How I Built a Retro Game in an Hour: My Experience With Gemini 2.5 Pro and Vibe Coding | HackerNoonGemini 2.5 Pro allows rapid game development, enabling quick prototyping and fun experiences, despite challenges in code organization and consistency.
How a 1980s Atari creator with cystic fibrosis crafted a story of salmon survivalBill Williams created the game Salmon Run as a metaphor for endurance and overcoming life's challenges, reflecting his personal battle with cystic fibrosis.
4 Years Later, The Outspoken Rebel of Couch Co-Op Games Is At It AgainJosef Fares transitioned from film to gaming, leveraging his storytelling passion to create award-winning games.His immigrant experience greatly influenced his creative journey in both film and video gaming.
Avowed Director Explains Why The Game Has No Romance OptionsAvowed removes romance options to enhance gameplay experience and focus on character development.
"Balance is a myth" reckons Helldivers 2 director Pilestedt, adding that if "you're an idiot" if you view smoothing out all the chaos as "the method for success"Game balance is considered a myth; focus on fun over perfect balance to enhance player experience.
Why every Honkai: Star Rail character is hot, and other revelations from its lead designerHonkai: Star Rail prioritizes character design over combat systems to create relatable and memorable characters.
New Edition Of Popular Game Design Book Gets Big Discount At AmazonThe 3rd Edition of 'Level Up' is now discounted to $36.70, making it a great buy for aspiring game designers.
4 Years Later, The Outspoken Rebel of Couch Co-Op Games Is At It AgainJosef Fares transitioned from film to gaming, leveraging his storytelling passion to create award-winning games.His immigrant experience greatly influenced his creative journey in both film and video gaming.
Avowed Director Explains Why The Game Has No Romance OptionsAvowed removes romance options to enhance gameplay experience and focus on character development.
"Balance is a myth" reckons Helldivers 2 director Pilestedt, adding that if "you're an idiot" if you view smoothing out all the chaos as "the method for success"Game balance is considered a myth; focus on fun over perfect balance to enhance player experience.
Why every Honkai: Star Rail character is hot, and other revelations from its lead designerHonkai: Star Rail prioritizes character design over combat systems to create relatable and memorable characters.
New Edition Of Popular Game Design Book Gets Big Discount At AmazonThe 3rd Edition of 'Level Up' is now discounted to $36.70, making it a great buy for aspiring game designers.
12 Great Games That Will Mess With Your HeadSome games suspend the reality of gameplay and leave lasting impressions on players after completion.
Level Devil Is A Giant, Hilarious Middle Finger To YouLevel Devil humorously subverts platformer expectations, turning typical failures into a delightful experience.The game's creative design consistently elicits laughter rather than frustration from players.
'Avowed' Director Is Not Trying To Make Games That 'Fill Hundreds Of Hours'Avowed optimizes player time, offering a concise yet robust RPG experience.
12 Great Games That Will Mess With Your HeadSome games suspend the reality of gameplay and leave lasting impressions on players after completion.
Level Devil Is A Giant, Hilarious Middle Finger To YouLevel Devil humorously subverts platformer expectations, turning typical failures into a delightful experience.The game's creative design consistently elicits laughter rather than frustration from players.
'Avowed' Director Is Not Trying To Make Games That 'Fill Hundreds Of Hours'Avowed optimizes player time, offering a concise yet robust RPG experience.
My favourite thing about Doom: The Dark Ages so far? Its open areas tell you when there's a "point of no return"Doom: The Dark Ages improves exploration by warning players before leaving an area, helping them find all secrets without backtracking.
It turns out the only thing the nu-Doom formula needed to draw me back in is a crunchy, satisfying parry system, and Doom: The Dark Ages has absolutely nailed itDoom: The Dark Ages returns to a 'stand and fight' combat style reminiscent of Doom 2016, contrasting the platform-focused gameplay of Doom Eternal.
My favourite thing about Doom: The Dark Ages so far? Its open areas tell you when there's a "point of no return"Doom: The Dark Ages improves exploration by warning players before leaving an area, helping them find all secrets without backtracking.
It turns out the only thing the nu-Doom formula needed to draw me back in is a crunchy, satisfying parry system, and Doom: The Dark Ages has absolutely nailed itDoom: The Dark Ages returns to a 'stand and fight' combat style reminiscent of Doom 2016, contrasting the platform-focused gameplay of Doom Eternal.
Suda51's most notorious video game story is now playable in EnglishVideo games can have controversial endings that provoke strong responses, as seen in Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special.
Monster Hunter Wilds is so streamlined, it may have lost its soulMonster Hunter is evolving toward narrative accessibility at the cost of challenge and preparation.
These 'Avowed' Hidden Features Make A Great RPG Even BetterAvowed's attention to detail in gameplay enhances the RPG experience through meaningful innovations in inventory and interaction.
How Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse inspired the unique look, and gameplay, of shattered universe sci-fi FPS, FragpunkFragpunk uniquely blends gameplay mechanics, allowing for diverse experiences in a fractured, multiverse-inspired world.
Gamers are realising that a PS2 game from 2001 puts some recent AAA titles to shameMetal Gear Solid 2 was groundbreaking for its time, showcasing impressive interactivity and detail on the PS2 that surprised players transitioning from the PS1.
20 Years Ago, The PlayStation Portable Launched With A Revolutionary PuzzlerLaunch titles should appeal to a broad audience rather than just early adopters.Lumines effectively utilizes music and unique mechanics to create an engaging puzzle experience.
Suda51's most notorious video game story is now playable in EnglishVideo games can have controversial endings that provoke strong responses, as seen in Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special.
Monster Hunter Wilds is so streamlined, it may have lost its soulMonster Hunter is evolving toward narrative accessibility at the cost of challenge and preparation.
These 'Avowed' Hidden Features Make A Great RPG Even BetterAvowed's attention to detail in gameplay enhances the RPG experience through meaningful innovations in inventory and interaction.
How Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse inspired the unique look, and gameplay, of shattered universe sci-fi FPS, FragpunkFragpunk uniquely blends gameplay mechanics, allowing for diverse experiences in a fractured, multiverse-inspired world.
Gamers are realising that a PS2 game from 2001 puts some recent AAA titles to shameMetal Gear Solid 2 was groundbreaking for its time, showcasing impressive interactivity and detail on the PS2 that surprised players transitioning from the PS1.
20 Years Ago, The PlayStation Portable Launched With A Revolutionary PuzzlerLaunch titles should appeal to a broad audience rather than just early adopters.Lumines effectively utilizes music and unique mechanics to create an engaging puzzle experience.
Inside the community creating the golf courses of their dreams for a video gameMatthew Fehr turned childhood creativity into a successful career in golf course design using an independent video game.Fehr's journey exemplifies overcoming financial limitations through creativity and innovation.
The most bizarre digging game on Steam is full of love and trashMashina features a unique aesthetic with a cheerful robot in a 3D trash-made world focused on digging and mining without strict goals.
Terry's Other Games answers the question: 'What if UFO 50, but nonfiction?'Terry Cavanagh's 'Terry's Other Games' offers insight into his game design philosophy and serves to preserve his unique creations.
Somebody spilled Nier and Pokemon all over this MetroidvaniaEnder Magnolia offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre by masterfully integrating various gameplay mechanics and thematic elements in a cohesive way.
Inside the community creating the golf courses of their dreams for a video gameMatthew Fehr turned childhood creativity into a successful career in golf course design using an independent video game.Fehr's journey exemplifies overcoming financial limitations through creativity and innovation.
The most bizarre digging game on Steam is full of love and trashMashina features a unique aesthetic with a cheerful robot in a 3D trash-made world focused on digging and mining without strict goals.
Terry's Other Games answers the question: 'What if UFO 50, but nonfiction?'Terry Cavanagh's 'Terry's Other Games' offers insight into his game design philosophy and serves to preserve his unique creations.
Somebody spilled Nier and Pokemon all over this MetroidvaniaEnder Magnolia offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre by masterfully integrating various gameplay mechanics and thematic elements in a cohesive way.
First Berserker: Khazan's Easy Mode Is An Excellent LifelineThe First Berserker: Khazan includes an easy mode that allows players to enjoy the challenge without negating the core gameplay experience.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has the oddest artistic influencesNicholas Maxson-Francombe explores unique level design in Clair Obscur, emphasizing creativity and aesthetics over traditional gameplay.
Why Guild Wars 2 remains an artistically unique game and a "timeless fantasy"Guild Wars 2's distinct visual style is shaped by strong foundational art skills and traditional artistry rather than purely relying on technology.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has the oddest artistic influencesNicholas Maxson-Francombe explores unique level design in Clair Obscur, emphasizing creativity and aesthetics over traditional gameplay.
Why Guild Wars 2 remains an artistically unique game and a "timeless fantasy"Guild Wars 2's distinct visual style is shaped by strong foundational art skills and traditional artistry rather than purely relying on technology.
From Neva to A Highland Song, the Baftas are a reminder of how creative games can beDespite negative external influences, video games remain a source of joy and creativity.The Bafta games awards honor innovative games and provide a refreshing perspective on the industry.
Maximum points: what is the most influential video game ever?The Bafta games awards are surveying the public for their most influential video game of all time.
Xbox's Latest Big Single-Player RPG Was Originally Pitched As Skyrim + DestinyObsidian's Avowed transitioned from an online RPG to a focused single-player experience with distinct zones and rich lore.
Raised in a Civil War, He Makes Games to Bring People TogetherJosef Fares stands out in the gaming industry for his candidness and innovative approach to cooperative gameplay.
Atomfall Is A Detective Game In A Post-Apocalyptic EnglandAtomfall offers a unique detective experience in a post-apocalyptic setting, emphasizing exploration and nonlinear storytelling over RPG mechanics.
The Most Promising Roguelite of 2025 Was Inspired by D&D and French Comic BooksGuard Crush Games aims to redefine the beat 'em up genre with its new title, Absolum, blending classic gameplay with roguelite mechanics.
From Neva to A Highland Song, the Baftas are a reminder of how creative games can beDespite negative external influences, video games remain a source of joy and creativity.The Bafta games awards honor innovative games and provide a refreshing perspective on the industry.
Maximum points: what is the most influential video game ever?The Bafta games awards are surveying the public for their most influential video game of all time.
Xbox's Latest Big Single-Player RPG Was Originally Pitched As Skyrim + DestinyObsidian's Avowed transitioned from an online RPG to a focused single-player experience with distinct zones and rich lore.
Raised in a Civil War, He Makes Games to Bring People TogetherJosef Fares stands out in the gaming industry for his candidness and innovative approach to cooperative gameplay.
Atomfall Is A Detective Game In A Post-Apocalyptic EnglandAtomfall offers a unique detective experience in a post-apocalyptic setting, emphasizing exploration and nonlinear storytelling over RPG mechanics.
The Most Promising Roguelite of 2025 Was Inspired by D&D and French Comic BooksGuard Crush Games aims to redefine the beat 'em up genre with its new title, Absolum, blending classic gameplay with roguelite mechanics.
Why "vibe and tone" are game-changers - insider RPG art tips from award-winning creatorsKoriko: A Magical Year stands out for its artistic innovation and unique approach to solo role-playing.
We asked ChatGPT to make a Sutton edition Monopoly board - and it's amazingChatGPT created a Sutton-themed Monopoly board, highlighting local landmarks but needs further refinement for accuracy.
Half-Life: Alyx, VR's first - and hopefully not last - killer app, turns 5Half-Life: Alyx sets the standard for VR games with its immersive experience and design.
Playing Games With The Supreme Court - Above the LawTalia Rosen's board game brings U.S. Supreme Court history to life through strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics, reflecting a decade-long creative journey.
D&D's new Starter Set will make it even easier to start a campaign, and pass around the role of DMThe new D&D Starter Set is designed to be beginner-friendly, simplifying character creation and role-playing to enhance player experience.
Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week - 3/17/25Exciting board game crowdfunding campaigns are highlighted for upcoming conventions.
Run! Run! Run! ReviewRun! Run! Run! features cat archaeologists exploring ancient pyramids, providing a unique twist to the anthropomorphic animal game genre.
Spotlight ReviewSpotlight is an engaging cooperative search game designed for young players that encourages teamwork and attention to detail.
Playing Games With The Supreme Court - Above the LawTalia Rosen's board game brings U.S. Supreme Court history to life through strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics, reflecting a decade-long creative journey.
D&D's new Starter Set will make it even easier to start a campaign, and pass around the role of DMThe new D&D Starter Set is designed to be beginner-friendly, simplifying character creation and role-playing to enhance player experience.
Crowdfunding Campaigns of the Week - 3/17/25Exciting board game crowdfunding campaigns are highlighted for upcoming conventions.
Run! Run! Run! ReviewRun! Run! Run! features cat archaeologists exploring ancient pyramids, providing a unique twist to the anthropomorphic animal game genre.
Spotlight ReviewSpotlight is an engaging cooperative search game designed for young players that encourages teamwork and attention to detail.
Sony's Horizon controversy proves the game industry isn't getting AI rightThe use of AI in gaming raises concerns about the future of human talent and artistic integrity.Ashly Burch worries about the implications of AI on the future of game performances.
Coin-operated gaming handheld concept puts a curious twist to retro designs - Yanko DesignHandheld gaming fuses nostalgia and new mechanics, with innovative designs like CoinPlay enhancing gameplay through limited-use resources.
Gigantic handheld gaming PC fails to check the most important box - Yanko DesignHandheld gaming device designs are diversifying, but many face challenges in both comfort and processing power.
Coin-operated gaming handheld concept puts a curious twist to retro designs - Yanko DesignHandheld gaming fuses nostalgia and new mechanics, with innovative designs like CoinPlay enhancing gameplay through limited-use resources.
Gigantic handheld gaming PC fails to check the most important box - Yanko DesignHandheld gaming device designs are diversifying, but many face challenges in both comfort and processing power.
Indie game's 'lesbian toggle' makes it hilariously unplayableThe indie game Blobun controversially removes its lesbian protagonist with a toggle, generating mixed reactions on social media.
My sexy vampire bar in The Sims 4 has hit a few big hurdlesCreating a vibrant vampire nightclub in The Sims 4 requires bold choices and careful planning, but unexpected challenges can arise.
This Year's Best RPG Yet Proves Bigger Isn't Always BetterAvowed's compact world design enhances exploration by offering densely packed, interesting environments in smaller, self-contained regions.
Avowed does lore the right way and this quest shows whyAvowed's lore is integrated through an interactive conversation system that enhances player engagement.
I Failed To Prevent A Catastrophe In Avowed And I Love ItAvowed excels in world-building, combat, and narrative choices, creating an engaging player experience reminiscent of earlier fantasy RPGs.
This Year's Best RPG Yet Proves Bigger Isn't Always BetterAvowed's compact world design enhances exploration by offering densely packed, interesting environments in smaller, self-contained regions.
Avowed does lore the right way and this quest shows whyAvowed's lore is integrated through an interactive conversation system that enhances player engagement.
I Failed To Prevent A Catastrophe In Avowed And I Love ItAvowed excels in world-building, combat, and narrative choices, creating an engaging player experience reminiscent of earlier fantasy RPGs.
Blood Typers is a terrifically tense, terror-filled typing tutorBlood Typers revolutionizes typing games by integrating typing mechanics into a survival horror context.
Over 80K Monster Hunter Wilds players just want to see health barsPC Monster Hunter Wilds players highly desire health bars, seeing them as crucial for tracking monster status despite existing game cues.
LEGO Portal 2 Set Captures the Game's Dark Humor and Genius Design - Yanko DesignThe LEGO build captures GLaDOS from Portal 2, showcasing emotional depth and design ingenuity.The model effectively represents the game's themes of tension and absurdity in a static form.
Not content, but in contentContent design is essential in UX and requires skill beyond just nice words.Understanding the challenges of content design can lead to more realistic expectations.Content Designer and UX Writer roles share equal importance and qualifications.
Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy Set Is An Expansion Four Years In The MakingThe collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix aims to merge Final Fantasy with Magic: The Gathering.
Magic's Commander format is changing. Here's what you need to knowCommander format is now managed by Wizards of the Coast after the Rules Committee stepped down due to harassment issues.
Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy sets will tell the stories of the gamesThe Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy collaboration features character cards that are story-driven, enhancing gameplay with themed mechanics.
Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy Set Is An Expansion Four Years In The MakingThe collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Square Enix aims to merge Final Fantasy with Magic: The Gathering.
Magic's Commander format is changing. Here's what you need to knowCommander format is now managed by Wizards of the Coast after the Rules Committee stepped down due to harassment issues.
Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy sets will tell the stories of the gamesThe Magic: The Gathering and Final Fantasy collaboration features character cards that are story-driven, enhancing gameplay with themed mechanics.
Did you solve it? Clueless Sudoku, a genius new puzzleSudoku puzzles must have gold cells that reflect their positions while adhering to classic Sudoku rules.
Connections Editor Wyna Liu Can Make or Break Your DayConnections, led by Wyna Liu, captivates players with unique and challenging categories that encourage engagement and creativity.
Did you solve it? Clueless Sudoku, a genius new puzzleSudoku puzzles must have gold cells that reflect their positions while adhering to classic Sudoku rules.
Connections Editor Wyna Liu Can Make or Break Your DayConnections, led by Wyna Liu, captivates players with unique and challenging categories that encourage engagement and creativity.
How design affects gaming in two generations of PokemonPokémon remains a beloved franchise that transcends age, influencing fans deeply throughout their lives.
X-Men Join Dice Throne As Virtual Version Of The Tabletop Game Is ConsideredDice Throne is a fast-paced tabletop game that combines dice and cards for engaging hero combat, now expanding with Marvel characters.
Zine Quest's top projects includes a little something for goth horse girlsZine Quest showcases innovative tabletop games with strong funding and unique gameplay experiences.
X-Men Join Dice Throne As Virtual Version Of The Tabletop Game Is ConsideredDice Throne is a fast-paced tabletop game that combines dice and cards for engaging hero combat, now expanding with Marvel characters.
Zine Quest's top projects includes a little something for goth horse girlsZine Quest showcases innovative tabletop games with strong funding and unique gameplay experiences.
Screen-less Steam Deck concept gives e-waste handhelds a second lease on life - Yanko DesignThe Steam Deck enables portable gaming but relies heavily on its built-in display for functionality.
I just learned how Wheel World's massive landscapes were made possible, and it's impressiveIndie dev teams can achieve ambitious projects using procedural generation tools like Houdini, enabling the creation of expansive game worlds even with small teams.
AI generates playful, human-like gamesA new computer model by NYU can generate human-like goals by learning from how people create games, enhancing AI's understanding of human intentions.
An abandoned Legacy of Kain sequel put Sam Barlow on the path to Her StoryGames can enhance player engagement by avoiding hand-holding and letting players explore narratives independently.
Remembering Viktor Antonov, Beloved Artist Behind Half-Life 2 And DishonoredViktor Antonov, a pivotal video game artist, passed away at age 52, leaving behind a legacy in iconic game worlds like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored.
"I didn't think of them as scary at all" One of Zelda: Majora's Mask lead designers must be braver than all of us, because he didn't think the moon or titular mask were nightmare fuel in the slightestThe design elements of Majora's Mask, specifically the moon and mask, were deemed terrifying by onlookers, but the lead designer did not perceive them as scary.
Riot co-founder teases a mysterious 2XKO solution to one of the fighting game genre's biggest problemsMarc Merrill hints at innovations in 2XKO aimed at simplifying entry into fighting games for newcomers.
Gudnak ReviewGudnak is a fast-paced tactical card game that emphasizes quick setup and strategic gameplay.
Epic online library reveals the fonts used in top video gamesGame Font Library is an online resource that catalogs fonts used in popular video games.
Humanity's Valentine's Day playlist adds heart to a sterile worldThe Valentine's Day playlist adds a romantic twist to the game through user-created levels.Developer Enhance emphasizes creative community contributions with holiday-themed gameplay.