Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Fallout co-creator says non-linear design is all about never assuming how players will act, illustrates his point by fantasising about an NPC guard he seems to really hate
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain discussed his principles for non-linear game design, emphasizing that developers should not assume player behavior. He illustrated this by fantasizing about an NPC guard and stressed the importance of understanding the core goals behind a game's setting, story, and mechanics.
Slay the Spire 2 almost had fewer new cards because of the co-creator's love for Dark Souls, but testers "were…
Slay the Spire 2 co-creator Casey Yano initially wanted the sequel to feature fewer new cards for returning characters, inspired by the Dark Souls series' approach to build replication. However, playtesters expressed a strong desire for more new content, leading Mega Crit Games to adjust the design. This decision has contributed to the early success of Slay the Spire 2.
Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Expansion Launches April 28 With New Classes
Blizzard Entertainment announced that the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion will launch on April 28th, introducing two new classes, the Paladin and Warlock, and significant overhauls to the endgame and skill trees. The expansion focuses on the antagonist Mephisto and aims to address player feedback regarding build diversity and endgame content. This substantial content drop is positioned to revitalize player engagement for the live-service action RPG.
More Branches, More Choice: A Before‑and‑After Look at Diablo IV’s Skill Trees
Diablo IV is receiving a significant rework to its Skill Tree system, launching on April 28 alongside the Lord of Hatred expansion. The updated system offers deeper branching choices and more impactful skill upgrades, allowing for greater build customization and playstyle expression across all classes. This change aims to provide more meaningful decisions for both new and veteran players.
The Delta Force Season Echo update has reworked its most iconic map, with the perfect counter to campers
The Delta Force Season Echo update introduces a significant rework of the Zero Dam map, aiming to improve gameplay flow and address community feedback. Key changes include a redesigned elevator extraction point with a second entrance to prevent stalemates, and new environmental features like reed marshes with bird mechanics to counter camping. The update also adds a new task chain called 'Operation Gold' and other quality-of-life improvements.
Choose My Adventure: The slow walk-up to tighter tactics and unlocked features in The Division 2
The author is enjoying their time with The Division 2, finding that gameplay elements are starting to click, particularly the turret ability. However, they express frustration with certain mission designs, such as prolonged enemy waves during timed objectives and bullet-sponge boss fights, while also noting the need for clearer visual cues for weak points. The article concludes by posing polls to readers regarding character build choices and preferred side activities.
Fallout: New Vegas dev says it could've been set in New Orleans because 'the vibe was so cool, the flavor was…
Former Obsidian creative officer Chris Avellone revealed that Fallout: New Vegas could have been set in New Orleans and that Bethesda may not possess the original source code for the game. Avellone also discussed potential future settings for the Fallout series, including San Francisco, and commented on the Fallout TV show's influence on Fallout 5.
Nemorsys Demo Now Available on Steam
Developer Chaolys has released a playable demo for their stealth-action RPG Nemorsys on Steam. The demo allows players to experience core mechanics like light-based stealth, dynamic AI, and an updated progression system. It is designed to be completed in 30 minutes to 2 hours and features 5 out of 20 total skills.
Round Up: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Really Does Sound Like the PS5 Mass Effect Successor We Need
Previews for the sci-fi RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn from Owlcat Games are emerging from its closed beta on PC, with many drawing comparisons to Mass Effect. The game, which is also slated for a PlayStation 5 release next year, has received positive impressions for its world-building and narrative choices, though some early feedback notes concerns about floaty shooting mechanics and a fiddly cover system.
Hideo Kojima said Half-Life had a "kind of soul" which Japanese games lacked, and Metal Gear Solid 2 was directly inspired by Valve's classic FPS
Hideo Kojima reflected on the original Half-Life, stating it possessed a "soul" that Japanese games lacked and directly inspired features in Metal Gear Solid 2. He praised Valve's attention to detail and atmosphere, noting how the game's interactivity and environmental destruction influenced his own work.
Blood of the Dawnwalker stream set for April 28, with a release date and new gameplay to be revealed
Rebel Wolves will host a "Road to Launch" stream on April 28th to reveal the release date and new gameplay for their upcoming vampire-themed game, Blood of the Dawnwalker. The stream will also cover storytelling, open-world content, and system requirements. Game Director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz expressed excitement for the upcoming milestone, inviting players to discover the adventure in Vale Sangora.
45+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Big Games Big Deals Sale
The PlayStation Store is currently hosting its Big Games Big Deals sale, featuring thousands of discounted PS5 and PS4 titles until May 6, 2026. The article highlights a curated selection of recommended games, many of which are at their lowest-ever prices.
Miyamoto: Mario games will continue to explore Peach and Rosalina’s relationship
Shigeru Miyamoto stated in an interview with Nintendo Dream that future Mario games will explore the relationship between Princess Peach and Rosalina, a concept revealed in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. He emphasized that while he wants to expand on character backstories, he also wants to avoid being overly constrained by narrative choices in game development.
Bandit Trap Interview – Home Alone Inspiration, Asymmetrical Chaos, and Community-Driven Design
Picomy's Bobby Bouman and Jimmy de Meza discuss the inspirations behind Bandit Trap, a chaotic asymmetrical multiplayer game influenced by Home Alone and slapstick humor. They detail the challenges of balancing gameplay between the Trapper and Bandits, and how community feedback from playtests has shaped the game's development and future updates.
Round Up: Lord of Hatred Reviews Say This Is the Best Diablo 4 Has Ever Been
Reviews for Diablo 4's expansion, Lord of Hatred, indicate it's a significant improvement for the game, with praise for its narrative, new Paladin and Warlock classes, and reworked endgame systems. The expansion currently holds a Metacritic score of 82 for the PC version, with many critics calling it the best Diablo 4 has ever been.
The Shore Enhanced Edition Ends Five-Year Console Exile This April
The Shore: Enhanced Edition, a Lovecraftian horror game developed by Dragonis Games, will be released on PlayStation 5 on April 30, 2026, with Xbox Series X|S versions to follow. This enhanced version features adapted console controls and refined gameplay, aiming to provide the definitive experience for a wider audience after its initial PC release.
Gnomecast 235 - Short Campaign Considerations
This episode of Gnomecast discusses the considerations for running short tabletop role-playing game campaigns. Hosts Ang, Jared, and Tomas explore the key differences from traditional long campaigns, reasons for choosing a shorter format, and essential elements to keep in mind during development.
Talking Point: Star Fox Zero Is 10 Years Old - Have You Actually Played It?
This article discusses the 10th anniversary of Star Fox Zero's release on the Wii U, reflecting on its unique control scheme and disappointing sales. It considers the possibility of a Nintendo Switch re-release, drawing parallels to other Wii U titles that have found new life on the current console. The author questions whether Star Fox Zero is an underrated gem deserving of a second chance or if its time has passed.
PaleoPines Drops Spoiler-Heavy Patch Notes for Major Update
PaleoPines has released spoiler-heavy patch notes for an upcoming major update, urging players to avoid them if they wish to experience the new content with fresh eyes. The developers are emphasizing player choice regarding spoilers, a move that highlights their community-focused approach. The nature of the content requiring such warnings suggests significant additions to the cozy dinosaur farming game.
Fortnite Players Decode What Makes Battle Passes Worth Buying
A Fortnite player's theory suggests that the prevalence of skin reskins in battle passes indicates the popularity of the original designs. This perspective argues that Epic Games strategically creates variants of successful cosmetics, using data to identify skins with mass appeal and staying power. While the community is divided, this viewpoint offers a new way to evaluate battle pass value by considering the potential for popular skins to inspire future content.
