Game structure Archives

AppWizard

November 10, 2025

‘He was scared s***less’: Baldur’s Gate director was so panicked after playing Final Fantasy 7 that it changed the entire shape of Baldur’s Gate 2 (and nearly every RPG since)

Final Fantasy 7 significantly influenced the development of Baldur's Gate 2, as revealed by Trent Oster, CEO of Beamdog. The success of Final Fantasy 7 inspired BG2's director, James Ohlen, leading to a more intricate game structure and deeper character development. In contrast to the original Baldur's Gate, where characters felt replaceable, BG2 introduced complex plotlines for companions, fostering emotional connections similar to those in Final Fantasy 7. This evolution laid the groundwork for loyalty missions in future RPGs like Mass Effect 2. Additionally, BG2 featured a dynamic experience with diverse environments, moving away from the monotonous landscapes of its predecessor. Oster emphasized the lasting impact of Square's innovations on BioWare's design philosophy.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

I stored files inside of Minecraft, and here’s how it works

Files are collections of data stored in a single container, often identified by their extensions. In Minecraft, data can be represented using wool blocks, where each block corresponds to a specific hex digit, allowing for the storage of bytes. A mapping was created to associate hex digits with wool colors, enabling data encoding and decoding within the game. An encoder script generates an "mcfunction" file for efficient block placement, while a decoder reads the wool matrix from the game world using the Amulet library. The process involves defining coordinates and dimensions for the wool matrix, and successful decoding reveals the original encoded message. This project demonstrates the versatility of data representation, though it is not intended for practical use.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Civilization VII breaks new ground: how a fresh Ages system redefines 4X strategy gameplay

At Gamescom, Firaxis Games presented Civilization VII, featuring a restructured gameplay divided into three chapters: the Age of Antiquity, the Age of Exploration, and the Modern Age. This change aims to streamline late-game content and enhance player engagement. Players can choose various strategic paths and cultural identities as they progress, with flexible leader-civilization pairings and improved military mechanics. The game encourages exploration and adaptation of strategies, allowing players to evolve their civilizations in unexpected ways. Firaxis has invested in tutorials and introduced advisors to make the game more accessible to newcomers while retaining core elements for long-time fans. The release date for Civilization VII is set for February 2025, and Gwendoline Christie will narrate the game.