Category: News

General game developing news and updates.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Video: Looking at open world games to understand player autonomy

Player autonomy is often misunderstood as “giving players freedom”, which can lead to player frustration and disappointment instead of satisfaction.

In order to direct a good experience for players, developers must have an understanding of what player autonomy means in game design.  

In this 2017 GDC session, Immersyve’s Scott Rigby discusses the pitfalls of designing for player autonomy, providing developers with an accurate blueprint of what autonomy truly means.

Rigby uses open world games to give examples of how contemporary designs optimize for autonomy, and offers the best practices that developers should follow. 

Developers curious to learn more about player autonomy can now watch the talk completely free via the official GDC YouTube channel!

In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.

Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.

Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Americas.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Now Available on Steam Early Access – VRFC Virtual Reality Football Club, 30% off!

VRFC Virtual Reality Football Club is Now Available on Steam Early Access and is 30% off!*

Take to the turf in VRFC, the world’s only first-person VR football game. Whether you struggle to hit a cow’s backside with a banjo, or your idea of dribbling is something babies do, none of that matters – now you can become a footballing legend in your own living room.

*Offer ends March 20 at 10AM Pacific Time

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Midweek Madness – Farming Simulator 17, 50% Off

Save 50% on Farming Simulator 17 during this week’s Midweek Madness*!

Take on the role of a modern farmer in Farming Simulator 17! Explore farming possibilities in a new North American environment. Drive over 250 farming vehicles and equipment from over 75 manufacturers, including new brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Valtra or Massey Ferguson.

*Offer ends Friday at 10AM Pacific Time

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Now Available on Steam – Q.U.B.E. 2, 20% off!

Q.U.B.E. 2 is Now Available on Steam and is 20% off!*

Q.U.B.E. 2 is the sequel to the hit first-person puzzle game Q.U.B.E. You are Amelia Cross, a stranded archaeologist who has awoken among the ruins of an ancient alien landscape. With the distant help of another survivor you must manipulate the structure of this mysterious world and find a way back home.

*Offer ends March 20 at 10AM Pacific Time

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Daily Deal – A Hat in Time, 33% Off

Today’s update unveils Dota Plus, a new monthly subscription service designed to help you get the most out of every Dota 2 match you play.

Dota Plus is an evolution of the Battle Pass. In the past we released two types of Battle Passes, ones that revolved around the Majors, and one around The International. As a result of the recent introduction of the Pro Circuit, we’ve replaced the Majors Battle Passes with a new type of service that doesn’t depend on a specific start and end date, and one that we can continually add features and content to over time.

This reimagining of the Majors Battle Pass will be an ongoing, uninterrupted service filled with features that provide both progression and opportunities for improvement. Hero Leveling offers you a way to make progress every match while earning Shards, a new currency that can be used to unlock rewards. Test your skills by completing hundreds of new Challenges of varying difficulties. Use the Plus Assistant to help you make build decisions by utilizing real-time item and ability suggestions. These suggestions are based on data gathered from millions of recent games at each skill bracket, ensuring your builds stay current in the ever-evolving meta. Better understand your playstyle by using new graphs and analysis tools both during the match and after it’s finished.

This update also includes the return of the Battle Cup. All Dota Plus members will have free weekly access to play in the weekend tournaments, while non-members can still purchase tickets for $0.99 to participate.

Everything Dota Plus has to offer is available now for $3.99 per month. Receive a discount if you sign up for a six- or twelve-month subscription. Want to gift Dota Plus to a friend? You can purchase gift memberships that will remain active for a fixed number of months.

Check out the Dota 2 store page for more information on all of the features included in your subscription.