Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Giants Deserve Better
This article explores how giants are often undersold in tabletop role-playing games compared to their rich presence in folklore and mythology. It examines various mythological depictions of giants, from fairy tales to Norse and biblical stories, suggesting these provide more compelling and diverse inspirations for game design than the typical 'big human' archetype. The author encourages game masters to draw from these richer sources to create more interesting and otherworldly giant encounters.
ARC Raiders Review: Immersion, Morality, and the Philosophy of Extraction
ARC Raiders is an extraction shooter that prioritizes immersion and player morality over traditional mechanics like mini-maps. The game emphasizes survival horror elements through its sound design and resource management, creating a tense experience. Its forgiving nature and focus on player choice explore themes of trust and betrayal within its cooperative framework.
When Play does not go to Prep
This article discusses how Game Masters (GMs) should handle deviations from prepared game sessions in tabletop role-playing games like Blades in the Dark. It emphasizes that player-driven actions, even if unexpected, are a natural and enjoyable part of the hobby, encouraging GMs to embrace improvisation rather than strictly adhering to pre-planned scenarios.
What Is a Situation in an RPG? How to Create Dynamic Play.
This article explains the concept of a 'situation' in role-playing games as an evolving problem with competing interests and independent pressure, distinct from a simple scene or encounter. It outlines five essential components for designing such situations: something already being wrong, competing interests, pressure independent of players, a non-predetermined outcome, and the impact of player actions on the setting.
PUBG Mobile 2026: Still Top-Notch or Time for Warzone?
The author discusses returning to PUBG Mobile, praising its recent updates like Erangel 2.0 and recon drones, while noting the random loadout system. The article questions if PUBG Mobile is still relevant compared to Call of Duty: Warzone and Fortnite, despite its core Battle Royale experience remaining compelling on platforms like PlayStation 4.
Why Mobile Gaming & iGaming Isn’t Just ‘On the Go’ But the New Social Hub
Mobile gaming, particularly iGaming, is evolving beyond convenience to become a primary social hub where players connect and form routines. Platforms like Betway are integrating chat and social features to foster community, mirroring real-world social interactions. This shift is driven by the desire for light-touch connections that fit into busy schedules, with game design increasingly prioritizing social elements to create engaging loops and a sense of belonging.
Fresh Starts
This article discusses the concept of 'fresh starts' in tabletop role-playing games at the beginning of a new year. It suggests that players and Game Masters can revitalize ongoing campaigns by introducing new characters, NPCs, or even entirely new campaigns and game systems. The author emphasizes the importance of open communication and collaboration with the entire gaming group when making such changes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Mark’s Expert Review of Subway Surfers
This review of Subway Surfers highlights its enduring popularity as an endless runner game, praising its simple yet addictive core gameplay, responsive controls, and vibrant, culturally inspired maps. Despite criticisms of its character and hoverboard visuals, and aggressive monetization, the game is recommended for its fun, fast-paced experience and consistent updates over its decade-long lifespan.
Defending Reverie in NBA 2k26 Innovation ProPLAY & Motion Engine
NBA 2K26 introduces the ProPLAY Motion Engine, significantly enhancing defensive realism through improved footwork, collision detection, and AI. The game now features more strategic off-ball defense and fairer shot contests, making defensive play as satisfying as offense. This overhaul aims to create a more balanced and skill-based basketball simulation experience.
Hideo Kojima’s OD: Release Date, Gameplay, And Everything We Know
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game, OD, developed by Kojima Productions in collaboration with Xbox Game Studios, is still in early development with no release date announced. The game will feature performances by Sophia Lillis, Udo Kier, and Hunter Schafer, and is being built with Unreal Engine 5. Kojima has teased a unique 'fear-throttling' gameplay system and a blurring of lines between gaming and film, with input from filmmaker Jordan Peele.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Review | Giant Bomb
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a triumphant return to form, closely mirroring the tone, gameplay, and quality of the original Metroid Prime. The game masterfully balances combat, puzzle-solving, atmosphere, and platforming, offering a deeply satisfying exploration experience with excellent motion controls. It stands as the best-looking game on the Nintendo Switch 2 and a strong contender for the series' best entries.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Review
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a triumphant return to form, closely mirroring the quality and tone of the original Metroid Prime. The game successfully balances combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, avoiding the pitfalls of its predecessors. Its stunning visuals and refined gameplay make it the best title on the Switch 2 to date.
Borderlands 4 Review: A Carnival of Chaos with a Siren at the Helm
Borderlands 4 refines the series' signature chaotic gameplay with a new Siren character, Vex, who commands spectral companions, enhancing solo play. The game features improved co-op mechanics like instanced loot and shared cash, making multiplayer more seamless. Technically, it's the most polished entry yet, with a fluid open world and impressive visuals on PC powered by Unreal Engine 5, though minor stutters occur.
Battlefield 6 streamlines some of the most annoying Challenges yet again, takes out a few of them entirely
Battlefield Studios has further streamlined in-game challenges for Battlefield 6, removing some of the most frustrating ones entirely and adjusting requirements for others. These changes aim to improve player progression, which was a significant point of criticism at the game's launch. The developer also announced a free trial for the game, offering access to popular modes on select maps.
Best Minecraft seeds 2026 - updated for 26.1
This guide provides a comprehensive list of Minecraft seeds for version 26.1, updated for Java and compatible with Bedrock. It categorizes seeds for survival, speedrunning, building, and unique world generation features, offering coordinates and descriptions for each.
Ghost of Yōtei: 10 Best Skills to Get First
This guide highlights ten essential skills for Ghost of Yōtei, focusing on those that enhance exploration and immersion rather than combat. Skills like Wind Step, Spirit Sense, and Trail Whisper are recommended for their ability to improve traversal and interaction with the game's snowy environment. The article emphasizes the game's deliberate pacing and how these abilities contribute to a more rhythmic and connected gameplay experience.
Minecraft house ideas - 70 cool designs
This article provides a comprehensive list of 70 Minecraft house ideas, ranging from simple starter homes to elaborate medieval mansions and modern designs. It offers inspiration and guidance for players looking to build unique and functional structures within the game, covering various themes and architectural styles.
The best Minecraft mods
This guide explores a vast collection of Minecraft mods that enhance gameplay, from quality-of-life improvements and new biomes to challenging horror experiences and performance optimizations. It covers various categories including modpacks, world modifications, survival tools, and vanilla-style additions, offering options for both new and experienced players. Instructions for installing mods via managers like Forge and Fabric, or manually, are also provided.
All Minecraft mobs in 26.1 and beyond
This guide details all the mobs currently present in the base game of Minecraft, including passive, neutral, and hostile types found in the Overworld, Nether, and The End. It also highlights new mobs like the Sulfur Cube and special easter egg mobs accessible via name tags, such as Jeb_ and Dinnerbone.
Battlefield 6 tweaks Challenge rerolls so you don't get ones you can't - or don't want to - complete
Battlefield 6 and its free-to-play component, Battlefield Redsec, have updated the Challenge reroll system to better align with the game modes players own or prefer. Players who own the full game will now more frequently receive multiplayer challenges, while Redsec players will get battle royale or Gauntlet challenges. A new Casual Breakthrough mode with fewer real players and more AI bots has also been introduced for a more relaxed multiplayer experience.
