Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Slay the Spire 2 updates are slowing down again, but don't fear, it's all in the name of more modes, an alternate Act 2, and a character with a bandaged foot
Developer Mega Crit is slowing down the update cadence for Slay the Spire 2's early access period to focus on larger content additions. These include new game modes, an alternate Act 2, and a new character. The team also clarified that Ascension 10 will be near the game's highest difficulty and enchantments will not be stackable to maintain focus on deckbuilding.
Witcher 3 designer says it wasn't easy to convince players its NPC simulation wasn't 'just fakery': 'People nowadays are interested in those kinds of details, and it really came to haunt us'
CD Projekt Red's Philipp Weber discussed the challenges of creating believable NPC behavior in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, noting that players' interest in intricate details could be a double-edged sword. He explained how the team programmed NPCs to react realistically to player actions, even if it led to humorous or unintended consequences like mothers dropping babies. The article also contrasts this with Cyberpunk 2077's approach to NPC simulation.
EverQuest Legends is the only MMO that could hook me in 2026
EverQuest Legends offers a modernized take on the classic MMO, aiming to recapture the nostalgia of its original 1999 release while making the experience more accessible. Developed by Game Jawn, it retains the core feel of EverQuest but removes harsh mechanics like corpse runs and adds features like in-game maps to encourage longer play sessions. While Project 1999 offers a free, more authentic classic experience, Legends seeks to be a game players will actively return to.
Star Wars: The Old Republic hopes to recapture the 'classic' experience with difficulty options and a new way…
Star Wars: The Old Republic is introducing update 8.0, which includes a raised level cap, new zones on Ryloth, and two new difficulty systems. The update aims to recapture a 'classic' experience with a difficulty slider and new 'venture' characters offering classic and expert modes with special rewards.
The Witcher 3 lead says designing for player curiosity "really came to haunt us" when making sure it felt like…
CD Projekt Red quest designer Philipp Weber discussed how early design choices for NPC schedules in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, focused on realism, created unexpected challenges. The team prioritized simulating believable daily routines over immediate player reactions, leading to humorous situations like NPCs dropping babies. Weber noted that creating such detailed NPC behaviors was more difficult in earlier development stages compared to current practices.
Insomniac had to ditch Spider-Man's open-world for Marvel's Wolverine because Logan is "not somebody who…
Insomniac Games has opted for a more linear, globe-trotting adventure for Marvel's Wolverine, diverging from the open-world exploration seen in its Spider-Man titles. This design choice emphasizes Wolverine's character as a loner, focusing on his combat, rage, and internal struggles rather than traversal. Developers highlighted how subtle details, like the bending of branches under Wolverine's weight, contribute to a more authentic character experience.
The Daily Grind: What’s an underrated MMO that you’d recommend and why?
This article discusses underrated or overlooked MMORPGs, with Dungeons and Dragons Online being highlighted for its unique character system, narrated dungeons, and D&D campaign settings. The piece encourages readers to share their own recommendations for the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre.
I Hope GTA 6 Borrows a Lot From GTA 4
The author hopes that Grand Theft Auto 6 will incorporate design elements from Grand Theft Auto 4. Having recently revisited Grand Theft Auto 4, the author believes Rockstar Games should draw inspiration from its predecessor for the upcoming title.
Dead by Daylight's new chat wheel for Survivors is already better thanks to feedback
Behaviour Interactive is introducing a new 'Player Intent' chat wheel for Survivors in Dead by Daylight, allowing for quick communication of actions and intentions. The system will feature customizable preset messages with a cooldown to prevent spam. Players will have the option to disable the feature entirely or mute individual users who misuse it.
Diskutera: Vilket FPS skulle du vilja uppleva för första gången igen?
This article discusses the unique experience of playing a first-person shooter for the first time, highlighting how the element of surprise and discovery cannot be replicated in subsequent playthroughs. It prompts readers to consider which FPS they would most like to forget and experience anew, referencing titles like Half-Life, Halo, and Doom as examples of impactful first encounters.
Behind the scenes of Hell Let Loose Vietnam: How Expression crafted the perfect, playable warzone
Expression Games directors discuss the development of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from World War II to the Vietnam War. They focused on creating an asymmetrical experience with a strong emphasis on historical accuracy and respectful representation of the conflict, balancing realism with engaging gameplay.
How I’m dealing with my video game backlog of 48 titles - Reader's Feature
A reader details their strategy for tackling a personal backlog of 48 video games, categorizing titles and discussing their purchasing habits. They highlight challenges with game length, difficulty, and digital ownership, while also reflecting on completed games and those they've abandoned.
Star Fox 100 percent completion criteria list
This guide details the criteria for achieving 100 percent completion in Star Fox on Nintendo Switch, which involves clearing Campaign Mode with all medals and alternate routes, completing all Normal and Expert Challenges, and unlocking all backgrounds and emblems. The process is described as time-consuming and skill-intensive, taking approximately 50 hours to complete efficiently.
No Clean Start – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
No Clean Start is a single-player psychological horror game where player mistakes have lasting consequences, reshaping the game world. The game emphasizes observation and persistence over repetition, with information revealed through gameplay rather than tutorials. A beta playtest sign-up is currently available.
Before Grand Theft Auto Online, GTA 4's multiplayer added 'glorious chaos' to the open world sandbox
This article reflects on the 'glorious chaos' of Grand Theft Auto 4's multiplayer, contrasting it with the more structured and financially successful Grand Theft Auto Online. It highlights how GTA 4's PC version offered a 32-player limit and customizable options, leading to unique and emergent gameplay experiences that differed from its single-player counterpart.
Want More Story In Your Stardew? Fields Of Mistria Is Right Up Your Valley
Fields of Mistria, a farming simulator that has recently entered its 1.0 release after two years in early access, is being compared to the genre-defining Stardew Valley. While both games share core mechanics, Fields of Mistria distinguishes itself by offering a more robust story, deeper character relationships, and RPG elements, making it a strong contender in the genre.
Fields of Mistria review
Fields of Mistria is a farming simulator that stands out with its exceptionally well-written characters and dialogue, drawing inspiration from '90s anime. While it shares core mechanics with games like Stardew Valley, its strength lies in the depth and earnestness of its character interactions and narrative. The game encourages hands-on engagement with farming and crafting, prioritizing player involvement over automation, and offers a charming, nostalgic experience on PC.
OG Gears of War lead says "wallbouncing in Gears" is like his cult classic platformer helping turn fans into furries: "It wasn't the intended nor desired effect, yet here we are"
Original Gears of War lead Cliff Bleszinski commented that the series' signature wallbouncing mechanic, while fun, was an unintended consequence that has dominated the competitive multiplayer meta. He compared this to his earlier platformer, Jazz Jackrabbit, which he believes unexpectedly became a gateway for fans into the furry community. Bleszinski feels wallbouncing breaks the game for players who don't master it, a problem Gears of War: E-Day aims to address.
Inside Is the Closest Thing to a ‘Perfect’ Game I’ve Ever Played
The game Inside is described as the closest thing to a perfect video game the author has ever played. This opinion piece highlights the game's exceptional quality.
The Soapbox: Online games just can’t bet on success
This opinion piece argues that developers of live service games should stop betting on guaranteed success and instead focus on delivering complete, polished experiences at launch. The author uses examples like Iron Harvest, Anthem, and Wolcen to illustrate the pitfalls of unfinished stories and overly ambitious projects. The article suggests that a more realistic approach, prioritizing a solid core experience with plans for future expansion, is more sustainable and beneficial for both developers and players, citing Valheim as a positive example.
