Map Design
Ongoing coverage on Map Design.
Latest coverage
Modern Warfare 4 is bringing back Shipment tomorrow, and you know what that means
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is reintroducing the popular Shipment map tomorrow, October 27, 2026. This small, chaotic arena is known for its fast-paced firefights and is a prime location for players looking to quickly level up weapons and complete challenges. The new version features updated visuals while retaining the classic layout.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 w/Devs – Campaign, Multiplayer, DMZ, and More | Official XBOX Podcast
Developers from Infinity Ward discuss the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, detailing its campaign set on the Korean Peninsula, the new DMZ extraction mode, and innovations in multiplayer like the Kill Block and Gunsmith systems. The interview highlights the team's dedication to authenticity and player experience, with a special mention of the 'Xbox Blueprint' cosmetic for the M4 weapon.
Overwatch's director discusses why King's Row is so iconic, but admits that 'every single map in the game…
Overwatch game director Aaron Keller discusses the enduring popularity and iconic status of the King's Row map. He highlights its balanced design, offering strategic advantages for both attackers and defenders, and providing satisfying team fight moments throughout its layout. The article also touches on player preferences for different map types and modes within the game.
Rockstar artists have been working on GTA 6 for 11 years to plan out the map, co-head says roads are narrower than GTA 5's, which had a 'ripple effect' as the studio had to add even more buildings — 'All these things sort of come to bite you later'
Rockstar Games has reportedly been working on Grand Theft Auto 6 for 11 years, with artists beginning map planning in 2015. Development co-head Aaron Garbut noted that the game's narrower roads compared to Grand Theft Auto 5 created technical challenges, requiring more detailed surrounding buildings. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Series S.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026) Multiplayer – 15 Essential Details Before You Buy
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (2026) will feature a multiplayer experience focused on grounded realism, enhanced gunplay, and extensive customization. Key new features include redesigned movement systems with more versatile maneuvers, an overhauled mantling system, the removal of hipfire bloom for increased skill-based accuracy, and rebuilt weapon handling that reacts to the environment. The game will also integrate Operators and Killstreaks into Create-a-Class, launch with 33 weapons and over 500 attachments, introduce Apex Attachments for significant weapon behavior modification, and offer objective-based Killstreaks. New modes like Kill Block and Combat Outpost for Ground War are also detailed, alongside two distinct Prestige paths.
Deadlock's City Never Sleeps update makes Valve's MOBA my favorite videogame setting in years
Valve's MOBA Deadlock, currently in beta, has received a significant update called 'City Never Sleeps' that overhauls its Cursed Apple map. The update introduces new neutral monsters and richly textured areas, transforming districts like Broadway into a neon metropolis and Greenwich into an occult-themed park. The game's new characters and expanded dialogue are also praised for their creative and inventive design, making Deadlock's setting one of the author's favorites.
I had 3 hours with Arc Raiders Frozen Trails update and spent most of it playing with the new grapple hook
A preview of the Arc Raiders Frozen Trails update highlights the new grapple hook as a significant game-changer, offering unprecedented freedom of movement. While the skill tree rework and new map Pendola Pass are noted, the grapple hook's physics-based mechanics and emergent gameplay potential are the standout features, despite some minor jank.
After an eight month wait, Valve's massive Deadlock update feels like the spark that begins its unstoppable rise
Valve has released a massive 'City Never Sleeps' update for its MOBA, Deadlock, significantly overhauling visuals, map design, and introducing six new heroes over the next three weeks. The update has already broken concurrent player records, transforming the game from a beta state to feeling much more complete and poised for success.
"What if London existed in the Grand Theft Auto universe?" One fan has answered with a GTA-style map of the city
YouTuber CityEd has created a detailed Grand Theft Auto-style map of London, reimagining place names and landmarks in the series' signature exaggerated style. This fan project draws inspiration from Rockstar Games' past titles and applies their naming conventions to the English capital, offering a glimpse into what a London-based Grand Theft Auto game could look like.
Pokémon Winds and Waves leak reveals ‘most complete version’ of game’s map
Leaked information for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, Pokémon Winds and Waves, has revealed details about the game's map, including potential inspirations from Indonesia, Australia, and surrounding regions. Screenshots allegedly from a 2023 Switch 1 devkit showcase new characters and gym designs, though the final version is expected to differ significantly. The leaks suggest a potential time skip or flashback mechanic within the game's narrative.
Nintendo shares new map design for Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake
Nintendo has revealed a newly designed in-game map for the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The refreshed map draws inspiration from other fantasy titles and includes familiar landmarks.
Grand Theft Auto 6 sleuths are torn on whether a famous Florida locale is in the game or not
Grand Theft Auto 6 fans are actively speculating about the game's map, particularly whether Key West will be included. Despite leaks and trailers, the location has not been definitively shown, leading to theories that it may have been planned but removed during development. The community's intense focus on map details highlights the high anticipation for the game's release.
GTA 6 Map: Full Leonida Map, Vice City & All Locations
Grand Theft Auto 6 will be set in the fictional state of Leonida, inspired by Florida, with Vice City serving as its primary urban setting. The map will also include diverse environments such as the Leonida Keys, swamps like Grassrivers, the coastal community of Port Gellhorn, an industrial area called Ambrosia, and Mount Kalaga National Park. While an official full map has not been released, leaked materials suggest a world significantly larger and more varied than Grand Theft Auto V.
Overwatch w/Devs: Doctrine, Grimsvötn, Reworks, and More | Official XBOX Podcast
The Official Xbox Podcast features members of the Overwatch team discussing new content revealed at BlizzCon 2026. They detail the new hero Doctrine, the Grimsvötn map, and reworks for Sombra and Roadhog, while also teasing future content and a special "Westwatch" Dagger Heart tabletop event.
New CS2 update tackles 'slur leaderboards' and adds fresh Cache spawns
A new Counter-Strike 2 update introduces chat encryption for demo files, preventing the public display of past chat logs and addressing the issue of 'slur leaderboards.' The patch also includes several improvements to the Cache map, such as fixing gaps, adjusting wallbang spots, and adding new spawn points.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta review - the slow road to redemption
This review of the Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta finds that despite some improvements in gunplay and traversal mechanics, the overall experience is unconvincing. The campaign mission is forgettable, and while some maps show promise, others are too chaotic or simplistic. The beta suggests that Call Of Duty's current era may not be ending soon.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Inside the Maps and Movement of Multiplayer
Infinity Ward discusses the map and movement design for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer, focusing on its South Korean-inspired setting and new traversal mechanics. The developers aim to balance authentic environments with fluid gameplay, incorporating elements like pipe climbs and slide maneuvers to enhance player mobility and strategic options. The game is set to launch on October 23, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with beta weekends starting August 21.
ShackStream: Return to Wake Island in Battlefield 6
Battlefield 6 is reintroducing the iconic Wake Island map, which first appeared nearly two decades ago. The new version retains the familiar horseshoe shape and combat flow, aiming to enhance the classic experience. The article also mentions a list of BF6 map release dates and encourages viewer support for Shacknews' streams.
Thanks to the New Vault Breaker Co-Op Mode, I Can Finally Appreciate Marathon’s Most Intriguing Map
The limited-time Vault Breaker co-op mode in Marathon, ending August 18, offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the Cryo Archive map's design. This experimental PvE mode allows players to explore the map's intricacies without the pressure of PvP combat.
Battlefield 6:s Wake Island får en galet bombastisk trailer
Battlefield 6 is releasing a trailer for the Wake Island map on August 18th, which will be part of Season 4. The trailer showcases actual gameplay and highlights changes to the iconic map since its appearance in Battlefield V, including new cover elements and a shipwreck. The reception to these changes remains to be seen.