater emphasis on mystery, detective work, and playable historical pirate flashbacks, which were ultimately cut due to development challenges and ambition.
See MW4’s Multiplayer In Action And “Crazy” New Map That Has 500 Combinations
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will feature a dynamic multiplayer map called Kill Block, composed of modular 'slabs' that randomly combine for over 500 potential layouts. Infinity Ward is focusing on fluid movement mechanics, excluding features like wall-running but adding pole climbing. The game launches October 23 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2, with support ending for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Minesweeper: Next-Gen adds layers of unholy tessellation and recursive sorcery to a blameless cult classic
Minesweeper: Next-Gen reimagines the classic puzzle game with complex features like recursive maps and tessellated boards. The game includes two mascot characters, a dinosaur and a duck, who offer hints and add charm. A full release is planned for later this year, featuring an editor for custom map creation.
Fears to Fathom – Scratch Creek may change co-op horror forever and I’m so here for it
The co-op horror experience in Fears to Fathom – Scratch Creek has the potential to revolutionize the genre. The game's approach to shared nightmares is highly anticipated by players looking for innovative multiplayer horror.
"Make the past less permanent": Tattoo Removal Simulator is a surprisingly poignant take on the PowerWash clean-up genre
Tattoo Removal Simulator offers a surprisingly poignant take on the simulation genre, tasking players with lasering away unwanted tattoos. Developed by the 20-person Lithuanian team Uraga, the game features a cheerful art style and a surprisingly melancholic undertone as players erase life moments. The full game includes VR support and multiple game modes.
Infinity Ward sneakily offers first look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer gameplay, and apparently it's all about movement now
Infinity Ward has provided a first look at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer gameplay, emphasizing a new focus on fluid movement mechanics. The developer showcased advanced traversal options, including sliding, climbing, and mantling, aiming to address player feedback from previous titles. The game is set to release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Zoo Orbs Safari Review | TheXboxHub
Zoo Orbs Safari is a disappointing sequel to the original merge-puzzle game, Zoo Orbs, offering a less engaging experience with simplified missions and fewer levels. Despite a safari theme and split-screen multiplayer, the game suffers from a lack of innovation and is considered a step down from its predecessor, making it primarily of interest to achievement hunters.
A Deep Dive Into The Longing For Modern Nostalgia in Gaming – Why Retro-Inspired Works!
This article explores the phenomenon of modern nostalgia in gaming, arguing that retro-inspired games offer a unique form of escapism by harkening back to simpler times and human connections. The author discusses how these games, with their often crude graphics and straightforward gameplay, provide a refreshing alternative to the complexity and corporate control of the modern internet and gaming landscape. The piece also touches on community feedback from platforms like Reddit and Facebook, highlighting player preferences for pick-up-and-play experiences and creative innovation often found in indie titles.
Factorio's next major update will be a swansong, as Wube Software "shift the focus onto long term support" and new projects
Wube Software announced that Factorio's upcoming update 2.1 will be the final major content update, shifting focus to long-term support, bug fixes, and new projects. The update, expected in experimental form by the end of June, will include quality-of-life improvements and modding enhancements, while the studio begins work on new game prototypes.
Respawn Monday #001: Abiotic Factor, Marathon Runs, and the Outward 2 Beta — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
The author discusses recent gaming experiences, including the survival game Abiotic Factor on PC Game Pass, its retro visuals, and engaging crafting mechanics. They also detail playing the extraction shooter Marathon with new friends, preparing for Season 2's wipe, and covering the Outward 2 beta, noting its deliberate difficulty and lack of handholding.
Crimson Desert’s Smallest Patch Still Packs Some Major Improvements
Crimson Desert patch 1.09 introduces several quality-of-life improvements, including controller remapping and the addition of 30 new species of small animals to tame. The update also brings new skills for characters Damiane and Oongka, along with enhancements to the Dispatch UI and armor dyeing system. Despite being a smaller patch, it demonstrates the development team's continued commitment to refining the player experience.
Crimson Desert May Be The First Real Test For The Elder Scrolls 6
Crimson Desert's innovative open-world design and post-launch support present a significant challenge for Bethesda's upcoming The Elder Scrolls 6. While Bethesda excels at world-building and narrative integration, it must adapt to modern player expectations for evolving game worlds and avoid the stiffness associated with its previous titles. The article suggests Bethesda should leverage its strengths rather than directly compete with Crimson Desert's features.
007 First Light Delivers The Stealth-Driven Bond Game We Always Wanted
007 First Light by IO Interactive is a highly praised stealth-driven James Bond game that excels at capturing the espionage aspect of the universe. The game blends linear sections, explosive set pieces, and methodical stealth gameplay, allowing players to approach encounters with gadgets, dialogue, or direct action. It is considered one of the best games of 2026, offering a cinematic and engaging superspy experience.
The Witcher 3's Director wants to expand on its masterful side quests in his new RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, is leading Rebel Wolves in developing their debut RPG, The Blood of Dawnwalker, with a focus on expanding its side quest system. The game will feature a freeform experience without a traditional main quest, offering players a 30-day time limit to rescue a family from a castle, with optional narrative threads that influence the approach. Player choices will shape the protagonist, Coen, and impact relationships and infamy systems, leading to divergent questlines and consequences.
Steam reviewer says 'I am done with this game' after 10,000 hours of Destiny 2, then plays another 160 hours…
A Destiny 2 player, who has logged over 10,000 hours, left a negative Steam review citing dissatisfaction with recent game updates and progression systems. Despite the negative review, the player continued to play for an additional 157 hours, highlighting the complex relationship many players have with the game. The article also touches on the broader topic of player sentiment and game design choices made by developers like Bungie.
The Daily Grind: Do you want people to stare at your character while you’re AFK?
This opinion piece discusses player preferences within MMORPGs, specifically questioning whether players desire their characters to be admired while AFK. It uses World of Warcraft's raid-centric design as a point of comparison for player motivations and endgame engagement.
The Sunday Papers
This article rounds up various gaming-related articles and discussions. It includes pieces on the humor in Titanfall, the unique presentation of Angelique Special 2, and the complexities of trans segregation laws in the UK. Additionally, it touches upon political funding related to cryptocurrency and a lighthearted debate comparing dogs and cats in gaming contexts, specifically Half-Life 2's Dog versus Stray's Cat.
Pokemon Champions dev explains the limited roster and comments on timing to bring new Pokemon to the game
Masaaki Hoshino, producer of Pokemon Champions, explained that the limited initial roster was to make the game more understandable for new players. He confirmed that more Pokemon and changes to held item restrictions are planned for summer, approximately three months after launch. Future updates will continue to add content gradually, with a focus on ease of understanding, especially with the upcoming smartphone version.
Thick as Thieves is making changes, but not the one I think matters most
Thick as Thieves developers OtherSide Entertainment are implementing changes, including key rebinding and making mission timers visible. However, the author expresses concern that the frustrating eight-minute countdown timer and its associated mechanics are not being made adjustable, which they believe is a critical oversight for the stealth game.
