🌟 Well, that's it from us in 2024. Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
Game Developer's Best of 2024
The top game industry trends, events, games and more in 2024.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 28, 2024 at 4:02 AM
🌟 Well, that's it from us in 2024. Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
One of the biggest questions in 2024 was if developers should move on from Unity and other proprietary engines, and if so, how?
At GDC 2024, developer Rez Graham made a case for building your own engine, outlining the available tools, as well as some pitfalls #GDBestof2024
At GDC 2024, developer Rez Graham made a case for building your own engine, outlining the available tools, as well as some pitfalls #GDBestof2024
Why (and how) you should leave Unity and Unreal to make your own engine
Longtime developer Rez Graham shares the advantages (and disadvantages) of building your own tech for indie game development.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 28, 2024 at 1:01 AM
One of the biggest questions in 2024 was if developers should move on from Unity and other proprietary engines, and if so, how?
At GDC 2024, developer Rez Graham made a case for building your own engine, outlining the available tools, as well as some pitfalls #GDBestof2024
At GDC 2024, developer Rez Graham made a case for building your own engine, outlining the available tools, as well as some pitfalls #GDBestof2024
Tears of the Kingdom contains a physics system that simulates real-world object interactions.
Designing it required carefully studying how players think objects should behave, not how they really do.
The game's technical director and its lead physics programmer tell us more #GDBestof2024
Designing it required carefully studying how players think objects should behave, not how they really do.
The game's technical director and its lead physics programmer tell us more #GDBestof2024
How Nintendo did the impossible with Tears of the Kingdom's physics system
Tears of the Kingdom technical director Takuhiro Dohta and lead physics programmer Takahiro Takayama share secrets from developing the game's amazingly complex physics system.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 27, 2024 at 11:01 PM
Tears of the Kingdom contains a physics system that simulates real-world object interactions.
Designing it required carefully studying how players think objects should behave, not how they really do.
The game's technical director and its lead physics programmer tell us more #GDBestof2024
Designing it required carefully studying how players think objects should behave, not how they really do.
The game's technical director and its lead physics programmer tell us more #GDBestof2024
📖 One of Game Developer's most popular dev-authored pieces this year was actually a book!
Check out Ultima and Worldbuilding in Computer Role-Playing Games by Professors Carly Kocurek and Matthew Payne.
It's available in full for free. #GDBestof2024
Check out Ultima and Worldbuilding in Computer Role-Playing Games by Professors Carly Kocurek and Matthew Payne.
It's available in full for free. #GDBestof2024
Book Excerpt: Ultima and Worldbuilding in the Computer Role-Playing Game
'Ultima and Worldbuilding in the Computer Role-Playing Game is the first scholarly book to focus exclusively on the long-running Ultima series of computer role-playing games (RPG) and to assess its lasting impact on the RPG genre and video game industry.'
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 27, 2024 at 9:01 PM
📖 One of Game Developer's most popular dev-authored pieces this year was actually a book!
Check out Ultima and Worldbuilding in Computer Role-Playing Games by Professors Carly Kocurek and Matthew Payne.
It's available in full for free. #GDBestof2024
Check out Ultima and Worldbuilding in Computer Role-Playing Games by Professors Carly Kocurek and Matthew Payne.
It's available in full for free. #GDBestof2024
As a player, have you ever felt like some games are intentionally making you lose or win?
While you might just be paranoid or unlucky, you could also be right.
Adrien Laurent dissects a predatory design tactic in monetized games #GDBestof2024
While you might just be paranoid or unlucky, you could also be right.
Adrien Laurent dissects a predatory design tactic in monetized games #GDBestof2024
Featured Blog | Predatory tactics in gaming are worse than you think
I want to shed light on a tactic that involves collecting data as you play, feeding this data into complex algorithms and models that then alter the rules of your game under the hood to optimize spending opportunities.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 27, 2024 at 7:01 PM
As a player, have you ever felt like some games are intentionally making you lose or win?
While you might just be paranoid or unlucky, you could also be right.
Adrien Laurent dissects a predatory design tactic in monetized games #GDBestof2024
While you might just be paranoid or unlucky, you could also be right.
Adrien Laurent dissects a predatory design tactic in monetized games #GDBestof2024
🌟 Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to check out the Best of 2024 keyword on the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to check out the Best of 2024 keyword on the site.
Game Developer's Best of 2024
The best of everything in the games industry for 2024.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 27, 2024 at 3:02 AM
🌟 Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to check out the Best of 2024 keyword on the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to check out the Best of 2024 keyword on the site.
When Krafton CEO Changhan Kim snapped up Hi-Fi Rush darlings Tango Gameworks this year, it wasn't about money.
It was about legacy.
"We cannot really translate the volume into money. It's more about the significance." Read more in our interview #GDBestof2024
It was about legacy.
"We cannot really translate the volume into money. It's more about the significance." Read more in our interview #GDBestof2024
'We don't think Hi-Fi Rush 2 is going to make us money:' Krafton CEO says Tango Gameworks acquisition is about legacy
'It's a team that should be encouraged to create something new and continue their journey.'
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 27, 2024 at 1:01 AM
When Krafton CEO Changhan Kim snapped up Hi-Fi Rush darlings Tango Gameworks this year, it wasn't about money.
It was about legacy.
"We cannot really translate the volume into money. It's more about the significance." Read more in our interview #GDBestof2024
It was about legacy.
"We cannot really translate the volume into money. It's more about the significance." Read more in our interview #GDBestof2024
The key to Animal Well's success? It's a secret.
Well, secrets. The game is built on multiple layers of encoded clues that players are still in the process of deciphering.
Creator Billy Basso gives us insight into the deeper layers of the game's puzzles. #GDBestof2024
Well, secrets. The game is built on multiple layers of encoded clues that players are still in the process of deciphering.
Creator Billy Basso gives us insight into the deeper layers of the game's puzzles. #GDBestof2024
Why Animal Well's home-brewed engine was key to its success
How an off-hours project, a rising YouTuber, and a unique Discord-driven release strategy came together for a game-of-the-year candidate.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 26, 2024 at 11:01 PM
The key to Animal Well's success? It's a secret.
Well, secrets. The game is built on multiple layers of encoded clues that players are still in the process of deciphering.
Creator Billy Basso gives us insight into the deeper layers of the game's puzzles. #GDBestof2024
Well, secrets. The game is built on multiple layers of encoded clues that players are still in the process of deciphering.
Creator Billy Basso gives us insight into the deeper layers of the game's puzzles. #GDBestof2024
Designing a game by player feedback is a tricky process.
Whether you launch a dedicated program or follow a general strategy of community-driven development, here are five rules for you to follow from Dying Light 2's franchise director Tymon Smektała.
#GDBestof2024
Whether you launch a dedicated program or follow a general strategy of community-driven development, here are five rules for you to follow from Dying Light 2's franchise director Tymon Smektała.
#GDBestof2024
Deep Dive: Harnessing the power of player feedback with Dying Light 2
Whether you decide to launch a dedicated program, or follow a general strategy of community-driven development, here are five rules for you to follow.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 26, 2024 at 9:01 PM
Designing a game by player feedback is a tricky process.
Whether you launch a dedicated program or follow a general strategy of community-driven development, here are five rules for you to follow from Dying Light 2's franchise director Tymon Smektała.
#GDBestof2024
Whether you launch a dedicated program or follow a general strategy of community-driven development, here are five rules for you to follow from Dying Light 2's franchise director Tymon Smektała.
#GDBestof2024
Trying to dissect a design process, says designer Amin Montazeri, is like eating a delicious meal without knowing the recipe. Experiencing good taste is not enough.
Read his comprehensive breakdown of the level design process #GDBestof2024
Read his comprehensive breakdown of the level design process #GDBestof2024
Level Design Process #01: Cube to Temple
Level design is like when you eat a delicious food without knowing its recipe. Experiencing a good taste is NOT enough to make a similar one. You should understand about the entire process; from the fundamentals to polishing the product.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 26, 2024 at 7:01 PM
Trying to dissect a design process, says designer Amin Montazeri, is like eating a delicious meal without knowing the recipe. Experiencing good taste is not enough.
Read his comprehensive breakdown of the level design process #GDBestof2024
Read his comprehensive breakdown of the level design process #GDBestof2024
🌟 Hey devs! Thanks for hanging out with us on the holiday while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
Game Developer's Best of 2024
Here's the best of the games industry in 2024.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 26, 2024 at 3:01 AM
🌟 Hey devs! Thanks for hanging out with us on the holiday while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
"The secret to Steam is asking for shit."
In a GDC 2024 talk, marketing expert Chris Zukowski revealed the secret to selling your game on Steam: make them work for their 30%.
This and other tips in our talk write-up #GDBestof2024
In a GDC 2024 talk, marketing expert Chris Zukowski revealed the secret to selling your game on Steam: make them work for their 30%.
This and other tips in our talk write-up #GDBestof2024
The secret to using Steam as a developer is to make Valve earn their 30 percent
Chris Zukowski argues that Valve can do a lot to help your game become more visible, which is worth its weight in gold. All you have to do is ask.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 26, 2024 at 1:02 AM
"The secret to Steam is asking for shit."
In a GDC 2024 talk, marketing expert Chris Zukowski revealed the secret to selling your game on Steam: make them work for their 30%.
This and other tips in our talk write-up #GDBestof2024
In a GDC 2024 talk, marketing expert Chris Zukowski revealed the secret to selling your game on Steam: make them work for their 30%.
This and other tips in our talk write-up #GDBestof2024
This year, the fight for industry unionization was joined by an unlikely source: Bungie's former chief legal officer, Don McGowan.
In our interview, McGowan said developers stand to benefit from the physical and contractual advantages a union can provide. #GDBestof2024
In our interview, McGowan said developers stand to benefit from the physical and contractual advantages a union can provide. #GDBestof2024
Former Bungie chief legal officer says the game industry must unionize
Don McGowan, the former Bungie CLO who pursued Destiny 2 cheaters and players that threatened his coworkers, wants developers to fight for their rights.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 25, 2024 at 11:01 PM
This year, the fight for industry unionization was joined by an unlikely source: Bungie's former chief legal officer, Don McGowan.
In our interview, McGowan said developers stand to benefit from the physical and contractual advantages a union can provide. #GDBestof2024
In our interview, McGowan said developers stand to benefit from the physical and contractual advantages a union can provide. #GDBestof2024
In a game as complex as Crusader Kings III, a proper tutorial mode is everything
But even the most thorough tutorial modes can be stymied by overwhelming UX design
Here’s how Paradox Interactive used internal data to condense the CKIII tutorial into a more time-efficient experience #GDBestof2024
But even the most thorough tutorial modes can be stymied by overwhelming UX design
Here’s how Paradox Interactive used internal data to condense the CKIII tutorial into a more time-efficient experience #GDBestof2024
Deep Dive: Refreshing the Crusader Kings III tutorial mode through optimized UX
Telemetry data indicated the game's tutorial has a significant impact on retention rates. Here's how UX played a role in improving it.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 25, 2024 at 9:01 PM
In a game as complex as Crusader Kings III, a proper tutorial mode is everything
But even the most thorough tutorial modes can be stymied by overwhelming UX design
Here’s how Paradox Interactive used internal data to condense the CKIII tutorial into a more time-efficient experience #GDBestof2024
But even the most thorough tutorial modes can be stymied by overwhelming UX design
Here’s how Paradox Interactive used internal data to condense the CKIII tutorial into a more time-efficient experience #GDBestof2024
Should you use a proprietary engine or build your own?
It depends on your resources, what you hope to accomplish, and a myriad of other factors.
Here's why you shouldn't--and when you should, according to developer Maxim Kiselev #GDBestof2024
It depends on your resources, what you hope to accomplish, and a myriad of other factors.
Here's why you shouldn't--and when you should, according to developer Maxim Kiselev #GDBestof2024
Real reasons (not) to build custom game engines in 2024
Drawing from Highfleet's experience, this article explains why building your own engine may be a bad idea and when it might be worth considering.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 25, 2024 at 7:01 PM
Should you use a proprietary engine or build your own?
It depends on your resources, what you hope to accomplish, and a myriad of other factors.
Here's why you shouldn't--and when you should, according to developer Maxim Kiselev #GDBestof2024
It depends on your resources, what you hope to accomplish, and a myriad of other factors.
Here's why you shouldn't--and when you should, according to developer Maxim Kiselev #GDBestof2024
⭐Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
Game Developer's Best of 2024
Showcasing the best of 2024 in the games industry.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 25, 2024 at 3:01 AM
⭐Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
One of the biggest stories this year was the splintering of ZA/UM, the creative team behind Disco Elysium.
One of the studios to emerge from the wreckage is Dark Math Games, who secured a reported seven-figure investment in their debut title, XXX Nightshift #GDBestof2024
One of the studios to emerge from the wreckage is Dark Math Games, who secured a reported seven-figure investment in their debut title, XXX Nightshift #GDBestof2024
Dark Math Games obtains seven-figure investment for debut project, XXX Nightshift
ZA/UM veterans are reuniting with a major investor from the Disco Elysium days to work on its 'true detective RPG' successor.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 25, 2024 at 1:00 AM
One of the biggest stories this year was the splintering of ZA/UM, the creative team behind Disco Elysium.
One of the studios to emerge from the wreckage is Dark Math Games, who secured a reported seven-figure investment in their debut title, XXX Nightshift #GDBestof2024
One of the studios to emerge from the wreckage is Dark Math Games, who secured a reported seven-figure investment in their debut title, XXX Nightshift #GDBestof2024
Why have so many people in the games industry shifted to Bluesky?
Devs say the platform is a promising "fresh start."
"It's a great [place] to share early development and get early feedback from kind people." #GDBestof2024
Devs say the platform is a promising "fresh start."
"It's a great [place] to share early development and get early feedback from kind people." #GDBestof2024
What are game developers getting out of Bluesky?
Game developers are among the millions users leaving X (formerly Twitter) and signing up for Bluesky. What are they getting out of the platform?
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 24, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Why have so many people in the games industry shifted to Bluesky?
Devs say the platform is a promising "fresh start."
"It's a great [place] to share early development and get early feedback from kind people." #GDBestof2024
Devs say the platform is a promising "fresh start."
"It's a great [place] to share early development and get early feedback from kind people." #GDBestof2024
GOG is on a mission to find the right balance when it comes to restoring old games
Game releases technical producer Adam Ziółkowski tells us what the process was like updating Alpha Protocol, particularly the demands on DRM and cloud saving, in this Deep Dive #GDBestof2024
Game releases technical producer Adam Ziółkowski tells us what the process was like updating Alpha Protocol, particularly the demands on DRM and cloud saving, in this Deep Dive #GDBestof2024
Deep Dive: How GOG perfected the imperfect with the re-release of Alpha Protocol
Here's how the company took a poorly received game and helped it reach its full potential.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 24, 2024 at 9:02 PM
GOG is on a mission to find the right balance when it comes to restoring old games
Game releases technical producer Adam Ziółkowski tells us what the process was like updating Alpha Protocol, particularly the demands on DRM and cloud saving, in this Deep Dive #GDBestof2024
Game releases technical producer Adam Ziółkowski tells us what the process was like updating Alpha Protocol, particularly the demands on DRM and cloud saving, in this Deep Dive #GDBestof2024
"If game designers are to have any success combating toxicity, we must acknowledge that our own design choices are often the underlying systemic cause.
And that it is our responsibility to change them."
Read the Featured Blog by Rhys Frampton #GDBestof2024
And that it is our responsibility to change them."
Read the Featured Blog by Rhys Frampton #GDBestof2024
Every Game Has The Community It Deserves
If game designers are to have any success combating toxicity, we must acknowledge that our own design choices are often the underlying systemic cause, and that it is our responsibility to change them.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 24, 2024 at 7:01 PM
"If game designers are to have any success combating toxicity, we must acknowledge that our own design choices are often the underlying systemic cause.
And that it is our responsibility to change them."
Read the Featured Blog by Rhys Frampton #GDBestof2024
And that it is our responsibility to change them."
Read the Featured Blog by Rhys Frampton #GDBestof2024
🌟 Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
Best of 2024
Best of 2024
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 24, 2024 at 3:00 AM
🌟 Thanks for hanging out with us this week while we revisit the #GDBestof2024
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
For more of our end-of-year coverage, be sure to visit the site.
https://www.gamedeve...
This year, the ripples of Unity's Runtime Fee disaster were felt far and wide.
One studio that followed through on abandoning the engine was developer Mega Crit, who announced Slay the Spire II will be made entirely in Godot #GDBestof2024
One studio that followed through on abandoning the engine was developer Mega Crit, who announced Slay the Spire II will be made entirely in Godot #GDBestof2024
Slay the Spire devs followed through on abandoning Unity
Unity's Runtime Fee debacle cost it the trust of several indie developers, and led to Slay the Spire 2 being made in Godot.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 24, 2024 at 1:01 AM
This year, the ripples of Unity's Runtime Fee disaster were felt far and wide.
One studio that followed through on abandoning the engine was developer Mega Crit, who announced Slay the Spire II will be made entirely in Godot #GDBestof2024
One studio that followed through on abandoning the engine was developer Mega Crit, who announced Slay the Spire II will be made entirely in Godot #GDBestof2024
American game devs have taken a particular pounding in the industry's layoff and closure crisis.
The high cost of living and other factors are making publishers reluctant to invest in the region.
There are ways to improve the situation—but the final boss may be capitalism itself #GDBestof2024
The high cost of living and other factors are making publishers reluctant to invest in the region.
There are ways to improve the situation—but the final boss may be capitalism itself #GDBestof2024
Why is it so expensive to make games in the United States?
It's becoming harder to sustainably run a game studio in the United States. What can be done to improve that?
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 23, 2024 at 11:01 PM
American game devs have taken a particular pounding in the industry's layoff and closure crisis.
The high cost of living and other factors are making publishers reluctant to invest in the region.
There are ways to improve the situation—but the final boss may be capitalism itself #GDBestof2024
The high cost of living and other factors are making publishers reluctant to invest in the region.
There are ways to improve the situation—but the final boss may be capitalism itself #GDBestof2024
Timberborn, the delightful little beaver citybuilder, has been well received in Early Access
In this Deep Dive, comms manager Michal Amielanczyk reveals the marketing strategy that helped the game's popularity soar despite being in pre-release #GDBestof2024
In this Deep Dive, comms manager Michal Amielanczyk reveals the marketing strategy that helped the game's popularity soar despite being in pre-release #GDBestof2024
How we got one million players to give a dam about Timberborn
Mechanistry comms manager Michal Amielanczyk reveals the marketing strategy that helped Timberborn's popularity soar with only two years in early access.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 23, 2024 at 9:01 PM
Timberborn, the delightful little beaver citybuilder, has been well received in Early Access
In this Deep Dive, comms manager Michal Amielanczyk reveals the marketing strategy that helped the game's popularity soar despite being in pre-release #GDBestof2024
In this Deep Dive, comms manager Michal Amielanczyk reveals the marketing strategy that helped the game's popularity soar despite being in pre-release #GDBestof2024
At the GDCA and IGF awards earlier this year, winners and presenters slammed executives who laid off thousands of workers this year and pleaded for a ceasefire in Gaza.
It was the most vocal developers have ever been at the annual award ceremony. #GDBestof2024
It was the most vocal developers have ever been at the annual award ceremony. #GDBestof2024
Last night's Game Developers Choice Awards showed a community burning to speak out
Amid a celebration of great games, developers pleaded for a ceasefire in Gaza and decried inhumane layoffs.
www.gamedeveloper.com
December 23, 2024 at 7:02 PM
At the GDCA and IGF awards earlier this year, winners and presenters slammed executives who laid off thousands of workers this year and pleaded for a ceasefire in Gaza.
It was the most vocal developers have ever been at the annual award ceremony. #GDBestof2024
It was the most vocal developers have ever been at the annual award ceremony. #GDBestof2024