Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Spyro Devs Don’t See Many Comparisons To Its Flying, Except Iron Man Or Flight Sims
Toys For Bob is developing Spyro: A Realm Beyond, which will feature true dragon flight gameplay for the first time in the series. Developers stated that finding comparisons for this mechanic was difficult, with only flight simulators and characters like Iron Man coming close. The game is set to release in Spring 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2, with Tom Kenny returning to voice Spyro.
Gears of War: E-Day gets the official Cliff Bleszinski seal of approval
Gears of War: E-Day was revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase, confirming it as an Xbox console exclusive also coming to PC. Original creator Cliff Bleszinski shared his initial thoughts on the gameplay, praising the destruction and visual improvements. The game is set to launch on October 6.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation's story changes based on your choices, but director Naoki Hamaguchi says the JRPG will…
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth director Naoki Hamaguchi revealed that player choices will influence story moments and character resolve leading up to the game's singular ending. While the ultimate conclusion remains the same for all players, the journey to reach it will offer unique experiences based on player decisions. The game will also feature an increased focus on minigames, including Tifa's slap fight.
Action roguelite To Kill a God gets a new mage character, and a demo for you to try them out in
The action roguelite To Kill a God has revealed a new mage character, Talorim, in a trailer shown at the PC Gaming Show. A demo featuring this new character is now available for download on Steam. The game features a unique 'SkillMap' system that combines skill trees with world traversal for progression.
Beast of Reincarnation reveals voice cast, new gameplay
Publisher Fictions and developer Game Freak have revealed the voice cast for their upcoming action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation, including Yui Ishikawa as protagonist Emma. Game director Kota Furushima detailed the game's story, combat synergy between Emma and her companion Coo, and the overall player experience. Beast of Reincarnation is set to release on August 4 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC, and will be available on Game Pass.
Marathon May Never Be Popular, And That’s Why It’s So Good
Marathon, a new live-service game from Bungie, is intentionally designed to be niche and challenging, unlike more mainstream titles such as Destiny 2. Its friction-forward gameplay, harsh mechanics, and emphasis on player learning over permanent progression set it apart. Despite initial skepticism and comparisons to other live-service failures, Marathon's unique approach offers a distinct and thrilling experience for its target audience.
What Ugly Truth Will God Of War Laufey’s Faye See Reflected In Her Sword?
This analysis explores how the new sword in God of War Laufey will serve as a thematic mirror for the protagonist Faye, similar to how Kratos' weapons reflected his past. The article suggests Faye's sword symbolizes her past as a schemer and her struggle to come to terms with the consequences of her actions and secrets.
Lovecraftian horrors and tough calls await you in roguelite climbing game Ascenders: Beyond the Peak
Ascenders: Beyond the Peak is a roguelite climbing game from developer Ludogram that combines team-based strategy with Lovecraftian horror elements. Players must plan ascents up deadly mountains, manage a team connected by a single rope, and utilize unique class abilities while facing environmental hazards and monsters. The game is set to launch in early access in Q3 and a demo is available on Steam.
Gears Of War: E-Day Is Drastically Changing Movement For The First Time In The Series
Gears of War: E-Day will introduce significant changes to the series' movement mechanics, including new cover interactions, increased verticality with jumps, and faster traversal in and out of cover. These updates aim to provide more combat choices and will also impact the PvP multiplayer experience. The game is set to launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC on October 16, 2026.
Shroom and Gloom is a deckbuilding roguelike that has you growing together 2 different stacks of fungal cards
Shroom and Gloom is an upcoming deckbuilding roguelike from Team Lazerbeam that features two distinct decks: one for exploration and one for combat. The game eschews traditional block cards, focusing instead on stacking max HP and healing items to mitigate damage. A new demo is available, with early access launching later this year.
The Offspring, Axel And Arcade Chaos Return In Crazy Taxi: World Tour
SEGA has announced Crazy Taxi: World Tour, set to launch in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game features protagonist Axel on a global adventure across five cities, blending classic arcade gameplay with new story-driven campaigns and multiplayer modes. Original series creator Kenji Kanno is returning to lead development.
Fallout veterans' next RPG Clockwork Revolution is coming in 2027 as Xbox dabbles with console exclusives again
Clockwork Revolution, the next RPG from Fallout veterans at inXile Entertainment, is slated for a 2027 release exclusively on PC and Xbox Series X|S. The game will feature deep RPG mechanics, including character customization and a companion with its own skill tree, set in a steampunk world with time-bending elements. This move signifies Microsoft's apparent return to console exclusives for some of its titles.
Where Birds Sleep is a game about control. Or, well, your lack of control
Where Birds Sleep is a unique point-and-click adventure game that challenges traditional player control by making the protagonist Cormo override player choices. Developed by Quiet Little Feet, the game explores themes of morality and consequences, with player actions influencing Cormo's attributes and opening or closing narrative paths. The game aims to create a struggle for control and agency, offering a different experience from games like Baldur's Gate 3 or Disco Elysium.
Modern Warfare 4 is bringing back DMZ, and it's got some serious upgrades
Modern Warfare 4 will feature an upgraded DMZ mode developed by Infinity Ward, aiming to improve upon the extraction shooter genre. The new iteration will include story and dynamic missions, a scaling AI threat system with helicopters and tanks, and a bounty system that creates a wanted level for players.
DMZ – New Intel on Call of Duty’s Extraction Shooter Experience
Activision and Infinity Ward revealed new details about DMZ, the extraction shooter mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, launching October 23, 2026. The mode has been significantly updated from its beta with persistent inventory, a Forward Operating Base, and new mechanics like 3D printing and a Boss Board. Developers Joe Cecot and Jacky Reynolds discussed how DMZ aims to provide depth for dedicated fans while remaining accessible to new players, with features like the tourniquet and stealth meter supporting solo play.
We're getting a new Spyro game with A Realm Beyond. And yes, I did ask about headbutting sheep
Toys for Bob has announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, a new entry in the Spyro franchise set to release in Spring 2027 for PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. The game introduces a new 'active dragonflight' mechanic allowing players to take flight freely. The studio aims to recapture the joyful spirit of the series after a challenging period working on other Activision titles.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Interview – A New Design, Full Flight, Tom Kenny Returns and More
Toys For Bob Studio Head Paul Yan discusses the upcoming game Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set to launch in Spring 2027. The interview highlights the new character design, the return of Tom Kenny as the voice of Spyro, and the significant addition of true flight mechanics. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
Ninja Theory reveals Hellblade 3, except it's named Senua because it's evolved into something else - a full action-adventure game
Ninja Theory has revealed Senua, a new action-adventure game that evolves from the Hellblade series. The game features expanded exploration, puzzles, and deeper combat mechanics, including multiple enemy engagements and a broader weapon set. Senua is set to release next year on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series S/X, and will be available on Game Pass.
Senua revealed: Ninja Theory announced a new action-adventure game at Xbox Games Showcase 2026 – and it isn't Hellblade 3
Ninja Theory revealed a new action-adventure game titled Senua at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, set after the events of Hellblade and Hellblade 2. This new title will feature a more expansive adventure with increased focus on combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, utilizing Unreal Engine 5. Senua is slated for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X in 2027 and will be available on Game Pass from day one.
Senua: Answering the Big Questions About Ninja Theory’s Unexpected New Action-Adventure
Ninja Theory has announced Senua, a new action-adventure game set after the events of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. Studio Head Dom Matthews revealed that the game will feature expanded combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, moving away from the previous titles' focus. Senua is set to release in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, and will be included with Game Pass.
