#gamedesigner

[adamtheamazing5]

Made a 3D model of a katana samurai sword in less than a day.

[glitchpalantir]

Chris Avellone: The Architect of Emotionally Complex Worlds

If the game industry had poets, Chris Avellone would be its enigmatic bard—crafting stories that resonate long after the final dialogue choice is made. His name is etched in the DNA of RPG storytelling, a mind that dares to explore ambiguity, moral complexity, and human fragility in worlds both fantastical and broken. Today, I dive into Avellone’s design ethos through the lens of emotional immersion, narrative weight, and the art of making players question their every choice.

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Narrative Design as Philosophy

At the heart of Avellone’s work lies a philosophy: no character or faction is ever truly good or evil. Every choice is a gradient, a subtle shift in the spectrum of consequence. In Planescape: Torment—Avellone’s magnum opus—the question “What can change the nature of a man?” becomes not just a plot device but the game’s central philosophical puzzle. Every encounter nudges players toward self-reflection, transforming gameplay into introspection. You don’t just beat the game—you live through it.

This narrative design is an exercise in empathy. Avellone forces players to embody flawed characters, live with their mistakes, and grapple with consequences that aren’t black and white. His stories don’t lecture; they guide, allowing players to stumble upon their own insights. This approach redefines the hero’s journey, replacing triumph with understanding.

---

Unreliable Characters, Unreliable Worlds

Avellone's worlds feel alive because they mirror the unpredictability of human nature. In Fallout: New Vegas, the factions aren’t just political entities—they are reflections of ideologies in decay. Caesar’s Legion, NCR, Mr. House—none offer a perfect solution, and therein lies the brilliance. Avellone leans into moral grey areas, turning every ally into a potential betrayer and every villain into a tragic figure. Trust becomes not just a gameplay mechanic but a narrative experiment.

Characters such as Kreia from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II embody this philosophy perfectly. Kreia isn’t a mentor; she’s a subversion of the archetype. Her lessons are riddles, her motives slippery. She teaches you through contradiction, questioning not just the Jedi and Sith but your own beliefs as a player. In an Avellone narrative, you are always one step away from questioning yourself.

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The Power of Player Freedom—But at a Cost

Avellone’s design ethos places tremendous narrative weight on player agency. But with great freedom comes the burden of regret. He doesn’t shy away from showing that not all paths are equal and that, sometimes, no choice is truly “right.” Decisions in his games often feel heavy, not because they unlock a specific outcome but because they force players to live with consequences that cannot be undone. This echoes life itself—a constant interplay of action, regret, and growth.

The beauty of Avellone’s design is that failure can be more narratively rewarding than success. Missing a conversation tree, failing a persuasion check, or choosing the “wrong” option can lead to some of the most compelling character arcs. Avellone’s games whisper: You can’t win everything, but you can find meaning even in loss.

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Human Stories in Grand Settings

What sets Avellone apart from other narrative designers is his ability to tell deeply personal stories within expansive settings. Whether it’s the existential journey of the Nameless One in Planescape: Torment, the slow decay of hope in New Vegas, or the quiet tragedy of minor NPCs, his writing consistently focuses on the small moments—the ones that hit closest to the heart.

Avellone’s games aren’t just about the big plot twists or saving the world. They are about conversations with forgotten characters, personal confessions, and fleeting moments of connection that players might stumble upon by accident. These micro-narratives—the stories hidden in journals, overheard conversations, or optional dialogue—are where his genius truly shines. He respects the player’s curiosity, rewarding exploration not with loot but with insight.

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Controversy, Reflection, and Legacy

Chris Avellone’s career has not been without controversy, and it serves as a reminder that no creative genius is without flaws. The public fallout in recent years complicates his legacy, but that complexity is, in some ways, a reflection of the very themes he explores in his games. Can art and the artist be separated? Should it be? These questions, uncomfortable as they are, feel eerily fitting when discussing someone whose stories dwell on ambiguity.

While Avellone’s future in the industry remains uncertain, his influence on game design is undeniable. His work has shaped not just how stories are told in games but how players experience morality, regret, and redemption in interactive spaces.

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The Takeaway: Design with Questions, Not Answers

If there’s one lesson to learn from Avellone’s approach, it’s that narrative design should leave room for uncertainty. He doesn’t hand players answers on a silver platter. Instead, he asks questions—messy, uncomfortable, and deeply human ones—and lets players wrestle with them. As game designers, writers, or storytellers, we can learn from this. Don’t just design mechanics—design emotions. Don’t just tell stories—invite the player to finish them.

Chris Avellone may or may not return to the forefront of game development, but his storytelling philosophy endures. In every RPG that dares to question the nature of choice, consequence, or identity, you can hear echoes of his work.

And so, I leave you with this thought, inspired by Planescape:

What can change the nature of a player?

[monriatitans]

ARTIST SHOUT-OUT Sunday, July 16, 2023 "Metahuman + Deepfake" by Celso Filho

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram

ArtStation Post

Email: celsojesusf@gmail.com

**Don't forget to give Celso Filho a follow!**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Artist Shout-Outs are given to provide exposure to human artists to combat the AI compilations. For more details, and to view previous ones, click here! This shout-out choice was inspired by Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Day: deepfake, to see the definition, click here! See the original Artist Shout-Out post to Instagram here! See the piece on ArtStation here!

[casbornstudios00]

Calin Finance Announces $10 Million Series A Initial Seed Funding for "INITATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS " Web3 Gaming

🎮 Introducing "Initiates in Battle": Revolutionizing Web3 Gaming with Calin Finance's $10 Million Series A Initial Seed Funding 🚀

Welcome to the forefront of innovation in gaming! Today, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between CASBORNSTUDIOS and Calin Finance that is set to reshape the landscape of web3 gaming. With a generous $10 million Series A Initial Seed Funding, "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS " is poised to redefine the gaming experience, blending cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling.

[Mr. Ahmed Almasri Mohammed.] [Senior Deputy President] [Calin Finance Company] [C/O STEAD ROBINSON LTD SCTGATE HOUSE 2 SCOTGATE ROAD HONLEY HOLMFIRTH ENGLANDHD9 6GD]

[ROMONE ANTOINE CASBORN] [CEO] [INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS] 5900 BALCONES DR STE 100, AUSTN ,TX 78731 UNITED STATES] Subject: Letter of Intent for Funding Casborn Studios Investments in "Initiates in Battle" Web Gaming Project Dear Mr. Casborn, I am writing on behalf of Calin Finance to express our intent to engage in discussions regarding the provision of a $10,000,000

Pre-seed funding stage

financial support for CASBORN STUDIOS ' upcoming project, (INB) "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS ." We have carefully reviewed the details of your web gaming initiative and are impressed by its potential in the dynamic gaming industry. Calin Finance has a strong track record of supporting innovative projects with a focus on sustainability and long-term success. After conducting a thorough analysis of CASBORN STUDIOS and the "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS " project, we believe that your vision aligns with our investment criteria, and we are eager to explore the possibility of a strategic partnership. Our commitment to fostering innovation and contributing to the growth of promising ventures is evident in our successful collaborations with various entities across different industries. CASBORN STUDIOS ' reputation for creativity and excellence in game development resonates with our values, and we see significant potential in supporting the realization of "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS (INB) ." We are pleased to inform CASBORN STUDIOS that, following a comprehensive review process, Calin Finance has approved the loan application for the "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS" (INB) project. This approval underscores our confidence in the viability and potential success of your web gaming initiative. We appreciate the effort and dedication invested by CASBORN STUDIOS in developing a compelling project that aligns with our strategic objectives.

To facilitate the next steps in our collaboration, we kindly request CASBORN STUDIOS to return a duly signed copy of the loan agreement at your earliest convenience. This signed agreement is imperative for finalizing the terms and conditions and subsequently scheduling a meeting for the closing and funding of the approved loan. Upon receipt of the signed agreement, we will promptly coordinate a meeting to discuss the specifics of the closing process, address any outstanding queries, and ensure a smooth transition towards the disbursement of funds for the "Initiates in Battle" project. We look forward to the prospect of collaborating with CASBORN STUDIOS on this exciting venture and believe that our financial support can play a crucial role in the success of "INITIATES IN BATTLE ORIGINS (INB) ." Thank you for choosing Calin Finance as your financial partner. We value the opportunity to contribute to the realization of your gaming project and anticipate a successful and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Sincerely, Ahmed Almasri Mohammed Senior Deputy President

Join us as we delve into the exciting journey ahead, exploring the fusion of creativity, resilience, and strategic vision that promises to make "INITIATES IN BATTLE (INB)" a game-changer in the industry.

Stay tuned as we unveil more about "Initiates in Battle" and the transformative impact of this collaboration. The future of gaming is here, and it's brighter than ever before! 🌟 #InitiatesInBattle #Web3Gaming #CasbornStudios #startupscaling #foundersjourney #ramonecasborn #entrepreneurialjourney #newstartups #techstartups #blockchaingaming

[thealchemyofgamecreation]

Inside Hakan’s War Manager: Design Log – Building the World (V)

I'm continuing to document our game design journey for #HakansWarManager. Here's another log where we faced some hurdles - turns out, some things are a bit tricky with just one developer on board. 😅 #GameDesign #IndieGame #GameDev

Adapting to a New World Greetings, fellow creators! In my last entry, I mentioned upcoming disappointment in the world-building process for “Hakan’s War Manager” and the challenges we faced. Today, I’ll talk about how we addressed these issues and arrived at a new direction. The Disappointment Upon reflection and discussions within our team, it became clear that our game required a continuous…

[stevengerr]

bestgamedevelopmentcompanyinkochi

Malger Entertainments is a leading game development company in Kerala,Kochi. They are developing casual games such as puzzle,solitaire,card games,casino,rummy etc. #bestgamedevelopmentcompanyinkochi,kerala gamedevelopmentcompanies in kochi

[pixeldanc3r]

DAY 3: OCEAN 🌊🐋

[polich-wafer]

just two people that tell each other they’re handsome and that they’re the light of their life or something

it’s a redraw btw this is a version from 2022

[transientcode]

I’ve set myself a handful of goals for 2025.

I want to have a vertical slice worked out and in production for a small game idea I’ve been brewing for a couple of years.

The working title is Dark Crescent, and I’ll say now that what comes of this should be considered a concept rather than a full game. I don’t want to mislead anyone. If this has legs, then we’ll let it run on and see where it goes. If not, it’ll have been a fun exercise in creativity.

The general vibe of the concept is best described through some screenshots of early test areas. The environments will be themed on the Irish landscape; mystical forests, ruins, caves (I couldn’t have asked for a better real life analogue to a classic Zelda game).

In terms of gameplay, I’m aiming for a Zeldalike feel. Exploration and restoration are two key words leading the design. I want players to move through the world, discover a shrine that needs restored, and do whatever needs doing to restore it. This will involve clearing out baddies, replanting sacred trees, solving puzzles to move through areas and reactivate ancient power sources, and other fun ideas based on the idea of not just moving through areas but restoring them as you go.

One of the challenges I’m angling at overcoming is importing a large drawing and converting it into a playable area.

It’s going to be tough, but I’ll make it work. This will likely be a central hub area where the player will move out from in different directions depending on where they need to go. We’ll see what happens with the idea. The concept may well have the protagonist’s house as its central area of time isn’t on my side.

Some more taster screenshots of assets I’ve been working on for this project:

[adamtheamazing5]

I made a secondary logo in Photoshop to represent my creativity and the shooters I plan to create in the future.

It was inspired by pirate, mercenary, and rebel faction flags or logos.

I then gave it a punisher-like colour palette because I thought it gave more of a scary feeling rather than a generic army colour palette.

[glitchpalantir]

The 4 Corners Method is a technique used in game design and game development to create and analyze game mechanics and scenarios. This method allows you to look at different aspects of a game through four key "angles":

1. gameplay

Mechanics: What are the core mechanics of the game? How do players interact with the game?

Goals: What are the player's main goals? What must be done to succeed?

2. Visual style

Graphics: What visual style will be used? How does it contribute to the atmosphere of the game?

Interface design: What will the interface look like? How user-friendly is it for the player?

3. Narrative

Narrative: What is the main story of the game? What themes will be addressed?

Characters: Who are the key characters? How do they develop over the course of the game?

4. Audience

Target Audience: Who is the game intended for? What are the preferences and expectations of this audience?

Feedback: How can player feedback be collected and used to improve the game?

Application of the method

Brainstorming: Use the method to generate ideas and analyze the game concept.

Prototyping: Create prototypes and test them based on each of the angles.

Feedback: Use the method to analyze feedback and improve gameplay.

The 4 angles method helps you create a more balanced and elaborate game by considering all important aspects of development

[monriatitans]

ARTIST SHOUT-OUT #517

Monday, December 4, 2023

"Mecha Brawl" by Alexander Shott

SOCIAL MEDIA

ArtStation Portfolio

ArtStation Post

LinkedIn

**Don’t forget to give Alexander Shott a follow!** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Like what you see? Click here to subscribe for updates! The Artist Shout-Outs are given to human artists to combat AI art theft. #createdontscrape For more details, and to view previous ones, click here! See the piece on ArtStation here! See where else the Artist Shout-Out has spread here! See the original Artist Shout-Out post to Instagram here! The shout-out choice was inspired by the Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Day: stoush; to see the definition, click here!

[darkkara]

Not Pressure related. But I've been working on making another game with a friend! It's mostly just going to be a weirdcore RPG. So, I am just going to stick googly eyes on everything and call it a day lol.

But depending on how it goes I'll occasionally post the game dev progress as we learn how to code this puppy. (maybe stream some of the art making of it too who knows)

[fontriver]

Echo Ethnic font designed by HIRO std

[artstationable]

Mehran Iranloo

NO NFT! Freelance Concept Artist

artstation linkedin instagram

More from «Artstation» here

[stainedvn]

Another background that also has been originally painted with watercolor on a4 paper, and also exists in three versions. This is the night version, and I think my favorite. Can you guess what this background shows?