Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Assassin’s Creed Codename Hexe Has “Large Scale” Linear Map and Better Graphics Than Shadows – Rumor
A new rumor suggests Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe will feature a large-scale linear map and improved graphics compared to Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game is reportedly priced at $69.99 for the Standard Edition on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a potential release date in June 2027, though this is considered a placeholder.
Control Resonant Cast Members Will Host a Panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25th
Remedy Entertainment announced that cast members from Control Resonant will host a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25th. The panel will feature actors discussing their characters and experiences on the upcoming title, which is slated for release on September 24th for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Control Resonant is described as Remedy's most ambitious game yet, featuring expansive zones, branching missions, and inspirations from DOOM (2016) and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Why Millions Can’t Stop Playing Meccha Chameleon
Meccha Chameleon has become a sensation due to its simple yet addictive hide-and-seek gameplay, where players paint themselves to blend into environments. The game's success is attributed to its focus on human perception, player creativity, and accessibility, fostering a strong community and offering a unique multiplayer experience. Despite potential pitfalls like cheating, its core mechanics and low price point make it an engaging and humorous title.
Deckbuilder Grail quells the fear in my heart of playing the wrong card by pinning all of the strategy on the deckbuilding
Grail, a new roguelike deckbuilder from Sokpop Collective, aims to alleviate player anxiety by automating card play after the deck is built. Players construct a deck of cards that then play themselves during matches, with strategy focused on card synergy and deck composition. A demo is available on Steam, with a full release planned for September 1st.
How Hearthstone threw out the rulebook for Escape from Violet Hold
Hearthstone's Team 5 discusses the design philosophy behind the 'rule breaker' mechanics introduced in the Escape from Violet Hold expansion. Initial Design Lead Cora Georgiou and Senior Game Designer Edward Goodwin explain how they subverted established game rules to create new deck-building opportunities and exciting gameplay experiences, while also detailing some mechanics that were ultimately cut.
Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen's new region and dungeons sound great, but I'm more excited to finally…
Capcom has revealed new details about the upcoming Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen expansion, set to launch in October. The expansion will introduce a new northern region with fresh story content and a randomized loot chase, alongside 12 new dungeons for the base game to help players reach expansion parity. A significant focus is being placed on enhancing the Pawn companion system, with new actions and improved AI planned.
With Dragon's Dogma 2's new infinite fast travel, Dark Arisen's director wants you to know they're "not forcing" you to use it
Capcom has updated Dragon's Dogma 2 to include an infinite fast travel option via the new eternal ferrystone, a change producer Naoto Oyama and director Kenta Kinoshita state is intended to offer players more choice without forcing its use. This update also removes the controversial microtransactions that previously allowed players to purchase portcrystals. Director Kenta Kinoshita acknowledges player time constraints and the potential for repetitive travel, while also defending the game's original design that encouraged strategic navigation.
Hunger is an "Elder Scrolls-style" extraction RPG from the creators of Hell Let Loose, and I'm already sold on its World of Warcraft leanings
Hunger is an upcoming extraction RPG from Good Fun Corporation, the developers behind Hell Let Loose. Director Max Rea describes it as an "Elder Scrolls-style extraction shooter" that blends MMO elements like professions and character progression with the scavenging loop of games like Escape from Tarkov. The game features a unique Napoleonic-era setting ravaged by a plague and focuses on persistent character development over gear wipes.
Fallout: New Vegas director chooses "dysfunction" and "corruption" over handing power to Caesar or Mr. House in his ideal ending for the beloved RPG
Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer discusses his preferred ending for the RPG, favoring an independent New Vegas despite its inherent dysfunction, corruption, and bureaucracy. He believes this outcome is more worthwhile than handing power to factions like Caesar's Legion or Mr. House, or the problematic New California Republic.
Choose My Adventure: Taking up a big purple shield and punching every face I see in Destiny 2
This article details the author's experience playing a Void Titan in Destiny 2, focusing on the shield throw ability and melee cooldown reduction. The author discusses the class fantasy, weapon loadout choices, and seeks community input on optimal builds and activities after completing early game tutorials.
Små pixlar, stora hjärtan
This article explores how indie games like A Void Hope, Thomas Was Alone, Firewatch, and Celeste connect with players emotionally, often through minimalist design and compelling narratives rather than advanced technology. The author reflects on how simpler graphics and mechanics can leave space for deeper player interpretation and emotional engagement.
‘I’m Allergic to Antagonists Who Are Bad for the Sake of Being Bad’ – How The Blood of Dawnwalker’s Vampires Go Beyond Just Being Bosses
The design of antagonists in The Blood of Dawnwalker aims to go beyond simple villainy, with the Vampire Court system reacting to player choices. This approach seeks to create more nuanced and engaging enemies within the game's open world.
OG CD Projekt dev says The Witcher remake can't be open-world because "the pace and scale of the entire…
Original The Witcher lead story designer Artur Ganszyniec believes the upcoming remake should not be open-world, arguing that it would fundamentally change the game's pace and scale. He suggests that a more focused, linear design better preserves the original's narrative power and deliberate pacing, questioning the profitability of endlessly expanding open worlds.
Despite adding an eternal fast travel stone, Dragon's Dogma 2 director maintains you don't have to use it:…
Dragon's Dogma 2 director Kenta Kinoshita discussed the addition of the Eternal Ferrystone, an item that allows fast travel. He maintains that its optional nature does not compromise the game's intended challenging exploration experience, offering players a choice between walking, using ox carts, or fast traveling. The article argues that the presence of convenient fast travel may still influence player choices and detract from the game's core design.
I reckon Assassin's Creed Unity is one of the series' best, and a former Ubisoft director agrees it's…
Former Ubisoft director Jean Guesdon believes Assassin's Creed Unity is an underestimated entry in the series, attributing its troubled launch to ambitious technical advancements. Despite its initial bugs and emphasis on microtransactions, the game is praised for its dense, focused design centered on the French Revolution setting and its innovative mechanics.
WoW devs are 'looking into' an annoying grappling hook that takes a spot on your action bar, despite only…
Blizzard Entertainment is investigating an issue in World of Warcraft where the Lighthook Grapple ability persistently occupies an action bar slot, even when not in use. While initially deemed 'working as intended,' developers are now looking into potential changes to address player feedback regarding UI clutter.
AI Knows Best… Or Does It? D-topia Invites You Into A Curious Puzzle Adventure
D-topia, a new puzzle adventure game developed by Marumittu Games and published by Annapurna Interactive, is now available on multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game explores a society managed by artificial intelligence, focusing on environmental puzzles and the concept of manufactured happiness. D-topia offers a slower-paced, reflective experience that emphasizes observation and logical thinking.
Realm of Ink Review (PS5) – A Beautiful Roguelite That Finds Its Own Identity | Invision Game Community
Realm of Ink is a PlayStation 5 roguelite that distinguishes itself through its unique ink-wash art style and engaging narrative about a character trapped within a story. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, its stylish presentation, solid combat, and interesting companion system make for an enjoyable experience. The game runs smoothly on PS5, though its balance can lead to players becoming overpowered.
Skämshögen jag inte skäms för
Johan Lorentzon discusses the stress associated with large game backlogs and the pressure to play popular titles, advocating for a more relaxed approach to gaming. He shares his personal journey of overcoming FOMO and rediscovering the joy of playing games at one's own pace, even highlighting the detailed environments in games like Crimson Desert.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 needs its own version of Black Ops 7's Classic mode or it risks sidelining its oldest and most loyal fans
The author argues that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 should include a "Classic" mode, similar to the one introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, to cater to its long-time player base. This mode, which simplifies movement and loadouts to resemble older titles like Black Ops 2, proved highly popular and was made permanent. The article suggests that the fast-paced, advanced movement in Modern Warfare 4 risks alienating older fans who prefer a more strategic, positioning-focused multiplayer experience.
