Zelda Facets 2: Link

Last week, the production history of the Zelda franchise. This week, we examine whether Link is a character, and how he is used in Breath of the Wild…

Aug 20 • Chris Bateman

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Zelda Facets 1: Introduction

A six-part serial on the game design and narrative design principles behind The Legend of Zelda, first appearing in February and March 2018.

Aug 13 • Chris Bateman

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July 2026

Lessons from Hollywood

From way back in October 2005, an early warning about the games industry following Hollywood too closely

Jul 30 • Chris Bateman

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Fiction Denial

From May 2013, a brief philosophical barrage against the denial of the importance of fiction in academic games circles

Jul 16 • Chris Bateman

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Ed Key on Proteus

From July 2012, this interview with Ed Key, co-creator of the magnificent artgame Proteus

Jul 2 • Chris Bateman

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June 2026

Why Publishers Flourish and Developers Wither

The difference between portfolio businesses and creativity

Jun 18 • Chris Bateman

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Toru Iwatani's Escalator

From, April 2006 the importance of clarity of purpose in game design

Jun 4 • Chris Bateman

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May 2026

The Innovation Paradox

Chris is in Toronto next week at XP Game Summit!

May 14 • Chris Bateman

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April 2026

Patterns of Play 6: The Complexity of Ludus

April 2006: the formal constraints that turn play into games

Apr 30 • Chris Bateman

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Patterns of Play 5: The Anarchy of Paidia

December 2005: the chaotic adventures of playing without rules

Apr 23 • Chris Bateman

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Patterns of Play 4: The Challenge of Agon

March 2006: Roger Caillois and games of competition

Apr 16 • Chris Bateman

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Patterns of Play 3: The Imagination of Mimicry

January 2006: the imaginative aspects of videogames should never be neglected

Apr 9 • Chris Bateman

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