Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Tarkov chief Nikita Buyanov is right: Arc Raiders is an extraction shooter for "casual people," but…
This article discusses how Arc Raiders, despite being an extraction shooter, offers a more casual and cozy experience compared to games like Escape from Tarkov. The author argues that any game can be a 'cozy game' depending on the player's relationship with it, highlighting Arc Raiders' forgiving nature, low FOMO, and community focus as key elements that make it accessible.
Moving Valheim away from being an MMO was "the best decision" the team made
Richard Svensson, CEO of Iron Gate Studio, stated that moving Valheim away from an MMO concept was the best design decision for the game. The studio focused on single-player and small group experiences, which allowed for a more manageable scope and unique gameplay for each biome. The article also highlights the book 'Indie Game Works' which features a chapter on Valheim's development.
WRUP: Jason Jason is our new town name edition
This week's "What Are You Playing" roundup features staff and community members discussing their weekend gaming plans. Titles mentioned include Guild Wars 2, Palia, Red Dead Online, Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and Age of Mythology: Retold. A bonus question asks which fast food restaurant they would hypothetically control for petty reasons.
Epic keeps jamming more incredible shotguns into Fortnite, and it might be the best meta ever
The current Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 2 meta, particularly its shotgun selection, is praised for offering diverse playstyles and weapon choices. The article highlights the effectiveness of the Chaos Reloader, Iron Pump, Super Shredder, and Dual Hammer shotguns, each with unique strengths and weaknesses that influence player loadouts and strategies.
"There was an arrogant assumption that players of shooters didn't want and wouldn't care about a story; we just didn't believe this": Go behind the scenes of Half-Life with legendary Valve designer Marc Laidlaw
Legendary Valve designer Marc Laidlaw discusses the development of Half-Life, revealing early concepts like 'Ivan the Space Biker' and the decision to delay release for a major redesign. He emphasizes Valve's belief that players desired story in shooters, a contrast to the prevailing industry assumption at the time. Laidlaw also touches on the game's technical achievements, innovative AI, and its lasting impact on the first-person shooter genre.
Confess Your Sins in CRYMELIGHT, the Next Installment in the Popular Dark Bishoujo Action Cry Series from FURYU; Launching Nov. 5
FURYU CORPORATION announced CRYMELIGHT, the latest installment in their "Dark Bishoujo Action" Cry series, set to release on November 5, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. This action roguelike, inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, features a young girl named Alice journeying through Purgatory to confront her sins and regain her memories.
The Ultimate Couch Co-Op Guide: Best Local Multiplayer Games in 2026 | TAG
Couch co-op gaming is experiencing a significant resurgence, with local multiplayer games generating billions in revenue and seeing increased player engagement. This guide categorizes the best local multiplayer titles for various player groups, including couples, families, and friends, highlighting games like It Takes Two, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and the Jackbox Party Pack series. The article also discusses the historical decline and recent comeback of couch co-op, emphasizing its unique social and bonding benefits.
Crimson Desert Patch 1.04.00 Transforms Combat With New Difficulty Options
Pearl Abyss has released Crimson Desert Patch 1.04.00, introducing new difficulty settings that aim to balance accessibility with the game's challenging nature. The update also includes significant quality-of-life improvements such as new inventory category tabs, additional storage items, new pets, and enhancements to distant scenery quality. These changes are intended to broaden the game's appeal while retaining its core artistic vision and challenge for veteran players.
Crymelight revealed for Nintendo Switch 2
FuRyu has unveiled Crymelight, an action roguelike game set for release on November 5, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2. This new installment in the Cry series draws inspiration from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and features a poker-style skill card system for combat customization. The game will be priced at $19.99.
A Single-Player Final Fantasy 14 Could Happen If It Weren't For One Big Problem, Director Yoshida Says
Final Fantasy XIV director Naoki Yoshida stated that a single-player version of the MMORPG is a possibility for the future, but the current development team is too busy with the main game. He also mentioned that if the team were to retire from Final Fantasy XIV Online, they might consider it as a post-retirement project. Yoshida also confirmed that Final Fantasy XIV is planned for release on the Nintendo Switch.
Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy XIV Online's Next Expansion 'Evercold'
Square Enix announced the next expansion for Final Fantasy XIV Online, titled 'Evercold,' during Naoki Yoshida's keynote at FFXIV Fan Festival 2026. Set to launch in January 2027 for PC, Mac, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, the expansion introduces new jobs, areas, and a level cap increase to 110. It also features an unprecedented battle system overhaul with 'Reborn' and 'Evolved' modes, alongside a crossover raid series with the anime EVANGELION.
Souls-like 'Memoirium' Release Date Set for August 13, 2026 on PC
Publisher Outersloth and developer GoldenGratus announced that their souls-like game Memoirium will launch for PC via Steam on August 13, 2026. The game features a collapsing dream realm, equipment that affects abilities and enemy behavior, and a fully interconnected world with multiple paths and eight distinct dungeons. Developed as a solo project, Memoirium explores themes of dreams and identity.
Marathon's key templates encourage cowardice
Bungie's implementation of key templates in Marathon is criticized for encouraging passive and stagnant gameplay. The article suggests that the current design choices lead to less engaging player experiences.
Final Fantasy XIV Evercold Expansion Revealed for January 2027 with Major System Additions and Overhaul
The upcoming expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, titled Evercold, is set to launch in January 2027 and will introduce significant system overhauls and a new story arc called "The Godless Realms Saga." The expansion will feature a new region, the "Fourth reflection," and introduce new gameplay features like "Adventurer Activity" for weekly rewards and an updated item level progression system. The game is also confirmed for Nintendo Switch, with a separate subscription requirement, and the PlayStation 4 version is nearing its end-of-life support.
Saros Review: Housemarque Delivers Stunning Follow-Up to Returnal
Housemarque's new game, Saros, is receiving glowing reviews as a refined and improved follow-up to Returnal. Built on a customized Unreal Engine 5, Saros is praised for its stunning visuals and challenging yet more approachable gameplay compared to its predecessor. The game is noted for pushing PlayStation 5 hardware, including potential PS5 Pro enhancements, and is seen as a significant step forward for the studio.
Evercold Will Usher In Final Fantasy XIV’s New Era In 2027
Final Fantasy XIV's next expansion, Evercold, is set to release in January 2027, introducing a new ice-ravaged Shard and expanding character customization options. The update will also bring significant changes to the game's design philosophy, including a shift to weekly focus for tasks and adjustments to item level handling. A Nintendo Switch version is planned for August, and the free trial will be expanded to include Shadowbringers.
Developers of Steam Next Fest's wildly popular robot wizard cowboy shooter say its cowboy robots are also wizards…
The co-op FPS Far Far West, a robot wizard cowboy shooter, achieved significant popularity during Steam Next Fest, becoming one of the top five most-played demos. Developer Evil Raptor, a small indie studio, expressed surprise at the overwhelming positive reception and is preparing for the game's early access launch on PC. The game's unique theme and mechanics were developed through a combination of market strategy and technical considerations.
Slay the Spire 2 devs say the Doormaker boss that sparked so many negative Steam reviews is actually "slightly…
Developer Mega Crit has addressed player feedback regarding the Doormaker boss in Slay the Spire 2, which has led to a wave of negative Steam reviews. The company stated they are monitoring the situation and analyzing in-game metrics, noting that the boss's overall difficulty is currently in a good place, though they aim to reduce its abrasiveness against certain playstyles.
FF14 Evercold will "unite the stars" in January - here's everything Yoshi-P said in his massive Fanfest keynote
Final Fantasy XIV's next expansion, Evercold, is set to launch in January 2027, introducing the "Godless Realms Saga" and a new ice-themed continent. Game Director Naoki Yoshida revealed updates to core systems, including a shift to a weekly-based activity system, expanded character customization, and new job modes. The expansion will also feature new raids, dungeons, and a crossover alliance raid with Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Fable creator says it's 'a real shame' the reboot is dropping the horns-or-halo morality system
Original Fable creator Peter Molyneux expressed disappointment that the upcoming Fable reboot by Playground Games is removing the series' iconic horns-or-halo morality system. He speculates that the change might be due to the increased difficulty of implementing such a system in modern high-definition graphics and accommodating different genders.
