Best Game Design in 2023: Baldur's Gate 3, Cocoon, Humanity, and More / ITech content

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In 2023, we have witnessed many large and ambitious gaming projects that seek to surprise players with a new take on classic gameplay. Furthermore, many indie games are also attempting to offer original solutions and fresh ideas, making the gaming market more diverse and interesting. These trends confirm that developers are committed to innovation and willing to experiment to attract audience attention.

Choosing the most significant projects from the many new releases of 2023 is a challenging task. Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team reached out to industry experts to find out which innovative mechanics and interesting game designs were presented this year. The result is a diverse list, including both established hits and bold experiments, as well as ambitious games that demonstrate how not to approach development. These projects reflect current trends and innovations in the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in game design.

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Game designer Tardy has created an exciting game, Godlike Burger, which combines elements of a cooking simulator and strategy. In this project, players assume the role of the owner of an unusual restaurant serving burgers made with unusual ingredients. A unique approach to gameplay and an original art style make Godlike Burger appealing to a wide audience. Players not only prepare burgers but also manage resources, develop new recipes, and attract customers, adding depth and variety to the game. It's also worth noting that Tardy actively monitors player feedback, allowing them to improve and develop the project according to their wishes. Godlike Burger is not just a game, but a complete experience that combines elements of cooking and entertainment, offering players unique adventures in the world of gastronomy. The ideas presented in Tears of the Kingdom might have initially been questionable. Typically, full-fledged vehicle construction kits don't fit into the overall gameplay mechanics and become irrelevant. However, Nintendo has surprised players once again. The ability to combine objects and create unique structures, such as a bomber, raft, or catapult, has become not just an interesting feature, but a source of unforgettable gaming moments. For example, you can use a flying log to defeat a powerful boss, which highlights the developers' innovative approach to gameplay.

The game's innovations didn't become dead weight; on the contrary, they significantly enriched the rich open world. They highlighted all the details, systems, and mechanics inherited from Breath of the Wild. At the same time, the number of new elements has increased, and every little thing continues to effectively influence the gameplay.

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7 lessons to learn from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - what's new A fresh hit from Nintendo. This game is not only entertaining, but also teaches important life lessons.

The first lesson is that exploring the world can lead to unexpected discoveries. Players are given the opportunity to explore vast locations, which emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge. The second lesson is about problem solving—the game offers many puzzles that require creativity and logical thinking.

The third lesson is the value of collaboration. Interacting with characters and using their unique abilities emphasizes the importance of teamwork. The fourth lesson emphasizes the need to adapt to change. Players often have to adjust to new conditions, which teaches flexibility and resourcefulness.

The fifth lesson is the importance of patience. Some tasks require time and persistence, which helps develop perseverance. The sixth lesson is about decision making. Every player's action can influence the course of events, which teaches responsibility for one's choices.

Finally, the seventh lesson is the power of imagination. The game provides players with tools to create unique solutions and approaches, which inspires creative thinking. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is not only engaging, but also offers many valuable lessons that can be useful in real life.

Many developers prefer not to give players opportunities for improvisation. It is easier to confine them to empty and isolated arenas, providing a strictly fixed set of tools. This simplifies the development process and reduces the risk of bugs, cheating, or gameplay glitches. However, this strategy can limit player creativity and detract from the overall experience. Opportunities for experimentation and creativity can significantly increase interest in a project and increase its market appeal.

Baldur's Gate 3 stands out from other games by maintaining adherence to the Dungeons & Dragons rules and the depth of its system. However, it also gives players the freedom to improvise. You can destroy a bridge, ladder, or other objects, jump to an inaccessible ledge, or push an enemy into the abyss. Throw barrels or other enemies at your opponents, spill oil from a barrel, and set it on fire to create fire traps. You can also build a ladder from crates to reach hard-to-reach areas. Baldur's Gate 3 offers unique gameplay where creativity and strategy are key.

The ability to improvise and find unconventional solutions to problems is truly rare in modern games. Although such elements have already been present in projects such as Divinity: Original Sin and many others, this is where it is implemented to a high level. Players can not only follow the established rules but also use a creative approach to solve problems that arise. This creates a unique gaming atmosphere and makes the process more engaging. Such innovations in game design are a real boon for those who value freedom of choice and the ability to apply individual strategies.

Besides these two projects, Alexey also highlighted Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew—an original turn-based stealth tactical game reminiscent of Mimimi Games' work, such as Desperados 3. This year, the studio announced its closure, and Shadow Gambit became a sort of farewell gift, worth trying for anyone who appreciates unconventional genre crossovers. This game is capable of attracting fans of strategy and tactical adventures thanks to its unique gameplay experience and captivating atmosphere.

Game designer at Kosmos Games, known for its projects «Golden Prairies» and "Merge Tale", and the author of the popular YouTube channel and Telegram channel "Experience Points". In his works, he shares his experience and knowledge about game creation and game design, which makes his content valuable for developers and game lovers.

The mechanics of the game Cocoon are impressive both visually and tactilely. The main idea of ​​the game is teleportation. Unlike Portal, where players usually move within a single room, in Cocoon we jump between different worlds, which creates a unique gaming experience.

The recent games Ratchet & Clank and Spider-Man 2 feature similar portal mechanics, but in this case they are implemented more elegantly and are used much more often. Instead of long descriptions, it is better to just see how it looks in practice.

The game was developed by a former game designer of Limbo and Inside, which makes it a significant project on the indie scene. This title is worth checking out for anyone looking for new and original ideas in games. Be sure to check it out to understand how innovative approaches can change the perception of indie games.

Modern games have long offered players the opportunity to participate in non-linear dialogues, allowing them to change the course of the story depending on their answer choices. However, David Gaider, a former writer for BioWare and creator of the Dragon Age universe, has presented an original approach to this mechanic. In his new game, players will be able to not only conduct dialogues, but also sing songs, while changing their tone and content to achieve the desired result. This innovation adds depth to character interactions and offers a unique experience that sets the game apart from other projects.

Gaider has created the perfect game for anyone looking to get their partner interested in video games. After watching the trailer, my girlfriend expressed her desire to play the game with just five words: "I want to play that!" This project is perfect for spending time together and attracting new players, making it a great choice for couples.

A few years ago, the game gained popularity online thanks to its unique mechanics, with GIFs featuring it actively spreading across gaming sites and instant messengers. Using photography, we can create, augment, and alter reality, paving the way through unusual and stunningly beautiful worlds. In this case, the video conveys the essence of the game much better than any text description.

The Director of the Studio "Masterskaya 15" is responsible for strategic leadership and project management, ensuring high quality work and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, a team of professionals creates unique solutions in the field of design and art. Masterskaya 15 Studio has established itself as a reliable partner in the implementation of creative projects, offering a personalized approach and innovative ideas. The director is actively involved in the development process, which allows us to take into account all the nuances and wishes of clients, as well as ensure compliance with modern trends and industry standards.

My primary responsibility is managing the studio, so I am most interested in analyzing game design in its overall context. From this perspective, I decided to delve into the study of several games.

This game clearly shows the development process: it was created by splitting it into parts and handing it off to different teams. As a result, issues arose during the final assembly stage, and the game feels unfinished, with many disparate elements. This situation highlights the shortcomings in coordination and integration, which negatively impacts the overall experience.

Starfield features a variety of weapons, but only one high-quality gun is enough to complete the game. The game features a variety of food, which is well-designed but has little impact on gameplay. The spaceship designer offers interesting options, but traveling the world is not particularly engaging due to frequent teleports and loading screens. Several dozen companion characters are available, but unfortunately, most are boring and provide little tangible benefit in the game.

The main story and procedural generation in Starfield clearly demonstrate the desire to create a visually appealing game with minimal costs. The result is a project that resembles Frankenstein's monster, combining various elements and ideas. Despite this, the game attracts attention with its scale and ambitious approach to creating the game world.

The original game was so well developed that it can be adapted into several remakes. At the moment, versions for various platforms, HD re-releases and even a VR adaptation have already been released. Despite this, there is the possibility of creating a new remake, which attracted significant attention and showed excellent sales. Examples like these serve as a source of inspiration for developers.

The new remake of the game significantly expanded the number of ways to use the knife, which became one of the most noticeable innovations. The developers improved mechanics that were present in the original version, but were not used as often. Such improvements highlight the importance of remakes, which are designed not only to update the game, but also to build on its existing elements, making the gameplay more exciting and varied.

I do not approve of the implementation of stealth mechanics in the Resident Evil game series. For me, this franchise has always been associated with the tension of constant enemy attacks and the acute shortage of ammunition. The main emphasis was on the need to fight and make risky decisions, rather than the ability to avoid collisions and conserve ammunition. In this context, the changes could lead to a dilution of the tension and atmosphere that defined the original games in the series.

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Twice in the same river: how the Resident Evil 4 remake aims to repeat the success of the original game

The Resident Evil 4 remake is generating great interest among fans of the series and players in general. The original game, released in 2005, became a classic of the genre and set new standards for survival horror. The new project aims to preserve the key elements that made the original so outstanding, while introducing modern technology and gameplay mechanics.

The main focus of the remake is improved graphics and sound, which helps create a more immersive atmosphere. In addition, the developers have reworked some aspects of the gameplay, adding new elements that will make Leon Kennedy's adventure even more exciting. Preserving the spirit of the original, while introducing modern solutions, can attract both veterans and new players.

It is also worth noting that the remake includes a reworked plot and characters, which allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and stories. This adds a fresh feel to the game and makes it more appealing to audiences familiar with the original.

Overall, the Resident Evil 4 remake strives not only to recreate the success of the original but also to adapt to the expectations of modern players, making it one of the most anticipated releases in the world of video games.

This is another example worth carefully analyzing to avoid repeating the mistakes. If this were an unknown studio, the failure would be understandable. However, no one expected this from Arkane. The game feels like the legacy of the legendary studio and contains excellent ideas that could have become the basis for a successful project. But several poor management decisions ultimately resulted in one of the most notable failures of the year.

The studio's management doesn't seem to have taken the project seriously enough. It seems like a side project, with junior staff involved without clear instructions. This is typical when a team lacks a clear understanding of the end result because no specialists are capable of maintaining a clear vision of the concept. The lack of leadership and a clear strategy negatively impacts the quality of work and can lead to a discrepancy between expectations and reality.

Producer of ILL, founder of Gripper and author of the popular Telegram channel "Pro Game Design in 5 Minutes." This channel provides concise and informative game design materials to help developers and enthusiasts quickly master key concepts and practices in the field.

The game designer highlighted six releases and shared what developers can learn from each of them. These games contain unique mechanics and ideas that can inspire new projects. In discussing these releases, he emphasizes innovative approaches and successful solutions that contribute to improving gameplay and increasing player interest. Developers should pay attention to these aspects in order to successfully apply them to their future projects.

Nintendo once again demonstrates its mastery of creating unique gameplay combinations using just one new mechanic. The company continues to delight players by integrating a variety of gameplay elements, which makes each new game fresh and exciting. Thanks to innovative approaches, Nintendo manages to maintain interest in its projects and attract new audiences. Each new game becomes a shining example of how tradition and innovation can be effectively combined in the gaming industry.

Creating remakes requires a special approach to preserving the atmosphere of the original while introducing modern elements. In such projects, maps can differ significantly, and mechanics undergo careful polishing and adaptation to modern requirements. However, it is important that the game remains true to the spirit of its predecessor. This is achieved through an attentive approach to detail, the use of original ideas and concepts, and the addition of new features that enrich the gameplay without disrupting its core essence. Thus, remakes become not just an updated version of a classic, but a unique experience for a new generation of players.

Discussion of the wrapper called "Mind Palace" demonstrates how it failed to create a fully-fledged investigation mechanic or write a novel with non-linear elements. In this project, it is clear how costly the attempt to use linear locations, creating only the illusion of freedom of movement for players, was. This situation highlights the importance of thoughtful structure and mechanics in games, especially when it comes to creating a compelling narrative and rich gameplay.

How to make rhythm fighting accessible to a wider audience? This is a question that is becoming increasingly relevant in the world of entertainment. Organizing rhythm fighting requires a careful approach to the concept, format, and audience. It is important to create an atmosphere that will attract both experienced viewers and newcomers. To achieve this, it is worth considering the ease of access to events, for example, broadcasting on popular platforms and ensuring affordable ticket prices. It is also necessary to develop interaction with the audience through social media and special applications to involve people in the process and make it more interactive. It is important to think through show elements that will make the fights more spectacular and memorable, thereby attracting the attention of a wider audience. With the right approach, rhythm combat can become a popular entertainment format accessible to everyone.

An experienced designer transforms locations into unique objects, forming their own inventory with nesting elements. This process involves a deep understanding of the space and its features, which allows for the creation of items that are not only visually appealing but also functional. Designers examine each location, analyzing its characteristics, atmosphere, and context to integrate elements into the overall concept as effectively as possible. This approach ensures a harmonious blend of objects and the environment, making them an integral part of the unique design.

This is a project that I consider a success, since we completed it and released it. For others, it will be an example of how we tried to combine the hook mechanics with the narrative, but did not achieve complete harmony.

Game designers from Caliber and Pioneer play an important role in the development of video games, creating unique game mechanics and immersive worlds. They handle both conceptual design and technical implementation, creating engaging gaming experiences for users. Specialists in this field must possess a deep knowledge of game design, as well as the ability to work in a team and adapt to rapidly changing industry conditions. On projects like Caliber and Pioneer, game designers utilize modern technologies and approaches to attract and retain player attention. Game development requires not only creativity but also analytical thinking, making this profession one of the most in-demand in the market.

There aren't many games that can be called a franchise within a franchise, especially one as large-scale as Final Fantasy 7. The mobile version of this iconic game offers a compact compilation of story campaigns from the original Final Fantasy 7, as well as several other installments in the series. It is free-to-play and a game-as-a-service. While this description may seem strange, in practice, the game turns out to be much more engaging, and here's why.

Square Enix is ​​once again demonstrating its ability to pack large-scale games into compact formats. Final Fantasy 15: Pocket Edition is worth mentioning in this context, where the developers adapted the main storyline using low-poly graphics and compact, top-down locations. This allows players to enjoy a rich game world and story elements while remaining mobile. Adaptations like these make games more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, while preserving the core elements of the original.

In Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, the developers took it a step further by adding combat sections with realistic graphics to a pocket-sized package, reminiscent of the recent remakes of Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core. This solution looks very impressive. Furthermore, the game integrates storylines from other games, such as Crisis Core and First Soldier, creating an entirely new story and enriching the gaming experience.

Theme park. In addition to stories from other games, FF7:EC offers unique co-op and solo missions, as well as a separate chocobo mode, making the game even more engaging. And let's not forget the abundant fan service, which creates the atmosphere of a true Disneyland dedicated to Final Fantasy 7. This world offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in their favorite universe and enjoy various activities, making it attractive to fans of the series.

Collaboration platform. Although it is not Fortnite, Square Enix is ​​a major publisher with many well-known series and a separate collaborative franchise, such as Kingdom Hearts. This allows Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis to constantly attract players, offering content from other games and expanding their gaming experience. Cross-promotion opportunities and integration of different universes make the game interesting and varied, which contributes to audience retention and increased user engagement.

This game made me think about whether it could be considered a new genre - like a super game. Whether other major publishers will follow Square Enix with similar projects remains an open question. What will be the fate of this product in the coming years? Will it be able to achieve commercial success, and how will it be supported? These aspects play a key role in determining the game's long-term viability in the market.

Capcom's first new IP in 15 years, as well as its status as a service game, make Exoprimal a particularly interesting project. This game is distinguished by a high level of coherence, which is reflected in its story. Players encounter temporal anomalies, multiverses, and unstable artificial intelligence that sends them into battles with numerous dinosaurs. All these elements of madness are harmoniously intertwined with the game's structure, gameplay, and metagame thanks to two key aspects.

All matches in Exoprimal have a dynamic structure. It is an asynchronous PvP based on PvE, which also features direct PvP and synchronous PvE. Each match consists of two main stages: first, players complete objectives in the asynchronous PvP format, and then move on to the finale, where they face each other. The set of objectives, their sequence, and composition are constantly changing, which makes the game interesting and varied. While certain patterns of objectives can be identified over time, the finale mode can be selected before the start of the match, which allows for increased predictability and adaptation of strategy.

Exoprimal demonstrates that with extensive data, effective machine learning, and high-quality game design, it is possible to create an immersive, adaptive gaming experience. The game maintains player engagement by managing the rhythm and dynamics of gameplay. This is achieved through the regular addition of new content, including objectives, enemies, and maps, which helps maintain player interest and engagement.

The story campaign and competitive matches are seamlessly integrated. The more you play, the deeper you become immersed in the story. After a certain number of matches, a story event occurs, which may include a unique encounter, a cutscene, or the discovery of new data that reveals the story. These unique matches introduce new content, such as new dinosaur forms, which may then appear in regular matches. This creates a connection between gameplay and the story, providing the feeling of playing a story-driven PvP game. This approach makes the game more engaging and interesting.

Enhance Experience is a unique studio that creates original games that sometimes break the boundaries of traditional gaming formats. One striking example is their project Humanity, created in collaboration with the Japanese company tha Ltd., known for its achievements in motion design and interactive applications. This game evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classic titles from the early 2000s for the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2, and offers players unusual sensations, including elements of synesthesia.

This puzzle game offers players the unique experience of controlling a glowing Shiba Inu who guides people to the heavens. In this context, "heaven" can have different meanings, which adds depth to the game. Solving puzzles can be challenging, especially when they are unusually integrated into the narrative, but Enhance Experience handles this task brilliantly. For players experiencing difficulty, helpful features include the ability to rewind time, restart levels while saving progress, and access to videos of successful completions. Moreover, each puzzle can be solved in multiple ways, making the gameplay varied and engaging.

The game boasts an impressive design that is evident in every aspect. The difficulty curve is carefully crafted, making the process accessible and engaging. The balance between gameplay and story is high, allowing players to immerse themselves in the story. The sound design and interface are stylishly minimalist, complementing the overall aesthetic experience.

There is an advanced and user-friendly level editor developed by Media Molecule, a studio known for Dreams. The editor features high-quality tutorials to help users master its functionality. One of the main advantages is a strong and active community ready to support and share experiences. I recommend checking out this tool both for fun, creating levels, and for finding useful solutions for work-related tasks.

One of the game's key features is the VR mode. Enhance has been developing interesting VR and AR products for the past ten years. If you have VR glasses, be sure to check out Humanity - it's a unique and original project from Japan. It deserves attention and should definitely be on your list to check out.