Game Design
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"You will not be using belts": Satisfactory's first expansion isn't the same game set underground - there's a whole new set of resource-moving toys to master
Satisfactory's first expansion, Core Values, introduces a new underground biome and a suite of unique logistics tools that differ from the base game's conveyor belts. Developers Emmet Burke and Torsten Gunst emphasize that the expansion will offer new resources and mechanics to avoid repetition, focusing on more rugged, heavy machinery for resource transport. The underground setting also presents new challenges for navigation and factory placement, encouraging players to creatively map their environments.
Why Control Resonant Developer Remedy Avoided Using Yellow Paint to Guide Players
Remedy Entertainment's director discussed the game design choices made for Control, specifically how the team avoided using overt visual cues like yellow paint to guide players through the environment. The focus was on creating a more organic exploration experience.
"I'm surprised there's any backlash": Baldur's Gate 3 lead doesn't see why The Blood of Dawnwalker's time feature is so controversial, says it's "perfectly interwoven"
Baldur's Gate 3 publishing director Michael Douse expressed surprise at the backlash surrounding The Blood of Dawnwalker's controversial 30-day time restriction mechanic. Douse, who is nearing the end of the vampire RPG, believes the feature is a "perfectly interwoven narrative tool" and enjoys the game's gothic atmosphere and antagonists. He also shared ideas for future installments, suggesting Rebel Wolves lean further into the gothic themes and the coexistence of humans and vampires.
What does simulating your Witcher 2 save do?
This guide explains the 'simulate Witcher 2 save' option in The Witcher 3 Remastered, detailing how it impacts story choices and quests. It recommends enabling the simulation to experience more content, including interactions with Letho, and provides default outcomes if the option is turned off.
Don't worry if you're struggling in human form in The Blood of Dawnwalker - "it should be harder" playing that way
Game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explains that The Blood of Dawnwalker is intentionally designed to be harder when playing as a human during the day compared to a vampire at night. This disparity is a core design choice to offer varied gameplay experiences and narrative possibilities, with human form offering unique witchcraft abilities and multiple ending paths.
What Makes a Casual Game Easy to Pick Up? A Mechanics-First Guide
This guide explores the mechanics that make casual games easy to pick up, focusing on low-friction discovery and intuitive onboarding. It emphasizes clear objectives, immediate feedback, and readable rules, with examples from games like Bingo. The article also touches on session length, progression, community features, and interface clarity, advising players to set boundaries for time and spending, especially when gambling is involved.
Massive bit of Elder Scrolls lore from Morrowind is actually because of "a typo," former Skyrim designer believes: "Someone just typed a date wrong in the timeline"
A former Bethesda writer, Kurt Kuhlmann, suggests that a significant piece of lore in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, the concept of Dragon Breaks, originated from a simple typo in The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall's timeline. This accidental gap in time was embraced by the developers, including Michael Kirkbride, and incorporated into the series' lore as a way to reconcile multiple possible endings.
Jag har blivit den som säger att allt var bättre förr
The author reflects on how the perception of older games changes with age, moving from childhood enjoyment to critical re-evaluation in adulthood. While acknowledging that games themselves may not have been objectively better, the surrounding experiences and nostalgia significantly color memories, leading to a complex relationship with remakes and the past.
Thank You Bus Driver Brings Double Fine Chaos on October 14
Double Fine's chaotic black-and-white bus driving game, Thank You Bus Driver, is set to launch on October 14 for PC platforms including Steam, GOG, and itch.io. This marks Double Fine's first release since its split from Xbox, and it will be published under their new Double Fine Action Labs label for "weird, little games."
"We really had to shift our strategy" - How a decade of lessons made Overwatch the PvP king
Overwatch Game Director Aaron Keller discusses the decade-long evolution of the game's strategy, particularly the shift away from PvE Story Missions to focus on its core PvP strength. This strategic pivot, which took years to refine, has revitalized the game and allowed for new storytelling approaches within the PvP framework. Keller acknowledges past criticisms of villains like Doomfist and expresses a desire for stronger narrative development.
Bedah Patch Baru Genshin Impact & Honkai: Star Rail: Karakter Bintang 5 Baru, Ekspansi Wilayah, & Fitur QoL 2026
HoYoverse has released a major update for Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, introducing new 5-star characters, expanded exploration areas, and significant Quality of Life improvements. The update, slated for 2026, also includes adjustments to game mechanics and endgame content, aiming to enhance player experience and streamline resource management.
Control Resonant Benefited from The Power of the PS5, Says Lead Gameplay Designer
Lead gameplay designer Sergey Mohov discussed how Remedy Entertainment leveraged the power of the PlayStation 5 for Control Resonant, enabling larger environments and more on-screen action. He highlighted the use of the DualSense controller's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for an immersive combat experience. The article also mentions upcoming updates like New Game++ and a Photo Mode, and references a positive review score.
GTA 6 Features Over 170 Animal Species, Including Never-Before-Seen Additions
Rockstar Games has revealed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature over 170 species of animals, significantly more than Red Dead Redemption 2. The developer emphasized detailed research and realistic animations for wildlife across various biomes in Leonida. The game is set to release on November 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Why Ace Combat 8 Could Be One of 2026’s Standout Games
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve aims to deliver a blockbuster aviation experience, focusing on the fantasy of being an ace pilot rather than realistic simulation. Developed by Project Aces using Unreal Engine 5 and proprietary tech, the game promises a photorealistic sky, satisfying aerial combat, and a strong narrative emphasis, enhanced by a live-action prequel series to build awareness and immersion.
ARC Raiders Introducing Dynamic Loot Zones With Frozen Trail’s Pendola Pass
Embark Studios is introducing dynamic loot zones to the Pendola Pass map in ARC Raiders' Frozen Trail update, which will change the location and value of points of interest each session. This change aims to make runs more interesting and varied for players. The studio is also working on a PvE mode for the game.
Intergalactic’s Full Reveal Coming in 2027: “We Need to Cook for Just a Little Bit Longer”
Naughty Dog president Neil Druckmann announced that Intergalactic, the studio's new ambitious game, will receive a full reveal in 2027. While no release window was given, rumors suggest a mid-2027 release, though the full reveal next year might push it further. The game is described as a sci-fi adventure inspired by Elden Ring's player freedom.
NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, September 29 (game #1206)
This article provides hints and answers for the New York Times Connections word game, game #1206, for Tuesday, September 29. It details the four categories: SECLUDED, RIVER FEATURES, FIRST WORDS OF PIXAR FILMS, and PHRASES HIDING GREEK LETTERS.
World of Warcraft: Forever dev teases new 'mega dungeon' to get lost in for hours like the good ol' days
World of Warcraft: Classic senior game designer Josh Greenfield teased a new 'mega dungeon' inspired by the beloved Blackrock Depths from the original game. This type of large, multi-boss dungeon, which can take hours to complete, is being considered for WoW: Forever, a version of the game that doesn't need to adhere to modern MMO streamlining. The tease included an image hinting at a dungeon related to the Timbermaw faction.
Activision Keeps Saying All The Right Things About Modern Warfare 4
Activision announced that Double XP tokens in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will now only count down during active gameplay, not in menus or while searching for matches. Developers at Infinity Ward also discussed topics like time-to-kill and spawning in a recent video. The game is set to launch on October 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Path of Exile co-creator is "tentatively hopeful" Diablo 5 will stick the landing
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson expresses tentative hope for Diablo 5, citing its announcement's return to the dark aesthetic and gameplay mechanics of Diablo 1 and 2, such as item sizing and inventory management. He believes ditching enemy scaling and embracing procedural generation are positive signs, but remains concerned about online-only play and combat system design.
