Raphael van Lierop’s Post

Hello everyone! 👋 I'm buzzing to share my latest dive into the fascinating world of Ludonarrative Dissonance in game design on Medium! ✨ In this article, I explore the delicate dance between gameplay and narrative. Get ready for insights, experiences, and a unique perspective on crafting truly immersive gaming experiences. Whether you're a seasoned game dev or love a good game analysis, this is a must-read. 📚 📌 Check it out here: https://shorturl.at/enE49 Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Your feedback fuels my passion for pushing the boundaries of game design. P.S. Don't forget to follow me for more exciting explorations in the gaming realm! #GameDesign #LudonarrativeDissonance #GamingInsights #MediumArticle #GameDev

Hypercasual games have become overcompetitive — now the new genre of hybrid-casual is getting popular among game developers. Let’s see what’s happening 👇🏼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺: hypercasual games focus on one main feature and are played the same way over and over. After some time, developers started to struggle to retain users due to a great number of similar apps, and relying on revenue models mostly based on interstitial ads stopped working. The market was so overcrowded that developers looked for new features and gameplay mechanics to keep players interested and returning. 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: game-makers created hybrid casual, a relatively new style of mobile games. It incorporates the simplicity of hypercasual gameplay with more sophisticated progression mechanics, which appeal to mid-core audiences. For example, hybrid casual takes from hypercasual: design and production, additional gameplay content, best monetization practices, and live operation activities. Overall, the hypercasual struggles prompted the transformation into hybrid-casual — and soon this genre will prevail.

With #Gamescom in full swing and a few IP games being featured (Indiana Jones, Dune, Marvel Rivals etc) I wanted to share some thoughts on 🎬 IP and Games 🕹 We all know how powerful familiar characters, rich worlds, and established narratives can be in drawing players in. But I believe IP in games shouldn’t just be about rehashing what’s already been done—it should be about creating new stories that expand these universes in fresh, innovative ways. Games have a unique ability to tell stories that wouldn’t be possible in a movie, TV show, or book. They let us explore uncharted territories, dive into the minds of side characters, and make choices that directly influence the narrative. This kind of interactivity is something only games can offer, and it’s an incredible tool for storytelling. But for this to happen, IP holders need to be willing to grant more creative freedom and flexibility. By trusting developers to explore these worlds in new ways, we could see a wave of innovative games that both honor and expand upon the original material. Here’s where it gets exciting: Imagine if small, agile teams (Indie, III, AA, or whatever you want to call it)—those creative risk-takers who aren’t afraid to push boundaries—were given the opportunity to tap into existing IPs. 1️⃣ Built-In Audience: Existing IP gives these developers a solid foundation of fans who are already invested in the characters and stories. That can seriously reduce the marketing challenges often faced and provide a baseline for success. 2️⃣ Creative Freedom: These teams thrive on innovation. Give them the right IP and the freedom to experiment, and they’ll push boundaries, creating experiences that are fresh and unexpected—turning what could have been a simple spin-off into something entirely new and exciting. 3️⃣ Why Smaller Teams Could Shine: Their agility allows them to explore creative ideas that might be more challenging to pursue within the larger scale and scope of AAA production. This doesn’t mean one approach is better than the other—rather, it highlights how these teams can complement the broader industry by offering fresh, innovative takes on beloved IPs. Smaller games can breathe new life into IP by exploring niche audiences and taking creative risks, ultimately delivering experiences that resonate deeply with players. Now, I get it—individual revenues might be lower for a smaller adaptation than for a AAA blockbuster. But here’s the thing: games have the power to tell new stories that could be adapted back into traditional media, like movies, TV shows, or books. This creates a cycle where innovation in gaming feeds back into the larger IP universe. What do you think? Could IP and smaller teams work together? #IPinGames #GameDevelopment #Innovation #Storytelling #GamingIndustry

🔍 Focus early will save you money later! 💸 One of the aspects I enjoy most about working in the games industry is collaborating with development teams during the early phases of game production. Fortunately, Ubisoft Düsseldorf allows me to engage in this creative process occasionally within a local Innovation Framework, even though my current responsibilities are less focused on direct game development. So, I want to share some lessons from the game development side of things today. As a Producer, I've learned that clarity around micro/core gameplay and player fantasy is crucial during the early development stages - and that the core team of the project needs to understand and embrace these fundamentals. Here's what I mean: Micro Gameplay: This isn't about having all gameplay loops defined from the start. Instead, it's about nailing down the second-to-second micro-gameplay actions that players will perform thousands of times during their playtime. Whether it's shooting a gun, jumping with a character, placing a building, or steering a car - ensure you understand what your micro-gameplay is and that these actions alone are fun and engaging in the long run. Player Fantasy: Understanding the player’s fantasy your game aims to fulfill is essential. Remember, player fantasy goes beyond the setting of the game. It's about grasping the higher-level motivations driving player engagement. For instance, in a competitive first-person multiplayer shooter, the player fantasy isn't necessarily about being a terrorist or counter-terrorist (even though that might be the setting of the game). Instead, it could be a broader aspiration like becoming one of the top players in a competitive, high-stakes sports game/league. When you clearly define your player fantasy and perfect your micro-gameplay, elements like setting, art style, gameplay loops, and core features become easier to define, as they all have to serve the player fantasy as well as contextualize and enrich the micro-gameplay. So, defining player fantasy and optimizing micro gameplay early will ultimately save you money as you ensure fun gameplay in an early production state, and avoid exhaustive feature development and scope derailing which might be unnecessary for your core gameplay. 

Check this out - Halo-Inspired Indie Game Built With Unreal Engine 5 Is On The Way: Take a look at the newly-released second teaser for this Halo fan game, showcasing the faithful design of the Warthog vehicle. 🔴 Kaedim is the platform that makes 3D asset creation a breeze. It’s a platform that generates 3D models from 2D images in minutes, with no 3D skills required. You can use any image, from paintings to memes, and get a 3D model that’s ready to use in your game. Kaedim is powered by AI and in-house art, and delivers assets that are up to industry standards. 🟢 Get Started Today: Kaedim3d.com or Check out our Showcase: app.kaedim3d.com/showcase #GDC #GDC2024 #a16z #IndieGames #GameDevCommunity #gamedesign #GameIndustryUpdates #GameDevelopment

Harnessing the Power of Genre-Blending in Game Development Blending genres can lead to innovative and engaging gameplay experiences. Games like Yaoling: Mythical Journey and Cult of the Lamb demonstrate the potential of this approach. Here are key takeaways for developers: 1. Diverse Gameplay Keeps Players Engaged: Yaoling: Mythical Journey mixes creature collection, auto-battlers, and light base-building, while Cult of the Lamb combines base-building with action roguelike elements. This diversity in gameplay mechanics keeps players invested by offering varied and engaging experiences. 2. Strategic Depth Without Complexity Overload: Yaoling: Mythical Journey combines auto-battling with real-time strategic elements, such as using Charms during battles. Cult of the Lamb balances the intricacies of base management with the fast-paced action of roguelike combat. This ensures depth without overwhelming players, striking a balance between accessibility and complexity. 3. Player-Driven Progression: In Yaoling: Mythical Journey, players recruit villagers and develop their home base, while Cult of the Lamb allows players to manage and grow their cult. These mechanics foster a sense of progression and personalization, encouraging players to invest time in developing their in-game communities. 4. Flexibility and Exploration: Allowing players to explore at their own pace, as seen in both games, creates an open-ended experience. This flexibility caters to different playstyles and enhances player agency, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. By thoughtfully blending genres, developers can create rich, multifaceted experiences that captivate players. Games like Yaoling: Mythical Journey and Cult of the Lamb exemplify how innovation often lies at the intersection of different gameplay mechanics. #VC #Gaming #Innovation

This just in - Take a look at the newly-released second teaser for this Halo fan game, showcasing the faithful design of the Warthog vehicle. 🔴 Kaedim is the platform that every game developer needs. It’s a platform that lets you create 3D assets from 2D images in minutes, with no 3D skills needed. You can use any image, from drawings to screenshots, and get a 3D model that’s ready to use in your game. Kaedim is optimized for usable, production-ready 3D assets, and works with your team’s tools. 🟢 Get Started Today: Kaedim3d.com or Check out our Showcase: app.kaedim3d.com/showcase #GDC #GDC2024 #a16z #Games #IndieGame #IndieGames #GameIndustryUpdates #GamingUpdates

The MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) framework stands as a cornerstone, offering a structured approach to understanding the intricacies of games. Mechanics represent the foundational elements of a game, including rules and algorithms, while dynamics describe how these mechanics interact with player inputs to shape the overall gameplay experience. Aesthetics, on the other hand, encompass the emotional responses and immersive experiences evoked in players as they engage with the game. #blockchain #blockchaingaming #gamedev #web3gaming #gamedesign

Baldur's Gate 3 is 15% off for the first time ever. Here's what I said at review. If you haven't played it yet, if but for my peace of mind, get in there. // BG3 is a masterclass in game development. I'm thrilled to add it to my list of the top 50 games of all-time. Its brilliance shines through in various facets, making it a standout RPG and a memorable experience for players. Here's a breakdown of the contributing factors: 1. Stellar Development - Crafted by the genius minds at Larian Studios, the same team that gave us the acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin 2 - A faithful adaptation of 5th edition D&D, ensuring a rich and authentic experience for tabletop enthusiasts 2. A Richly Designed World - The world teems with life, presenting memorable characters, compelling hidden secrets, and a vast landscape waiting to be explored - Every nook and cranny has a story to tell, with even random NPCs engaging players in memorable dialogues 3. Player-Centric Storytelling - The game thrives on choice. From major plot twists to minor interactions, player decisions have impactful consequences on the narrative - Every origin character is layered with a rich backstory, offering insights into their motivations and allowing for intricate character interactions 4. Gameplay Depth - A vast game landscape that stretches across three acts, each punctuated with extensive side quests that add layers to the primary narrative - Combat is an intricate dance of dice rolls, character proficiencies, and strategy, making every encounter unique and unpredictable - Players are spoiled for choice with extensive character build options, including a plethora of spells and actions 5. Top-Notch Production Values - Breathtaking visuals, meticulous facial animations, and well-crafted in-game cutscenes make for an immersive experience - Despite the rich graphics, the game offers excellent performance even on PCs equipped with lower-end GPUs 6. Musical Excellence - A feast for the ears, thanks to the melodious soundtracks by Borislav Slavov that perfectly encapsulate the game's essence 7. Endless Replayability - The game's design encourages multiple playthroughs, given the wide range of classes, subclasses, spells, and narrative paths available 8. Value And Monetization Philosophy - There are no in-game purchases in this title. What you get for a single purchase is the most complete and immersive games experience imaginable without the need for additional purchases BG3 doesn't just excel in one area. It sets a new standard for both RPGs and all games in storytelling, combat, dialogue, choice-driven narratives, visuals, voice-acting, sound, pacing, and side quests Given these outstanding features, it's clear why BG3 is more than deserving of its spot on my list. It's not just a game; it's an experience. And one that will be cherished by RPG and games aficionados forever This is what gamers should expect now for $60 If you don't buy this, why do you play games?