Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Official PlayStation Podcast Episode 541: Legendary Run
The Official PlayStation Podcast episode 541 covers games like Saros and Mixtape, and features an interview with Sucker Punch Lead Designer Darren Bridges about Ghost of Yōtei Legends endgame raids. Upcoming PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for May include Star Wars Outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Time Crisis.
Forza Horizon 6 Dev Explains Why Shrines, Temples, and Cherry Blossom Trees Are Indestructible
The developers of Forza Horizon 6 have explained the design choice to make environmental elements such as cherry blossom trees and shrines indestructible within the game. This decision is part of the game's overall design philosophy.
Warframe of Mind: The big guide to picking a frame – Frost, Saryn, Banshee
This guide discusses the Warframe characters Frost, Saryn, and Banshee, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in the current game meta. Frost is presented as a defensive frame whose utility is diminished by the game's shift towards offense, while Saryn is highlighted as a strong damage-over-time frame that remains relevant. Banshee is described as a frame whose stealth-focused abilities are largely obviated by the game's design, making her less compelling in most scenarios.
Baldur's Gate 2 almost had a 'time travel plot', letting you visit an alternate future where BG1's main villain rules the Sword Coast
Baldur's Gate 2 almost featured a time travel plot where players would visit an alternate future where Baldur's Gate 1's villain, Sarevok, ruled the Sword Coast. This ambitious idea was conceived by co-lead designer James Ohlen but ultimately cut from the final game. The article reflects on this lost concept and other unique quests present in the RPG.
Skräcken som vägrar svalna
This opinion piece questions the enduring popularity of horror games, with the author expressing personal bewilderment at why players willingly subject themselves to fear and stress in virtual worlds. Despite enjoying horror films, the interactive nature of games makes the author prefer to be a witness rather than a participant in terrifying scenarios.
Forza Horizon 6 won't let you destroy cherry blossom trees because they're too important to Japanese culture
Forza Horizon 6 will not allow players to destroy cherry blossom trees in its Japan setting due to their cultural importance. Developer Playground Games opted to preserve these iconic elements, along with shrines, while most other environmental objects are destructible. This decision highlights a focus on respecting Japanese culture within the game's world.
EVE FanFest 2026: EVE Vanguard Is Getting A Brand-New Overhaul Update & Alpha Playtest Window
EVE Vanguard, a spinoff of EVE Online, is receiving a major overhaul with the 'Operation Avalon' update, which includes revamped combat, new enemies, and an expanded risk-and-extraction loop. An alpha playtest for Operation Avalon is scheduled from July 7th to July 20th, with the full alpha release planned for November 2026. This update aims to lay the groundwork for integration with EVE Online.
Bungie outlines plan to save Marathon with Steam player count at less than 15% of launch day peak
Bungie game director Joe Ziegler has outlined plans to revitalize the game Marathon, which has seen a significant decline in its Steam player count since launch. The developer aims to address player pain points by reintroducing duos in Season 2, improving the onboarding process, and introducing new PvE and PvP-lite experiences. These changes are intended to make the game less grindy and more rewarding, with further updates planned for subsequent seasons.
After close to 140 hours with it, I think Slay the Spire 2 feels more like a sequel than a DLC, even if Megacrit was…
This analysis argues that Slay the Spire 2 feels more like a true sequel than a DLC, despite initial impressions. The author highlights significant changes in ancient relics, enemy design, and overall pacing that differentiate it from the original Slay the Spire. These subtle yet impactful shifts create a more engaging and constructive gameplay experience, leading the author to prefer it over the original.
I was worried EverQuest Legends making me too OP would ruin the magic of the classic MMO, but crushing hordes of…
EverQuest Legends, a reimagined version of the classic MMORPG at launch, is set to release in July. While initially concerned about losing the original game's challenging nature, the preview suggests that the new systems, including multi-classing and item merging, offer a fun and engaging experience that balances power with customization. The game aims to be accessible for new players while retaining elements appreciated by long-time fans.
Strong Opinions on 007 First Light's Younger James Bond? 'That's Great', Says Dev
IO Interactive is embracing the controversy surrounding the younger portrayal of James Bond in the upcoming game 007 First Light, with developers viewing differing opinions as a positive sign. They explain that this iteration of Bond, played by Patrick Gibson, is intentionally naive and cocky due to his lack of experience with death and hardship, contrasting with more seasoned movie versions. The team believes this approach will lead to a more engaging character arc throughout the game.
Survivor Mercs Review | TheXboxHub
Survivor Mercs is a Survivor-like bullet heaven game where players control a clone commander dropped into battlegrounds. Despite a fun presentation and high-energy soundtrack, the gameplay is criticized for slow movement, boring combat, convoluted systems, and a heavy reliance on RNG, ultimately failing to stand out in a crowded genre.
Monster Hunter Outlanders Preview: Hunting on Mobile…Is Actually Fun?
Monster Hunter Outlanders is a mobile game that, despite a complex menu system, offers a rewarding experience for players willing to learn its intricacies. The game's design emphasizes player effort leading to greater satisfaction, a hallmark of the Monster Hunter series.
Forza Horizon 6 Lets You Destroy Most Trees–With A Big Exception
Forza Horizon 6 developer Playground Games made a deliberate decision to not allow players to destroy cherry blossom trees, honoring Japanese cultural traditions. While most other trees and structures are destructible, these iconic trees, along with temples and culturally important sites, are preserved. This design choice reflects the team's commitment to respectful representation, guided by cultural consultant Kyoko Yamashita, to create an immersive and authentic experience of Japan.
Star Wars: The Old Republic's original director hadn't played a single MMO before launching its development studio: 'How the hell did they trust me with this much money?'
James Ohlen, the original director of BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic, revealed he had no prior MMO experience when development began. He discussed regrets about the game's launch content and a denied proposal to rename it Star Wars: The New Republic.
Marathon "overwhelming" for newcomers, director admits as plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes revealed
Marathon game director Joe Ziegler admitted the extraction shooter can be overwhelming for new players and revealed plans for PvE and PvP-lite modes to offer alternatives. Bungie will implement these changes starting in Season 3, with further updates planned for Seasons 4 and 5 to deepen the extraction loop and evolve the game's ecosystem. This comes amid concerns about the game's longevity and following Sony's announcement of a significant financial loss related to its ownership of Bungie.
Mullet MadJack celebra 2 anos de lançamento na Steam com aclamação mundial, prêmios e milhares de jogadores
Mullet MadJack, a Brazilian indie boomer shooter developed by Hammer95 Studios and published by Epopeia Games, is celebrating its second anniversary. The game has achieved global acclaim with over 9,000 positive Steam reviews, an 88 Metacritic score on PC, and multiple awards, including Best Brazilian Game at Gamescom Latam 2025. It has sold over 240,000 copies worldwide and is available on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with a DLC featuring Brazilian voice acting.
Solo Survival Guide: 8 Games No Discord Ping (2026) | TAG
This guide identifies eight games ideal for long-term solo play in 2026, focusing on replayability, offline functionality, and lack of notifications. The selected titles include Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, Hades II, Stardew Valley, Terraria, Elden Ring, Outer Wilds, and Final Fantasy XIV, with recommendations for hardware like the Steam Deck and PC.
Addressing the Difficulties of Long-term Care in an Emotional Masterpiece: Solo Developer Claims Two Major Awards at Indie Game Awards with Roger - GameHaunt
The indie game 'and Roger,' developed solely by yona under TearyHand Studio, won both the Grand Prix and Best Audio awards at the Indie Game Award 2026 held during Taipei Game Show. The game explores themes of long-term illness and caregiving through simple, touch-based gameplay and a unique art style, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the game 'Florence'.
Final Fantasy 14 is promising big changes with Evercold, but I hope it's not a surface-level attempt
The upcoming Final Fantasy 14 expansion, Evercold, promises significant changes including a new combat system and revised gearing to address perceived stagnation. While these updates are welcomed, the author expresses cautious optimism, hoping they lead to more substantial overhauls and a more dynamic world rather than just surface-level improvements.
