Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Motorslice Review – Heavy Machinery
Motorslice is an action-platformer that draws heavy inspiration from classics like Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Shadow of the Colossus, featuring large-scale boss battles and intricate platforming challenges. While the game excels in its sense of scale and unique chainsaw-based "motorslice" mechanic, it is hampered by occasional platforming frustrations, technical issues, and inconsistent controls. Despite these drawbacks, Motorslice offers an engaging experience that blends familiar elements with its own memorable twists.
Control was destined to become an RPG franchise all along, says creative director: 'That's how Control was…
Control's creative director Mikael Kasurinen stated that the series was always intended to evolve into an RPG, with the first game laying the groundwork for future installments. He highlighted the introduction of side quests and dialogue choices in the original Control as new elements for the studio. The upcoming title, Control Resonant, is confirmed to be an RPG with mechanics similar to Diablo.
One country's Subnautica 2 fans "overwhelmingly" wanted to be able to craft weapons, but its devs "feel strongly" about continuing to avoid them
Unknown Worlds developers Anthony Gallegos and Scott MacDonald discussed the decision to maintain a non-violent approach in Subnautica 2, despite some player feedback from one country requesting weapon crafting. The studio emphasizes environmental cohabitation and adapting to the world over conquest, a core tenet stemming from the franchise's origins. While acknowledging the desire for self-defense, the team plans to address this through narrative means rather than direct player weaponry.
After seven hours in early access, Subnautica 2 feels more like a remake than a sea-quel, but it has plenty of room to grow
Subnautica 2 has launched into early access, offering a familiar yet engrossing survival and exploration experience focused on managing oxygen. While it shares many similarities with its predecessors, particularly the original Subnautica, the sequel introduces new mechanics like biomods and more flexible base building. The game's narrative delves into themes of corporate AI, fallen human society, and posthumanist disarray, set against the backdrop of a visually impressive, Unreal Engine 5-powered ocean environment.
Marvel Rivals test players make historic discovery: Devil Dinosaur is too big to fit in the flarkin' maps
Players in the Marvel Rivals test server have discovered that the character Devil Dinosaur is too large to fit through certain areas of the game's maps. This has led to discussions among players about the character's hitbox and potential balance issues, while others find the situation humorous given the character's size.
Subnautica 2 Preview – Co-Op, Bigger Worlds, and a Return to Survival Horror
Subnautica 2 is set to launch into early access on May 14th, building upon the foundation of the original game with larger worlds and a return to survival horror elements. The sequel will feature a completely redesigned base building system, a modular vehicle called the Tadpole, and introduce co-op play for up to four players while maintaining a strong single-player focus. Developed with Unreal Engine 5, the game promises enhanced environmental interactions and a more reactive world.
I’m Deeply Upset Subnautica 2 Won’t Let Me Mutate Into A Little Aquatic Freak
Subnautica 2 game design lead Anthony Gallegos confirmed that the game will feature minor adaptations for the player character, but not significant mutations into aquatic freaks. These adaptations are described as secondary progression layers, akin to action-RPG skills, rather than a core focus on character transformation. The game is currently in early access on Xbox Series X|S and PC, with plans for a lengthy development period.
Subnautica 2 Early Access Preview – More Of What Fans Love
Subnautica 2 has launched into early access on PC and Xbox Series X, offering a new planet and story separate from previous titles. The game introduces a genetic modification system for player abilities and features modular base building. Future updates will focus on quality-of-life improvements and co-op features, with a four-player limit for multiplayer.
IO Interactive has forgiven me for calling 007 a smug tool
IO Interactive acknowledges the controversy surrounding the portrayal of James Bond in 007 First Light, viewing it as a sign of successful character development. Developers Tom Marcham and Martin Emborg believe that generating strong opinions about the protagonist is crucial for an engaging experience, especially for an origin story focusing on a younger, more reckless Bond.
As Final Fantasy struggles to stick with younger gamers, FF7 Remake director considers how to bring the JRPG series to…
Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Remake, is open to working on new projects after the trilogy concludes. He is also interested in finding ways to make the Final Fantasy series appeal to younger generations who are statistically less engaged with the franchise.
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PUZZLE ADVENTURE “ORDER OF THE SINKING STAR” ANNOUNCES NINTENDO SWITCH 2™ LAUNCH THIS YEAR
Arc Games and Thekla, Inc. announced that Jonathan Blow's highly anticipated puzzle adventure, Order of the Sinking Star, will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam later this year. The game features over a thousand hand-crafted puzzles across four distinct worlds and will also support Steam Deck. Jonathan Blow expressed excitement about bringing the massive game to the portable capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Games for Change to “Reimagine Play,” Featuring Leaders from PBS KIDS, EA, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and More at 2026 Games for Change Festival
Games for Change announced the first wave of speakers for its 23rd annual Festival, themed "Reimagining Play," taking place July 21-22, 2026, in New York City. The event will feature leaders from PBS KIDS, Electronic Arts, Neopets, SYBO, BBC, and more to discuss how games and immersive media can drive social impact and shape real-world connections. Programming includes sessions, a Playtest Lab, the Games for Change Awards, and the G4C Arcade.
Order of the Sinking Star Interview: Jonathan Blow on Designing Puzzles & Balancing Difficulty
Jonathan Blow, founder of Thekla, Inc. and creator of The Witness and Braid, discusses the development of his upcoming PC title, Order of the Sinking Star. He elaborates on the challenges of designing puzzles, balancing difficulty, and the unique experience of developing the game using his self-made programming language, Jai.
Order of the Sinking Star coming to Nintendo Switch 2, from Braid and The Witness dev
Order of the Sinking Star, a puzzle adventure game from Braid and The Witness developer Jonathan Blow and Thekla Inc., is slated for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Arc Games will publish the title, which features over a thousand puzzles across four distinct worlds. Blow highlighted the Nintendo Switch 2's portability as ideal for the game's design.
Civilization 7's grand rework sets new victory goals, and it's giving you Alexander the Great for free to help
Civilization 7 is receiving a major overhaul with the 'Test of Time' update, introducing new victory conditions and challenges called Triumphs. The update also adds Alexander the Great as a free playable leader, who is designed to excel in warfare and conquest. This significant rework aims to revitalize the 4X game by overhauling core systems and providing more dynamic paths to victory.
Recension – Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6 features a new map set in Japan, including a detailed representation of Tokyo and iconic landmarks like Mount Fuji. The game offers a vast open world with numerous races and activities, building upon the series' established gameplay mechanics. While praised for its driving physics, technical execution, and map design, the review notes that the abundance of rewards and sometimes unclear objectives can detract from the sense of accomplishment.
Forza Horizon 6 review - The driving game for everyone still can’t seem to escape its car-collecting legacy
Forza Horizon 6 offers a familiar experience focused on car collecting and driving through stunning locations, with new progression systems like the Wristband and Discover Japan tracks. While it excels at fulfilling the fantasy of driving exotic cars in real-world inspired settings, the game doesn't significantly innovate on its core gameplay loop, and some players may find the AI unpredictability and difficulty scaling frustrating. The review highlights the game's impressive visuals, particularly with ray tracing enabled on PC, and its wealth of accessibility options.
Forza Horizon 6 review - the king is dead, long live the drift king
Forza Horizon 6 offers a stunning and diverse open world set in Japan, which is considered an all-time great for the series. While the core driving and exploration are exceptional, some new features like settlement building and custom garages feel underdeveloped. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game remains the king of the PC racing genre, blending arcade accessibility with mechanical depth and a vast car roster.
Overwatch's OG mode has made me realise how far this game has come and how good we have it right now
The addition of an 'OG' game mode for Overwatch's 10th anniversary has highlighted the significant improvements made to the game over the past decade. While nostalgic, the original version's slower pace and weaker hero abilities are contrasted with the current game's more dynamic and refined gameplay.
"I'm not going to actually do this" - Stardew Valley creator isn't really going to let you cheat in your marriage in the cosy farming sim
Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone clarified that he is not planning to add the ability for players to cheat on their in-game spouses. While he discussed the theoretical merits of allowing "wicked things" in sandbox games with consequences, he stated that such a feature is "too realistic" and would negatively impact the game's tone. Barone is currently working on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier.
