Game Design

Solitaire — LocalThunk

A detailed explanation of how Solitaire influenced the design philosophy of Balatro, aiming to create a low-stakes, comfortable gaming experience with modern elements. The developer's vision was to recreate Solitaire's timeless appeal while adding meta-game features to guide players through more complex mechanics.

Half-Life

Half-Life, released in 1998 by Valve, revolutionized first-person shooters by seamlessly integrating story and gameplay without cutscenes, creating an unprecedented level of immersion. Founded by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, Valve's ambitious approach and deep pockets allowed them to develop a game that would influence game design across genres for decades to come.