Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Hideo Kojima has a two-word review for The Boys finale, and we're trying to work out if that's a good thing
Hideo Kojima shared a brief, emoji-laden review of The Boys season finale on X, which fans are interpreting. He previously expressed admiration for the show and even considered making a game based on it.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Might Be Adding As Many Problems As It's Fixing
A preview of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced reveals a remake that aims to fix issues with the original while potentially introducing new problems. While the enhanced opening and some mission adjustments are praised, concerns are raised about the inconsistent cutscene quality, potential removal of the modern-day storyline, and changes to Edward Kenway's characterization. The preview also noted significant bugs in the build, leaving the combat's quality uncertain.
The fluid flames simulation in the upcoming bullet heaven Ignitement look awesome
Ignitement is an upcoming bullet heaven horde survival game that features a specialized 2D fluid simulation system for impressive fire and ability effects. The game involves 20-minute runs with boss battles, collecting masks for new powers, and unlocking skills. A demo is scheduled for release on May 28th.
Nej, Subnautica 2 kommer inte att få regelrätta strider
Unknown Worlds has addressed player feedback regarding combat in Subnautica 2, stating that the game will not feature traditional combat. Instead, the developers will focus on improving player countermeasures and adjusting enemy aggression to enhance the survival and exploration experience. The game is currently in early access and has received positive reviews.
Subnautica 2 Studio Acknowledges Need to Do Better With Communication in a Letter to the Community
Developer Unknown Worlds has addressed community concerns regarding Subnautica 2's creature balance, combat, and Early Access communication. The studio is implementing improvements to creature behavior and player tools, emphasizing that the game's focus remains on survival and exploration rather than direct combat. Unknown Worlds also acknowledged a need for better communication regarding its Early Access development process.
Build your starship alone or with friends and explore a seamless universe.
Starpath is a new space game that blends space simulation, survival crafting, and cozy game elements within a procedurally generated universe. Players can build and customize fully functional starships, explore derelict vessels, and uncover the mystery of whether humanity is alone. The game supports both cooperative multiplayer and offline singleplayer modes, featuring a non-linear story and a retro 3D art style inspired by science fiction films and anime.
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition review for Nintendo Switch 2
Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn Edition is reviewed for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a complete experience with the base game and its expansion. The review highlights the game's fast-paced combat, deep character development, and emotionally resonant narrative about healing and empathy. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is praised for its fluid performance and visually impressive presentation, making it feel like an animated movie.
All Hail Devo: How Mixtape’s Soundtrack Made It May’s Surprise Hit
Mixtape, a game developed by Beethoven + Dinosaur and directed by Johnny Galvatron, features a soundtrack heavily influenced by Galvatron's personal music tastes from the 1990s. The game's music, which notably excludes hip-hop and R&B, is curated to reflect the protagonist's personality and the developer's own experiences, with Devo's 'That's Good' serving as a key inspiration.
Issues and Activism
Subnautica 2 developers are addressing player feedback regarding the game's approach to fish killing. The team is outlining changes in response to a debate within the community about the game's mechanics and themes.
"Defending yourself is no longer treated the same as starting a fight": Arc Raiders devs update matchmaking, explain how it really works, and shoot down player theories
Embark Studios has updated Arc Raiders' matchmaking system, aiming to better group players with similar playstyles while maintaining unpredictability. The developer clarified that individual actions or loadouts do not immediately alter matchmaking, and debunked several player theories about how the system works. These changes are live now, with further tuning planned based on player feedback.
Opinion: Replaying Games Is Better Than Playing Games
This opinion piece argues that replaying games can be more satisfying than experiencing them for the first time, especially after completing them. The author highlights the unique pleasure of revisiting familiar worlds and mechanics without the pressure of progression, finding new appreciation in details and design choices. The article also touches on the appeal of remasters and remakes, offering a fresh perspective or a chance to compare with original experiences.
Paralives is the very definition of early access, but it's already a promising Sims rival
Paralives is launching into early access on May 25th after seven years of development, and while it's buggy and incomplete, it shows immense promise as a rival to The Sims. The game features robust build/buy tools, extensive character customization with inclusive options, and engaging townie requests, though its live mode and AI autonomy require significant improvement.
The Witcher 3 lead quest designer says the room fell into "wide eyes and silence" when he pitched one of the…
Pawel Sasko, a quest designer on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, shared how his pitch for a dramatic moment during the Battle of Kaer Morhen initially left his team in stunned silence. He detailed the iterative process of prototyping and refining the sequence, which ultimately involved Vesemir's death and Ciri's powerful outburst.
As a former smoker, I'm asking gamedevs to please make an 'arachnophobia mode' but for cigarettes because…
A former smoker and game developer is requesting that game developers implement an 'arachnophobia mode' equivalent for cigarettes in video games. The author argues that the presence of smoking in games can trigger cravings and suggests replacing cigarettes with less addictive items or visual effects to aid players in quitting or avoiding smoking.
We Found Out Why Casual Gaming Became One of The World's Leading Industries - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
The article analyzes the evolution of casual gaming, particularly the Flash era, and its connection to the modern betting app market. It highlights how the psychological principles and compulsive loops that made browser games addictive are now central to the design of successful betting applications. The collapse of Flash support led a significant portion of this audience to real-money gaming and betting apps, which offer similar instant gratification and low commitment experiences, especially on mobile platforms.
Subnautica 2 devs aren't "judging players who want combat," but it isn't happening: "Subnautica has always been built around vulnerability"
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 will not feature combat, emphasizing the game's core design around vulnerability and exploration. While acknowledging player requests for combat options, the developer plans to improve creature behavior and player mitigation tools rather than introduce weapons. These changes will be implemented through a series of upcoming patches.
It's not you, would-be Subnautica 2 fish murderers, it's our creature encounters not feeling "fair, readable, and engaging" enough, say Unknown Worlds
Unknown Worlds has addressed community concerns regarding creature encounters in Subnautica 2, acknowledging that some predator interactions feel frustrating rather than engaging. While the studio is committed to non-violent solutions, they will implement adjustments to creature aggression, tool effectiveness, and overall encounter readability in upcoming patches. The developers apologized for any miscommunication and emphasized that Early Access is intended as a collaborative conversation with players.
The Problems with Piecemeal DLC
This article discusses the challenges of integrating downloadable content (DLC) into games, using Phoenix Point and its fan mod Terror From the Void as a primary example. It explores how piecemeal DLC can disrupt game balance and player experience, contrasting focused expansions with segmented content packs. The Terror From the Void mod is highlighted for successfully rebalancing and integrating all DLC from the start, offering a more cohesive experience.
How Arkham Asylum Changed Everything for Batman (and Superhero) Games Forever
Batman: Arkham Asylum significantly altered the landscape for superhero video games, moving away from previous templates like Mortal Kombat and Monkey Island. Its success established a new standard that subsequent superhero titles have emulated.
Subnautica 2 devs have heard your 'strong request' for combat, but it's not going to happen: 'Subnautica has always been built around vulnerability, exploration, and survival'
Developer Unknown Worlds has addressed player requests for combat in Subnautica 2, stating that the game's core design will remain focused on vulnerability, exploration, and survival. While acknowledging the desire for direct confrontation with hostile creatures, the developers emphasized that avoidance and mitigation tools are intended to be the primary means of defense. The studio also reiterated its commitment to listening to player feedback during the early access period.
