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.
Why We Love to Get Lost in Games: The Enduring Appeal of MetroidvaniasMetroidvanias emphasize player freedom and exploration in vast, interconnected worlds.
Former Nintendo Developer Kept Seeing Shigeru Miyamoto In His DreamsTakaya Imamura creatively transitions from Nintendo to academia while pursuing new projects such as Omega 6: The Triangle Star.
Inside I was doing the Mario jump' how one artist became a key player in Nintendo's storyNintendo began as a playing card company founded in 1889, evolving into a global video game leader.Takaya Imamura transitioned from an aspiring artist to a game designer at Nintendo, influenced by the creative paths of its leaders.The interaction between Imamura and Miyamoto exemplifies the blend of artistry and gaming innovation that defines Nintendo.
Why, 25 years later, 'The Sims' is more popular than everThe Sims revolutionized gaming by reflecting real-life absurdities while embracing diversity and freedom in character development.
'Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii' Is the Perfect Pirate GameGame design should focus on meaningful experiences, not just vast worlds.Yakuza's newest title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is a standout.
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.
Why We Love to Get Lost in Games: The Enduring Appeal of MetroidvaniasMetroidvanias emphasize player freedom and exploration in vast, interconnected worlds.
Former Nintendo Developer Kept Seeing Shigeru Miyamoto In His DreamsTakaya Imamura creatively transitions from Nintendo to academia while pursuing new projects such as Omega 6: The Triangle Star.
Inside I was doing the Mario jump' how one artist became a key player in Nintendo's storyNintendo began as a playing card company founded in 1889, evolving into a global video game leader.Takaya Imamura transitioned from an aspiring artist to a game designer at Nintendo, influenced by the creative paths of its leaders.The interaction between Imamura and Miyamoto exemplifies the blend of artistry and gaming innovation that defines Nintendo.
Why, 25 years later, 'The Sims' is more popular than everThe Sims revolutionized gaming by reflecting real-life absurdities while embracing diversity and freedom in character development.
'Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii' Is the Perfect Pirate GameGame design should focus on meaningful experiences, not just vast worlds.Yakuza's newest title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, is a standout.
fromCreative Bloq1 day agoClair Obscur: Expedition 33 has the oddest artistic influencesNicholas Maxson-Francombe explores unique level design in Clair Obscur, emphasizing creativity and aesthetics over traditional gameplay.
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.
Avowed Director Explains Why The Game Has No Romance OptionsAvowed removes romance options to enhance gameplay experience and focus on character development.
I Hope Every RPG Steals Avowed's Brilliant Inventory SystemAvowed's inventory system enhances gameplay by minimizing tedious item management, allowing players to engage more with the game.
'Avowed' Director Is Not Trying To Make Games That 'Fill Hundreds Of Hours'Avowed optimizes player time, offering a concise yet robust RPG experience.
Why 2025's Most Anticipated RPG Shares An Actor With Gaming's Best Sci-Fi SagaObsidian Entertainment focuses on creating intimate and meaningful character dynamics in its new RPG, Avowed, through its streamlined cast of companions.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Wants You To Fail Your Way To A Better StoryCitizen Sleeper 2 maintains engagement by enforcing consequences through an aggressive auto-save mechanic, encouraging players to push through failures.
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.
Avowed Director Explains Why The Game Has No Romance OptionsAvowed removes romance options to enhance gameplay experience and focus on character development.
I Hope Every RPG Steals Avowed's Brilliant Inventory SystemAvowed's inventory system enhances gameplay by minimizing tedious item management, allowing players to engage more with the game.
'Avowed' Director Is Not Trying To Make Games That 'Fill Hundreds Of Hours'Avowed optimizes player time, offering a concise yet robust RPG experience.
Why 2025's Most Anticipated RPG Shares An Actor With Gaming's Best Sci-Fi SagaObsidian Entertainment focuses on creating intimate and meaningful character dynamics in its new RPG, Avowed, through its streamlined cast of companions.
Citizen Sleeper 2 Wants You To Fail Your Way To A Better StoryCitizen Sleeper 2 maintains engagement by enforcing consequences through an aggressive auto-save mechanic, encouraging players to push through failures.
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.
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.
No one understands how playing cards workCard games, notably Solitaire, captivate players with their complexity despite simple mechanics, revealing our lack of understanding about their underlying principles.
Gudnak ReviewGudnak is a fast-paced tactical card game that emphasizes quick setup and strategic gameplay.
Daybreak publisher CMYK doubles down on card games with MagentaCMYK is launching a new line of innovative card games called Magenta to revive interest in traditional card gaming.
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.
No one understands how playing cards workCard games, notably Solitaire, captivate players with their complexity despite simple mechanics, revealing our lack of understanding about their underlying principles.
Gudnak ReviewGudnak is a fast-paced tactical card game that emphasizes quick setup and strategic gameplay.
Daybreak publisher CMYK doubles down on card games with MagentaCMYK is launching a new line of innovative card games called Magenta to revive interest in traditional card gaming.
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.
Leading indie game devs recommend their favourite no code game enginesNo-code game engines empower artists and creators to design games without coding.Visual scripting is becoming a popular method for game development among indie creators.
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.
I made the worst role-playing game of all time and loved every minute of itRPG Maker allows users, regardless of experience, to create engaging adventure games, fostering creativity in game design.Artisan Cheese Quest, a two-hour project, illustrates the ease and fun of using RPG Maker, despite its lack of acclaim.
Leading indie game devs recommend their favourite no code game enginesNo-code game engines empower artists and creators to design games without coding.Visual scripting is becoming a popular method for game development among indie creators.
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.
I made the worst role-playing game of all time and loved every minute of itRPG Maker allows users, regardless of experience, to create engaging adventure games, fostering creativity in game design.Artisan Cheese Quest, a two-hour project, illustrates the ease and fun of using RPG Maker, despite its lack of acclaim.
Fascinating Super Mario optical illusion gives a surprising new perspectiveOptical illusions, such as the Super Mario illusion, illustrate the fascinating effects of relative motion in perception and design.
How To Unlock Every MiSide Ending, And What They All MeanThe indie horror game MiSide features a programmer's descent into a chaotic game world with multiple endings, challenging player perception of reality.
Rift of the NecroDancer's story is an intro to some incredible musicRift of the NecroDancer combines rhythm gameplay with a story mode to enhance music exploration.
How To Unlock Every MiSide Ending, And What They All MeanThe indie horror game MiSide features a programmer's descent into a chaotic game world with multiple endings, challenging player perception of reality.
Rift of the NecroDancer's story is an intro to some incredible musicRift of the NecroDancer combines rhythm gameplay with a story mode to enhance music exploration.
5 pro tips for video game character designCreating unique characters demands a balance of familiarity and innovation, particularly when inspired by well-known literary figures.
From Software Talks About Attacking Friends For Their Own Good And Other New Elden Ring Nightreign IdeasElden Ring Nightreign introduces a fresh, fast-paced multiplayer experience while maintaining the core elements of a From Software title.
Elden Ring director on why Dark Souls bosses appear in Nightreign: 'I thought it'd be fun'Incorporating Dark Souls bosses in Elden Ring Nightreign was a gameplay choice driven by necessity and a desire for fun.The spin-off provides fan service by reusing well-known bosses from the Dark Souls series.
From Software Talks About Attacking Friends For Their Own Good And Other New Elden Ring Nightreign IdeasElden Ring Nightreign introduces a fresh, fast-paced multiplayer experience while maintaining the core elements of a From Software title.
Elden Ring director on why Dark Souls bosses appear in Nightreign: 'I thought it'd be fun'Incorporating Dark Souls bosses in Elden Ring Nightreign was a gameplay choice driven by necessity and a desire for fun.The spin-off provides fan service by reusing well-known bosses from the Dark Souls series.
D&D's 2025 calendar hints at new books and new experimentsWizards of the Coast aims to make Dungeons & Dragons easier for players and Dungeon Masters with forthcoming releases.
Loot is a diceless RPG with a classic D&D feelLoot replaces traditional dice rolling in D&D-style gameplay with unique resource management strategies, offering a fresh approach to the adventure experience.
Build a Monster-Finding Tool For Your Next D&D Session That Picks the Right Encounter For You | HackerNoonBuilding an AI tool can simplify finding suitable D&D monsters for various scenarios.
D&D's decade-long tradition of hiding Easter eggs early on in its books has come to an endThe humorous fantasy legal disclaimers in D&D books are officially ending with the 2025 Monster Manual.
D&D's 2025 calendar hints at new books and new experimentsWizards of the Coast aims to make Dungeons & Dragons easier for players and Dungeon Masters with forthcoming releases.
Loot is a diceless RPG with a classic D&D feelLoot replaces traditional dice rolling in D&D-style gameplay with unique resource management strategies, offering a fresh approach to the adventure experience.
Build a Monster-Finding Tool For Your Next D&D Session That Picks the Right Encounter For You | HackerNoonBuilding an AI tool can simplify finding suitable D&D monsters for various scenarios.
D&D's decade-long tradition of hiding Easter eggs early on in its books has come to an endThe humorous fantasy legal disclaimers in D&D books are officially ending with the 2025 Monster Manual.
The Creator Of The World's Best RPGs Reveals His Secret FormulaDavid Lynch and Katsura Hashino are enigmatic creators whose works evoke complex emotions and interpretations in their audiences.
Railroad Ink: Deep Blue ReviewRailroad Ink: Deep Blue is proposed as a core gateway game for the Roll and Write genre, essential for new gamers introducing complex mechanics.
The Best Board Game of the Decade Finally Has a Worthy Sequel. In Some Ways It's Even Better.The actual successor to Wingspan is Finspan, a new game about fish that maintains the essence of its predecessor.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game ReviewThe Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game merges cooperative mechanics with rich narrative elements from Tolkien’s work, enhancing the trick-taking experience.
Gaming the SystemEuropean board games have transformed American tabletop gaming, favoring innovation and personal design over rudimentary, chance-based games.
HeroQuest: First Light gives the iconic dungeon crawler a new startHeroQuest: First Light introduces new, accessible quests to reimagine the game's opening experience for both new and returning players.
Catan's New Edition Still Wants To Be Your Gateway To Tabletop GamingCatan's sixth edition aims to attract new players while celebrating its 30-year legacy as an entry point into tabletop gaming.
Railroad Ink: Deep Blue ReviewRailroad Ink: Deep Blue is proposed as a core gateway game for the Roll and Write genre, essential for new gamers introducing complex mechanics.
The Best Board Game of the Decade Finally Has a Worthy Sequel. In Some Ways It's Even Better.The actual successor to Wingspan is Finspan, a new game about fish that maintains the essence of its predecessor.
The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game ReviewThe Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game merges cooperative mechanics with rich narrative elements from Tolkien’s work, enhancing the trick-taking experience.
Gaming the SystemEuropean board games have transformed American tabletop gaming, favoring innovation and personal design over rudimentary, chance-based games.
HeroQuest: First Light gives the iconic dungeon crawler a new startHeroQuest: First Light introduces new, accessible quests to reimagine the game's opening experience for both new and returning players.
Catan's New Edition Still Wants To Be Your Gateway To Tabletop GamingCatan's sixth edition aims to attract new players while celebrating its 30-year legacy as an entry point into tabletop gaming.
Pokemon Go: addictive by designNiantic uses players' emotional connections to Pokémon to drive engagement and create addictive gameplay through cycles of gain and loss.
I can't believe I've never noticed this design detail in Super Mario BrosSprite recycling in original Super Mario Bros was a clever design solution due to limited resources and remains a charming aspect of retro games.
Wait! The Sims is a lot bleaker than I rememberThe Sims 1 and 2 balance cheerful gameplay with darker themes of struggle and capitalism.
As Monster Hunter Wilds promises further streamlining of the series' compelling formula, I'm surprised a Stardew Valley-like spinoff hasn't happened yetThe article reflects nostalgia for farming mechanics in Monster Hunter games and the desire for a town simulation spinoff.
I can't believe I've never noticed this design detail in Super Mario BrosSprite recycling in original Super Mario Bros was a clever design solution due to limited resources and remains a charming aspect of retro games.
Wait! The Sims is a lot bleaker than I rememberThe Sims 1 and 2 balance cheerful gameplay with darker themes of struggle and capitalism.
As Monster Hunter Wilds promises further streamlining of the series' compelling formula, I'm surprised a Stardew Valley-like spinoff hasn't happened yetThe article reflects nostalgia for farming mechanics in Monster Hunter games and the desire for a town simulation spinoff.
Netflix revived and killed the interactive movie - but its platform is still a gameBlack Mirror: Bandersnatch justified the interactive format of FMVs while simultaneously ending future attempts due to its overwhelming success.
We need to change our definition of interactivityFMVs provide a unique intimate experience by focusing on mechanics and interaction rather than traditional gaming progression.
Netflix revived and killed the interactive movie - but its platform is still a gameBlack Mirror: Bandersnatch justified the interactive format of FMVs while simultaneously ending future attempts due to its overwhelming success.
We need to change our definition of interactivityFMVs provide a unique intimate experience by focusing on mechanics and interaction rather than traditional gaming progression.
I tested MSI's new Windows handheld and would consider it over a gaming laptopMSI's Claw 8 handheld console offers significant improvements over its predecessor, especially in display quality, but has some ergonomic challenges.
Modders, Please Remove The Worst Part Of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth From The GameModders are encouraged to improve Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by addressing frustrating gameplay sections, particularly the box-throwing segment.
I loved Pokemon Trading Card Pocket until I didn'tThe enjoyment of gaming can diminish suddenly, leading to a decision to quit despite previous engagement.
I tested MSI's new Windows handheld and would consider it over a gaming laptopMSI's Claw 8 handheld console offers significant improvements over its predecessor, especially in display quality, but has some ergonomic challenges.
Modders, Please Remove The Worst Part Of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth From The GameModders are encouraged to improve Final Fantasy VII Rebirth by addressing frustrating gameplay sections, particularly the box-throwing segment.
I loved Pokemon Trading Card Pocket until I didn'tThe enjoyment of gaming can diminish suddenly, leading to a decision to quit despite previous engagement.
Tabriz ReviewTabriz combines Persian carpetmaking with strategic gameplay focused on resource management and spatial movement among shops and traders.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 wouldn't be nearly as good if it wasn't this challengingKingdom Come Deliverance 2 emphasizes challenging gameplay, where resource management amplifies the excitement and immersion of the player experience.
Tabriz ReviewTabriz combines Persian carpetmaking with strategic gameplay focused on resource management and spatial movement among shops and traders.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 wouldn't be nearly as good if it wasn't this challengingKingdom Come Deliverance 2 emphasizes challenging gameplay, where resource management amplifies the excitement and immersion of the player experience.
Turns out Super Mario is full of horrifying design secretsCreepy design secrets in Mario games reveal a darker side to the beloved franchise.
Looking for Angry KirbyCultural differences shaped Kirby's portrayal in American marketing, reflecting contrasting sensibilities between U.S. and Japanese audiences.
Donkey Kong's Switch 2 version looks like his Mario movie selfDonkey Kong's design has been updated to resemble the version in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, marking a significant change after many years.
Donkey Kong Looks Old-School In New Mario Kart And Not Everyone's HappyNintendo unveiled the Switch 2, generating excitement mainly around Mario Kart 9 and Donkey Kong's updated character design. Speculation fuels fan anticipation.
Turns out Super Mario is full of horrifying design secretsCreepy design secrets in Mario games reveal a darker side to the beloved franchise.
Looking for Angry KirbyCultural differences shaped Kirby's portrayal in American marketing, reflecting contrasting sensibilities between U.S. and Japanese audiences.
Donkey Kong's Switch 2 version looks like his Mario movie selfDonkey Kong's design has been updated to resemble the version in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, marking a significant change after many years.
Donkey Kong Looks Old-School In New Mario Kart And Not Everyone's HappyNintendo unveiled the Switch 2, generating excitement mainly around Mario Kart 9 and Donkey Kong's updated character design. Speculation fuels fan anticipation.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's notorious English translation didn't need fixingSymphony of the Night's charm lies in its unique voice acting and script, creating a memorable gaming experience.
Wikipedia rabbit holes trained me for this genealogical mystery gameThe Roottrees Are Dead masterfully blends nostalgia with interactive storytelling, immersing players in a rich family mystery using a retro computer interface.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's notorious English translation didn't need fixingSymphony of the Night's charm lies in its unique voice acting and script, creating a memorable gaming experience.
Wikipedia rabbit holes trained me for this genealogical mystery gameThe Roottrees Are Dead masterfully blends nostalgia with interactive storytelling, immersing players in a rich family mystery using a retro computer interface.
Pokemon TCG Pocket's Abysmal Trading Is Going To Be AddressedThe Pokémon TCG Pocket trading feature is fundamentally flawed and punitive to players.
Scientists Hack Pac-Man to Make Physical Therapy Less of a Chore | HackerNoonThis method blends rehabilitation and gaming by modeling gameplay to improve engagement and align with patients' therapeutic needs.
Researchers Designed a Game-based Rehab System-Here's How | HackerNoonThe study introduces a gesture-based interactive system for motor rehabilitation, co-designed with occupational therapists to effectively meet patient needs.
Scientists Hack Pac-Man to Make Physical Therapy Less of a Chore | HackerNoonThis method blends rehabilitation and gaming by modeling gameplay to improve engagement and align with patients' therapeutic needs.
Researchers Designed a Game-based Rehab System-Here's How | HackerNoonThe study introduces a gesture-based interactive system for motor rehabilitation, co-designed with occupational therapists to effectively meet patient needs.
Can Your Game Controller Predict Your Rehab Progress? Scientists Say Yes | HackerNoonCommercial games can enhance engagement in rehabilitation, but serious games allow for targeted adaptations to patient needs.
New Rehab Game System Shows Speed, Not Reach, Makes Rehab Games Fun | HackerNoonThe study evaluates the impact of parameters on game performance for non-disabled players, establishing a baseline for future modeling.
Blades '68 turns Blades in the Dark into a groovy spy thrillerBlades '68 expands the world of Blades in the Dark, introducing a new era filled with espionage and societal critique.
Dune Awakening will have a smart fix for the age old problem of faction imbalance: a third faction dedicated to levelling the playing fieldDune Awakening addresses faction imbalance by considering the introduction of a third faction.
Cozy game about cozy gamesCozy games provide a warm, relaxing experience, allowing players to engage in casual gameplay.
We'll be using D&D's new Monster Manual to build a world where magic is incredibly rareThe 2024 Dungeons & Dragons rules refresh focuses on customization in gameplay.The new Monster Manual facilitates low-magic settings for better game balance.
little by little: a trust-building conversational card game for previously unhoused individualsThe Little By Little card game enhances trust-building between unhoused people and housing service providers using trauma-informed prompts.
Get 75 games for $10 to support the Trans Empowerment ProjectGame designers unite to support trans communities by donating to the Best of 2024 TTRPG bundle, benefiting the Trans Empowerment Project.
Squid Game meets Survivor in this battle royale RPGDeathmatch Island is a tabletop RPG that combines survival mechanics with social media dynamics, where players gain followers to survive.
What's an ashcan - and why are people so excited about Austin Walker's?Austin Walker's 'Realis' is an innovative RPG that explores how language influences reality, though it's currently in an unfinished ashcan version.
Squid Game meets Survivor in this battle royale RPGDeathmatch Island is a tabletop RPG that combines survival mechanics with social media dynamics, where players gain followers to survive.
What's an ashcan - and why are people so excited about Austin Walker's?Austin Walker's 'Realis' is an innovative RPG that explores how language influences reality, though it's currently in an unfinished ashcan version.
A new Lord of the Rings tabletop game is on the way from the creator of PandemicThe Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship blends cooperative gameplay with a rich narrative, set in Tolkien's world.
Far Cry: Escape from Rook Islands ReviewFar Cry: Escape from Rook Islands translates the video game's essence into a cooperative tabletop format, maintaining challenging objectives and resource management.
A new Lord of the Rings tabletop game is on the way from the creator of PandemicThe Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship blends cooperative gameplay with a rich narrative, set in Tolkien's world.
Far Cry: Escape from Rook Islands ReviewFar Cry: Escape from Rook Islands translates the video game's essence into a cooperative tabletop format, maintaining challenging objectives and resource management.
Liminal Horror Games Like Dreamcore Are Reinventing The Walking SimWalking sims evolved from derogatory term to a respected genre, capable of delivering profound narratives.
At Oakland's MADE Museum, DIY game devs show off teleportation powers and bulky bears - 48 hillsIndie game development is thriving, offering innovative and diverse gameplay experiences that challenge traditional AAA models.
Solo indie game developer Claire Morwood on making hand-crafted playable indie-rock concept album AsterismIndie game development merges creativity and skills, as demonstrated by Claire Morwood's music-inspired game, Asterism, focusing on immersive exploration without penalties.
At Oakland's MADE Museum, DIY game devs show off teleportation powers and bulky bears - 48 hillsIndie game development is thriving, offering innovative and diverse gameplay experiences that challenge traditional AAA models.
Solo indie game developer Claire Morwood on making hand-crafted playable indie-rock concept album AsterismIndie game development merges creativity and skills, as demonstrated by Claire Morwood's music-inspired game, Asterism, focusing on immersive exploration without penalties.