Much as we think about games in terms to the big picture, it’s useful to step back and examine the little details. Especially if those little details start to become a major hurdle for a game being fun to play.
Author Archives: drmabian
On Traveling
One of the most basic elements of a game is how you get around it. But what are the ways in which movement can go wrong? In this post I’ll look at Cyberpunk 2077 to help explain some ways in which basic movement can run into major issues.
On Simplicity
Video games have become increasingly complex over the years, but to what extent does that complexity get in the way of those games being good? In this essay I’ll examine the value of trying to think about video game systems in a simpler light.
The Copying Trap
Inspiration often leads to a kind of mimicry, but this mimicry can be a trap that developers often fall into. If you’re trying to make something new, how do you go about making something that’s really different?
To Cheat or Not to Cheat?
Every now and then, the topic of cheating in a single-player game comes up, and there’s a big argument about it. But how should we understand the ethics of cheating, whether in multiplayer or single-player?
Video Game Narratives
While stories are a prominent element of video games, what makes a good story, and in particular, what makes a good story for a video game specifically?
Talking About Games: A “Good” Game
We often talk about games in terms of whether we “like” or “dislike” them, but how could that mindset be hurting our discussions?
Puzzling Players
Solving puzzles can be a lot of fun, but only if the puzzles are designed well. So what are some potential traps a puzzle game could fall into?
Wide Open Worlds
Words: 4448 Approximate Reading Time: 30-35 minutes As games have gotten bigger and bigger over time, there has been a tendency toward making gigantic open spaces that players can explore. Primarily these kinds of games are Role-Playing Games, though the idea of having these open worlds is definitely not exclusive to the genre. This tendencyContinue reading “Wide Open Worlds”
Reflecting on the Mega Man Series
Words: 4338 Approximate Reading Time: 30-35 minutes I’ve been a longtime fan of the Mega Man games. Some of my earliest gaming memories are of playing Mega Man X and X2. And I similarly enjoy games that play off of the basic mechanics, such as Inti Creates’ Azure Striker Gunvolt. I have my quibbles hereContinue reading “Reflecting on the Mega Man Series”
Abstracting Games 