Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen devs say Western and Japanese players want different things from the game
Capcom developers discussed how Western and Japanese players have differing preferences for Dragon's Dogma 2, particularly regarding game "friction" like limited fast travel. The team aims to balance these opposing desires while staying true to the game's identity. The upcoming Dark Arisen expansion will include Hard Mode and options to disable weapon and character customization.
Review: Brigandine Abyss (Switch 2)
Brigandine Abyss offers a deep strategy RPG experience on the Nintendo Switch, featuring two modes: Mission Mode for open-ended conquest and Story Mode for a narrative-driven campaign. While the game excels in its intricate planning and organization phases, the actual turn-based combat can feel slow and less engaging, potentially deterring some players.
Worms Galactic Tactics is such a good strategy roguelike that I can't believe it didn't already exist
Worms Galactic Tactics is a new strategy roguelike that cleverly adapts the Worms identity to an isometric, grid-based perspective. Developed by Absolutely Games and published by Team17, it features turn-based combat with weapon upgrades and a roguelike structure where runs end upon losing all worms. The game is planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
New Final Fantasy 14 site update stabs the final pin into my conspiracy board, leaving me 99.9% sure I know what the new…
The author believes they have definitively uncovered that the new physical ranged job in Final Fantasy XIV will be a crossbow-wielding falconer, citing a new image on the patch 7.5 website as the final piece of evidence. This aligns with previous hints from sound design and trailer snippets, vindicating their long-held speculation.
There's already a The Blood of Dawnwalker mod which triples the length of its main quest timer, ensuring saving your family from vampires isn't stressful
A new mod for The Blood of Dawnwalker, created by modder Caites, significantly extends the game's main quest timer from 30 days to 90 days. This mod addresses concerns about the game's pacing, allowing players more time to complete objectives without stress. Additional optional files adjust perk point costs and day/night cycles.
You Can Give Up In The Blood Of Dawnwalker And Leave Vale Sangora For Good
The Blood of Dawnwalker features a unique joke ending where players can choose to abandon the campaign and leave the game world permanently. This option becomes available after the prologue by reaching a specific gate, leading to an epilogue and an achievement called 'A Hero They Deserve.' This contrasts with the typical encouragement to persevere found in most video games.
Games Inbox: Will there be a Trailer 3 for GTA 6?
Readers discuss the likelihood of a third trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, express disappointment with Nintendo's Switch 2 priorities and Tomb Raider remake features, and debate the underutilization of the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller's touchpad. Other topics include the commercial struggles of PlatinumGames, the perceived decline of the Turok franchise, and the philosophy of digital ownership versus physical discs.
Ontos in the Works for Over 10 Years, Extensive Gameplay Showcases Twisted Experiments
Frictional Games' upcoming title, Ontos, has been in development for over a decade and features "psychological gameplay" where players make informed decisions based on understanding characters and experiments. The game, launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, showcases disturbing scenarios involving rats and consciousness transfer, emphasizing replayability through multiple experimental outcomes.
Metro 2039 Gets New Trailer Showcasing PS5 Pro Gameplay
4A Games released a new trailer for Metro 2039 during Sony's State of Play, showcasing gameplay and visuals on the PlayStation 5 Pro. The trailer highlights exploration, combat against well-armed enemies, and the protagonist's need to manage anti-radiation filters. The game is set to launch in February 2027 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, promising a darker story than its predecessors.
The Best Perks To Unlock And Upgrade In The Blood of Dawnwalker
This guide for The Blood of Dawnwalker details the best perks to unlock and upgrade across its Swordmastery, Witchcraft, and Vampirism skill trees. It offers specific recommendations for abilities and ultimates to enhance combat and exploration, noting how skill progression and time advancement impact gameplay.
How long is The Blood of Dawnwalker?
The Blood of Dawnwalker's playtime can range from 20 to 50 hours, with most players completing it between 30 and 40 hours. The game's structure, similar to Breath of the Wild, allows for early completion of objectives but experiencing all major questlines and side activities typically falls within the 30-40 hour range. A post-game is also available.
Getting GTA Online players to move on to GTA 6 Online is going to be "a mess" for Rockstar, Valve veteran says
Valve veteran Chet Faliszek believes transitioning players from Grand Theft Auto Online to a potential Grand Theft Auto 6 Online will be a significant challenge for Rockstar Games. He questions how Rockstar will convince players to abandon a decade of investment and suggests that improved monetization will be a key, albeit potentially controversial, driver for the move. Faliszek also notes that Rockstar's strategy of delaying the online component at launch is a smart move to avoid initial backlash.
Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis preview - the new old Lara Croft
Crystal Dynamics is developing Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis, a remake of the original 1996 game, set to be published by Amazon Game Studios. The preview showcased expanded environments, new gameplay mechanics like crafting and a skill tree inspired by the reboot series, and modernized puzzles. While skepticism about another remake exists, the demo offered a promising blend of familiar elements and modern enhancements.
How 40 Years of Metroid Have Impacted The Biggest Metroidvania Developers
This article explores the profound impact of the Metroid series, particularly Super Metroid, on the development of the Metroidvania genre. Developers from various studios discuss how Metroid's interconnected worlds, exploration mechanics, and atmospheric design have inspired their own games, shaping core design philosophies and influencing everything from level design to player agency.
Från Wily till Malenia – så skapas en bra boss
This article explores what makes a boss battle memorable in video games, from the initial presentation and tone-setting to the challenge and learning curve. It highlights examples like Malenia from Elden Ring and Mike Tyson from Punch-Out!!, praising FromSoftware's approach to boss design for its focus on player skill and learning.
Don’t Care About GTA 6’s Romance System? Don’t Use It, Dev Says
Rockstar Games developer Rob Nelson stated that players of Grand Theft Auto 6 are not obligated to engage with the game's romance system. He explained that the feature is optional and designed to add emotional resonance for those who choose to explore it, without forcing it upon players. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Elder Scrolls Online shares a peek at its Warden refresh, which is still on track for 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios has provided an update on the planned refresh for the Warden class in The Elder Scrolls Online, confirming it is still on track for a 2027 release. The refresh aims to preserve the class's core identity while addressing visual elements and skill line issues, with new abilities and visual updates shown. The studio also announced that Templar changes will follow the Warden refresh, shifting from the previously planned Sorcerer update.
The Big Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered Interview: Launching Against GTA 6, Cutting Hedorah, and Staying (Mostly) Faithful to a GameCube Classic
Senior designer Simon Strange discusses the long-awaited remaster of Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee. He touches on the challenges of launching against Grand Theft Auto 6, the decision to cut Hedorah, and the effort to remain faithful to the original GameCube classic.
Resident Evil Requiem is "way too scary" says Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya, who'd rather Capcom put paper bags over all the enemies' heads: "It's not a joke"
Legendary Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya believes newer Capcom horror titles like Resident Evil Requiem are excessively scary and lack non-horror modes for players who are sensitive to frights. Kamiya expressed a desire for options like putting paper bags on enemy heads or having pleasant mood lighting to make the games more accessible.
"Sometimes you need fresh perspectives" – How external development helped Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics is collaborating with Polish studio Flying Wild Hog on the remake of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, introducing new mechanics like crafting and a skill tree while removing tank controls. The partnership aims to bring fresh perspectives to the classic adventure, with Amazon publishing and producing a related TV series.
