Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Zenless Zone Zero 'copied my puzzle game,' indie dev says, posts a pretty convincing video to prove it
Indie developer Michael Kamm has accused miHoYo of copying his puzzle game Ouros for Zenless Zone Zero, providing video evidence of striking similarities in gameplay mechanics and design choices. Kamm claims his work was cloned and attributed to the larger company, highlighting the challenges indie developers face with intellectual property in the gaming industry. Similar accusations have also been made against miHoYo regarding Genshin Impact.
Steam may have just thrown its weight behind bullet heaven, but last week's standout game was a one-of-a-kind…
Luna Abyss is a unique first-person bullet hell shooter that distinguishes itself from titles like Returnal with its 3D orb-dodging mechanics and massive scale. While initially easy, the game eventually ramps up to challenging combat encounters reminiscent of Doom Eternal, though its lock-on system simplifies aiming. The game also features extensive platforming sections and a vast, dark world, but is occasionally hampered by excessive dialogue.
Bungie reveals the new Runner, Sentinel for a more defensive playstyle
Bungie has detailed Marathon Season 2, launching June 2, introducing the defensive Sentinel Runner shell focused on area denial and team protection. The update also includes a new zone called Night Marsh, a free-to-play week from June 2-9 on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and a new progression system called The Cradle.
Diablo creators worried "RPGs were so overwrought with statistics that the genre had shrunk to a tiny audience," so they wanted it to be like "how we'd played Dungeons & Dragons as kids"
Max Schaefer, co-founder of Condor (later Blizzard North), discussed the early design philosophy of Diablo, aiming to simplify RPGs by focusing on core mechanics like hitting monsters and gaining loot, inspired by childhood Dungeons & Dragons experiences. This approach was intended to counter the overly complex statistics and penalties found in many contemporary RPGs, making the genre more accessible and rewarding for players.
Mina The Hollower Is The First Souls-Like I’ve Actually Finished; Here’s Why
This article argues that Mina The Hollower, despite its souls-like inspirations, is accessible to players intimidated by the genre's difficulty. The author highlights familiar Zelda-like mechanics, an open-world structure allowing for grinding, and extensive in-game modifiers that can be used to adjust the challenge to the player's preference.
Review – Yoshi & The Mysterious Book – Switch 2 Edition (Switch 2)
Yoshi & The Mysterious Book is a charming puzzle platformer for the Switch 2 that excels in its beautiful oil painting-inspired art style and rewarding exploration. While the narrative is minimal, serving mainly to introduce gameplay mechanics, the core loop of discovering and chronicling creatures is engaging. The game is generally easy, making it suitable for younger players and families, though some minor performance dips in frame rate are noticeable on the Switch 2.
Så bra är Core Keeper: ISK-medlemmarna sätter betyg!
Core Keeper has received a collective rating of 3.4 out of 5 from members of the Indiespelklubben. Players praised its beautiful art style, music, and cooperative gameplay, where different roles like building and exploration complement each other. However, some found the resource gathering and base building repetitive, and the game's pacing slow.
The demand for weapons in Subnautica 2 reveals the difficulty of separating open worlds from conquest
This analysis explores the design of Subnautica 2's open world, contrasting it with conventional genre tropes and discussing its thematic implications of colonialism and player agency. Designer Nikhil Murthy's insights highlight how the game attempts to move away from 'amusement park' design by de-emphasizing player conquest and focusing on a narrative of disposable labor and environmental interaction.
Leading charity calls for "consistent, enforceable standards" to make games accessible for visually impaired players
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is advocating for consistent and enforceable accessibility standards in the video game industry to better accommodate visually impaired players. The organization has released a white paper recommending a cultural shift towards inclusive design, greater involvement of disabled gamers in user-centered design processes, and the implementation of accessibility tags for transparency. RNIB aims to make gaming more accessible by addressing design barriers that currently exclude players with sight loss.
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past Launches June 19, 2026 on Steam
Maseylia: Echoes of the Past, a 3D Metroidvania inspired by Metroid Prime and Hollow Knight, will launch on June 19, 2026, for PC and Steam Deck. The game features fluid movement, deep exploration with ability-driven progression, and a unique sci-fi art style influenced by Moebius. It promises non-linear exploration through interconnected alien environments with environmental storytelling and movement-based combat.
"You don't want to say 'I played it safe'": How 007 First Light's developers made the best…
IO Interactive developers Dominic Vega and Andras Krogh discuss the creation of 007 First Light, highlighting how the game expands on the studio's Hitman formula with more cinematic action and a faster pace. They detail the focus on improvisational combat and creative gadget use, as well as the importance of capturing the sound of a young James Bond and the iconic musical themes.
IO Interactive has a plan to keep you playing 007: First Light long after the credits roll
IO Interactive plans to extend the longevity of James Bond game 007: First Light through post-launch content focused on its 'TacSim' challenge mode. Similar to the support for Hitman, these challenges will remix existing game areas with new rules and conditions, aiming to keep players engaged after completing the main story. The studio hopes this approach, along with potential speedrunning community involvement, will provide a lasting experience.
Backrooms director Kane Parsons explains how influential Valve's Portal is to his work: 'I frequently have dreams where I'm just in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center'
Backrooms director Kane Parsons revealed that Valve's Portal series has been a significant influence on his work, particularly the environmental design and the concept of an eternal, vast indoor space. He frequently dreams of being in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center and notes similarities between the game's setting and the concept of the Backrooms. Parsons specifically highlighted Portal 2 for its comedic premise and the subtle environmental storytelling through murals.
Thick as Thieves Review – A Return to the Metal Ages
Thick as Thieves is a short but ambitious first-person stealth game that draws inspiration from classics like the Thief series. It features a gameplay loop similar to extraction shooters, where players must infiltrate levels, loot items, and complete objectives without being detected, as combat is not a viable option. Despite its limited scope and some missing basic features, the game's addictive stealth mechanics, intricate level design, and low price point make it a recommendable experience, especially for fans of the genre.
The Saturated Horizon of Next-Generation Game Environments - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The article analyzes the challenges of player retention in increasingly dense and visually impressive game environments, using upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto VI and The Blood of Dawnwalker as examples. It argues that sustainable player engagement relies more on robust internal reward systems and mathematical progression loops than on sheer scale or visual fidelity alone. Developers must engineer moment-to-moment gameplay that consistently rewards player curiosity and investment to maintain long-term communities.
8 Games You Can Pause Instantly When Baby Cries | TAG
This article highlights eight games that allow players to pause instantly, catering to the needs of parents who may need to step away from their game at a moment's notice. Games like Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, and Stardew Valley offer true instant pauses, while others like Hades II and Cyberpunk 2077 provide save-anywhere or quit-to-hub functionality. Baldur's Gate 3 is noted for allowing pauses even mid-combat.
Mina the Hollower's classic Zelda vibes channel Bloodborne to create one of my new retro-style favorites
Mina the Hollower is a highly praised indie game that blends elements from classic titles like The Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls with its own unique mechanics. Developed by Yacht Club Games, it offers extensive player choice in builds and combat, available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck. The game provides a challenging yet rewarding experience with a gothic aesthetic and a vast, interconnected world.
DarkSwitch Review – A Brilliant City Builder Buried Beneath Technical Problems | Invision Game Community
DarkSwitch is a creative survival city builder with an ambitious vertical design and a compelling atmosphere, but it is significantly hampered by numerous technical problems and design frustrations. Despite its brilliant core concept and excellent soundtrack, issues with camera control, AI pathfinding, and bugs prevent it from reaching its full potential. The game launched on PC in April 2026 from developer Cyber Temple.
Games Inbox: Could 2026 be the best year for video games ever?
Readers discuss the potential for 2026 to be a landmark year for video games, citing high review scores for titles like 007 First Light and Forza Horizon 6. Concerns are raised about the lack of couch co-op in modern games and the sustainability of large development studios with infrequent releases. The article also touches on the perceived staleness of the Forza Horizon series and the delayed review copies for 007 First Light.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Hangs on to Edward Kenway’s “Spirit and Flavor”, Says Director
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced game director Richard Knight stated the remake will preserve Edward Kenway's original character arc, focusing on his development from a money-driven pirate to a true assassin. The game is set for a July 9th release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, featuring modernized gameplay and enhanced visuals while remaining an action-adventure title.
