Complete agreement on deep systems allowing and encouraging player expression and that such expression is generally a Good Thing to support . r n r nIt 's why I advocate for more attention to dynamic/simulationist design. When the world itself can give you feedback in multiple modes about your choices, ...
The credo of the old Origin Systems was We create worlds. If there 's anyone today who 's worthy of inheriting that proud description, it 's the people who 've been part of Bethesda Game Studios. r n r nNothing gives me more gaming pleasure than a big, baroquely-ornamented world ...
I 'm watching this one. r n r nNot too sure about the RTS element, and the cutesy character design doesn 't do anything for me personally. But the object building and scripting capability is something I hope will prove very popular.
I don 't disagree at all that a growth of new mechanics would be a healthy thing for computer games. But let me suggest that there 's even more that can be done. r n r nConsider the Mechanics/Dynamics/Aesthetics model. Aesthetics as integrated narrative we 've seen, and mechanics as ...
Another thorough analysis, Eric -- thank you for taking the time to work through these elements. r n r nThere is a piece of my own about BioShock Infinite bubbling inside me. But I choose not to write it right now because I am still too frustrated and angry. r ...
Models are approximations of reality. To the extent that any model explains and predicts some limited segment of reality within a reasonable and understood margin of error, then it 's useful -- regardless of its origin. r n r nI 've found it 's helpful to give models a chance ...
Comment In: Hello World [Blog - 04/16/2013 - 01:40]
Raymond, I agree that setting a reasonable scope for game ideas matters. Novice developers need to learn that they can 't make Skyrim or Call of Duty by themselves over a weekend. r n r nBut making simple games isn 't really the target, either. It 's good to be ...
Thumbs-up on both the column and this subject r n r nI wrote some notes in my own blog in 2009 on ideas for genetic improvement of NPC ships in a multiplayer space combat game. The idea was that they would evolve slowly to counter flavor-of-the-week player tactics, insuring a ...
John, the sad story of 38 Studios should be directly addressed by anyone who believes that targeted tax breaks are a good idea. r n r nAs has been said, A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have. Special ...
Raph, I do see the perspectives you describe. I 've also listened carefully to the arguments favoring authorial control, and I strongly support the ability of developers to make the kinds of games they want, even games that tightly control the play experience. That 's why it was important that ...
