Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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The Player Who Can't Level Up Preview - An Impressive 3D Roguelite We Weren't Expecting
The Player Who Can't Level Up is a promising 3D action roguelite based on a Webtoon manhwa, developed by Tripeal Games and published by Smilegate. The preview highlights its unique weapon progression system, layered abilities, and the challenge presented by the Erosion mechanic, though some areas like the special move cooldown and boss difficulty need refinement. The game is slated for Steam Early Access in Q3 2026 and a full release in the first half of 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Double Fine Productions and its new pottery-inspired game Kiln don’t just break the mold – they smash it to pieces
Double Fine Productions is developing Kiln, a unique party brawler inspired by pottery where players create and then destroy ceramic vessels as fighters. Founded by Tim Schafer, the studio emphasizes a kind and experimental culture, with Kiln originating from an internal game jam. The game will launch on April 23, 2026, for multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Steam, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass.
Minecraft Mod Spotlight: The Obsessed – Don’t Stand So Close To Me
This article spotlights 'The Obsessed,' a new Minecraft horror mod that introduces a single, spider-like humanoid entity with a possessive affection for the player. The mod explores themes of stalking and unsettling behavior, with the entity leaving 'gifts' and causing disruptions. While not overtly terrifying, the mod aims to create an unpredictable and chaotic experience for players.
Heavy Duty Review | TheXboxHub
Heavy Duty is a vehicle simulation game that offers a wide array of realistic vehicles but suffers from frustratingly slow pacing, imprecise physics, and unforgiving fail states. Despite its ambitious scope and detailed vehicle mechanics, the game's design choices hinder player enjoyment, making it a potentially niche experience for patient simulation enthusiasts.
Super Empire Strikes Back Review — The Dark Side of Difficulty
Super Empire Strikes Back for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a challenging action platformer that faithfully adapts the film's dark tone and narrative beats. Despite its brutal difficulty, particularly in the early Hoth levels, the game offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including a password system, expanded gameplay mechanics like Force powers, and refined graphics and sound. While modern players may find the initial challenge steep, the game remains a rewarding experience for patient Star Wars fans.
This Co-Op Anime Adventure Couldn't Have Been Anything Else, Says Orbitals Team
Developers from Shapefarm and Kepler Interactive discuss the creation of their co-op anime adventure game, Orbitals. Creative director Marcos Ramos and game director Jakob Lundgren detail how the game evolved from its initial top-down robot concept to its current anime-inspired aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of character design and the co-op experience. The team also highlights their collaboration with Studio Massket for cutscene animation and their dedication to capturing the authentic feel of '80s anime through meticulous attention to detail.
Embers of the Uncrowned Announced, Wishlist Now Live on Steam
Nexon has announced Embers of the Uncrowned, a new dark fantasy MMORPG for PC, which is now available to wishlist on Steam. The game features tactical combat, multiple character classes, settlement building, and cooperative multiplayer elements. A cinematic trailer was released, showcasing the game's violent fantasy setting and tone.
Why Autosave Games Are the Only Games Parents Play | TAG
This article argues that autosave functionality is the most crucial feature for parents playing video games, especially in 2026. It highlights games like Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, and Cyberpunk 2077 for their robust autosave systems, while cautioning against titles with infrequent or manual save points, which can lead to significant progress loss due to unpredictable interruptions.
8 Single-Player Games With Honest Save Points (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights eight single-player games with save systems that respect players' time, allowing for short gaming sessions. Titles like Slay the Spire 2, Celeste, and Balatro offer near-instantaneous saves, while games such as Disco Elysium and Cyberpunk 2077 provide save-anywhere functionality. Other games like Stardew Valley, Dave the Diver, and Hades II save at natural breaks in their gameplay loops.
Marvel Rivals in 30-Minute Sessions (No Rank Stress) | TAG
This guide provides strategies for playing Marvel Rivals in short, 30-minute sessions without falling into the competitive ranking trap. It recommends playing Quickplay, choosing self-sustaining heroes like Luna Snow or Groot, and muting voice chat to maintain a relaxed experience. The article emphasizes setting session limits before logging in and avoiding the urge to play 'just one more match' after a loss.
30-Minute Gaming Session: 12 Games That Respect Time | TAG
This guide highlights 12 video games designed for short play sessions, catering to busy adults who can only dedicate around 30 minutes to gaming. It features titles like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Hades II, and Rocket League, emphasizing games with natural stopping points, quick progression, and autosave features. The article also discusses what makes a game 'time-respecting' and provides recommendations for different time constraints and play styles.
Path of Exile 2 Returning Player Guide 2026 | TAG
Path of Exile 2 is designed for returning players, with its league system encouraging fresh starts every few months. This guide helps players who have been away for one or more leagues by outlining strategies for restarting, whether it's creating a new character for a fresh league or returning to an existing one on the Standard league. It emphasizes that restarting is normal and provides a 30-minute session plan for busy adults, along with advice on respecing characters and common pitfalls to avoid.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced – 15 Major Changes Explained
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the 2013 game, has been revealed and will launch on July 9th. The remake features rebuilt graphics with high-resolution textures and enhanced lighting using the Anvil Engine, dynamic weather, expanded underwater exploration, and an overhauled combat system with new mechanics like perfect parries and chain takedowns. It also includes improved parkour, the ability to freely crouch in stealth, revamped tailing missions, and upgrades for the Jackdaw ship, along with new narrative arcs for Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet. However, the DLC and multiplayer modes from the original will not be included.
Pragmata Is the Perfect Game to Play After Crimson Desert
This article suggests Pragmata as a refreshing alternative to the expansive open-world experience of Crimson Desert. While Crimson Desert offers deep complexity and over 100 hours of content, Pragmata provides a more linear, focused narrative with streamlined gameplay mechanics. The author highlights Pragmata's strengths in its emotional storytelling and engaging combat, making it an ideal palate cleanser after lengthy gaming sessions.
Hades 2 lead doesn't think about the roguelike's legacy much because he just wants "to make things that…
Greg Kasavin, creative director at Supergiant Games, expressed a humble approach to the legacy of Hades and Hades 2, stating he doesn't dwell on it much and is simply happy people enjoy the games. He also commented on the communal nature of Greek mythology as an IP.
How to Restart a Game You Haven't Played in Months | TAG
This guide provides a framework for adult gamers to re-engage with games they haven't played in months without restarting. It outlines a four-step process: auditing your save file, recapping the story in 15 minutes, playing a 30-minute test session, and then deciding whether to continue, restart, or abandon the game. Specific advice is offered for titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, Helldivers 2, and Cyberpunk 2077.
Escape from Tarkov boss says Arc Raiders is "an extraction shooter for casual people," but he wants "the…
Nikita Buyanov, head of Escape from Tarkov developer Battlestate Games, has described Arc Raiders as an extraction shooter for casual players. Buyanov stated that his team is pursuing a more hardcore experience for their own games, emphasizing survival and dynamic events beyond just player-versus-player combat.
Crimson Desert players keep losing boss fights to a haunted book that forces you to read it over and over again:…
Players of Pearl Abyss's RPG Crimson Desert are encountering a recurring bug where an in-game item called the Equipment Manual repeatedly appears, even during boss fights, preventing players from pausing or accessing menus. This issue, which some players are humorously attributing to a 'haunted book,' is causing significant frustration and inconvenience during gameplay.
PS5's 007 First Light Shows Its Hitman DNA in This Great New Overview Trailer
IO Interactive has released a new overview trailer for their upcoming James Bond action-adventure game, 007 First Light, highlighting its stealth mechanics, gadgets, and combat. The trailer emphasizes the game's DNA, which is heavily influenced by IO Interactive's Hitman series, and teases post-launch content updates. The game is set to launch on May 27, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and other platforms.
Players Rediscover Why Far Cry 3 Defined Open-World Gaming
Players are rediscovering Far Cry 3 and its enduring appeal in open-world game design. The article highlights how the game's focus on core mechanics, meaningful activities, and immersive details, exemplified by characters like Vaas Montenegro, created a timeless experience that many modern titles struggle to match. It suggests the industry can learn from Far Cry 3's success by prioritizing solid design over chasing trends.
