Multiplayer devs should take a close look at Concord's Crew Builder system
Game Developer
JULY 15, 2024
The beta for Firewalk Games' Concord shows off a surprisingly rich deckbuilding-inspired game mechanic.
The Darkest Files by Paintbucket Games turns history into a game about justice
PreMortem.Games
APRIL 29, 2025
” Another innovation is the blueprint mechanic. “Both mechanics allow players to engage with the historical material in a way that feels authentic to the work that Bauer and his team were doing, while still being compelling as a game. Its more than dialogue, its investigation through lived experience.”
Games 
181
181 Join 5,000+
Insiders
Sign Up for our Newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Trending Sources
The Mobile Games Moving Away From Gacha
Game Refinery
APRIL 27, 2023
Mobile games and gacha mechanics have been closely aligned for a significant time. Regardless of the genre, most gamers playing titles on a mobile device will inevitably encounter gacha mechanics in some shape or form, whether that’s a box gacha, sugoroku gacha, timed gacha, or one of many others.
Mobile Gaming 244
244 
Year 11 of the Cogmind
Grid Sage Games
DECEMBER 19, 2024
As repeated in my Year 10 review , I’ve wanted to continue the recent several years’ trend of a higher ratio of game vs. non-game work, implying a lower relative amount of community-facing work, e.g. writing articles, streaming, hanging out discussing mechanics, etc. Overall a good year, with the results to show for it!
Beta 59
59 
Running an Effective Closed Beta Test for Your Game
iXie gaming
JULY 12, 2024
Running an effective closed beta test is crucial to ensuring smooth and user-friendly game releases. This article explores key strategies for executing a successful closed beta test to optimize your game’s quality. What is Closed Beta Testing? Closed beta testing comes after alpha testing. The outcome?
Beta 52
52 
Join the Beta
Rindoku
FEBRUARY 20, 2019
We are taking registrations for the closed beta which is just a few short weeks away. The beta starts in early March (first or second week, depending on how fast we can squash the remaining bugs) and will be running for a few weeks. There are two new guns, two new enemies and more on the way before the beta ships!
Beta 52
52 
Teleportation Mechanics
Grid Sage Games
NOVEMBER 16, 2023
Cogmind generally has fewer such direct escape options, but teleport mechanics are out there, if an advanced tech not usually available until the late game. How about we add one, maybe using this new type of charging mechanism (described towards the end). Controlled Teleporting?
Mechanics 52
52 
Stumble Guys vs. Eggy Party: Which Fall Guys Clone Is the King of Mobile?
Game Refinery
JANUARY 5, 2023
When a game with a unique style and appearance becomes a hit, it doesn’t take long for new games to emerge, hoping to emulate that success by using the same gameplay mechanics, visual style and features. That said, players in the UK and Netherlands can currently register for a closed beta test , but only on Android devices.
Mobile 130
130 
The next big step: Godot 4.0 reaches Beta
Mircosoft Game Dev
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Today we are pleased to announce that the first beta for the much-anticipated release of Godot 4.0 beta just yet as we expect the engine to be unstable until we have more testing done. The beta comes with a work-in-progress conversion tool that does part of the conversion work from 3.x beta 1 now! is set in stone.
Beta 52
52 
Year 9 of the Cogmind
Grid Sage Games
DECEMBER 3, 2022
This year’s major release was of course Beta 11 “Mechanical Renaissance,” in the works for 17 (!) months, and a massive set of new toys, challenges , revamped mechanics , and more. Cogmind Beta 11 release art, by Zyalin. Ready to do that Beta 12 map? So we’re done, right?
Beta 52
52 
Solo dev Tomasz Kaye: “ChatGPT massively sped up the development of Axe Ghost”
PreMortem.Games
OCTOBER 2, 2024
What started as a simple concept quickly turned into a game that challenges players with a mix of strategic depth and risk-reward mechanics. I think we have a similar attitude about what ‘good game design’ is, mechanically. The timer is in the beta build of Axe Ghost now, I’m testing how that works.
Dev 104
104 
Shooting for Success: Navigating the Ultra Competitive Shooter Genre
Deconstructor of Fun
OCTOBER 28, 2024
Games that tweak existing mechanics are not enough to break into this entrenched space. Call of Duty Black Ops 6 has just dropped, Delta Force is in Beta, Marvel Rivals is set to launch in early December. Differentiation : A new shooter must offer more than just incremental changes. We’ve learned that FINALS was not enough.
Console 52
52 
How to Make the Perfect Board Game Rule Book
Brand Game Development
JANUARY 29, 2018
There may even be some storytelling to convey the reason or meaning behind a particular series rules and mechanics. The gameplay section should focus on round mechanics. Put it here…don’t clutter the gameplay mechanics. However, it cannot read like an encyclopedia all the way through! Is there an edge case?
Writing 130
130 
5 Major Stages of Game Testing
iXie gaming
JUNE 28, 2024
Our experienced testers work closely with game designers and developers to examine every part of the game’s concept, mechanics, and user interface. Content Testing While how a game works is very important, a great gaming experience is more than just its mechanics and systems.
Beta 52
52 
“Post-Balance” Cogmind Item Expansion
Grid Sage Games
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Beta 11 was a huge milestone in Cogmind development, having completed a comprehensive review of all items and their stats and mechanics in order to rebalance where necessary, a process I wrote about in detail last year. As part of this drive, for months I’ve been creating over 100 new items, most of them including new mechanics.
Balance 52
52 
Rebalancing Cogmind
Grid Sage Games
MARCH 10, 2022
Mechanics that are never quite worth taking advantage of, items that haven’t lived up to their potential, or were later superseded by other options but remained unchanged, or even long-term experiments that were included at some point but never updated/expanded/removed. Categorical Approach.
Balance 52
52 
2024 Cherry-picks
Mircosoft Game Dev
JANUARY 28, 2025
beta 1 release notes. Backpack Battles Backpack Battles decided to make inventory management the main game mechanic. There is just something about the frustratingly fun mechanics of Arctic Eggs that captured quite an audience who are we to judge your taste? Turn-based mechanics and an RPG flavor round off the experience.
Engineering 40
40 
Year 8 of the Cogmind
Grid Sage Games
DECEMBER 4, 2021
So 2021 is basically the year of Beta 11, in preparation for which there have already been eight major new versions (and other minor ones) released for testing since January, covering a variety of new and revamped systems as the whole of Beta 11 comes together. The numbers don’t lie. Noticing a trend yet?
Beta 52
52 
Top Unreal Game Development Companies in 2024
Logic Simplified
APRIL 1, 2024
It contains the game’s proposed design like the concept of the game, genre, core game mechanics, gameplay, timeline, illustrations/sketches, story and characters, levels and monetization strategies. Prototype: The prototype is a raw test that checks the functionality of the game, environments, gameplay, mechanics, user experience, etc.
Game Development 100
100 
Solid principles for game development
Jaunty Bear Games
MARCH 17, 2023
The best games are often the ones that have a clear and concise vision, and don’t get bogged down by unnecessary features or mechanics. This means spending time polishing the graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics to ensure that everything works together seamlessly.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pc Game Development
iXie gaming
MAY 26, 2023
Think about the genre, setting, target audience, and gameplay mechanics. Create intuitive, fun, and rewarding mechanics that are balanced and challenging enough to keep players engaged. Test the game extensively to ensure the mechanics work well, and make changes where necessary.
PC 52
52 
Gameplay Testing: What Is It and How Does It Work?
iXie gaming
OCTOBER 3, 2023
Gameplay testing is done before launching the game to identify and mitigate issues in the game’s design, controls, graphics, and mechanics, to mention a few. For instance, alpha gameplay testing occurs at the early stages of development, whereas beta testing occurs at the later stages of development, whereby the game is nearly complete.
Bug 52
52 
Web3 metaverse MMO Avalon unveiled in new trailer
Game Daily
NOVEMBER 16, 2023
Avalon has found investment backing from the likes of Bitkraft, Delphi Ventures, and Mechanism Capital raising $13 million in a round announced earlier this year. The game’s open beta test is set for this month. .” Metaverse environments Based in Orlando, Florida, but mainly built on a remote working model.
Racing 98
98 
How to Begin Metaverse Game Development
iXie gaming
MAY 8, 2023
Code and program the game mechanics and features: Develop the game mechanics and features that will engage players and keep them coming back for more. Coding and programming the game mechanics and features: Game mechanics and features are the heart of any game.
Harvest Island Demo
Yobob Games
APRIL 17, 2021
Feedback from Beta Demo. Opening the closed beta demo was a good choice. One other issues the bothered me as a developer was that this game is suggested to have the same mechanics as Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley: Romance, dating, farming, selling/buying and I had marketed towards that niche.
Demo 52
52 
Ryu Games builds Web3 video game marketplace on AWS
AWS Games
OCTOBER 10, 2023
Launched in beta in early 2023, Flame is a connected ecosystem of multiple video game launchers, rather than a single digital storefront, which limits features to one, specific gaming ecosystem. Effectively, Ryu Games is trying to build a network of launchers that work together and support player-owned assets, games, and communities.
Build 69
69 
From Concept to Launch: The Step-by-Step Game Development Process
Big Games
NOVEMBER 13, 2023
Developers work closely with the engineers to decide the game mechanics. This includes making the sound effects and music, planning the levels, implementing the game mechanics, and producing the game’s assets. Artists and designers work hand-in-hand to make the mobile game visually pleasing.
Concepts 52
52 
Garrisons 2.0
Grid Sage Games
JULY 17, 2022
For Beta 12 I decided to include it on the patron feature voting list, and… it won. This might help spot areas I wanted to adjust, or at least offer a clearer picture of the total challenges and rewards possible in a given map as of Beta 11. Sample Garrison content list from Beta 11. or large (hard to fit the work in?),
Beta 52
52 
Experimenting with Drone PIP
Grid Sage Games
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
The drone centering and following feature added back in Beta 10 has been quite useful for this purpose. Although shelved for now, I might revisit it alongside the next big drone mechanics update I want to do? For years before that you had to actually scroll the map yourself!)
Render 52
52 
Navigating the Switch: A Comprehensive Guide to Testing Nintendo Switch Games
iXie gaming
MAY 3, 2024
This form of testing evaluates the basic functions, including gameplay mechanics, menus, controls, and user interfaces. Therefore, when testing, cover all aspects of your game, including audio, graphics, gameplay mechanics, and online features. Testers ensure that all features work as intended. The outcome?
Roblox Game Monetization Guide – Everything You Need to Know
iXie gaming
SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
Also, all developers must be transparent with their chance-based monetization and utilize these mechanics responsibly. For example, appointment timers and mechanics, which can be brought forward or removed can be practical on other platforms, but not with Roblox.
Games 52
52 
Maps Between Maps, and DSFs
Grid Sage Games
DECEMBER 9, 2021
There is technically a third category serving special purposes, one that after many years is once again growing as part of Beta 11. Strong theme : Intermaps are tightly designed around their own unique mechanics and theme. Storage and DSFs do, however, share a color theme.
Mechanics 52
52 
7 Odd Roadblocks Rookies Face In The Stages Of Game Development
Big Games
DECEMBER 5, 2023
Different teams collaborate – writers shape the narrative, engineers discuss technical details, artists align visuals, and developers plan in-game mechanics. For independent studios, creative marketing strategies like crowdfunding and early-access Beta releases play a crucial role.
Aliens Dark Descent EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION [Fixed]
Game Errors
JUNE 21, 2023
If you are familiar with the aforementioned series, you can probably guess what kind of game mechanics and premises await you. It’s worth noting that Version 12 is currently in beta, meaning it may not always be stable. Run the game in DirectX 11 Time needed: 1 minute.
PC 52
52 
Bazooka Tango is refitting an older game for a Web3 relaunch
Game Daily
APRIL 21, 2023
We can do interesting things with it, including adding a blockchain component that creates ann experience of being able to trade and swap cards and hunt out and build the exact deck that you want, being a little bit less reliant on loot box mechanics. ” Shardbound is aiming for a public beta later this year.
Games 52
52 
The mastery of minimalism: Hoyte Van Hoytema
Filmustage
AUGUST 23, 2021
That's why he and his fellow director Christopher Nolan spend an enormous amount of time in preparation: engineering, setting up mechanisms, set design and preparation. After a long time of hard work we are happy to announce the beta-testing of the new scheduling feature in the Filmustage software.
Film 52
52 
The Impact of Early Access Testing on PC Game Development
iXie gaming
JUNE 7, 2024
This method is used as a game testing and funding model, whereby consumers can buy and play a game in various pre-release development cycles, like beta, pre-alpha, or alpha. This iterative approach enables developers to fine-tune gameplay mechanics, content, and balance over time. The outcome?
PC 52
52 
10 Tips on How to Make an iOS Game for Beginners
Big Games
OCTOBER 13, 2023
Begin by meticulously brainstorming the genre, storyline, and gameplay mechanics that will distinguish your game from the crowded market. Beta testing with a group of users is an invaluable step in this process. Tip #3: Start with a Clear concept and Idea The foundation of the best graphic games lies in a well-defined concept and idea.
Interview: Jordan Weisman on Adventure Forge
Game Daily
JUNE 8, 2023
First, we have the universe level where you establish things like game mechanics, abilities, characters, locations, statistics and so on. Jordan Weisman: We’ll start inviting people into the beta this fall. Jordan Weisman: It works on a couple of different levels.
Prop 52
52 
The Lost Ark Has Found its Way
Deconstructor of Fun
MAY 15, 2022
Balancing relies heavily on gear, maps are crowded with question marks, Boss fights feature repetitive mechanisms. Battle: Simplified skill point system and amazing visual effects The core of the skill system relates to balancing and mechanisms. In the later game, raid mechanisms become quite rich. Skill UI of the Witch class).
Cutscenes 52
52 
Re-building the horror: Robert Eggers
Filmustage
MAY 24, 2022
Also after a long time of hard work we are happy to announce the beta-testing of the new Custom categories feature in the Filmustage software. The real horror is manual breakdown, so leave the boring pre-production routine to the Filmustage - automatic script breakdown - and let the scary part happen only on the screen!
Horror 52
52 
Google x Deconstructor of Fun Istanbul Event: Highlights and Videos
Deconstructor of Fun
APRIL 2, 2022
Battle Passes retain well, aren’t too aggressive but also monetize effectively, hence their popularity Key principles of game economies: Purpose: Consistently give players new resources and new uses for existing resources Scarcity: Rewards have to be meaningful and goals have to be satisfying Predictability and analysis: The simpler an economy is, (..)
Mobile 52
52 
Cogmind Beta 11 Player Stats
Grid Sage Games
MARCH 20, 2023
Beta 12 has released, and that means it’s once again time to examine player-submitted stats from the previous major release! Overview The data we’re examining spans the Beta 11~11.2 Wins Beta 11 added new toys and mechanics, but also some significant new challenges (Heavies! in the version before that.
Beta 52
52 
Year 10 of the Cogmind
Grid Sage Games
DECEMBER 22, 2023
This new batch of items in particular is composed of quite a few belonging to the mechanics-heavy very interesting category, so in that regard this spike is quite meaningful. The first three years there are Alpha, followed by Beta. As mentioned there was just going to be Beta 12 and that was Scraptown and friends.
Beta 105
105 
Let's personalize your content