Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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It’s okay not to be impressed by GTA 6 - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses a lack of excitement for Grand Theft Auto 6, despite acknowledging Rockstar Games' impressive graphics. The author questions the game's perceived lack of innovation in gameplay mechanics and narrative, suggesting it may be too similar to previous entries in the series. The article posits that the immense budget might not translate into groundbreaking new ideas, potentially stifling innovation in the wider industry.
The '90s are a "perfect time for horror," says Silent Hill: Townfall dev who wants the game to make you…
Silent Hill: Townfall writer Jon McKellan explains that the game's 1996 setting was chosen to evoke a sense of discomfort, reflecting the socio-economic climate of the UK at the time and the limitations of technology. The absence of smartphones and readily available digital maps contributes to the intended atmosphere of unease and isolation for players.
NBA 2K27 Review So Far
The NBA 2K27 review highlights that while new features have been introduced, they have also brought attention to persistent issues within the game. The article suggests a mixed reception so far, with potential for improvement.
Review – Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition (Switch 2)
The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 offers a portable experience of FromSoftware's acclaimed action RPG, though it suffers from inconsistent frame rates and visual compromises compared to other platforms. Despite performance issues, the game's masterful design, epic story, and stunning world remain intact, making it an enjoyable, albeit rough, on-the-go option.
It’s Time I Let Go Of My Favorite Alien Isolation 2 Theory
The author discusses their personal theory about the protagonist of Alien Isolation 2, Blake, being a bait-and-switch for Amanda Ripley. After repeated confirmations from Creative Assembly that Blake is the central character, the author is letting go of this theory. While still believing Ripley will have a significant role, they are ready to embrace Blake as the protagonist for the upcoming 2027 release.
Marvel's Wolverine pays direct tribute to X-Men: The Animated Series' most enduring meme
Marvel's Wolverine will feature a direct reference to the iconic 'Wolverine Crush' meme from the '90s X-Men: The Animated Series. This callback will appear on a mission replay screen within Logan's Nightmare Cabin, a feature Insomniac Games has implemented for players to revisit challenges and discover collectibles.
Casually Classic: What clues did Season of Discovery hold for WoW Classic Plus?
The article analyzes Blizzard Entertainment's Season of Discovery for World of Warcraft Classic as a precursor to a potential 'Classic Plus' version of the game. It examines the experimental features introduced, player feedback, and lessons learned that could inform future Classic WoW developments, particularly regarding lore integration and game balance.
Game of the Week – Star Wars Zero Company has stolen my strategy-loving heart
Star Wars Zero Company is a turn-based strategy game that successfully blends challenging gameplay with a compelling cinematic Star Wars story. Developed by Bit Reactor and published by Electronic Arts, it offers deep tactical combat and engaging character management, making it a strong recommendation for both strategy fans and Star Wars enthusiasts. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 director not wowed by GTA 6 – "Two uninteresting sociopaths chaotically…
Daniel Vávra, director of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, expressed his lack of enthusiasm for Grand Theft Auto 6's narrative, calling its protagonists "two uninteresting sociopaths." While acknowledging the game's technical achievements, Vávra believes it lacks the complex characters, motives, and thematic depth he considers essential for good storytelling.
SGJ Podcast #519 – Remasters – Part 2 of 2
This podcast episode features a discussion on video game remasters, differentiating them from remakes. The hosts share their favorite remastered titles, including Star Wars: TIE Fighter, Command & Conquer Remastered Collection, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Rockstar has to 'be careful' about what GTA 6 picks to satirize because 'very specific political issues…
Rockstar North's co-studio head Ron Nelson discussed the challenges of incorporating satire into Grand Theft Auto 6, emphasizing the need to avoid specific political issues or memes that could quickly become dated. The team is focused on creating timeless commentary that resonates with players beyond immediate trends. This approach aims to ensure the game's satirical elements remain relevant and impactful over time.
Storyboard: Why is ERP still the punchline of MMORPGs?
This opinion piece questions why Erotic Roleplaying (ERP) in MMORPGs remains a consistent punchline and subject of mockery within the gaming community. The author suggests that this humor stems from discomfort and overinvestment, serving as a defense mechanism to avoid deeper discussions about sexuality, objectification, and personal investment in game characters. The article argues that while some ERP can be genuinely strange, the universal ridicule of it prevents a more nuanced examination of its cultural implications and players' own engagement with game design and character representation.
I'm locked out of Lae'zel's best ending in my Baldur's Gate 3 no weapons run, and I totally regret…
The author details their experience completing Baldur's Gate 3 with a self-imposed no weapons challenge, leading to regret over missing Lae'zel's best ending due to the inability to use the Orphic Hammer. Despite the success of the challenge, the player reflects on the unintended consequences and the game's dynamic combat system.
GTA 6 might be single-player but the coupled-up life changes everything
This article analyzes the relationship dynamics between protagonists Jason and Lucia in Grand Theft Auto 6, highlighting how their partnership and constant communication are central to the gameplay and narrative. Unlike previous entries, their bond is presented as a core mechanic, influencing how they approach missions and interact with the world, suggesting a different kind of Grand Theft Auto experience.
Way too early predictions for Grand Theft Auto 6
Shacknews staff members share their early predictions for Grand Theft Auto 6, focusing on narrative elements, character development, and potential gameplay mechanics. Predictions range from the consequences of infidelity and character morality to the possibility of a third protagonist and the impact of simulation mechanics on the game's core fun. The article emphasizes that these predictions are based solely on the extended look trailer and not on any leaks.
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons – The Open World Adventure Making Magic More… Magical
Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons, an open-world action-adventure game from Invoke Studios, offers a unique approach to magic, treating it as a versatile tool rather than a simple solution. Players control Kaatri, a warlock who can combine melee combat with expressive spellcasting, using spells like telekinesis in multiple ways to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The game emphasizes player discovery with a quest system that relies on gathering clues rather than following waypoints. Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons is set to release on Xbox Series X|S in 2027.
GTA 6's 8 biggest gameplay changes and new mechanics that will forever change the open world sandbox
Rockstar Games has revealed significant gameplay changes for Grand Theft Auto 6, focusing on the partnership between protagonists Jason and Lucia, an overhauled Wanted system, and deeper role-playing elements affecting character physique and well-being. The game also features more detailed animations for actions like theft and combat, a more grounded driving model, and a massive, dense map of Leonida that is three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2's.
Path of Exile 2 previews September 4’s Forbidden Rites league and 1.0’s new Duelist class
Grinding Gear Games has previewed Path of Exile 2's upcoming Forbidden Rites league, set to launch on September 4th, and details about the new Duelist class arriving with version 1.0 on December 11th. The Forbidden Rites league introduces a ritual-like mechanic for rewards, alongside various endgame updates. The Duelist class will feature distinct sword-based combat mechanics depending on whether players use single-hand, two-handed, or dual-wielded weapons.
How Modern Warfare 4 is revamping Call of Duty multiplayer and preparing for Switch 2
Activision and Infinity Ward are preparing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 for its open beta, featuring significant multiplayer refinements like a rewritten mantle system and clearer map design. The game is also set to debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, with Digital Legends working to ensure it runs at 60fps docked and optimizes file size to around 87GB.
Gears Of War: E-Day Had To Solve One Big Lore Problem – How Do You Get A Lancer Into The Game?
The Coalition is addressing a lore problem for Gears of War: E-Day by introducing a Lancer prototype, as the iconic weapon was canonically created a year after Emergence Day. Creative director Matt Searcy explained that they are respecting the established lore, including elements from Karen Traviss's novel Gears of War: The Aspho Fields, to integrate the Lancer into the game's Emergence Day setting. The game is set to launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
