News

JikGuard
The 4 Types of Randomness in Hearthstone
Let's take a look at what types of random effects Hearthstone utilizes in its design.
March 13, 2017
JikGuard
RPG Maker VX Ace Ruby scripting: Thinking through a UI change
My last post was an info dump on what I'd learned about RPG Maker Ruby scripting during Ludum Dare 37, which is not particularly helpful without context. So let's walk through how we'd think about making a very simple change.
March 13, 2017
JikGuard
7 Keys to Solid Design
In this post I seek to summarise some of my key learnings over the course of 10 years making games. This article will benefit designers who are new to the industry and establishing themselves or seasoned developers who want to verify their own processes.
March 13, 2017
JikGuard
A Student's Guide To Networking At GDC
A guide to networking at GDC geared towards students, by a student. Also applicable to those attending GDC for their first time or any similar big industry event.
March 10, 2017
JikGuard
Designing Immersive Puzzles in DYING: Reborn
Designing a horror puzzle game which is full of puzzles is extremely difficult. This series of articles will talk about how we designed the new console game DYING: Reborn. This first article talks about designing immersive puzzles.
March 10, 2017
JikGuard
Getting Started with MonoGame using Visual Studio
Many have asked how to get started with MonoGame or how to get running with Platform X or Y. This article walks you through everything you need to get setup with MonoGame using either Visual Studio 2015 or the newly released Visual Studio 2017.
March 10, 2017
JikGuard
Historian talks with original developer of The Oregon Trail
Historian Bob Whitaker talks with Don Rawitsch, one of the original creators of The Oregon Trail. Topics include the initial inspiration for the game, the research behind the game, and the response of students and fellow instructors. Recorded at GDC 17.
March 9, 2017
JikGuard
Permission to cheat
I attempt to make an argument for why I think you should let your players cheat within your single player game. Or at least, why I decided to let them.
March 9, 2017
JikGuard
Designing for Deep Gameplay in Anew: The Distant Light
Game Director Steve Copeland discusses designing for deep gameplay, and details application of abstract theory to both a conventional and an exotic game weapon.
March 9, 2017
JikGuard
The Good and Bad of a Decentralized Game Industry
The Game Industry is unique from other industries thanks to being completely decentralized. While it has done a lot of good, it does raise some longstanding issues about making games for a living.
March 9, 2017
JikGuard
Gacha for Beginners
The article is devoted to gacha - origin and how it`s differ in Japanese F2P games and Western ones. Advanced game designers will not find anything groundbreaking, but beginners in the field may find some interesting points for inspiration.
March 9, 2017
JikGuard
A Game Designer's Second Life
In this blog, I talk about life beyond the gaming studio for a long time game designer. I talk about what the experience has been like for me (transforming into the world of education) and what others can expect should they be looking to make a change.
March 9, 2017