Recently I've been playing Shadowrun Returns, a solid PC RPG with a cyberpunk setting. I'm nearing the end of game and my crew of cyberpunk hackers and mercenaries are trying to bring down a shadowy cult (as one does). The cult is hiding out in a secret area ...

I've previously written about stats in RPGs but I avoided talking about one of the most important RPG stats; the level!

Levels are such a unique stat they need examining all on their own. We'll cover using them to increase stats and how to implement them in a ...

I'm writing a book called How To Make an RPG. I wrote this article while mulling over the combat section; it discusses stats in JRPG games. I suggest a basic architecture to track stats as the starting point to launch into a fully fleshed out combat system. Please give ...

The Lock and Key Design Pattern takes it's name from literal lock and key puzzles in many computer games.

Take Doom for example, each level has a start and exit but usually you can't travel directly between them. The direct path is blocked by locked doors, to open ...