News

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Data Structures Part 2: Indices
Shows how we can add an index to bulk data to accelerate queries.
Aug. 15, 2019
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Pathologic 2 Mindmap: a Questlog People Actually Read
In narrative-driven games, how much of the story informs the gameplay? How much of your writing translates into mechanics and interfaces? The makers of Pathologic 2 reinvent questlogs and codexes so that all aspects of your game are relevant to the story.
Aug. 14, 2019
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Steam's 'Follower' counts - hidden in plain sight.
In the interests of focusing on one particular part of game discoverability, I’d like to concentrate this piece on one particular hidden gem of a statistic - Steam’s follower count.
Aug. 14, 2019
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Applying Videogame Theory to Escape Rooms : the Definition of a "Game"
Much of the recent research in the field of game studies has been concerned only with computer games. In this article, I’ll consider whether some commonly cited academic definitions of "games" and "play" can equally be applied to Escape Room games.
Aug. 13, 2019
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Let the Punishment Fit the Twine: Ancient Greek Punishments as Hypertexts
Reflections on translating five myths of punishment into Twine stories, with a focus on the physicality of interaction in hypertexts.
Aug. 13, 2019
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Game Music and Psychological Attachment: How Game Composers Can Enhance Virtual Presence (Pt. 2)
The 2nd of a 4-part series. Video game composer Winifred Phillips shares ideas from her GDC 2019 talk, How Music Enhances Virtual Presence. Part 2: Game Music and Psychological Attachment. Included are practical examples and video demonstrations.
Aug. 13, 2019
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Kliuless #44: The Dark Side of the Video Game Industry
Each week I compile a gaming industry insights newsletter that I publish broadly. Opinions are mine.
Aug. 12, 2019
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Lessons Learned from the Development of Vicious Circle
I sit down with the Head Designer of Vicious Circle, the newest game from Rooster Teeth. We discuss how the game came to be, and some of the lessons learned along the way!
Aug. 12, 2019
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The Reality of Game Development
In this piece, I share my thoughts and experiences on what it means to make videogames for a living having spoken to developers over the past 7 years and where people still have trouble grasping about the practice.
Aug. 12, 2019
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Why Artifact Failed
Examining the design issues behind the tepid launch of Valve's Artifact
Aug. 12, 2019
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7 Must-read Books for Game Designers
This article discusses when and how game design has become a profession as well as when it has formed enough to be considered as a separate discipline. Also it suggests 7 books that every game designer needs to read.
Aug. 12, 2019
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Video Game Deep Cuts: Eliza's Moral Panic Over Wii Sports 2
This week's roundup includes a look at new Zachtronics title Eliza, the moral panic about Fortnite and 'good play', and the incredible Wii Sports speedrunners, among a host of other interesting pieces.
Aug. 11, 2019