Player Choice
Ongoing coverage on Player Choice.
Latest coverage
Mass Effect 5 was named Universe partly because it let players generate alternate timelines based on their choices in previous entries, technical director says
Romain Toutain, franchise technical director at BioWare, revealed that the internal title Mass Effect Universe was considered for Mass Effect 5 partly due to a system that allowed players to generate alternate timelines based on their choices from previous games. This ambitious feature aimed to give players "absolute autonomy" by creating branching narratives and even generating content to ensure mission completion, though it was complex to implement. The article also touches on the leaked internal trailer for the game and the studio's shutdown.
BioWare's cancelled Mass Effect game would've learned from Baldur's Gate 3 and The Witcher to deliver "a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has"
Electronic Arts has closed its BioWare studio partner, impacting around 50 staff who were in pre-production on the next Mass Effect game. A BioWare veteran shared that the cancelled project aimed to deliver unprecedented player autonomy and choice, learning from titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and The Witcher.
'I believe we were making something special' — BioWare dev says the now-canceled Mass Effect 5 offered 'a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match'
Former BioWare cinematic supervisor Tony de Waal revealed that the canceled Mass Effect 5 was intended to offer unprecedented player autonomy and choice, inspired by titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. De Waal, who was among the developers laid off after the project's cancellation and EA's restructuring, expressed sadness that fans would not see the game they were developing. He also shared insights into the challenging development of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
The next Mass Effect would have had 'a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to…
A former cinematic supervisor at BioWare, Tony de Waal, has spoken about the ambitious plans for the now-canceled Mass Effect 4, which aimed for unprecedented player autonomy. The studio's closure, part of a restructuring at EA following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's PIF, has led to layoffs and a shift towards live service games, leaving many talented developers seeking new employment.
Atelier Karia will have a body shape change feature
Koei Tecmo and Gust announced that Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom & the Guide of Memories will feature an optional body shape change mechanic for the protagonist, Karia, based on her eating habits. Players can choose to enable or disable this feature, or lock Karia at a preferred body shape. The feature was inspired by a fan survey, and additional costumes and a short story based on survey results will also be included.
The Witcher 4’s Choices Are Being Designed to “Leave A Lasting Impression”, per CD Projekt RED
CD Projekt RED is placing immense focus on the narrative design for The Witcher 4, with Joint CEO Adam Badowski stating that choices will be "frequently rewritten" to leave a "lasting impression on players." The studio aims to build deep, nuanced stories that impact players long-term, with the game expected to launch in 2028.
The Choice Nobody Coded
This article discusses the nature of player choice in video games compared to tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), featuring insights from game designer Arturo Guerra. While video games offer vast possibilities, TTRPGs allow for more collaborative and personal narrative creation, as players can invent elements that designers haven't pre-coded. The piece explores how both mediums constrain and enable player agency, ultimately suggesting that meaningful choices can exist within authored boundaries.
The Witcher 3's story director says an ideal quest is 'constructed in such a way that the player puts the controller away, stands up, and starts walking'
The Witcher 3's story director, Marcin Blacha, shared his philosophy on creating impactful quests, emphasizing that meaningful choices should make players pause and think deeply. He stated that ideal quests are not obvious and carry significant weight, often prompting players to step away from the controller to consider their decisions. Blacha also confirmed that the upcoming DLC, Songs of the Past, will feature difficult choices that may lead to player regret.
Fable Team “Relentlessly Pursued Quality” With the Ending, Says Game Director
Playground Games' Fable will feature a meaningful ending that challenges players with significant personal cost, a departure from previous installments. Game director Ralph Fulton emphasized the studio's commitment to quality for the finale, despite industry trends suggesting lower completion rates. The game is expected to be 15-20 hours long for the main story, with a focus on life systems for replayability.
GTA 6's Criminal Profile system sounds pretty interesting, isn't a direct copy of Red Dead's Honor system
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a 'Criminal Profile' system that tracks player actions, but it will not be a direct copy of Red Dead Redemption 2's Honor system. This new system aims to allow for more player roleplaying without punishing players for their choices, offering states like Professional, Aggressive, Violent, and Psycho.
Playground Games' devs are so confident in Fable, they made me play the Gamescom demo twice
Playground Games' upcoming Fable title impressed during a Gamescom demo, with associate game director Will Kennedy expressing high confidence in the game's combat system. The preview highlighted the ability to seamlessly weave melee, ranged, and magic attacks, with a particular emphasis on player choice and nuanced combat mechanics. The performance of Matt King as a companion character, Super Hans, was also praised for its emotional depth and comedic timing.
Exodus Ending and Character Fates Change Based on Your Choices
The upcoming science fiction RPG Exodus will feature an ending that dynamically changes based on player decisions throughout the story. The narrative director has explained how these choices will be reflected in the game's conclusion.
Shack Chat: How do you plan to play GTA 6?
Several Shacknews staff members discuss their intended playstyles for Grand Theft Auto 6, exploring options from focusing on the narrative and character relationships to embracing pure chaos and exploring the game's numerous side activities. The discussion highlights the franchise's history of supporting diverse player approaches.
The Blood of the Dawnwalker Taught Me the Value of Time
This opinion piece argues that making difficult choices within a game leads to a more memorable and impactful player experience. The author reflects on how these decisions contribute to the overall value and engagement with a game.
The Blood of Dawnwalker - should you invite Ambrus in?
This guide for The Blood of Dawnwalker explains the consequences of inviting the boss Ambrus into the game after defeating him. Choosing to show mercy and invite Ambrus results in his essence merging with the protagonist Coen, offering advice and commentary throughout the remainder of the game. Other Vrakhiri bosses can also be invited in, impacting the final battle.
GTA 6 lets players "forget it's a game" with all its choices, and that's what Rockstar lead Rob Nelson is most proud of: "It's up to you and what matters to you"
Rockstar North's head of development, Rob Nelson, expressed pride in Grand Theft Auto 6's emphasis on player choice and complex interconnected systems, which he believes contribute to a highly immersive experience. He highlighted how players can approach situations in various ways and that their actions have an impact, allowing for deep roleplaying.
Rockstar says if you want GTA 6's romance between Jason and Lucia to flourish, you have to nurture it, but it's completely optional — 'It's not something that we want to foist upon players'
Rockstar Games has confirmed that the romance between Grand Theft Auto 6 protagonists Jason and Lucia is entirely optional. Head of development Rob Nelson stated that players can choose to nurture their relationship through various activities, but will not be penalized if they opt out. The narrative is structured to keep them together as partners in crime, with romantic elements being a player-driven addition.
GTA 6 is adding a more nuanced version of Red Dead Redemption 2's honor system to ensure player characters…
Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a more nuanced version of Red Dead Redemption 2's honor system, where player actions impact how the world reacts and the narrative unfolds. While there's no strictly 'right' or 'wrong' way to play, consistent criminal behavior or unnecessary aggression will be remembered by NPCs, while small acts of kindness can positively influence interactions. This system aims to create a more realistic experience for protagonists Jason and Lucia.
Rockstar Says GTA 6’s Love Story Puts Real Weight Behind Player Choices
Rockstar Games has revealed that Grand Theft Auto 6 will feature a central love story between its protagonists, Lucia and Jason, with player choices significantly impacting their relationship and the narrative. This approach aims to give player decisions more weight than in previous titles, moving beyond traditional 'honor' systems. The game is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19, 2026.
Your biggest choice in GTA 6 is whether Lucia and Jason stay a couple, but half-arsing it won't stop them doing crimes together
Rockstar Games co-head Rob Nelson discussed Grand Theft Auto 6's relationship mechanics, explaining that players can nurture the bond between protagonists Lucia and Jason by spending time together in the open world, engaging in activities both mundane and criminal. While the narrative encourages them to work together, Nelson indicated that players can opt out of focusing on the relationship if they prefer. The article also briefly mentions ongoing legal issues involving former Rockstar staffers.
