Game Development

Veteran game developer Matt Hackett has created a “Steam Dev Cheat Sheet” that offers tips for releasing a game on Steam. The sheet has caught the attention of many fellow developers.

A tweet posted by an illustrator points out differences between character designs in older Japanese games compared to more recent ones. A number of experienced game developers and character designers chimed in on the subject.

A Twitter user introduced how Doki Doki Poyatchio, a Japan-exclusive PlayStation 1 RPG released in 1998, handled loading data. The character in the game would fall down and the game would load while they were getting up.

Many gamers are knowledgeable about the released games they’ve played, but how much do they know about how they were made? PushDustIn, who runs PR at the Kyoto-based VR/AR game developer CharacterBank, took to Twitter to poll game developers about what they wished the public knew about making games.

Japanese game translator Yosei Muto recently took to Twitter to discuss the importance of LQA in the game development process. The series of tweets drew responses from game developers, translators, and others who are informed about the industry.

Japanese indie game developer Hikari Itsuki recently took to Twitter to say that the Nintendo Switch version of their new game Magic Potion Millionaire sold “startlingly well.” Just how well did it sell and what was the reason behind the success? We reached out to Itsuki to find out.

Game developer Taro Masuda recently took to Twitter to ask gamers how they felt about the term “Easy Mode” on difficulty selection screens and if it gives them an unpleasant feeling.

A discussion broke out on Twitter in Japan looking into the reasons why video games are taking longer and longer to develop. Listening to developers involved in making games shows it’s more complicated than simply needing more time or hands on deck to take care of everything.

Behind-the-scenes video game stories are being revealed using the “あれ実は私なんです (Actually, that was me)” hashtag. From the Monster Hunter series to Super Mario Bros merchandise.

Game developers share 4 games that made them the devs they are today. There are a number of Japanese games among those listed, especially from the Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy series.

Game developers explain the little tricks players don’t notice that improve gameplay. “In Dishonored 2, NPCs don't strike as often when you turn your back on them,” says Arkane Studios’ Laurent Couvidou.

SIE confirmed to us that the Japanese PlayStation Store now accepts IARC ratings in addition to the existing CERO ratings. Please note that this applies to download-only games.

The measures game developers take to avoid unsolicited ideas. A tweet from a former Sega employee on the matter has been gaining attention online.

Game translators discuss being left out of the credits and why veterans are leaving the AAA space. Not only individual translators, but translation companies themselves have cases where they can and can’t make information public.

Japanese solo indie game developer looks back on their marketing process behind Monmusu Gladiator. From doing a soft launch on smaller platforms before releasing on Steam, to sending out a press release at the right moment.

Game developers frustrated as their Steam review keys are being abused by scalpers. Japanese indie developers struggle with trust while hoping to promote sales.

Japanese indie developers discuss the difficulties of estimating development time. When that 3 month project becomes a marathon.

Chinese game regulation: Genshin Impact, Shin Megami Tensei and Naruto cited in leaked document. “Japanese anime culture” and "Giving the player the option of choosing between good and evil" falls under the target as well.

Chinese game companies will self-regulate boys’ love content and effeminate male characters. Mandatory real-name verification is also included in the guidelines and 213 companies have pledged to the strict measures.