Do social systems build community or create obligation?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about the influence of social play...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Limited time items and events can help games feel alive, but they can also make players feel rushed...
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about the influence of manufactured scarcity
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
If you missed #GuildfordGamesFestival then get ready to catch up as I interview the most interesting attendees!
Featuring Richard Wajman (linkedin.com/in/richardwajman)
Join me on my Guildford Games Fest Quest!
We've been up in #Glasgow at #Hellogames supported by the Scottish Games Network and part of the initive to level up the #localgames industry
Amazing stuff amazing talents
Things aren't getting any easier for gamedevs in the UK - the folks at FluxDigitalPolicy have done a review of the impact on the proposed UK Social Media Ban for under 16's...
https://bit.ly/3ZWV7fF
I now have a confirmed launch date for my new book!
Playing With Balance comes out 27/03/26
Preorders from 06/03/26 - at checkout use BALANCE26 for a discount
https://bit.ly/4aUnYpI
The regulatory space is getting trickier for games teams - we not to sure informed, but also communicate with regulators effectively.
Check out the things that Celia and the team at Flux are saying about the recent enforcement notices around Lootboxes...
https://bit.ly/4rGtgwx
#LiveOps #Gamedev
How do you feel about pay to skip features?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about the arguments for and against these features...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Do premium currencies help players?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about the pros and cons of premium currencies...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Timers are one of the most common mechanics in games, but are they helping players?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about the pros and cons of timers and they way they can manipulate behaviour...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Regulators and lobbyists have shifted from blaming the games industry for causing violence to society, and are now focusing on "Dark Patterns"...
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about what harm "Dark Patterns" actually cause.
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
About to head to #GuildfordGameFest this afternoon; would love to record some short interviews - asking:
1. What brings you to the show
2. What has caught your interest since you've been here?
3. What is the most pressing issue for you in the industry right now?
Interested - ask me when you see me!
The term dark pattern implies intentional manipulation, but does that mean any system that nudges behaviour?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about what Dark Patterns actually mean...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
If we know what good design feels like, why do games still go wrong?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about why some games have been accused of manipulation...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
I'm heading to San Francisco for #GDC2026
See you there from March 9-13!
Are you a Game Maker out at #GDC26?
Do you have opinions on what makes games great?
Whether it's design, monetisation, development, discovery, LiveOps - I want to talk to you!
I'm looking to record short interviews with amazing people about the making of games - DM me if you are interested!
Considering running a DND game during GDC
A group of ( pregen ) legendary characters find themselves in a remote tavern on the border of three Kingdoms. They await an attack from a relentless horde. Can they protect this small town, or will their secrets tear them apart?
Any interest?
Well that’s a new record!
One hour from rec to sub to full manuscript request 👀 total whirlwind!
Also - I’m ill, so have some pics of me in the studio last week 😅
I'm speaking at GDC - the first is hosting a panel https://bit.ly/4ctepk7 with an outstanding collection of folks including Fred St-Amour #Frima, Francis Hart #SegaEurope, Maxim Kirilenko #HappyFaces
Can't wait to this session!!
A low player frequency is often a warning sign, but not always for the reason you think...
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about cadence.
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Do your events feel like chores?
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about meaningful play.
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
You can't make progression feel meaningful by piling on tasks forever...
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about endless progression.
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
What would you do in our most recent scenario? Watch the episode and comment below!
https://f.mtr.cool/vssnhwdrgf
#ttrpg #actualplay #dilemma
Working out of BAFTA today...
And the perks?
A BAFTA burger!!
LiveOps games are Soap Operas not Movies!
In this episode of #LightningLessons we talk about not breaking the desire to keep playing...
More Lessons on https://www.youtube.com/@Arcanix_ai
Recently UKIE announced that we are getting games specific SIC codes - probably sounds boring, but it means actually getting recognised properly for contribution to the UK economy at last!
Additive design in games is a problem... if only someone talked about that 11 years ago
Flashback to my GDC2015 talk (input from game psychologist to base it on evidence from the time)
https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1022259/Spellbound-Asking-Questions-About-Habit
Do my thoughts still stand up?
Every year at GDLX, devs walk in thinking they’re behind.
They walk out realising they were never alone.
That moment? That’s why GDL exists.
£5 Off For BSky followers: GDLXLINK
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1975571296930/?discount=GDLXLINK
Our next episode is out now!
The UFR has convened an emergency hearing...
https://f.mtr.cool/onmiinnnwh
#ActualPlay #ttrpg #scifi
