Tag: Game Development

GTA 6 Propping Up Console Growth Shows The Industry Has A Concentration Problem

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Blog, News

Grand Theft Auto 6 has become more than the biggest game release of 2026. It has become one of the assumptions holding up the console market’s growth forecast. As GamesIndustry.biz reports, Newzoo’s director of market intelligence, Emmanuel Rosier, believes console revenue would be flat or declining this year without Rockstar’s latest release. Newzoo currently forecasts console revenue reaching $46.9 billion in 2026, representing growth of 5.1% year-on-year. Switch 2 is contributing to that performance, but GTA 6 is the decisive commercial event. Newzoo expects full-game console spending to rise by 17.5%, with the release providing the strongest growth across any business model it tracks. That’s obviously impressive. It’s also slightly terrifying...

Warren Spector Retiring Shows Game Development Must Outgrow Its Legends

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Blog, News

Warren Spector is retiring after nearly 44 years in game development. His farewell is a reminder that creative legacies matter most when knowledge, opportunity, and authorship pass to the next generation...

When Everything Affects Everything: The Overconnection Problem

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Analysis, Blog, Game Design

A strong systemic game isn’t one where everything connects to everything else. It’s one where the right systems connect in ways players can understand, predict, and use. When too many consequences propagate at once, depth becomes noise...

Crafting a Game Prototype: Essential Tips

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Analysis, Blog, Game Design

A well-crafted prototype serves as the foundation for your game, allowing you to test and refine the core gameplay mechanics that will define the player's experience. By creating a structured prototype, developers can quickly identify what works, what needs improvement, and how players engage with the mechanics. Prototyping provides a risk-free environment to experiment, iterate, and optimise gameplay before committing to full development...

Enhancing Player Satisfaction with the PENS Model

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Analysis, Blog, Game Design

In game design, understanding the psychological needs of players can significantly enhance their experience and keep them engaged for the long term. The Player Experience of Needs Satisfaction (PENS) model is a framework developed by research psychologists to address core psychological needs that, when fulfilled, can drive player satisfaction, loyalty, and immersion. By focusing on these needs in game development, designers can create deeper, more meaningful gaming experiences...

The Importance of Creating a Vision Document for Game Development

Posted on by Myles Blasonato in Analysis, Blog, Game Design

When embarking on the journey of game development, a vision document is crucial. It’s more than just a guideline; it’s the foundation that keeps your project on track, ensuring that every element, from gameplay to art direction, aligns with your core goals. Here's why creating a vision document is essential for game development success...