Latest news with #gameDesign
New York Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
How New York Times Game Designer Heidi Erwin Creates Variety Puzzles
Claire Merchlinsky By Heidi Erwin Most of my work as a Senior Game Designer at The New York Times is oriented around the design and development of larger puzzle games, but one unexpected and delightful part of my job for the past two years has been writing variety riddles for The New York Times Gameplay newsletter. As someone who loves to see the process behind the scenes of the media I enjoy, I wanted to share the experience of creating Brain Ticklers. What are Brain Ticklers? 'Brain Ticklers' is inherited from Will Shortz, and how his variety puzzles have run over the years. Will's variety puzzles are typically word puzzles, and ask solvers to anagram phrases or build words from other words, for instance. In fact, I sometimes catch myself writing 'Brian Tickler' by accident in my TODO list; I guess Brian's a hidden fictional character associated with these puzzles who exists only in my mind. Brain Ticklers are variety puzzles that could run in print (do not require a digital interactive format to be solved), whether that puzzle asks the solver to use deductive logic, wordplay, lateral thinking, visual analysis, or something else. We run one each week in The New York Times Gameplay newsletter, as well as in other parts of the print paper. Here's one that ran shortly after my puzzles began running in the newsletter in January of 2023: Move the following five letters into the grid below, such that you spell two words that form a phrase meaning 'personal perspective.' Be creative! The answer to this one is at the end of this blog post! Process Overview The end-to-end process for creating a Brain Tickler generally involves the following: A source of inspiration A first draft Editing A final graphic. More on each of those steps… Inspiration Inspiration could be anywhere! One of my favorite parts of writing these puzzles is that I feel encouraged to look at the world through different lenses when I'm out and about. Inspiration could come from a sign on the street in the real world (that's right gamers, I'm touching grass), a format restriction, a puzzle I play online — the world is full of puzzle potential. Three contexts in which ideas for Brain Ticklers spawn for me are 1. Being out and about interacting with the world, 2. NYT Games team activities that prompt thinking about puzzles, and 3. other media (art, books, games, puzzles). For example, here's a Brain Tickler from 2024: What item might be seen with each of these five shapes? Solution: A bicycle. They're all bike rack shapes! This puzzle was inspired by the bike racks I was seeing on runs around Queens. I started photographing them for reference; you can tell that the puzzle graphic pulls pretty directly from these! There are several opportunities to participate in new game ideation within The New York Times Games team. One of these is the game jams the team hosts, where people on the team put aside their other work for a couple days to ideate, prototype, and pitch. At one point, some work friends and I pitched a Venn diagram puzzle game during game jam, which did not turn into a full game, but did inspire this Brain Tickler (solution at end): I've also been inspired by the formats of other cool puzzles out in the world. In March 2023, we ran 5 puzzles for a 'March Matchsticks' puzzle series (like March Madness). These puzzles riff off of the classic matchstick puzzle format. Here are two from our month of matches (answers at the end of this blog post): In the puzzle below, 18 matches spell out the word 'sled.' Rotate one thing to 'make friends.' Editing Every few weeks or so, when I have anywhere from three to eight new puzzles drafted, I hop on call with our Puzzle Editor Sam Ezersky, where he plays the puzzles in real time. Watching someone else solve a puzzle in real time is helpful in shaping it further: Sometimes it becomes immediately obvious that the setup of a puzzle is unclear if I observe Sam heading down an unintended path. But on top of that playtester feedback, it's awesome to witness Sam's puzzle brain in action. A recent example: I proposed a Brain Tickler where solvers were asked to untangle letter sequences to reveal four phrases of the format '____ in ____.' Sam took one look at 'TJIUMSTE' and said, 'Just in time.' This was followed by seeing 'WLAIAITIDNYG,' immediately thinking out loud, 'Lying in wait? No! Lady in waiting!' and then rapid-fire recognizing 'CEDHITIOERF' and 'LSOANW' as 'Editor in chief' and 'Son in law.' Sometimes I wonder if Sam solving a puzzle really says anything about whether the puzzle is fair to the average solver, but fortunately he definitely also has puzzle design sensibilities tailored to a general audience. Reviewing puzzles with Sam is a moment to test the accessibility of a puzzle so we can adjust the framing, presentation, or even concept, as needed. Here's another recent puzzle that became more elegant during the editing process. What I initially presented to Sam: [Spoiler Warning] The solution is that Marie likes Juliet, because Marie likes words that start with a shortened month name: aprons (Apr), mayonnaise (May), jungles (Jun), and Juliet (Jul). He noticed that April, May, and June were all consecutive, and offered up 'Romeo and Juliet' as an alternate fourth pair to continue the consecutive months using the 'Jul' in 'Juliet' for July. This is the kind of small adjustment that makes a puzzle that's mostly solid feel tighter and more elegant. For this type of puzzle, I include an easter egg where the character's name hints at the quality of words they like. In this case, Marie also begins with a shortened month name: Mar. Here are two more of this puzzle format for you to solve. In terms of graphics, the Brain Tickler graphics are fairly simple, and typically I make them in Figma. For some puzzles, being precise with graphics matters more: My younger self would be in awe at the opportunity to work with so many brilliant puzzle minds, all in one place. Working on these puzzles has made me a stronger designer and solver, and I feel gratitude for all of the thought that goes into puzzles across the team, and all of the thought solvers put into playing our games: Humans make our puzzles what they are. Below is the answer to the puzzle from the start of this piece: And here are other answers to puzzles in this post: Rotate the image 180 degrees. It now reads as 'pals.'
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Boeing, Pure Minds Academy, and Dubai Modern Education School boost youth coding skills
DUBAI, UAE – Boeing [NYSE: BA], Pure Minds Academy, and Dubai Modern Education School have launched a new educational program designed to equip students with coding skills. The program's impact will be multiplied through comprehensive training for teachers. Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia, said: "Developing advanced technologies and systems right here in the UAE will rely on the new generation of Emirati talent, as software engineering stands out as one of the most important professions in aerospace and beyond. By preparing teachers and equipping students with in-demand digital skills, we unlock new opportunities for the youth." Amit Vyas, co-founder and CEO of Pure Minds Academy, added: 'We are excited to partner with Boeing and Dubai Modern Education School to empower both students and educators. By combining cutting-edge learning experiences for students with professional development for teachers, we're laying the groundwork for lasting educational impact and ensuring the next generation has the tools to thrive in a digital future.' Thirty students from Dubai Modern Education School – mostly UAE nationals - have begun a 30-hour game design course using the Python programming language. The curriculum combines immersive programming instruction with project-based learning, enabling students to create and present their own game applications. Upon completion on June 30, participants will earn the NCFE Level 1 qualification accredited by the National Council for Further Education (NCFE) in the UK, designed to equip learners with foundational knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Additionally, a group of teachers from Dubai Modern Education School is receiving specialized training from Pure Minds Academy, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to deliver similar programs at schools. It extends the longevity of the program far beyond the initial cohort of students. Michael Bartlett, principal of Dubai Modern Education School, shared: 'This initiative is a testament to our commitment to future-ready learning. Not only are we providing our students with world-class exposure to coding, but we are also investing in our teachers to expand this learning across our schools. It's a proud moment for Dubai Modern Education School to be part of a partnership that champions STEM education.' About Boeing A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's relationship with the Middle East extends back to 1945. Since then, Boeing has established several offices across the region, including in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh. For more information, visit About Pure Minds Academy Pure Minds Academy is a leading educational institution that provides innovative STEM and life skills learning programs for children in the UAE. Through strategic partnerships and a focus on hands-on education, Pure Minds Academy helps students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to prepare them for future success. About Dubai Modern Education School Dubai Modern Schools is a network of private schools in the UAE, committed to providing world-class education that combines academic excellence with practical skills. The schools offer a wide range of programs designed to prepare students for success in the modern world, fostering creativity, leadership, and technical expertise.
Al Bawaba
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Boeing, Pure Minds Academy, and Dubai Modern Education School boost youth coding skills
Boeing [NYSE: BA], Pure Minds Academy, and Dubai Modern Education School have launched a new educational program designed to equip students with coding skills. The program's impact will be multiplied through comprehensive training for teachers. Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia, said: "Developing advanced technologies and systems right here in the UAE will rely on the new generation of Emirati talent, as software engineering stands out as one of the most important professions in aerospace and beyond. By preparing teachers and equipping students with in-demand digital skills, we unlock new opportunities for the youth." Amit Vyas, co-founder and CEO of Pure Minds Academy, added: 'We are excited to partner with Boeing and Dubai Modern Education School to empower both students and educators. By combining cutting-edge learning experiences for students with professional development for teachers, we're laying the groundwork for lasting educational impact and ensuring the next generation has the tools to thrive in a digital future.' Thirty students from Dubai Modern Education School – mostly UAE nationals - have begun a 30-hour game design course using the Python programming language. The curriculum combines immersive programming instruction with project-based learning, enabling students to create and present their own game applications. Upon completion on June 30, participants will earn the NCFE Level 1 qualification accredited by the National Council for Further Education (NCFE) in the UK, designed to equip learners with foundational knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Additionally, a group of teachers from Dubai Modern Education School is receiving specialized training from Pure Minds Academy, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to deliver similar programs at schools. It extends the longevity of the program far beyond the initial cohort of students. Michael Bartlett, principal of Dubai Modern Education School, shared: 'This initiative is a testament to our commitment to future-ready learning. Not only are we providing our students with world-class exposure to coding, but we are also investing in our teachers to expand this learning across our schools. It's a proud moment for Dubai Modern Education School to be part of a partnership that champions STEM education.'
Digital Trends
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
The Criterion Collection of video games is finally here
Video game design studio Lost in Cult announced a new physical game label called Editions. The label will release 'prestige' editions of beloved games that include original box art, 40-page booklets, and other extras. Lost in Cult is best known for releasing books on video game through its Design Works series, as well as vinyl records featuring game soundtracks. Editions is an extension of that work, continuing the design company's focus on game preservation and curated content. Think of the project as a Criterion Collection for video games, preserving prestigious titles and bundling them with additional context that underlines their importance to the medium. Recommended Videos Three games have been announced for the first wave of releases: Immortality, Thank Goodness You're Here, and The Excavation of Hob's Barrow. All three are critically acclaimed indies from this decade (Immortality was Digital Trends' runner-up choice for game of the year in 2022, narrowly losing to Elden Ring). Each comes with a poster, art cards, a booklet featuring essays and interviews, and more physical extras. All three are available to order now and will retail for £60. Lost in Cult will ship Editions worldwide and says that they will ship within six months, though it is targeting a three month turnaround. At launch, Editions will only get PS5 and Nintendo Switch releases. Thank Goodness You're Here will be available on both platforms, Immortality is getting a PS5-only release, and The Excavation of Hobb's Barrow will be for Switch. There will be a limited number of copies to order for each platform, though Lost in Cult says that it will release standard edition versions of the game at retailers too. Lost in Cult confirms that Nintendo Switch 2 Editions (not to be confused with … Nintendo Switch 2 Editions) are planned for the future and those will always be 'full editions' rather than Game-Key Cards. More titles are coming soon. While Lost in Cult will skip June, it plans to release its next Edition in July for Nintendo Switch and PS5. It teases that it's an 'artful' game. Future release are planned through 2026. The first three Editions are available to order now via Lost in Cult.
