Design
The Origins of BioShock's Big Daddy: Lessons from System Shock 2's Design Challenges
Explore how the iconic Big Daddy design in BioShock was influenced by the technical limitations faced during the development of System Shock 2.
Development
The Origins of Video Game Audio Logs: A Solution to Awkward Dialogue Trees
Marc LeBlanc discusses the creation of audio logs in System Shock, revealing their purpose in enhancing gameplay and narrative.
News
The Director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Discusses Last-Minute Changes and Highlights on Motion Capture Actors
In a recent discussion, Guillaume Broche, the creative director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, reflects on significant last-minute changes to the game's endings, crediting motion capture actors for their crucial contribution.
Gaming Industry
Epic Games' Art Director Advocates for Diverse Inspirations in Video Game Design
Nate Wells emphasizes the need for game artists to draw from varied experiences beyond video games to create truly unique visuals.
FPS
Behind the Design: The Unusual Inspiration for System Shock 2's Sphincter Doors
Discover how a colonoscopy video became an unexpected resource for creating iconic alien doors in System Shock 2.
Games
'The Era of Gameplay Mechanics is Over,' Says Shadow of The Colossus Director on Katamari Damacy Creator's Game
Keita Takahashi's latest game To a T presents a unique approach to gameplay, focusing on artistic expression rather than traditional mechanics.
Games
Final Fantasy 14's Approach to Inclusive Content Design: A New Deep Dungeon for Players
The latest developments in Final Fantasy 14 signal a shift towards content that caters to both casual and hardcore players, featuring new designs for gameplay balance and accessibility.
Game Development
Borderlands 4 Developer Reveals Insights on New Siren Character, Vex
The latest insights from the Borderlands 4 design team detail the unique attributes of Vex, the game's newest dark Siren character.
Games
David Brevik Critiques Diablo 2's Stamina System 25 Years Later
Diablo's co-creator reflects on the game's design flaws, particularly the stamina mechanic.
Game Development
Josh Sawyer Critiques RPG Design Trends Favoring Accessibility
Josh Sawyer from Obsidian Entertainment discusses the implications of simplifying RPG systems and the importance of maintaining depth for dedicated players.
FPS
No Hero Swapping in Overwatch 2's Stadium Mode: Developers Explain Their Design Choice
Overwatch 2 Stadium mode eliminates hero swapping to create a balanced gameplay experience, emphasizing permanent character selection throughout matches.
Action
PlayStation Struggles to Condense Death Stranding's Plot into a Six-Minute Summary
A review of PlayStation's attempt to succinctly recap the elaborate plot of Death Stranding, highlighting its challenges and omissions.
Game Development
Josh Sawyer envisions a 3D Pillars of Eternity 3 inspired by Baldur's Gate 3
Game designer Josh Sawyer discusses potential features of a hypothetical Pillars of Eternity 3, highlighting the advantages of a 3D environment over isometric design.
Gaming
Introducing the New and Improved Overwatch Hero: Cooler Bastion
Overwatch's beloved robot hero, Bastion, is set to return next season smaller and more durable to enhance his gameplay.
Games
Former BioWare Writer Discusses Impact of Storytelling in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
David Gaider reflects on how a level in Bloodlines shaped his views on storytelling vs. combat in games.
Games
'Too Many Games Allow Players To Win,' Declares Kenshi Developer
Chris Hunt, the designer of the survival RPG Kenshi, shares insights on the game's challenging nature, asserting that many games are simply too easy.
Games
Diablo Artists Emphasize the Importance of Diverse Inspiration for Designing Armor Sets
Lead artists from the Diablo series discuss the challenges of creative design and the benefits of seeking inspiration from various art forms.
Games
Balancing Challenges in Diablo 4: Insights from Lead Designer
Colin Finer, the lead designer of Diablo 4, discusses the need for challenging gameplay in the upcoming Season 8 to avoid making the game feel too easy.
Games
Diablo 4 Developers Face a Unique Challenge in Naming Activities
Designers share insights on the difficulties of crafting new menacing titles for in-game challenges as they exhaust their creative vocabulary.
Games
Paleontologist Analyzes Monsters in Elden Ring: Evaluating Realism and Design
Dr. Darren Naish shares his insights on the monster designs in Elden Ring, highlighting impressive storytelling and speculative biology.
