Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
Latest coverage
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Wants Minigames To Feel Like A Choice Again
Square Enix is rethinking how minigames will be implemented in Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, aiming to make them feel more like an optional choice for players. Unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, where minigames were often mandatory for progression or character bonding, Revelation will tie them more towards character customization rewards. Series director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed that while minigames will return, their necessity for character growth will be lessened, allowing players to engage with them based on their preference for customization or combat.
God Of War Laufey May Feature Gods Who Were Killed In The Previous Games
God of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence hinted that gods previously killed by Kratos in the original trilogy might return in the upcoming title. The game will explore the 'Everywhen,' a realm for all magic and magical creatures. While Ares' potential return is discussed, new villains like the Mongolian and Egyptian gods of war, Begtse and Sekhmet, were shown in debut footage. The game is set for release on PlayStation 5.
Question time: How often do you actually talk to strangers in MMOs?
This article discusses the evolving social dynamics within Massively Multiplayer Online games, noting a trend towards more solo-friendly content. It questions how often players actually interact with strangers in modern MMOs like Final Fantasy 14 and World of Warcraft, contrasting this with the genre's historical emphasis on group play.
Guild Wars 2 review (2012)
This 2012 review praises Guild Wars 2 as an accomplished and rewarding MMORPG that reclaims the genre's promise by innovating on core design assumptions. It highlights the subscription-free model, lack of a holy trinity, and emphasis on cooperation. While acknowledging launch issues like server sharding, the review concludes that Guild Wars 2's generosity, variety, and respect for player time set a new standard for the genre.
Devs behind long-awaited survival game with 1.2 million Steam wishlists warn players to make sure it's for them before playing as "expectations can grow very quickly"
Developer Cyberwave has issued a pre-release statement for their highly anticipated survival game, Solarpunk, urging players to manage their expectations. The team, consisting of only two people, highlighted that the game, which garnered 1.2 million Steam wishlists, focuses on peaceful survival crafting, base building, farming, and exploration, with a completion time of around 20 hours. It will not feature PvP, combat, a campaign, or a vast open world.
As God of War Laufey puts Kratos to one side, its director hopes "we can keep telling stories about everybody going…
God of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence hopes the series can continue to tell stories about characters beyond Kratos, including Faye. While Kratos will always be central, Lawrence believes other characters are deep enough to carry their own games. The potential for Faye's story to run parallel to Kratos's Norse saga opens up possibilities for future narratives within the God of War universe.
Gothic Remake's lockpicking system has broken me and I can no longer experience joy
The author expresses extreme frustration with the lockpicking minigame in Gothic Remake, describing it as a joy-sapping chore that led to repeated failures, in-game deaths, and even a game crash. Despite the initial goal of robbing a merchant, the experience ultimately broke the author's enjoyment of the game, though they did eventually succeed in opening a chest and finding a bow.
Call of Duty's new DMZ extraction mode is a 'full-featured game within Modern Warfare 4'
Infinity Ward is developing a new DMZ extraction mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, described as a 'full-featured game within Modern Warfare.' This iteration builds upon the previous DMZ mode from Modern Warfare 2, featuring a new map called Haijin, persistent gear, story missions, and dynamic operations. The mode will launch as part of Modern Warfare 4 on October 23 and will not be free-to-play.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director says he won't pump the brakes on mini-games, including the original's Tifa slap fight, "no matter how much feedback we receive"
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi stated that the team will not reduce the number of mini-games in the upcoming title, regardless of player feedback. He emphasized that the abundance of mini-games is a defining trait of the original Final Fantasy 7 and that the remake series aims to respect the original. Hamaguchi also confirmed that the controversial Tifa vs. Scarlet slap fight mini-game from the original will be recreated.
Everything we know about Guild Wars 3 – plus what’s happening to Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet has officially announced Guild Wars 3, set over a thousand years before the original game in the Tyrian region of Orr. The game will feature a new combat system emphasizing movement and strategic skill use, extensive mount riding, and character customization. Guild Wars 3 is confirmed for PlayStation 5 and PC, with a beta scheduled for fall 2027. ArenaNet also stated that Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged will continue to be actively developed.
NCsoft just announced Aion 2 is launching globally in September
NCsoft has officially announced that its MMORPG Aion 2 will launch globally in September, following its initial release in Korea and Taiwan in November 2025. The game will feature full freedom of flight as a core combat mechanic, alongside traditional tab-targeting and a dynamic combat experience. Aion 2 will offer a range of PvE content, including solo and group dungeons, and eight-player raids, with servers planned for North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
What we've been playing - "Have you ever downloaded a game on Steam just to boot it up and delete it five minutes later?"
Several writers share their recent gaming experiences, including the meticulous character creation process for Dungeons & Dragons, the addictive gameplay of Mina the Hollower on Nintendo Switch, and the emotional conclusion of 007 First Light on PlayStation 5. Other titles discussed include Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and RuneScape, alongside reflections on taking breaks from gaming and enjoying real-world activities.
Guild Wars 3 – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Guild Wars 3 is an upcoming action adventure MMORPG where players act as Vaelwarden guardians protecting the land and spirits in the frontier of Orr. The game features deep action combat with strategic skill use, a unique movement system, and rich storytelling. Sign-ups for the beta playtest are now open.
HOT WHEELS Infinite Rush: Race Beyond the Track
Hot Wheels Infinite Rush is set to launch on Xbox Series X on September 24, 2026, offering players an open-world adventure combining speed, exploration, and creativity across four themed islands. The game features over 150 vehicles, customizable squads, and an enhanced Track Builder for community sharing.
God Of War Laufey’s Combat Was Inspired By The Original Greek Trilogy
God of War Laufey director Ariel Lawrence revealed that Faye's combat style in the upcoming game was inspired by Kratos's more acrobatic fighting from the original Greek trilogy. While Kratos will feature in future stories, Faye takes the lead in this installment, accompanied by new characters. The game is set for release on PlayStation 5, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
IO Interactive's James Bond game 007 First Light sells 2.7 million copies in its first week, as dev reiterates free Year One content
IO Interactive's James Bond game, 007 First Light, has sold 2.7 million copies in its first week, with sales approaching 3 million. Studio director Hakan Abrak also confirmed that most Year One content will be added to the game for free, with new missions and features planned post-launch.
Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance Adds Master Rank Quests, Boost Bracer and Skybound Eyrie Detailed
Capcom revealed new details for the upcoming Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance expansion, including the addition of Master Rank quests and a new area called Skybound Eyrie. The expansion, launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, will feature new weapon skills via the Boost Bracer and a story centered around Elder Dragons.
Guild Wars 3 Announced at Summer Game Fest 2026 — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
ArenaNet announced Guild Wars 3 at Summer Game Fest 2026, featuring a new movement system and cross-platform play for PC and PlayStation 5. A beta is planned for fall 2027, with support for Guild Wars 2 and Guild Wars Reforged continuing simultaneously.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation let's you jump out of an airship Fortnite style
Square Enix has announced Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, the final installment in the remake trilogy, set for a Spring 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The game will feature playable characters Vincent Valentine and Cid, and allow free exploration via the Highwind airship with parachute drops for quick landings.
N Plus Infinity Times Two is a multiplayer-focused follow-up to one of the best platformers on PC: 'we don't think anyone else on this planet is as crazy about 2D platformers as we are'
Metanet Software announced N Plus Infinity Times Two, a multiplayer-focused sequel to the acclaimed platformer N++. The game will feature online and local multiplayer for up to four players across five modes, including racing and a competitive survival mode inspired by Counter-Strike and Rocket League. While multiplayer is central, a single-player campaign will also be included, with a planned release in 2027.
