#game-design

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"I want to add a different twist" Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 will rethink how it implements mini-games, says director Naoki Hamaguchi

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth features 21 mini-games, receiving mixed reactions from players regarding their quality and purpose.
#tabletop-rpg

Dungeons & Dragons subclasses just got a major facelift to fit D&D 2024

D&D 2024 leaves many subclasses behind, but Subclasses Revivified enables players to update and retain their favorite characters.

Beadle & Grimm's new Star Trek sets take escape room games to the final frontier

Beadle & Grimm's project creatively merges Star Trek lore with murder mystery gameplay, enhancing its rich storytelling through interactive mechanics.

Confluence: The Living Archive could be the next big D&D competitor

Confluence: The Living Archive aims to redefine tabletop RPGs with a diverse, inclusive world and streamlined gameplay, standing out in the fantasy heartbreaker genre.

Matt Mercer, Deborah Ann Woll, other professional DMs helped write the new Dungeon Master's Guide

The new Dungeon Master's Guide emphasizes personalized guidance for new DMs and promotes learning through actual play experiences.

Dungeons & Dragons subclasses just got a major facelift to fit D&D 2024

D&D 2024 leaves many subclasses behind, but Subclasses Revivified enables players to update and retain their favorite characters.

Beadle & Grimm's new Star Trek sets take escape room games to the final frontier

Beadle & Grimm's project creatively merges Star Trek lore with murder mystery gameplay, enhancing its rich storytelling through interactive mechanics.

Confluence: The Living Archive could be the next big D&D competitor

Confluence: The Living Archive aims to redefine tabletop RPGs with a diverse, inclusive world and streamlined gameplay, standing out in the fantasy heartbreaker genre.

Matt Mercer, Deborah Ann Woll, other professional DMs helped write the new Dungeon Master's Guide

The new Dungeon Master's Guide emphasizes personalized guidance for new DMs and promotes learning through actual play experiences.
moretabletop-rpg
#dragon-age

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Party Nearly Had An Unlikely Inquisition Villain

Dragon Age: The Veilguard features new characters, but fans are upset over the absence of returning character magister Calpernia from Inquisition.

How Dragon Age: The Veilguard's writers decided each companion's romance arc

Dragon Age: The Veilguard features romance options deeply integrated into character development, enhancing narrative depth and player engagement.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Nearly Brought Back Another Hero Alongside The Inquisitor

The art book for Dragon Age: The Veilguard reveals missed opportunities for character continuity and deeper storytelling from previous games.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard cuts the Keep and past choices, but it doesn't spoil the fun

The Veilguard simplifies decision-making by restricting it to three major narrative questions, enhancing player experience without the Dragon Age Keep.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard review

The game offers ambitious character progression but lacks incentives for deep engagement, ultimately feeling shallow despite promising mechanics.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard lets me flirt like I have some freaking chill

Dragon Age: The Veilguard improves the flirting experience, making it more natural and user-friendly for players.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Party Nearly Had An Unlikely Inquisition Villain

Dragon Age: The Veilguard features new characters, but fans are upset over the absence of returning character magister Calpernia from Inquisition.

How Dragon Age: The Veilguard's writers decided each companion's romance arc

Dragon Age: The Veilguard features romance options deeply integrated into character development, enhancing narrative depth and player engagement.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Nearly Brought Back Another Hero Alongside The Inquisitor

The art book for Dragon Age: The Veilguard reveals missed opportunities for character continuity and deeper storytelling from previous games.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard cuts the Keep and past choices, but it doesn't spoil the fun

The Veilguard simplifies decision-making by restricting it to three major narrative questions, enhancing player experience without the Dragon Age Keep.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard review

The game offers ambitious character progression but lacks incentives for deep engagement, ultimately feeling shallow despite promising mechanics.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard lets me flirt like I have some freaking chill

Dragon Age: The Veilguard improves the flirting experience, making it more natural and user-friendly for players.
moredragon-age
#video-games

10 video games that are actually funny

Video games that blend humor with design offer a unique and enjoyable experience, showcasing the art of game writing and creativity.

Yakuza Creator Suggests There Might Be Too Many Games To Keep Making Them So Big

The era of valuing video games primarily by their size and volume is ending, as game diversity increases and players struggle to keep up.

Neva review sublime portrait of a warrior and her wolf in a dying world

Neva combines stunning visuals, music, and emotional storytelling, creating a deeply immersive gaming experience that evokes a strong sense of responsibility and connection.

How to plan and paint vibrant video game poster art: Duncan Fregredo shares his pro workflow

Game art successfully merges personal artist style with the unique essence of the game, highlighting the importance of both in the creative process.

Exuberant Video Game Menus Designed With da Vinci in Mind

Atlus transforms video game menus into artistic experiences, emphasizing aesthetics alongside functionality.

STALKER 2 needed more time

STALKER 2 powerfully illustrates how the environment can reflect humanity's failures, turning industrial ambitions into haunting landscapes of danger and beauty.

10 video games that are actually funny

Video games that blend humor with design offer a unique and enjoyable experience, showcasing the art of game writing and creativity.

Yakuza Creator Suggests There Might Be Too Many Games To Keep Making Them So Big

The era of valuing video games primarily by their size and volume is ending, as game diversity increases and players struggle to keep up.

Neva review sublime portrait of a warrior and her wolf in a dying world

Neva combines stunning visuals, music, and emotional storytelling, creating a deeply immersive gaming experience that evokes a strong sense of responsibility and connection.

How to plan and paint vibrant video game poster art: Duncan Fregredo shares his pro workflow

Game art successfully merges personal artist style with the unique essence of the game, highlighting the importance of both in the creative process.

Exuberant Video Game Menus Designed With da Vinci in Mind

Atlus transforms video game menus into artistic experiences, emphasizing aesthetics alongside functionality.

STALKER 2 needed more time

STALKER 2 powerfully illustrates how the environment can reflect humanity's failures, turning industrial ambitions into haunting landscapes of danger and beauty.
morevideo-games

Find your new favorite indie RPG with Deernicorn's Big Bad Con interviews

Heart of the Deernicorn promotes independent tabletop RPGs by focusing on the creative process of designers rather than purely marketing efforts.
#gaming

My Favorite Thing About Black Ops 6 Is The Return Of A Classic Zombies Experience

Call of Duty's latest game aims to bring back nostalgia and simplify the Zombies mode for both old and new players.

Mandragora mixes Metroidvania and Soulslike design with a killer 2.5D aesthetic to great effect

Mandragora impresses with its stylish design and engaging combat, establishing a distinct identity in the saturated indie genre.

Lego Horizon Adventures Review - For Buildin' Jest

Lego Horizon Adventures reinvents the Lego game formula, diverging from traditional expectations while maintaining visual appeal.

Overwatch Players, Y'all Lived Like This In 2016?

Nostalgia for Overwatch Classic reveals both the excitement of its early days and the challenges of its less refined gameplay compared to current iterations.

Limited MP and challenging bosses aren't a problem in Metaphor Refantazio, in fact they're part of the RPG's lasting appeal

Metaphor Refantazio offers adult-level freedom in gameplay, encouraging exploration and tackling challenges at your own pace.

Oh no, I need a 3D printer now

Luke The Maker's 3D printed LX console for UFO 50 highlights the appeal and potential of DIY gaming technology.

My Favorite Thing About Black Ops 6 Is The Return Of A Classic Zombies Experience

Call of Duty's latest game aims to bring back nostalgia and simplify the Zombies mode for both old and new players.

Mandragora mixes Metroidvania and Soulslike design with a killer 2.5D aesthetic to great effect

Mandragora impresses with its stylish design and engaging combat, establishing a distinct identity in the saturated indie genre.

Lego Horizon Adventures Review - For Buildin' Jest

Lego Horizon Adventures reinvents the Lego game formula, diverging from traditional expectations while maintaining visual appeal.

Overwatch Players, Y'all Lived Like This In 2016?

Nostalgia for Overwatch Classic reveals both the excitement of its early days and the challenges of its less refined gameplay compared to current iterations.

Limited MP and challenging bosses aren't a problem in Metaphor Refantazio, in fact they're part of the RPG's lasting appeal

Metaphor Refantazio offers adult-level freedom in gameplay, encouraging exploration and tackling challenges at your own pace.

Oh no, I need a 3D printer now

Luke The Maker's 3D printed LX console for UFO 50 highlights the appeal and potential of DIY gaming technology.
moregaming
#video-game-history

How Valve made Half-Life 2 and set a new standard for future games

Half-Life 2 revolutionized game design with its innovative technology, development practices, and narrative structure, setting new standards in the industry.

The Sega Saturn at 30: a pioneering games console ripe for rediscovery

The Sega Saturn's initial success and game quality are often overlooked in comparisons to the PlayStation, marking it as a unique, yet misunderstood console.

How Valve made Half-Life 2 and set a new standard for future games

Half-Life 2 revolutionized game design with its innovative technology, development practices, and narrative structure, setting new standards in the industry.

The Sega Saturn at 30: a pioneering games console ripe for rediscovery

The Sega Saturn's initial success and game quality are often overlooked in comparisons to the PlayStation, marking it as a unique, yet misunderstood console.
morevideo-game-history
#wizards-of-the-coast

D&D's new Dungeon Master's Guide is a huge upgrade for newbies

The revised Dungeon Master's Guide revitalizes D&D, blending tradition with innovation for the future of tabletop gaming.

Magic: The Gathering publisher names new panel to oversee troubled Commander format

Wizards of the Coast creates a paid Commander Format Panel, shifting control of the format from an all-volunteer committee to dedicated designers.

D&D's new Dungeon Master's Guide is a huge upgrade for newbies

The revised Dungeon Master's Guide revitalizes D&D, blending tradition with innovation for the future of tabletop gaming.

Magic: The Gathering publisher names new panel to oversee troubled Commander format

Wizards of the Coast creates a paid Commander Format Panel, shifting control of the format from an all-volunteer committee to dedicated designers.
morewizards-of-the-coast
#board-games

What if Kurt Vonnegut's lost board game had actually been published in the 1950s?

Kurt Vonnegut, renowned for his anti-war literature, was also a game designer whose board game GHQ has resurfaced decades after its creation.

Mass Effect: The Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz Review

Mass Effect: The Board Game successfully captures the essence of its video game source material through engaging mechanics and gameplay.

Salton Sea Review

Salton Sea is a strategic game focusing on resource extraction and efficient management of player actions.

Seaside Review

Seaside is a beach-themed board game designed for outdoor play, breaking the traditional indoor gaming norms. It's simple yet engaging, suitable for families.

3D printed chess pawns transform into queens thanks to magnets and springs - Yanko Design

The 3D-printed pawn innovatively transforms into a queen, enhancing gameplay without adding extra pieces.

What if Kurt Vonnegut's lost board game had actually been published in the 1950s?

Kurt Vonnegut, renowned for his anti-war literature, was also a game designer whose board game GHQ has resurfaced decades after its creation.

Mass Effect: The Board Game - Priority: Hagalaz Review

Mass Effect: The Board Game successfully captures the essence of its video game source material through engaging mechanics and gameplay.

Salton Sea Review

Salton Sea is a strategic game focusing on resource extraction and efficient management of player actions.

Seaside Review

Seaside is a beach-themed board game designed for outdoor play, breaking the traditional indoor gaming norms. It's simple yet engaging, suitable for families.

3D printed chess pawns transform into queens thanks to magnets and springs - Yanko Design

The 3D-printed pawn innovatively transforms into a queen, enhancing gameplay without adding extra pieces.
moreboard-games

AYANEO 3 handheld gaming PC brings a smootherr, gentler design to the market - Yanko Design

AYANEO 3's design focuses on smooth aesthetics and ergonomic improvements, appealing to a wider range of gamers than traditional handhelds.
#cuphead

Exclusive: Get A Sneak Peek At The Art Of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course

The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course details the creation of the DLC with extensive animation and concept artwork.

New Cuphead Limited-Edition Art Book Gets First Discount At Amazon

The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course provides an in-depth exploration of the DLC's animation and artistic process.

Exclusive: Get A Sneak Peek At The Art Of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course

The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course details the creation of the DLC with extensive animation and concept artwork.

New Cuphead Limited-Edition Art Book Gets First Discount At Amazon

The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course provides an in-depth exploration of the DLC's animation and artistic process.
morecuphead
#nintendo

Miyamoto: I Am No Genius

Miyamoto believes of himself as ordinary and highlights the importance of creativity and planning in game design.

The best thing about Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom? The music

Echoes of Wisdom offers innovative gameplay and a standout soundtrack, but it may not reach the pinnacle of the Zelda series' legacy.

Miyamoto: I Am No Genius

Miyamoto believes of himself as ordinary and highlights the importance of creativity and planning in game design.

The best thing about Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom? The music

Echoes of Wisdom offers innovative gameplay and a standout soundtrack, but it may not reach the pinnacle of the Zelda series' legacy.
morenintendo

One Of The Most Popular Books For Aspiring Game Designers Is Getting A New Edition

Level Up by Scott Rogers is the go-to guide for aspiring game developers, offering essential insights into game design and project management.

There's one feature that Pokemon TCG Pocket should borrow from Hearthstone that'll add a lot to the battling experience

The article emphasizes the need for an emote system in Pokemon TCG Pocket to enhance player interaction and express emotions during matches.

This 'spot the brand' game delivered a 96% increase in sales leads for Frontify

Distinctive branding increases value and recognition, yet few marketers invest in it, which Frontify aims to change.

Stunning Unreal Engine 5 tech demo generates intense debate

The Unreal Engine 5.4 demo showcases photorealistic graphics, but raises questions about its suitability for interactive game design.

The Crossword, Nov. 4: Rock Group

This week's crossword is created by game designer Adam Simpson, promising an engaging challenge for enthusiasts.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Will Introduce A New Direction For Its Modern-Day Story

Ubisoft plans to reintegrate the modern storyline in Assassin's Creed, focusing on the connection between past and present.
#atlus

Metaphor: ReFantazio gets the details right - including the victory screen

Metaphor: ReFantazio excels in its uniquely designed user interface and captivating victory screens.

'Metaphor: ReFantazio' Is The Bullshit-Free RPG I've Been Waiting For | Defector

JRPGs often have lengthy runtimes due to slow pacing and extensive cutscenes, unlike Western AAA games that pad hours with open-world content.

Metaphor: ReFantazio gets the details right - including the victory screen

Metaphor: ReFantazio excels in its uniquely designed user interface and captivating victory screens.

'Metaphor: ReFantazio' Is The Bullshit-Free RPG I've Been Waiting For | Defector

JRPGs often have lengthy runtimes due to slow pacing and extensive cutscenes, unlike Western AAA games that pad hours with open-world content.
moreatlus
#education

Assist Me In Designing a Board Game - Part 3 | HackerNoon

The game design aims to teach happiness metrics through life choices in an engaging and educational format.

The Superb Cinematic Concept Art Works of Louis Laurent

Louis Laurent has transitioned from a freelance artist to a lead role, demonstrating remarkable expertise in concept art and visual development.

Assist Me In Designing a Board Game - Part 3 | HackerNoon

The game design aims to teach happiness metrics through life choices in an engaging and educational format.

The Superb Cinematic Concept Art Works of Louis Laurent

Louis Laurent has transitioned from a freelance artist to a lead role, demonstrating remarkable expertise in concept art and visual development.
moreeducation

3 Things I wish Pokemon TCG Pocket Would Steal From Marvel Snap

Pokémon TCG Pocket successfully emphasizes card collection and battles but suffers from longer match lengths compared to its competitors.
#rpg

How Lovecraft found new fans thanks to a terrifying role-playing game

Sandy Petersen emphasized a shift from combat to investigation in Call of Cthulhu to fit Lovecraft's themes of cosmic horror.

5 Years Ago, One Underrated RPG Beat Bethesda at Its Own Game

The Outer Worlds brilliantly critiques capitalism and refines the RPG formula established by Bethesda in a compact, engaging manner.

2025's Most Ambitious RPG Is Awesomely Approachable

Sunderfolk uniquely blends tabletop influences with modern multiplayer gameplay, making RPGs more accessible to newcomers via anthropomorphic animal avatars and couch co-op dynamics.

How Lovecraft found new fans thanks to a terrifying role-playing game

Sandy Petersen emphasized a shift from combat to investigation in Call of Cthulhu to fit Lovecraft's themes of cosmic horror.

5 Years Ago, One Underrated RPG Beat Bethesda at Its Own Game

The Outer Worlds brilliantly critiques capitalism and refines the RPG formula established by Bethesda in a compact, engaging manner.

2025's Most Ambitious RPG Is Awesomely Approachable

Sunderfolk uniquely blends tabletop influences with modern multiplayer gameplay, making RPGs more accessible to newcomers via anthropomorphic animal avatars and couch co-op dynamics.
morerpg

The Pokemon Leaks Reveal That We Almost Had A Ninth Eevee Evolution

A planned flying-type evolution for Eevee was shelved due to its similarity to fan designs, indicating fan influence on the Pokémon franchise.
#indie-games

The great leap backwards: Dan Salvato creates new games for retro consoles - 48 hills

Developers can learn valuable skills from creating games for retro consoles, enhancing their programming and design abilities.

UFO 50 review a galaxy of 80s games brought brilliantly back to the future

UFO 50 is an ambitious indie game collection celebrating 50 uniquely modernized retro-style games, rich in nostalgia and creativity.

The challenges of being an indie dev, "About a third of the way through the game's development, I hated the damn thing".

Successful game development can stem from collaboration and feedback from publishers in response to market trends.
Experience and perseverance in finishing projects can lead to greater dedication and skill enhancement in game development.

The great leap backwards: Dan Salvato creates new games for retro consoles - 48 hills

Developers can learn valuable skills from creating games for retro consoles, enhancing their programming and design abilities.

UFO 50 review a galaxy of 80s games brought brilliantly back to the future

UFO 50 is an ambitious indie game collection celebrating 50 uniquely modernized retro-style games, rich in nostalgia and creativity.

The challenges of being an indie dev, "About a third of the way through the game's development, I hated the damn thing".

Successful game development can stem from collaboration and feedback from publishers in response to market trends.
Experience and perseverance in finishing projects can lead to greater dedication and skill enhancement in game development.
moreindie-games
#call-of-duty

The best bit of Black Ops 6 so far? Weirdly, I think it's got something to do with Faith No More

Red Card in Black Ops 6 offers a unique and immersive multiplayer experience through its innovative map design and the integration of an iconic soundtrack.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's wild gameplay innovations influence Black Ops 6, enhancing the franchise while maintaining its core action elements.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 enhances gameplay with the new Omni-movement system, promoting fluid and fast-paced combat.

The best bit of Black Ops 6 so far? Weirdly, I think it's got something to do with Faith No More

Red Card in Black Ops 6 offers a unique and immersive multiplayer experience through its innovative map design and the integration of an iconic soundtrack.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2's wild gameplay innovations influence Black Ops 6, enhancing the franchise while maintaining its core action elements.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Review

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 enhances gameplay with the new Omni-movement system, promoting fluid and fast-paced combat.
morecall-of-duty
#horror-games

For Phasmophobia To Be So Terrifying, The Devil Is In The Details

Phasmophobia uses subtle audio cues to create a deeply immersive and fear-inducing experience for players through its unique sound design.

I can't believe this spine-chilling horror game was made entirely in Microsoft PowerPoint

Roche Limit exemplifies how creativity can overcome technical limitations in game development.

For Phasmophobia To Be So Terrifying, The Devil Is In The Details

Phasmophobia uses subtle audio cues to create a deeply immersive and fear-inducing experience for players through its unique sound design.

I can't believe this spine-chilling horror game was made entirely in Microsoft PowerPoint

Roche Limit exemplifies how creativity can overcome technical limitations in game development.
morehorror-games
#unity-development

Episode 4: Game Rules and Mechanics - Part 1

Essential steps for planning game mechanics enhance user experience.
Incorporate Rigidbody and Colliders for physics-based interactions.

Job Vacancy: Game UI Artist (Unity 2D) (f/m/d) // GameDuell | Design / UX Jobs | Berlin Startup Jobs

Creativity drives game design at GameDuell, offering a collaborative environment for UI artists to enhance player experiences.

Episode 4: Game Rules and Mechanics - Part 1

Essential steps for planning game mechanics enhance user experience.
Incorporate Rigidbody and Colliders for physics-based interactions.

Job Vacancy: Game UI Artist (Unity 2D) (f/m/d) // GameDuell | Design / UX Jobs | Berlin Startup Jobs

Creativity drives game design at GameDuell, offering a collaborative environment for UI artists to enhance player experiences.
moreunity-development

Elden Ring Official Art Books Are B1G1 50% Off At Amazon - Get Both For Only $59

Elden Ring's art books offer deep insights into the game's massive open world, now available at a steep discount on Amazon.

Science compels us to pick up this adorable Outer Wilds replica Hearthian Lander

Fangamer's model of the Hearthian Lander is an immersive collectible for Outer Wilds fans.
Outer Wilds captivates players with its unique time loop narrative and stunning aesthetics.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming Design Works book for deeper insight into the game's artistry.

Lego Horizon Adventures Raises The Question Of What IPs Work As A Lego Game

Lego Horizon Adventures creatively retells the Horizon Zero Dawn story, balancing comedic elements with an established narrative that sometimes feels inconsistent.

5 Years Later, This Time-Travel Murder Mystery Is Just as Mind-Bending as Ever

Return of the Obra Dinn uses time travel as a mechanic for detective work, enhancing gameplay through puzzles and historical exploration.

Indie game devs showcase their creative progression in inspiring trend

Indie developers on X showcase their creative journeys, emphasizing the support of the community and the evolution of game projects from humble beginnings.

The Challenges and Pitfalls of an 'Authentic' Medieval Wargame - Medievalists.net

Authentic medieval wargaming faces challenges due to outdated assumptions and the need for cultural understanding of medieval combat.
from Polygon
1 month ago

We need to talk about the 'humans' in Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio uniquely blends fantasy and horror elements, featuring bizarre creatures referred to as 'humans' that challenge genre conventions.

Episode 1 - Introduction to Unity IDE 2022/2023

Understanding Unity's IDE is essential for game developers to effectively navigate and utilize crucial interfaces.

Designing the creative, cultural mix of New World: Aeternum's environments has meant its "developers have to be magicians"

New World: Aeternum blends various historical civilizations and cultures into an immersive RPG experience with distinct environments and a visual overhaul.

31 Years Later, Magic: The Gathering's Creator Wants To Change How We Game - Again

Richard Garfield revolutionized gaming with Magic: The Gathering and continues to innovate with the upcoming online game Chaos Agents.

Historian & Armor Expert Reacts to Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2's Multiplayer Weapons & Armor

Tobias Capwell analyzes the historical inspirations behind Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's weaponry and armor, connecting gaming design to real-world martial practices.

"Single-Player MMO-Like" Erenshor Lets You Adventure On Your Own Time, Demo Out Now

Erenshor offers a single-player MMO experience, allowing flexibility and coordination through unique features like SimPlayers.
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