Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Planet Of Lana II: Children Of The Leaf Review
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf expands upon its predecessor with a more complex narrative and intricate puzzle mechanics. The sequel introduces new gameplay elements where Lana can hack machines and Mui can control creatures, leading to more involved puzzle sections. While the story delves into ethical dilemmas regarding resource extraction and machine usage, some plotlines feel unresolved, though the developers suggest this is intentional for player interpretation.
Final Fantasy 14 Evercold promises to scrap the MMO's 2-minute meta and change its jobs for the better, and we're all thanking the Twelve: "Nobody will miss it"
Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida announced that the upcoming expansion, Evercold, will eliminate the game's two-minute meta, a system where players align buffs within a specific window. This change, set for January 2027, aims to provide more player freedom and unique combat encounters, a move widely praised by the community and developers for allowing greater design flexibility.
The new Arc Raiders update gives us a glimpse into the beforetimes, and it turns out people were rude then, too
The latest update for Arc Raiders introduces a new map called Riven Tides, featuring a dilapidated resort setting that offers a glimpse into the game's past. The update also includes new collectible trinkets and a new Arc threat known as the Arc Turbine, which presents a more contemplative, slow-moving danger compared to previous enemies.
Directive 8020 executive producer says the Turning Points system was added for players who 'want to keep everyone alive' but also for 'a big percentage of our hardcore fans' that will replay the game to get all endings
Supermassive Games executive producer Dan McDonald discussed the new 'Turning Points' rewind system in Directive 8020, designed to help players keep characters alive and achieve all endings. This feature addresses player feedback from previous Dark Pictures Anthology titles, where irreversible choices could be disheartening. Directive 8020 is set to release on May 12 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
World Of Warcraft 2 Was Something Former Blizzard President Advocated For
Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra stated that he advocated for a 'World of Warcraft 2' during his tenure as a way to reset the long-running MMORPG. Ybarra also pushed for more focus on raids and core player experiences over casual content. He clarified that as president, he had limited direct influence on game design decisions, with the game director ultimately holding creative vision.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Streamlined Progression Was Added to Address Game Length Concerns
Naoki Hamaguchi discussed the addition of the Streamlined Progression feature in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, explaining it was implemented to address concerns about the game's length and expand player access. This feature offers options like unlimited HP/MP and constant ATB gauge access, aiming to accommodate varying player time commitments and playstyles across its planned trilogy.
LINE Games Officially Launches ‘Genesis War’ Globally!
LINE Games has officially launched the character-collecting RPG Genesis War globally, developed by Meerkat Games. Available on Google Play, the Apple App Store, and Google Play Games on PC, the game features 69 heroes, strategic combat, and an expanded narrative. Launch celebrations include various in-game events and rewards for new and existing players.
How Pragmata Made Me Reconcile With The Hardest Part Of Parenting
The article discusses the themes of parenting and growing up as explored in the game Pragmata, focusing on the relationship between the protagonist Hugh and the android Diana. It highlights how the game uses the androids' development and their creator's tragic story to explore the transition from childhood innocence to a more realistic understanding of the world. The author draws parallels to their own experiences as a parent, reflecting on the challenges of watching children mature and the hope that they learn to navigate the world's darkness while retaining belief in the good.
Dead by Daylight Finally Fixes Its Biggest Information Problem | HappyGamer
Behavior Interactive is implementing changes to Dead by Daylight's Match Details, which will reveal the killer's identity and power to survivors after the first chase begins or a survivor loses a health state. This update aims to address a long-standing frustration by providing crucial strategic information without sacrificing the early-game mystery. The change was influenced by player feedback from the Public Test Build, indicating a developer focus on community input and improving game accessibility.
Forza Horizon 6’s Japan Looks Like an Explorer’s Dream
Forza Horizon 6 is set to feature a highly detailed and expansive rendition of Japan, emphasizing organic exploration and discovery. Playground Games has crafted a world five times larger than Forza Horizon 5's map, incorporating diverse biomes, verticality, and iconic landmarks like Shibuya Crossing. The game aims to reward player curiosity through its open-world design, dynamic seasons, and various activities beyond traditional racing.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Won’t End After 30 In-Game Days, But “The Circumstances Will Change”
The Blood of Dawnwalker will not end after 30 in-game days, but the circumstances will change, potentially leading to multiple endings. Producer Dorota Rutkowska and senior level designer Maciej Wiśniewski confirmed that player choices will impact the world, such as permanent forge closures if a blacksmith is killed. The game launches September 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
MoonNight Shift Adds Individual Item Pickup Because Someone Finally Gets It | HappyGamer
MoonNight Shift has released an update allowing players to pick up individual items one by one, a feature praised for its attention to detail and good game design. This update, labeled v1.0, improves inventory management in survival and RPG games, highlighting the focus on core gameplay by indie developer Cattonic.
Fallout: New Vegas dev argues it was a mistake to make Wild Wasteland part of character creation: 'I'm gonna choose that no matter what. Because I don't want to miss a damn thing'
Former Obsidian creative director Chris Avellone believes that Fallout: New Vegas' Wild Wasteland trait should not have been part of character creation. He argues that making it a selectable trait incentivizes players to choose it to experience all content, potentially overshadowing other meaningful character-defining choices. Avellone suggests an in-game interface option would have been a fairer implementation.
Far Cry TV series showrunner says he's 'not specifically adapting any of the games,' and the creative director of Far Cry 4 doesn't care for that very much
Noah Hawley, showrunner for the upcoming Far Cry TV series, stated he is not adapting any specific game in the franchise, opting instead for an anthology format. This approach has drawn criticism from the creative director of Far Cry 4, who expressed disagreement with Hawley's interpretation of the series' narrative potential.
Arknights Endfield 1.2 Has Big Improvements That Don't Fix Its Rushed Story and Monetization Issues
The 1.2 update for Arknights Endfield brings improvements to character progression and factory building, but the rushed story pacing and persistent monetization issues remain significant concerns. While the core gameplay foundation is strong, the game needs to better manage its narrative structure and address player feedback on gacha mechanics to truly succeed as a live-service title.
Yoshi-P teases new Final Fantasy 14 Evercold jobs, says fans have already guessed the weapon for one
Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida teased upcoming jobs for the Evercold expansion, hinting that players have already guessed one of the new weapon types. Yoshida also discussed the development process for selecting new jobs, emphasizing the importance of player data and internal contests to create unique and engaging experiences.
Marathon boss says extraction shooters are like The Lord of the Rings and that's why they need PvP
Joe Ziegler, game director for Bungie's Marathon, compares the extraction shooter genre to The Lord of the Rings, arguing that the inclusion of unpredictable player-versus-player (PvP) elements is crucial for creating memorable and suspenseful experiences. He believes this PvPvE balance is key to the genre's appeal, contrasting it with purely PvE-focused games.
Nier master Yoko Taro became a director because he wouldn't stop yapping: "It wasn't that I had some…
Nier and Drakengard creator Yoko Taro discusses how he became a game director, attributing his start to luck, Capcom, and his tendency to talk a lot during his time at developer Cavia. He reflects on the creative freedom he had on the original Drakengard, published by Square Enix, and how he views game development as solving puzzles within constraints rather than personal expression.
Kiln Fired Up Edition Review 🏺
Kiln Fired Up Edition offers a delightful and accessible multiplayer experience centered around a creative pottery-making mechanic. Players inhabit custom-made pots to battle in a 4-on-4 online mode where the objective is to extinguish the opposing team's kiln. While the game boasts charming visuals and intuitive gameplay, the review notes a lack of explained mechanics and limited content as areas for improvement.
FF14 director Yoshida has bad news about glam plates, but "will ask the team about a butt slider and hair"
Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida addressed player requests regarding glamour plates and character customization during a Q&A session. He stated that adding more glamour plates is unlikely due to server load concerns, but he will discuss the possibility of a 'butt slider' and longer hair options with the team. Yoshida also touched on the potential return of job quest characters.
