Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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I made a hyper organised plant shop in Leafy Corner because the people want order not whimsy
The author describes their approach to designing a hyper-organized plant shop in the management sim game Leafy Corner, contrasting it with the more chaotic and whimsical designs seen from other players. Despite the structured layout, the shop proved successful, quickly selling out of plants and earning significant in-game currency, allowing for further customization and expansion.
FC 27 Career Mode: Transfer Market Overhaul Explained
EA Sports FC 27's Career Mode will feature a significantly overhauled Transfer Market, incorporating a new algorithm developed with Transfer Room for player valuations. The system introduces multi-stage negotiations for both clubs and players, enhanced scouting with dynamic potential evaluations, and improved AI logic for CPU clubs. New cutscenes and social media reactions will accompany finalized transfers, adding to the immersion.
Warframe of Mind: The big guide to picking a frame – Mesa, Chroma, Equinox
This guide for Warframe focuses on selecting the right Warframe, specifically detailing Mesa, Chroma, and Equinox. It discusses their strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, offering insights into their effectiveness in gameplay and potential build strategies.
For Doom Composer Mick Gordon, Every Soundtrack Is Waiting To Be Discovered
Composer Mick Gordon, known for his work on Doom and Doom Eternal, discusses his approach to creating video game soundtracks, likening it to archeological excavation. He emphasizes the fans' role in the longevity of his music and mentions upcoming projects like the cyberpunk FPS Defect.
Shards of Order Review
Shards of Order is a deckbuilding RPG where players control a party of three characters attempting to restore order to a chaotic world. The game features a card-based combat system that requires strategic deck and equipment management, with a narrative that explores themes of immortality and consequence. While the combat offers depth and the story is coherent, some players may find the checkpoint system and limited enemy variety frustrating.
League of Legends Classic reminds us why we loved the old game and why we left it behind
League of Legends Classic offers a nostalgic trip back to the Season 3 era, reminding players of the game's early appeal and the reasons for its evolution. While it successfully recaptures the magic of older versions with classic elements, the article suggests that nostalgia alone may not sustain long-term engagement, highlighting the improvements made to the modern game's player experience.
Total War: Warhammer 40k's siege reset is one of the things I'm looking forward to most
The author expresses excitement for the potential siege system overhaul in Total War: Warhammer 40,000, hoping it will address long-standing pathfinding and bug issues present in previous Total War titles like Total War: Warhammer 3. The new engine and the shift towards urban combat in Warhammer 40,000's setting may eliminate traditional siege walls, leading to more engaging battles.
Sonic the Hedgehog: The Problem With “Going Too Fast”
The article discusses the core gameplay loop of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, where the emphasis on speed can sometimes detract from the player's experience. It suggests that while "going fast" is central to Sonic's identity, it can lead to missed opportunities for engagement with level design.
The Daily Grind: What are some weird objects in MMORPGs that we’ve normalized?
This article discusses normalized concepts within MMORPGs, using RuneScape's crafting stations as an example of a seemingly odd in-game object that players have come to accept. It prompts readers to share other unusual MMORPG elements that have become commonplace.
D&D Star Wars revealed for 2027, but fans worry this means a beloved RPG is dead
Wizards of the Coast announced a Dungeons & Dragons Star Wars crossover set for 2027, revealed at Gen Con 2026. While generating excitement, the announcement has also sparked concern among fans that it signals the end of Edge Studios' Star Wars Roleplaying game. The article discusses the potential fit for Star Wars within the D&D framework and compares it to previous 'Universes Beyond' initiatives.
A Nightmare Shift Begins On Xbox
The psychological horror game Nightmare Shift is now available on Xbox Series X|S for £9.99. Developed by Binary Lunar and published by Ultimate Games, the first-person title follows Emma as her routine at a remote motel unravels into paranoia and strange encounters. Players explore the motel and Emma's apartment to uncover a mystery with multiple endings.
How iGaming Software Developers Borrow DNA from Xbox Hits
The iGaming industry is increasingly drawing inspiration from console games, particularly Xbox titles, to enhance the player experience. Developers are replicating visual elements like neon HUDs and gritty menus, incorporating cinematic music, and adopting game mechanics such as progression bars and environmental unlocks. Major titles like Resident Evil, Call of Duty, and Street Fighter have also been licensed for official slot machine adaptations.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 vs 1 – What Has Changed?
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, launching August 25th on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, introduces significant changes from its predecessor. The sequel expands to 15 levels, features four-player co-op instead of three, and offers larger environments with increased enemy numbers. It also revamps the five base classes into new archetypes like Duelist and Machinist, adds an endgame Specialist class, and enhances weapon customization with Augments and a larger Perk Grid. Notably, Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 will include crossplay and cross-platform voice chat at launch.
Silent Hill: Townfall is “Leaning Into” Expectations But Also “Massively Subverting” Them, Says Director
Jon McKellan, writer and director for Silent Hill: Townfall, stated that the game will lean into player expectations of the Silent Hill franchise while also massively subverting them. The game, launching September 24th for PlayStation 5 and PC, will feature melee combat and multiple endings. A new trailer is set to debut at Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25th.
Elden Ring Adaptation’s Filming Has Been Wrapped Up – Rumor
Filming for A24's Elden Ring movie adaptation has reportedly concluded, according to a former art and props department member. The film, written and directed by Alex Garland, is slated for a March 3rd, 2028 release and is A24's most expensive project to date. Garland, a fan of the game, has discussed the challenging nature of its boss fights, particularly Malenia.
Why EA Sports FC 27 Could Finally Reward Genuine Skill
This article discusses potential gameplay improvements in EA Sports FC 27, focusing on a revamp of AI defenders to give players more control and emphasize manual defending. The author expresses cautious optimism about changes to PlayStyles and other mechanics, hoping for a return to skill-based gameplay, while acknowledging concerns about polish and potential issues with off-balance dribbling.
The Spectrum White Edition interview: ‘it smells the same as Christmas Day 1984'
Retro Games CTO Chris Smith discusses the company's mission to recreate classic 8-bit computers like the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 with modern hardware. The Spectrum White Edition aims to capture the original experience, including programming capabilities, while offering modern conveniences like HDMI output and save states. Smith highlights the challenges of hardware replication and the importance of preserving gaming history for both nostalgic adults and curious younger generations.
Massively Overthinking: Are there any MMORPGs or MMO features that are good kinda by accident?
This article discusses MMORPGs and their features that became popular or fun by accident, often in ways unintended by developers. Examples include "alting" and the architect system in City of Heroes, content trains in Guild Wars 2, and the unintended consequences of Grand Theft Auto Online's content creator. World of Warcraft and Fortnite are also cited for features that evolved beyond their original design intent.
D&D World of Warcraft isn't trying to be the MMO so much as evoke how it makes you feel: "This is your chance to explore Azeroth as you never have before"
Dungeons & Dragons World of Warcraft aims to evoke the feeling of the MMO rather than replicate its mechanics. Principal game designer James Wyatt explained that the focus is on capturing the intangible essence of playing characters in Azeroth. The upcoming tabletop RPG will feature new species, subclasses, and dungeons, allowing for unique character origin stories not possible in the original game.
Midnight Moments is a cyberpunk diorama builder for the neon sign and drizzly rain lovers
Midnight Moments is a cyberpunk-themed diorama builder game where players construct detailed city scenes with neon lights and rainy environments. The game offers granular control over placing building blocks and decorative elements, allowing for creative expression within the genre. Available on PC via Steam, it explores the function of calming creative games and the potential for deeper thematic exploration within the cyberpunk genre.
