Best of Game Design — July 2024

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   Article

   Game Developer·2y

   Illusion of Skill: How to Make a Better Game in Less Time

   Playtesting is crucial in game development for improving game quality efficiently. Distinguished from quality assurance, which focuses on functionality, playtesting emphasizes player feedback to enhance game appeal. Prominent game designers from companies like Valve and Schell Games prioritize playtesting to refine their designs. Frequent testing and clear feedback can exponentially increase the effectiveness of game development, helping designers trust their intuition and avoid future issues. Indie developers are encouraged to test early and often, overcoming common excuses and embracing feedback to achieve a more successful game.

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2. 2
   Article

   Game Developer·2y

   SKALD: Against the Black Priory is an old school CRPG with modern sensibilities

   SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a retro CRPG that aims to blend the eerie, intricate charm of early '90s RPGs with modern game design to make the genre more accessible. Developer Anders Lauridsen discusses the challenges of solo development, balancing complexity with accessibility, and the inspiration behind the game's design and narrative. The game seeks to capture the unsettling atmosphere of classic horror while offering a smoother, player-friendly experience.

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3. 3
   Article

   Game Dev Digest·2y

   Issue #241 - Game Design, VFX/Shaders, and more

   The post covers various topics related to game design and development. Highlights include a comprehensive overview of combat design, methods of network communication for multiplayer games in Unity, and the development of a custom Unity-based engine. Tutorials feature creating VFX effects like the Dr. Strange portal and utilizing auto-tiling techniques for procedural generation. Offers and tools for enhancing game development skills and assets are also mentioned.

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