Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Someone already beat Marathon's pinnacle three-player Compiler boss solo, just to rub salt in the wound of everyone…
A player known as TheSnazzzyRock has achieved the world's first solo completion of the Compiler boss in Marathon's Cryo Archive map, completing the challenging feat in just eight attempts. This accomplishment comes shortly after the game's release and highlights the player's expertise in tackling difficult live service game challenges. Bungie is also implementing a fix to ensure subroutine spawns are guaranteed.
Room Escapes to Reward Loops: How Game Design Has Shifted Since 2010 - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Game design has evolved significantly since 2010, shifting from contained challenges with defined endings to continuous engagement systems driven by layered rewards. This transformation is influenced by technological advancements, changing player expectations, and new monetization strategies, particularly evident in mobile gaming and live service titles. Modern games prioritize instant feedback, progression loops, and adaptive experiences to maintain player interaction over extended periods.
EverQuest Legends announced
Daybreak Game Company has announced EverQuest Legends, a reimagined version of the 1999 classic EverQuest for Windows PC, set to launch in July. The game is designed for solo and casual play, allowing players to combine up to three classes and upgrade gear. It will feature the continent of Antonica with classic art style, zones, and music, alongside modern quality-of-life enhancements.
Why simple baseball browser games still work - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
Simple browser-based baseball games continue to attract players due to their clear mechanics, immediate feedback, and accessibility, offering engaging experiences in short sessions. These games prioritize core gameplay elements over realism, allowing players' imaginations to fill in the details and fostering a sense of community and nostalgia.
Why Small Design Choices Change Player Behaviour - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This article explores how small design choices in video games significantly influence player behavior by affecting comfort, clarity, and confidence. It highlights that intuitive interfaces, sensible pacing, and clear reward systems are crucial for engagement, especially in casual and indie titles. Ultimately, good design reduces player hesitation and fosters a sense of control, leading to longer play sessions and a more positive impression.
All Access
Mick Donegan discusses making games accessible for all players on the Good Game Club Podcast. The interview, available on Spotify, focuses on inclusive game design principles and their importance in the industry.
Screamer Review – Scream If You Wanna Go Faster
Screamer is an arcade racer that challenges players with its unique twin-stick control scheme, demanding a new approach to driving. Despite an initially awkward feel, mastering the controls reveals a deep and rewarding mechanical experience with satisfying drifts and combat mechanics. While the game's story mode and some balancing issues detract slightly, its visual presentation and overall ambition make it a compelling and distinct entry in the genre, running smoothly on PlayStation 5.
You can play Peter Molyneux's new god game, Masters of Albion, before it launches in early access
Players can participate in a closed beta for Peter Molyneux's new god game, Masters of Albion, before its early access launch. Registration for the beta closes on March 25th, requiring sign-ups via Discord. The game features a detailed crafting system that can be optionally skipped for faster gameplay.
Invincible VS Interview – Dave Hall Talks Mechanics, FGC and Brutality!
Dave Hall, Game Director at Quarter Up, discusses the inspirations behind the upcoming 3v3 fighter Invincible VS, drawing from the Invincible IP and their past experience as Killer Instinct developers. He highlights mechanics inspired by Mortal Kombat and Marvel vs. Capcom, the unique character design of Dupli-Kate, and the importance of community feedback from the FGC. Invincible VS is set to release on April 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with an open beta planned from April 9 to April 11.
Tencent's genAI animation tools don't seem to make games more fun
Tencent's new generative AI animation tools, demonstrated at GDC, aim to create more realistic character movements by dynamically generating in-between frames. While the technology can reduce animation imperfections like clipping and sliding, the article questions whether these improvements fundamentally enhance gameplay fun or are primarily for investor appeal. Concerns are also raised about the ethical implications of training data and fair compensation for performers whose movements are used.
Albion Online coming to Xbox in April
Sandbox Interactive announced that the fantasy MMORPG Albion Online will launch on Xbox Series X|S on April 21st, featuring full crossplay with PC and mobile versions. The console port includes optimizations for controllers, a new UI, and adapted key screens. The game will also receive a visual upgrade with the Radiant Wilds update on April 13th.
GDC 2026: EverQuest Legends is a new pre-Kunark server from Daybreak and Game Jawn
Daybreak Game Company and new studio Game Jawn announced EverQuest Legends, an officially licensed classic EverQuest server set in the pre-Kunark era, slated for a July 2026 release. The game will be fully soloable, feature modern quality-of-life updates like multiclassing, and will operate on a subscription model. Game Jawn, composed of experienced members from the EverQuest emulation community, aims to preserve the classic experience while making it accessible to a wider audience.
EverQuest Legends is classic EverQuest, but for people who don't have time for MMOs anymore
Daybreak Game Company announced EverQuest Legends, a new take on the classic 1999 MMO designed for players with less time. It will launch in July with vanilla EverQuest's challenges and graphics, but with an expanded class system allowing characters to multiclass into three distinct roles. The game aims to offer meaningful progress in shorter play sessions, incorporating elements from later expansions like the beastmaster class and new item systems.
Lord of the Rings Online offers another preview of the new Rivendell housing
Lord of the Rings Online is offering a preview of its new Rivendell player housing neighborhood, located on the western heights with breathtaking views. This new Elven neighborhood includes standard, deluxe, and kinship houses, and introduces the ability to resurface and dye ceilings for the first time in the game.
Crimson Desert "does rivers better" than Red Dead Redemption 2, says former Rockstar artist in praise of the open-world game's attention to detail: "I couldn't be more pleased to see this"
Former Rockstar Games artist David O'Reilly praised Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert for its advanced water physics, stating it surpasses Red Dead Redemption 2's rivers. O'Reilly, who worked on Red Dead Redemption 2's water, highlighted Crimson Desert's use of live particle simulation for its impressive hydrodynamics.
Crimson Desert Comes Alive When You Ignore the Main Quest and Climb the Nearest Tower
Crimson Desert features a beautifully designed world that is a pleasure to explore, though the article suggests there could be more content within its environments. The author found more enjoyment by deviating from the main quest to explore the world freely.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Best Builds for Maximum Damage
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection marks a significant improvement for the spin-off series, delivering one of the best stories in the Monster Hunter universe. While previous entries struggled with tone and pacing, this installment successfully finds its footing, offering a compelling narrative experience that fans of the franchise should not miss, even with its departure from the traditional hunting gameplay.
Disney Gaming Boss On "Massive Disruption" In Games And What's Coming Next
Disney's Executive Vice President of Global Games & Digital Entertainment, Sean Shoptaw, discussed the company's strategy amidst significant market disruption. Disney aims for its games to be as prominent as its film and TV businesses, focusing on original stories within its IPs rather than licensed tie-ins. The company sees games like Fortnite and Roblox as massive social platforms and is investing in the Fortnite metaverse with Epic Games, exploring ways to connect digital experiences with its theme parks.
The Best Pokemon Pokopia Builds We've Seen (So Far)
Pokemon Pokopia has quickly become a hit, with players showcasing impressive in-game builds. This article rounds up some of the most creative and inspiring creations, ranging from lighthouses and treehouse villages to underground cities and functional train stations. These examples offer inspiration for players looking to enhance their own in-game creations.
Why UX/UI Is the Real Reason Players Come Back
Player retention in modern gaming is primarily driven by effective User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, rather than just content volume. Intuitive interfaces, clear feedback, and smooth gameplay flow are crucial for keeping players engaged and reducing costly user acquisition efforts. Games that prioritize effortless interaction and emotional connection are more likely to foster long-term player loyalty.
