Fractured Minds – Understanding Mental Illness through Game Design

“I created Fractured Minds to help those who suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues feel they’re not alone.”

These are the words of Emily Mitchell, who, at 17 years of age, found solace from anxiety in game development.

This week, Universally Speaking looks at how BAFTA award-winning puzzle game Fractured Minds is such a unique vehicle for promoting awareness of (and empathy for) mental health issues.

Revolutionising Romance – The Outer Worlds and Asexuality

Obsidian’s latest RPG released just a few short weeks ago, but it’s already made a cosmic impact in the industry – exceeding the expectations of publishers Private Division and Take-Two critically and commercially.

This week, Universally Speaking looks at how The Outer Worlds revolutionises romance in mainstream gaming through its sensitive handling of representation.

Why Photo Mode is one of the best things to ever happen to gaming

Of the many great innovations in video games over the years, one of the best has undeniably been the boom in the number of games featuring photo mode.

This week, we look at some of the history of this increasingly popular feature and why it’s one of the best things to happen to the gaming industry.

Mental Health Masterpieces: 3 Games and 1 Charity Helping to Lift the Stigma

Mental Health Day is an opportunity to highlight the education and awareness of something that remains greatly stigmatised, and the recently launched game-centric charity Safe In Our World seeks to remedy that.

This week, we look at three games which provide positive and emotionally profound narratives about mental illness.

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince – A Masterclass in Refining A Classic

The fourth instalment of Frozenbyte and Modus Games’s 2.5D puzzle-platforming Trine series has released to great fanfare and critical acclaim!

This week, Universally Speaking looks at the charm of the series that has endured for over a decade and what makes Trine 4 stand out among its peers in the genre.

“When Everyone Plays, We All Win” – How Gears 5 Leads the Industry with Accessibility

The topic of accessibility in games (and in technology in general) feels like it has been more widely discussed than ever.

With Special Effect’s ‘One Special Day’ charity event happening this week, Universally Speaking looks at how Gears 5’s vast suite of accessibility options are leading the industry forward.

How Remedy’s ‘Control’ Crafts a Perfect Opening

Fair warning. This is going to be longer than usual. Can’t be helped.

This week, Universally Speaking takes a deep dive into how the opening of Remedy’s recently released Control instantly captivates the player with its mind-bending mystery.

The Art of the Video Game Trailer

Every year brings with it a series of new blockbuster video game titles, and the next best thing to playing them when they release is waiting for their trailers to drop at a big industry event.

This week, Universally Speaking examines the place of trailers in the gaming industry, their artistry, and looks back at some of our all-time favourites.

Why We Love (And Need More) Non-Violent Video Games and Features

This week, GamesIndustry.biz announced that they will be hosting a panel at EGX 2019, alongside developers from Mediatonic (currently working on Fall Guys, a battle royale where you don’t kill anyone), about the rise of non-violent video games.

Today, Universally Speaking looks at the value of non-violent games and features, and recommends some of our favourites.

5 Games I Played at Gamescom

Gamescom has come-and-gone for another year, showing off a suite of incredible games both imminent and tantalisingly out-of-reach.

While attending the show, we at Universally Speaking had the chance to get hands-on experience with a number of titles.