Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Massively Overthinking: What’s the biggest obstacle to your enjoyment of MMORPG PvP?
This article discusses the significant obstacles preventing players from enjoying Player vs Player (PvP) combat in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Contributors highlight issues such as overwhelming toxicity, the professionalization of PvP, the time commitment required to become proficient, and the inherent unfairness often present in MMORPG progression systems. The piece explores how these factors alienate casual players and lead them to prefer Player vs Environment (PvE) content.
Destiny 2 hasn't been the game I'd loved in years, but it still sucks to know it's ending
Bungie has announced that the live service development for Destiny 2 will conclude on June 9, 2026, after nearly nine years of expansions, episodes, and seasons. Despite the game's decline in recent years and player numbers dwindling, the news marks a sad finality for a game that was once deeply loved by many. The article reflects on Destiny 2's strengths in gunplay and sandbox design, while acknowledging the studio's mismanagement and the shift towards more challenging gameplay that alienated some players.
Review: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a charming 2D platformer from developer Good-Feel that reimagines the genre with a focus on exploration and discovery. The game features a stunning hand-drawn art style, inspired by classic picture books, and introduces unique gameplay mechanics for each creature encountered. While lacking traditional linear progression and difficulty, its casual approach and engaging discoveries make it an accessible and delightful experience for all ages.
EVE Frontier Introduces New Gameplay Features for Enhanced Immersion
Fenris Creations is releasing the Cycle 6 update for EVE Frontier on June 25, introducing enhanced gameplay features like environmental challenges and smarter NPCs. The update will also incorporate blockchain technology with a focus on gameplay value. Director Saemundur Hermannsson highlighted the team's synergy, while Creative Director Pavel Savchuck emphasized the game's visceral survival experience.
The 11 changes I'm most excited to see in Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition
This article discusses 11 anticipated changes for Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, focusing on how they will refresh the popular tabletop miniatures game. Key changes include objectives being tied to terrain, new cover mechanics, adjustments to flying unit movement, and a revised charge phase. The author expresses excitement for these updates from Games Workshop, aiming to address player feedback from the 10th edition.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lead quest designer recalls the moment he suggested that one character be killed off, says the team's reaction was 'wide eyes and silence' — 'The weight of it is exactly what the act needs'
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt lead quest designer Paweł Sasko recalled pitching the death of Vesemir during the Battle of Kaer Morhen, a suggestion that initially stunned the development team. Sasko explained that the character's demise was crucial for Ciri's emotional arc and the overall narrative weight of the game. He also touched upon the technical challenges and creative iteration involved in developing the game's questlines.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced creative director says the modernized combat system has been upgraded to make varied tools flow better — 'We were inspired by early fan-made combo videos from the original'
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced creative director Paul Fu stated that the modernized combat system was inspired by early fan-made combo videos from the original game. The team aimed to create a deterministic action fight system where varied tools flow better during combat. The remake is built from the ground up and launches on July 9 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Might Be Adding As Many Problems As It’s Fixing
A preview of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced reveals mixed impressions, with concerns about narrative changes and potential bugs. While the remake aims to fix issues and enhance the original story, the author notes that new cutscenes appear stiff and that some narrative alterations might detract from Edward Kenway's character arc. The preview also highlights significant technical issues encountered during gameplay.
An Overwatch player has come up with an ingenious plan to remind others how to actually play the game: 'A little…
An Overwatch player has proposed using the game's spawn doors as billboards to display helpful messages to players, such as reminders to group up, push the payload, or consider switching heroes when countered. This idea aims to improve team coordination and game sense for players who may struggle with these aspects.
Diskutera – Tidernas bästa bilspel
This article discusses the best racing games of all time, featuring titles like Mario Kart, Forza, and Gran Turismo. It prompts readers to share their opinions in the comments section on whether arcade or simulation racing games are more enjoyable.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Reveals New Story and Combat Details
Square Enix has revealed new details for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, an upcoming action RPG launching June 18 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Steam. The game features a story spanning four eras and a Magicite system that allows players to build combat synergies by equipping effects to Elliot's weapons.
Before You Play Anything New, Here's How Experienced Gamers Vet a Platform - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Experienced gamers can evaluate new sweepstakes gaming platforms using the same critical approach they apply to traditional video games. This involves looking for trusted independent reviews, understanding the legal framework of promotional sweepstakes, testing free coin acquisition methods, and assessing the overall user experience. The article emphasizes that a platform's design should feel player-centric rather than solely focused on extracting purchases.
GOD HAS GONE MISSING IN BURDEN STREET STATION, A SURREAL NEW NARRATIVE ADVENTURE GAME OUT NOW ON STEAM
The surreal narrative adventure game Burden Street Station, developed by IODINE and published by CRITICAL REFLEX, is now available on Steam. The game features a shapeshifting mechanic for dialogue and exploration within a '90s-inspired cosmic mystery world. It is priced at $14.99 with a limited-time launch discount.
LEARN THE ROPES IN THE NEW SNIPER DAN EXPLAINER VIDEO
PQube and Denki have released an updated Steam demo for their upcoming 3D hidden object game, Sniper Dan, which is slated for a 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The update introduces a new tutorial, character customization, a bowling mini-game, and numerous other improvements. Sniper Dan focuses on solving everyday problems from a distance using a sniper rifle, emphasizing gentle humor and zero violence.
Table Flip Simulator Review – Flipping the Bird
Table Flip Simulator offers creative physics-based destruction gameplay with numerous levels and unlockables, including a solid level editor. However, its presentation is hampered by unpolished visuals and writing that struggles to connect with players. Despite these drawbacks, the game provides satisfying mayhem for those who can overlook its rough edges.
The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed '90s nostalgia is exhausting
The new Bubsy 4D game from Fabraz and Atari offers surprisingly robust 3D platforming mechanics, allowing for complex aerial maneuvers. However, the game is heavily weighed down by its exhausting and cringeworthy '90s nostalgia, particularly its hackneyed humor and nonsensical level design, making it difficult to recommend despite its gameplay potential.
A Deep Dive Review : Psyvariar 3 - A Long Lost IP Returns - The AmigaGuru Gamer Blog
Psyvariar 3 is a solid and enjoyable shoot 'em up that returns a long-lost IP with unique mechanics. While the default graphical settings can be distracting, adjusting the background brightness significantly improves the gameplay experience. The game features seven playable characters, including a cameo from Cotton, and offers various modes, though its overall presentation and soundtrack are somewhat inconsistent compared to top-tier titles in the genre.
All Subnautica 2 Leviathans and where to find them
This guide details the four Leviathan-class creatures found in the early access build of Subnautica 2: the Collector Leviathan, Shiver Leviathan, Deepwing Brooder, and Great Jaw. It provides their locations and behaviors, emphasizing avoidance strategies as the player has no means of combat.
Former Splinter Cell Creative Director Says Realistic Graphics Are Causing Problems for Modern Stealth Games
The former creative director of Splinter Cell believes that advancements in realistic graphics, particularly lighting and shadows, are creating challenges for modern stealth game design. These graphical improvements make it harder for both players and developers to implement traditional stealth mechanics effectively.
Embark finally pulls back the curtain on Arc Raiders' matchmaking systems
Embark Studios has clarified the matchmaking systems in Arc Raiders, addressing myths about its aggression-based lobbies. The developer explained that the system is designed as a spectrum to ensure unpredictability and enhance the multiplayer experience. Changes have been implemented to better differentiate between initiating aggression and self-defense, allowing players more freedom to engage as they see fit.
