Why do some games keep us rapt and entertained until the closing credits, while others fizzle out and end up on our pile of shame? Letās look at some key ways developers can keep players interested (without being evil about it)
DOOM (2016) Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) Celeste (2018) Candy Crush Saga (2012) Metro 2033 (2010) A Hat in Time (2017) Titanfall 2 (2016) Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (2016) Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) Vanquish (2010) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) Dead Space 3 (2013) Far Cry 5 (2018) Iconoclasts (2018) Super Mario 3D World (2013) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) The Witness (2016) Dark Souls (2011) Bloodborne (2015) Hollow Knight (2017) Quantum Break (2016) Firewatch (2016) Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017) Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) Stardew Valley (2016) Monster Hunter: World (2018) Factorio (2020) Opus Magnum (2017) Cuphead (2017) Resident Evil 4 (2005) Spelunky (2012) Downwell (2015) Inside (2016) The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) Hyper Light Drifter (2016)
=== Credits ===
Music used in this episode:
Tunnelbound (animeistrash) Hotel Administration (animeistrash) untitled 4 (anime is trash) Tunnelbound (animeistrash) Hotel Administration (animeistrash) untitled 5 (animeistrash) untitled 1 (animeistrash)
Why do some games keep us rapt and entertained until the closing credits, while others fizzle out and end up on our pile of shame? Letās look at some key ways developers can keep players interested (without being evil about it)
DOOM (2016) Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) Celeste (2018) Candy Crush Saga (2012) Metro 2033 (2010) A Hat in Time (2017) Titanfall 2 (2016) Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (2016) Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017) Vanquish (2010) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) Dead Space 3 (2013) Far Cry 5 (2018) Iconoclasts (2018) Super Mario 3D World (2013) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) The Witness (2016) Dark Souls (2011) Bloodborne (2015) Hollow Knight (2017) Quantum Break (2016) Firewatch (2016) Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017) Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) Stardew Valley (2016) Monster Hunter: World (2018) Factorio (2020) Opus Magnum (2017) Cuphead (2017) Resident Evil 4 (2005) Spelunky (2012) Downwell (2015) Inside (2016) The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) Hyper Light Drifter (2016)
=== Credits ===
Music used in this episode:
Tunnelbound (animeistrash) Hotel Administration (animeistrash) untitled 4 (anime is trash) Tunnelbound (animeistrash) Hotel Administration (animeistrash) untitled 5 (animeistrash) untitled 1 (animeistrash)
Every year, I dedicated my last video to the most innovative game of the last 12 months. This year's pick is Neon White: a game that turns you into a speedrunning superstar through its clever "Insight" system.
Snake Pass (2017) Return of the Obra Dinn (2018) Baba is You (2019) The Forgotten City (2021) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) Neon White (2022) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) Ghostrunner (2020) Team Fortress 2 (2007) Titanfall 2 (2016) Halo Infinite (2021) Slay the Spire (2019) Donut County (2018) Counter-Strike (1999) Crazy Taxi (1999) Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (2010) Donkey Kong (1981) Gran Turismo 2 (1999) Assault Android Cactus (2015) Patrick's Parabox (2022) Citizen Sleeper (2022) Vampire Survivors (2022) Hyperbolica (2022) Trombone Champ (2022) Tunic (2022) Signalis (2022) God Of War Ragnarƶk (2022) Tinykin (2022) Elden Ring (2022) Return to Monkey Island (2022) Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022)
For as often as Epic adds new stuff to Fortnite, it takes content away. Is this an exciting advantage of playing a live game - or a manipulative tug on our fear of missing out?
Unity is an amazingly powerful game engine - but it can be hard to learn. Especially if you find tutorials hard to follow and prefer to learn by doing. If that sounds like you then this tutorial will get you acquainted with the basics - and then give you some goals to learn the rest by yourself.
The tutorial covers everything from installing Unity, to writing your first ever line of programming code, to creating UI, to building an executable game file you can share with friends. No experience is needed.
00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Elden Ring Recap 04:42 - Freedom and Exploration 09:41 - Enemy Balancing 13:48 - Content Repetition 15:50 - Restrictive End Game 18:15 - Conclusion
=== Games Shown ===
Elden Ring (2022) Dark Souls (2011) Bloodborne (2015) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) Ghost of Tsushima (2020) Horizon Forbidden West (2022) Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) Rage 2 (2019) Crackdown 3 (2019) Demon's Souls (2020) Demon's Souls (2009) Dark Souls III (2016) Hollow Knight (2017) Dark Souls II (2014)
Rollerdrome is one of the year's coolest games. So it was pretty exciting to discover GMTK's surprising connection to the game's development.
=== Before you watch ===
This video contains some flashing images
=== Games Shown ===
Rollerdrome (2022) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001) DOOM (2016) Neon White (2022) Downwell (2015) Olliolli (2014) A Little To The Left (2022) The Gardener And The Wild Vines (2021) Tiny Traffic (2022) Singled Out (2019) Jet Set Radio (2012) Bayonetta (2009) Snake Pass (2017) Superhot (2013) Titan Souls Baba Is You Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (2015)
Being a game designer means being a problem solver. In this video, I share stories of how game creators overcame huge design conundrums, so you can fix your own issues when they crop up.
00:00 - Intro 01:44 - Identify the problem 03:35 - Iterate on solutions 05:14 - Identify the levers 06:48 - Make big changes 08:02 - Flip it on its head 09:06 - Solve it elsewhere 10:17 - Solve multiple problems 11:27 - Study player behaviour 12:27 - Implementing solutions 14:44 - Conclusion
=== Games Shown ===
Gears of War (2006) Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) Super Mario 3D World (2013) Dying Light (2015) Astroneer (2019) Assemble With Care (2019) Diablo III (2012) Diablo II (2000) Halo 3 (2007) Dark Souls (2011) Darkest Dungeon (2016) Civilization (1991) Shovel Knight (2014) The Last of Us (2013) Slipways (2021) New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) Factorio (2020) Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege (2015) Prey (2017) Alien: Isolation (2014) DOOM Eternal (2020)
Since the last episode of Developing, three things have inspired me to stop messing around and actually start to finish my magnet-based puzzle platformer. Here's what happened.
Great video games can come from combining genres - but getting the mix right isn't easy. In this video we'll explore the three main methods for merging genres, and look at the problems - and solutions - of each approach.
Super Mario Bros. (1985) NetHack (1987) Spelunky Classic (2008) Enter the Gungeon (2016) Returnal (2021) Florence (2018) Rayman Legends (2013) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Forza Horizon 5 (2021) Baba is You (2019) Outlast (2013) Persona 5 (2016) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) Slay the Spire (2019) The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (2014) Grand Theft Auto V (2013) Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (2016) DOOM (2016) God of War (2005) Shovel Knight: King of Cards (2019) LA Noire (2011) Yakuza 0 (2015) XCOM 2 (2016) Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus (2002) Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) Untitled Magnet Game (Unreleased) Grapple Dog (2022) Far Cry 5 (2018) Batman: Arkham City (2011) Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020) Sid Meierās Covert Action (1990) BioShock (2007) Dishonored (2012) Deus Ex (2000) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) Alpha Protocol (2010) Prey (2017) Half-Life (1998) Baldurās Gate (1998) Thief: The Dark Project (1998) Deathloop (2021) Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017) Elden Ring (2022) Hades (2020) Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017) Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) Thumper (2016) Dead Cells (2018) Portal (2007) Half-Life 2: Episode One (2006) Battle Chef Brigade (2017) Bejeweled 3 (2010) FIFA 21 (2020) Burnout Paradise (2008) Yoku's Island Express (2018) Crypt of the NecroDancer (2015) Toodee and Topdee (2021) Pyre (2017) Octopath Traveler (2018) Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (2007) Mass Effect 2 (2010) Undertale (2015) Everhood (2021) Chasm (2018) Hollow Knight (2017) Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017) Marvel's Avengers (2020) Spelunky (2012) Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon (2021) Mixolumia (2020) 868-HACK (2015) Lumines Remastered (2018)
The GMTK Game Jam for 2022 was - once again! - our biggest yet. In this video, Mark runs down his 20 favourite games, from a jam where every game fit the theme āRoll of the Diceā.
Platformer Toolkit is an interactive video essay. Youāll get to see, first hand, how platformer characters are designed, as you use the toolkit to change and adjust over 30 variables that drive the heroās movement.
Change Kitās max speed, jump height, squash and stretch, coyote time, and more - and then play through a sample level with your chosen stats.
This time on Developing, Iām building all the boring stuff that sits behind the scenes and makes this game actually work. But it has some surprising advantages for me, as a developerā¦
In this video, Iāll show you how a typical video game economy is designed - and how resources flow around the system. As we go, Iāll show you how these economic entities can be used to create interesting gameplay for the player.
Action games typically borrow from RPGs and adventure games when it comes to making choices. But there are significant advantages when using the normal verbs of the games. I call these āinvisible choicesā.
=== Before you watch ===
Content warning: Scenes of a violent nature
Spoiler warning: Light Mass Effect 2, Spec Ops: The Line, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill 2 spoilers
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) 80 Days (2014) Tell Me Why (2020) Sorcery! 4 (2016) Dragon Age II (2011) Metro Exodus (2019) Marvelās Guardians of the Galaxy (2021) BioShock (2007) Detroit: Become Human (2018) Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) Spec Ops: The Line (2012) BioShock Infinite (2013) Far Cry 4 (2014) Undertale (2015) Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011) The Walking Dead: Season One (2012) This War of Mine (2014) Fallout 3 (2008) Life is Strange (2015) Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017) Hades (2020) Deus Ex (2000) Mass Effect 2 (2010) Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) Dishonored (2012) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013) Metal Gear Solid (1998) Demon's Souls (2020) Chrono Trigger (1995) Resident Evil 4 (2005) Firewatch (2016) DOOM Eternal (2020) inFamous Second Son (2014) Silent Hill 2 (2001)
Every year I break down the design and development of one of the year's most innovative games. This time: it's the time-travelling, day-looping, crime-solving, remake of a Skyrim mod, The Forgotten City. How was this remarkable game made?
=== Before you watch ===
Content warning: Some violence
=== Chapters ===
00:00 - Intro 03:24 - The Forgotten City (Spoilers) 15:26 - Honourable Mentions
=== Games Shown ===
Snake Pass (2017) Event[0] (2016) Her Story (2015) Watch Dogs: Legion (2020) Baba is You (2019) Loop Hero (2021) Solar Ash (2021) The Forgotten City (2021) Return of the Obra Dinn (2018) Outer Wilds (2019) Disco Elysium (2019) Paradise Killer (2020) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) BioShock (2007) Prey (2017) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) Toodee and Topdee (2021) Unpacking (2021) Before Your Eyes (2021) Wildermyth (2021) Unsighted (2021) Silicon Dreams (2021) Inscryption (2021) Slipways (2021) Chicory: A Colorful Tale (2021) It Takes Two (2021) Genesis Noir (2021)
Every year, I like to take a moment to check in with the games biz, and see how things are going in terms of accessibility. I check out 25 blockbuster games, and countless indie titles, to gauge the current state of the industry.
=== Before you watch ===
Disclosure: Riders Republic code provided by Ubisoft
Other music from Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Hitman 3, Metroid Dread, Returnal, Psychonauts 2, Halo Infinite, Unpacking, and Forza Horizon 5 original soundtracks
Metroid Dread is a Metroidvania with a sprawling, interconnected map. So how come I always knew where to go, and almost never got lost?
=== Before you watch ===
Spoiler warning: Some late-game items and bosses are shown. No story spoilers are revealed.
=== Games Shown ===
Metroid Dread (2021) Metroid Fusion (2002) Super Metroid (1994) The Mummy: Demastered (2017) Metroid Prime (2002) Hollow Knight (2017) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014) Guacamelee 2 (2018) Metroid: Other M (2010) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) Metroid: Zero Mission (2004) Dark Souls (2011)
=== Chapters ===
00:00 - Intro 01:41 - Points of no return 04:44 - Locks and keys 07:40 - Fast travel system 10:12 - Bread crumbing 12:03 - Is this a good thing? 16:18 - My thoughts
This time on Developing, I want to turn my game idea into reality. But, first, I need to explore my history of failed game-making attempts, to figure out where to begin.
Welcome to the first episode of Developing - a new series in which I create my own video game. Iām starting from the very first step: choosing a game engine and learning how to use it!
00:00 - Intro 00:34 - Choosing a Game Engine 03:08 - Learning Unity 05:08 - How I Learned Adobe Premiere 06:42 - Three Steps to Learning 08:12 - Applying this to Game Development 08:37 - Step 1: The Basics of Unity 10:57 - Step 2: Repeating The Lessons 15:40 - Step 3: Experimenting 16:25 - Conclusion 17:32 - Patreon Credits
In this episode of On the Level, I speak to Hazelight designer Oliver Granlund about creating co-op conundrums in It Takes Two.
=== Before you watch ===
Spoilers: Chapter 2 of It Takes Two.
Content warning: Mild language.
=== Games Shown ===
It Takes Two (2021) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) A Way Out (2018) Super Mario 3D World (2013) Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (2011) Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013) Umurangi Generation (2020)
=== Credits ===
Music from It Takes Two official soundtrack by Gustaf Grefberg
In this episode of On the Level, I speak to Arkane designers Dana Nightingale and David Di Giacomo about the shape-shifting Clockwork Mansion in Dishonored 2.
=== Before you watch ===
Accessibility: This video has burned-in subtitles for the French to English translation. The subtitle track "English" disappears during this time. However, the subtitle track "English (United States)" contains an overlay copy of the subtitles, if you need to move them or increase their size for accessibility reasons.
Spoilers: The Clockwork Mansion in Dishonored 2.
Content warning: Blood, Violence
=== Games Shown ===
Dishonored (2012) Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017) Dishonored 2 (2016) Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall (2013) Deathloop (2021) System Shock 2 (1999)
=== Credits ===
Music from Dishonored 2 official soundtrack by Daniel Licht.
Games in complex genres, like strategy and simulation, can be really hard to learn. So are there ways to make the tutorials for these games more enjoyable and more effective?
00:00 - Intro 01:23 - Splitting up the tutorial 06:01 - Tutorials across campaigns 09:17 - Making learning fun 14:37 - Using affordances 17:23 - Other techniques 19:28 - Conclusion
=== Games Shown ===
A Total War Saga: Troy (2020) Crusader Kings III (2020) Endless Space 2 (2017) Ghost of Tsushima (2020) Fallout 3 (2008) Half-Life 2 (2004) Total War: Warhammer II (2017) Jurassic World Evolution (2018) Arms (2017) Bionic Commando (2009) Rage 2 (2019) Splinter Cell (2002) Portal (2007) Death Stranding (2019) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) Returnal (2021) Metroid Prime (2002) Civilization (1991) Civilization V (2010) Frostpunk (2018) Persona 5 (2016) Crusader Kings II (2012) Mini Metro (2015) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) Street Fighter V (2016) Dead or Alive 6 (2019) Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) God of War (2018) Tekken 7 (2015) Civilization VI (2016) Civilization IV (2005) StarCraft II (2010) Devil May Cry 5 (2019) Yakuza 0 (2015) Astro's Playroom (2020) Threes (2014) Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) Planet Zoo (2019) Offworld Trading Company (2016) Anno 1800 (2019) Skate 3 (2010) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) Two Point Hospital (2018) Slay the Spire (2019) Hearthstone (2014) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) New Super Mario Bros. U (2012) Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019) The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (2019) The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (2014) Plants vs. Zombies (2009) Overcooked (2016) Inside (2016) Reigns (2016) Disco Elysium (2019) Heroes of Might and Magic II (1996) Cuphead (2017) Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) Into the Breach (2018) Cities: Skylines (2015) Bayonetta (2009) Minecraft (2011) Star Fox Zero (2016) XCOM: Chimera Squad (2020) Titanfall 2 (2016) Narita Boy (2021)
Use Creator Tag "GMTOOLKIT" when buying on Epic Game Store
=== Games Shown ===
Rayman Legends (2013) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) Super Mario Maker 2 (2019) Sonic Colors (2010) Hollow Knight (2017) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (2013) Donkey Kong Country (1994) Dark Souls (2011) Dorfromantik (2022)
=== Credits ===
Music provided by Uppbeat - uppbeat.io License code: YQBBIRFKDMSNQY6Q
Music from Ori and the Will of the Wisps official soundtrack by Gareth Coker.
Use Creator Tag "GMTOOLKIT" when buying on Epic Game Store
=== Chapters ===
00:00 - Intro 00:53 - What's the HUD for? 04:40 - How much HUD to show 08:36 - Using a diegetic HUD 11:13 - How HUD effects gameplay 14:08 - HUD can influence game design 16:05 - Patreon Credits
=== Games Shown ===
The Last of Us (2013) Control (2019) Crackdown 3 (2019) Metro Exodus (2019) Overwatch (2016) Apex Legends (2019) Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) Borderlands 3 (2019) The Outer Worlds (2019) Minecraft (2011) Assassin's Creed Syndicate (2015) Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018) Eagle Island (2019) Devil May Cry 5 (2019) DOOM Eternal (2020) Invisible, Inc. (2015) Darksiders (2010) Desperados III (2020) Fire Emblem: Three Houses (2019) Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) Ghostrunner (2020) Slay the Spire (2019) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) A Hat in Time (2017) Hitman 2 (2018) Rage 2 (2019) Homefront (2011) Titanfall 2 (2016) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) XCOM 2 (2016) Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017) Shovel Knight (2014) Valkyria Chronicles 4 (2018) Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) Guacamelee 2 (2018) God of War (2018) Just Cause 3 (2015) Monster Hunter: World (2018) Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) Receiver (2012) Sunset Overdrive (2014) Battleborn (2016) Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) Hitman 3 (2021) Hitman (2016) Tharsis (2016) SpellTower (2011) Hearthstone (2014) Shadow Warrior 2 (2016) Castlevania (1986) Castlevania: Lords of Shadow (2010) Ghost of Tsushima (2020) Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017) Persona 5 (2016) Inside (2016) Firewatch (2016) Dead Space (2008) Fallout 4 (2015) Metroid Prime (2002) Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (2004) Far Cry 2 (2008) Alien: Isolation (2014) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) Journey (2012) Wreckfest (2018) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) Super Mario Bros. (1985) The Last of Us Part II (2020) Loop Hero (2021) Reigns (2016) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) Kingdom Hearts III (2019) Gears of War 4 (2016) Halo 5: Guardians (2015) John Wick Hex (2019) Mark of the Ninja (2012) Katana Zero (2019) Peggle (2007) Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) Forza Horizon 4 (2018) Into the Breach (2018) Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020) Mirror's Edge (2008) Room to Grow (2021)
=== Credits ===
Music byā¦ Music provided by Uppbeat - uppbeat.io License codes: PC3D3JQOFKHA7FNZ | 0X6GO4104801KFOE | H6D2IULHUG0BH7F7
If you watch GMTK, you might be inspired to turn your passion for game design into an actual career. In this video, I've gathered advice from dozens of designers from around the world to help you land a job in the games industry.
I love games that make movement into a primary game mechanic. From the parkour thrills of Mirror's Edge to chaining moves in Mario Odyssey to dive-bombing in a wingsuit in Just Cause. How do developers come up with amazing movement systems? Let's find out.
=== Before you watch ===
Disclosure: Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Spider-Man Miles Morales, and Tony Hawkās Pro Skater 1+2 game codes provided by the relevant publishers. I was a game design consultant on Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
=== Games Shown ===
inFamous Second Son (2014) Mirror's Edge (2008) Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) Skate 3 (2010) Sonic Generations (2011) Ghostrunner (2020) The Pathless (2020) Rocket League (2015) Sunset Overdrive (2014) Titanfall 2 (2016) Dustforce (2012) Assassin's Creed Unity (2014) Just Cause 3 (2015) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) Super Mario Odyssey (2017) Sackboy: A Big Adventure (2020) A Hat in Time (2017) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020) Ori and the Blind Forest (2015) The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) Quake (1996) Crumble (2020) N++ (2015) Cyber Hook (2019) Gravity Ghost (2015) Shovel Knight (2014) A Story About My Uncle (2014) Bionic Commando (2009) Superflight (2017) Dishonored (2012) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (2011) Bowser's Fury (2021) Grow Up (2016) The King's Bird (2018) Skate (2007) Marble It Up! (2018) Unravel (2016) Snake Pass (2017) Marvelās Spider-Man (2018) DOOM Eternal (2020) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001) Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003) The Free Ones (2018) Celeste (2018) Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) Splatoon 2 (2017) Clustertruck (2016) Gravity Rush 2 (2017)
The Nemesis System in Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a unique villain generator. But in the sequel, Shadow of War, it's a full on story generator. Here's how it makes narratives that are interesting, meaningful, and memorable.
00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Orcs Build on Player Actions 03:29 - Going Beyond Death 07:19 - Hierarchies and Relationships 11:15 - Narrative Brickwork 12:13 - Iconic Enemies 14:09 - Strong Emotional Connections 16:30 - More Storytelling Secrets 18:32 - Creating a Story 19:24 - Why isn't the Nemesis System Used More? 20:59 - Conclusion 21:59 - Patreon Credits
=== Games Shown ===
Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017) Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) RimWorld (2013) Crusader Kings III (2020) Spec Ops: The Line (2012) Hades (2020) Burnout Revenge (2005) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) The Walking Dead: Season One (2012) Mass Effect 3 (2012) The Simpsons: Road Rage (2001) Crazy Taxi (1999) Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018) Watch Dogs: Legion (2020)
=== Credits ===
Music from Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War OSTs, property of Warner Bros.
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/en-gb/videos/Q5XZRdGV29zyHow Watch Dogs: Legion Generates Infinite LondonersGame Makers Toolkit2020-12-18 | Every year I break down the design and development of the year's most innovative game system. This time: it's Watch Dogs Legion's "Play as Anyone" concept. How does it work - and is it any good?
Assassinās Creed Valhalla, Call of Duty: Cold War, Crash Bandicoot 4, Demonās Souls, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Immortals Fenyx Rising, The Last of Us Part II, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Spider-Man Miles Morales, Tony Hawkās Pro Skater 1+2, and Watch_Dogs Legion game codes provided by the relevant publishers. Xbox Series X console provided by Microsoft. I was a game design consultant on Sackboy: A Big Adventure. I'm friends with a voice actor on Paradise Killer.
Games shown in this episode (in order of appearance)
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) DOOM Eternal (2020) The Last of Us Part II (2020) Resident Evil 3 (2020) Maneater (2020) Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020) Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020) Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (2020) Desperados III (2020) Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (2020) Ghostrunner (2020) Hades (2020) Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) Disc Room (2020) Sackboy: A Big Adventure (2020) FIFA 21 (2020) Marvel's Avengers (2020) Spelunky 2 (2020) Star Wars: Squadrons (2020) Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020) XCOM: Chimera Squad (2020) Yakuza: Like a Dragon (2020) Ghost of Tsushima (2020) Astro's Playroom (2020) Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) Dirt 5 (2020) Spiritfarer (2020) Immortals Fenyx Rising (2020) Watch Dogs: Legion (2020) NBA 2K21 (2020) Mafia: Definitive Edition (2020) Mafia (2002) Tell Me Why (2020) Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) Far Cry New Dawn (2019) Crusader Kings III (2020) Amnesia: Rebirth (2020) Paradise Killer (2020) Demon's Souls (2020) Valorant (2020) Grounded (In Early Access) Gears Tactics (2020) A Total War Saga: Troy (2020) Minecraft Dungeons (2020) Lair of the Clockwork God (2020) Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Streets of Rage 4 (2020) Haven (2020) Inertial Drift (2020) Ikenfell (2020) Wildfire (2020) HyperDot (2020) Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020) Among Us (2018) Control (2019) Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) Half-Life: Alyx (2020)
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/en-gb/videos/nXqDR558ytnl/info/how-accessible-were-this-years-games/?team=How Zeldas Puzzle Box Dungeons WorkGame Makers Toolkit2020-11-20 | My favourite Zelda dungeons are the ones that move, turn, change, and travel through time. After much research, I return from the depths of Hyrule with some Boss Keys and plenty of design details on how these puzzle box dungeons work.
Games shown in this episode (in order of appearance)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo, 1998) The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Nintendo, 2011) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, 2017) The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo, 2000) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Nintendo, 2013) The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Nintendo, 2016) The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo, 2019) The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages (Flagship / Nintendo, 2001) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (Grezzo / Nintendo, 2011) New Super Mario Bros. U (Nintendo, 2012) The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Nintendo, 2013) Hyper Light Drifter (Heart Machine, 2016) Carto (Sunhead Games, 2020)
Music used in this episode
Music from The Legend of Zelda series, by Nintendo
Contribute translated subtitlesā¦ amara.org/en-gb/videos/gGFuKxB1hiOAWho Gets to be Awesome in Games?Game Makers Toolkit2020-10-29 | Many games come with the promise of letting the player live out some kind of awesome, aspirational fantasy. But the game's design will dictate who gets to live the fantasy, and who might get left behind.
00:00 - Intro 00:57 - What is a Lives System? 02:54 - The Argument Against Lives 03:41 - The Argument For Lives 04:51 - Innovating on Lives 06:31 - Flipping Lives Upside Down 07:40 - Conclusion 08:19 - Patreon Credits
=== Games Shown ===
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (Toys for Bob, 2020) Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Intelligent Systems, 2019) Battletoads (Dlala Studios, 2020) Pac-Man (Namco, 1980) Super Mario 3D World (Nintendo, 2013) Super Mario World (Nintendo, 1990) Sonic Mania (Sega, 2017) Kirby Star Allies (HAL Laboratory, 2018) Donkey Kong (Nintendo, 1981) Donkey Kong Country (Rare, 1994) Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Retro Studios, 2014) Rayman Legends (Ubisoft Montpellier, 2013) The End Is Nigh (Edmund McMillen & Tyler Glaiel, 2017) Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo, 2017) Super Meat Boy (Team Meat, 2010) Streets of Rage 4 (Dotemu / Lizardcube / Guard Crush Games, 2020) Mega Man 11 (Capcom, 2018) Disney's Aladdin (Capcom, 1993) Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (Konami, 1993) Super Mario Bros. 3 (Nintendo, 1988) Mega Man 2 (Capcom, 1988) Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo, 1985) Celeste (Matt Makes Games, 2018) Mega Man 3 (Capcom, 1990) Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (Vicarious Visions, 2017) New Super Mario Bros. U (Nintendo, 2012) Furi (The Game Bakers, 2016) Kero Blaster (Pixel, 2014) Sonic Generations (Sonic Team, 2011) Spelunky 2 (Mossmouth, 2020) The Messenger (Sabotage Studios, 2018) Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games, 2014) Panzer Paladin (Tribute Games, 2020) Ori and the Blind Forest (Moon Studios, 2015) DoDonPachi Resurrection (Cave, 2008) Sonic Forces (Sonic Team, 2017) Trials Evolution (RedLynx, 2012) Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon (Inti Creates, 2018)
Contribute translated subtitles (and see translation credits) - amara.org/en-gb/videos/rKJAzfAyhTelThe Rise and Fall of Britains Bedroom Coders | Design IconsGame Makers Toolkit2020-09-30 | GMTK's game history series Design Icons takes a trip to the UK, to see how the early British games business started as a cottage industry of bedroom coders
Goals and rewards can be a great way to motivate players to learn, try out features, and play longer - but in certain circumstances, they can actually backfire on you. To find out more, let's jump into the psychology of motivation.
=== Sources and Resources ===
- Sources
[1] Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward | Journal of Personality and Social Psychology psycnet.apa.org/record/1974-10497-001
[3] Outer Wilds: a game of curiosity-driven space exploration | USC Digital Library http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll3/id/248860
[8] Why do goal-based incentives cause cheating? | Williams College (PDF) https://sites.williams.edu/mc20/files/2017/09/Chao-Larkin-2017-Why-do-goal-based-incentives-cause-cheating.pdf
00:00 - Intro 01:19 - Case Study: Don't Starve 03:12 - Case Study: Zachtronics Games 04:48 - Case Study: Mini Metro 05:48 - Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation 07:39 - Applying This to Game Design 08:20 - Advantages of Goals 09:31 - Surprise Rewards 11:05 - Patreon Credits
=== Games Shown ===
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (Naughty Dog, 2016) A Plague Tale: Innocence (Asobo Studio, 2019) Hearthstone (Blizzard Entertainment, 2014) Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (Mediatonic, 2020) Rage 2 (Avalanche Studios / id Software, 2019) Diablo III (Blizzard Entertainment, 2012) Marvel's Avengers (Crystal Dynamics, 2020) Don't Starve (Klei Entertainment, 2013) Mini Metro (Dinosaur Polo Club, 2015) Subnautica (Unknown Worlds Entertainment, 2018) The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Nicalis / Edmund McMillen, 2014) Outer Wilds (Mobius Digital, 2019) Exapunks (Zactronics, 2018) Shenzen I/O (Zactronics, 2016) Opus Magnum (Zachtronics, 2017) Spacechem (Zachtronics, 2011) Infinifactory (Zachtronics, 2015) Tormentor X Punisher (E-Studio, 2017) Lonely Mountains: Downhill (Megagon Industries, 2019) Tetris 99 (Arika, 2019) Minecraft (Mojang, 2011) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, 2017) Lumines Remastered (Q Entertainment / Reonsair, 2018) Planet Zoo (Frontier Developments, 2019) God of War (Santa Monica Studio, 2018) Destiny (Bungie, 2014) Hitman 2 (IO Interactive, 2018) Her Story (Sam Barlow, 2015) Overwatch (Blizzard Entertainment, 2016) Horizon Zero Dawn (Guerrilla Games, 2017) Devil May Cry 5 (Capcom, 2019) Hitman (IO Interactive, 2016) Forza Horizon 4 (Playground Games, 2018) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (Infinity Ward, 2019) Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo, 2017)
It's easy to assume that amazing indie games like Gunpoint, Crypt of the Necrodancer, Ape Out, and Into the Breach were designed in a flash of inspiration. But that's not true - find out how these games came to be in this episode of Game Maker's Toolkit.
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDmMaking The Last of Us Part IIs Best LevelGame Makers Toolkit2020-08-03 | // This video focuses on one of Ellie's levels in the chapter "Seattle: Day 1", and does not contain any major story spoilers //
In this episode of Game Maker's Toolkit, I chat to The Last of Us Part II designer Evan Hill about the creation of the game's best level.
Note: This video is not sponsored by Sony. Evan no longer works for Naughty Dog, so was not acting on behalf of the developer. I did receive a free copy of the game, but also purchased my own.
0:00 Introduction 1:27 Restless Wing Syndrome 2:46 Laserwave 4:06 A Key(s) Path 5:13 Puffballs 6:17 Hellfiler 7:02 Genre Hopper 7:59 Laser Guy (Harold) 8:53 You are now Possessed 9:37 Edna Out of Sight, Out of Control 10:52 Losing CTRL 11:47 Emergency Protocol 12:40 Time Lock 13:40 Crystal Ball Chaos te lunch 14:32 Two-Timin' Towers 15:17 Midnight Monorail 16:08 LEFT CLICK Make The Way 19:32 Between a Clock and a Hard Place 21:04 Cleaning the System 21:56 - Honourable Mentions 22:53 - Conclusion
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDoThe Birth of the Japanese RPG | Design IconsGame Makers Toolkit2020-07-08 | There's only one genre that we divide down strict geographical lines: the RPG. But western RPGs and Japanese RPGs have way more in common than you might first realise.
Thumbnail Image licensed from Adobe Stock Fastfall by Lifeformed used under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license Other Music by Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com) Further credits - pastebin.com/xbitqixF
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDpCommanding ShepardGame Makers Toolkit2020-06-15 | -- This video contains full spoilers for the Mass Effect trilogy, and depictions of virtual violence and sex --
When Mass Effect launched in 2007, the heroes of western RPGs were typically blank-slate nobodies. But Commander Shepard is different. What does it mean to have a character whose personality and identity is shared between the player and the character?
[1] This role could also be played by the character Kaidan Alenko, depending on who survived the events of Mass Effect 1. To streamline the video, Iām using Ashley whenever I need to talk about the āVirmire survivorā.
[2] There are other possible choices, one of which involves using a "Charm" or "Intimidate" line to get Tali off scot-free without presenting the evidence. This is just one of many examples of the rewards for playing pure Paragon or pure Renegade being far too temptingā¦
Games shown in this episode (in order of appearance)
Gone Home (2013) The Last of Us (2013) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015) Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) Pillars of Eternity (2015) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines (2004) Deus Ex (2000) Planescape: Torment (1999) Mass Effect (2007) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (2009) Mass Effect 2 (2010) Mass Effect 3 (2012) Halo 3 (2007) Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007) Gears of War (2006) Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008) Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (2018) Persona 5 (2017) The Outer Worlds (2019) Fallout 4 (2015) Fallout 3 (2008) Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) Life Is Strange: Before the Storm (2017) Detroit: Become Human (2018) The Wolf Among Us (2013) The Walking Dead: Season One (2012) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) Life is Strange (2015) Kingdom Hearts III (2019) Dragon Age II (2011) Fallout: New Vegas (2010) Jade Empire (2005) Dragon Age: Origins (2009) Dishonored 2 (2016) Assassin's Creed II (2009) Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (2018) Assassin's Creed Valhalla (2020) Monster Hunter: World (2018) Heavenās Vault (2019) The Last of Us Part II (2020) Mafia III (2016) The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016) Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (2016) Disco Elysium (2019) Alpha Protocol (2010) Mass Effect: Andromeda (2017) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) The Witcher (2007) The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011)
00:00 - Introduction 03:13 - Part I (Shepard, Commander) 05:41 - Part II (Paragon of Humanity) 20:52 - Part III (Company Man) 28:58 - Part IV (Shepard's Flock) 44:12 - Part V (Create a Commander) 49:14 - Part VI (Commanding Shepard) 52:48 - Ending
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDqHow do Stealth Games Deal with Detection? - School of Stealth Part 3Game Makers Toolkit2020-05-19 | Welcome back to the School of Stealth, a GMTK miniseries on how stealth games work. In episode three, it's time to tackle the biggest challenge of stealth game design: detection. In a genre that's all about staying hidden, what should designers do when the player is found?
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDrShould Designers Listen to Negative Feedback?Game Makers Toolkit2020-05-07 | Players certainly aren't shy about sharing their thoughts on video games. So what should developers do when players tell them they hate a certain game mechanic, character, or level? This video will explore some tips for responding to feedback and criticism.
Contribute translated subtitles - amara.org/v/C3BDsThe Five Types of Stealth Game Gadget - School of Stealth Part 2Game Makers Toolkit2020-04-20 | Welcome back to the School of Stealth, a GMTK miniseries on how stealth games work. In episode two, letās look at stealth game gadgets. From optic fibre cameras to camouflage outfits to the trusty silenced pistol. Subscribe to ensure you catch future episodes.
00:00 - Introduction 00:51 - Category 1: Information Gathering 02:04 - Category 2: AI Manipulation 03:15 - Category 3: Redefining Space 04:46 - Category 4: Movement Systems 05:29 - Category 5: Dispatching Enemies 06:18 - Balancing These Gadgets 10:49 - Conclusion
Games shown in this episode (in order of appearance)
Dishonored 2 (Arkane Studios, 2016) Hitman (IO Interactive, 2016) Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Ubisoft Paris, 2019) Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (Kojima Productions, 2015) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Nintendo, 2013) Batman: Arkham City (Rocksteady Studios, 2011) Batman: Arkham Knight (Rocksteady Studios, 2015) Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Ubisoft Toronto, 2013) Control (Remedy Entertainment, 2019) Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (Ubisoft Montreal, 2005) Alien: Isolation (The Creative Assembly, 2014) Invisible, Inc. (Klei Entertainment, 2015) Dishonored (Arkane Studios, 2012) Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (Kojima Productions, 2014) Gunpoint (Suspicious Developments, 2013) Metal Gear Solid (Konami, 1998) Hitman 2 (IO Interactive, 2018) Mark of the Ninja (Klei Entertainment, 2012) Thief: The Dark Project (Looking Glass Studios, 1998) Batman: Arkham Asylum (Rocksteady Studios, 2009) Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones (Curve Digital, 2014) Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (Konami, 2004) Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (Aquire, 1998) Persona 5 (Atlus, 2017) Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (Konami, 2001) Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Eidos Montreal, 2018) Far Cry 3 (Ubisoft Montreal, 2012) Assassin's Creed: Origins (Ubisoft Montreal, 2017) Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands (Ubisoft Paris, 2017) The Last of Us (Naughty Dog, 2013) Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Eidos Montreal, 2016) Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun (Mimimi, 2016) ECHO (Ultra Ultra, 2017)
Music used in this episode
Splinter Cell: Double Agent soundtrack - Michael McCann Systematic - Lee Rosevere (leerosevere.bandcamp.com) Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory soundtrack - Amon Tobin & Jesper Kyd Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes soundtrack - Harry Gregson-Williams and co