The original Grand Theft Auto remains a fascinating time capsule of 1997 game design, offering unprecedented player freedom that laid the foundation for the entire open-world genre. Despite clunky controls and punishing difficulty that haven't aged well, the game's varied vehicles, hilarious sound effects, and trendsetting soundtrack still deliver genuine entertainment nearly three decades later.
Capcom developers revealed at CEDEC 2026 that Pragmata's robot companion Diana almost received a bob haircut to reduce the massive cost of animating individual hair strands. The team ultimately kept her long hair, which uses fewer than 20,000 strands to convey a sense of life in the game's low-gravity lunar environment.
A new fan-made trailer titled Final Fantasy Resonance asks what the gaming landscape would look like if Final Fantasy 7 had never existed. The project reimagines iconic characters and scenarios through a radically different lens, stripping away the legacy that defined a generation of RPGs. This creative exercise highlights just how deeply Square Enix's 1997 landmark shaped modern game design and storytelling.
Josh Sawyer reveals Obsidian's approach to skill balance in Fallout: New Vegas, ensuring no character build is left behind. The studio's "Karma Police" team reviews script checks to maintain diverse gameplay experiences. Sawyer emphasizes fun over perfect balance, supporting unique character concepts.
Dispatch, the tactical action game, has implemented an unexpectedly humorous solution to its censorship problem on the Nintendo Switch. By creatively reworking censored elements, the developers managed to not only comply with regulations but also add a layer of dark humor to the game. This approach has drawn attention for its ingenuity in navigating platform restrictions.
In a surprising turn, the developers of "Echoes of Elyria" have canceled their battle royale project after a 3-year development cycle, opting instead for a new direction described as "not quite an MMO, but more than a co-op game." This pivot comes as a validation of community skepticism towards the battle royale genre choice. The new project promises a unique blend of cooperative gameplay and dynamic world elements.
Palworld's lead developer highlights Factorio as "one of the most influential games" on Steam, acknowledging its profound impact on the gaming landscape. Released in 2015, Factorio's simulation and strategy elements have set a benchmark. The lead admits, "can't imagine how different the gaming landscape would be without it," underscoring Factorio's enduring influence.
Discover the 10 pivotal gaming trends that unknowingly marked the end of an era. From the decline of stealth games to the demise of motion control systems, we explore the shifts that reshaped the industry. Reflect on the rise and fall of iconic genres and technologies that once dominated gaming.
Indie developer Michal Kamm accuses Hoyoverse of copying his puzzle game Ouros in Zenless Zone Zero's minigame, citing striking similarities in gameplay mechanics and design elements. Ouros, released in 2024 to very positive Steam reviews, features track manipulation with a moving ball and numbered targets. The accusation is the latest in a string of copying allegations against Hoyoverse.
Peak, the hit co-op game, leans into the "friendslop" genre, focusing on social interaction and proximity voice chat. Developer Aggro Crab sees the label as a positive catalyst for discourse. By emphasizing friendship and shared experiences, Peak redefines what co-op gaming can achieve.
