Matt Boland
@darthboland.bsky.social
Game dev at Santa Monica Studio
Oh my bad, I misunderstood. I thought you were talking about a long "press stick forward" section where you were pressed against a wall. TLOU2 used the quick squeeze through in combat to provide a player-only way to get into a side room that I thought worked well.
July 8, 2026 at 1:49 AM
Oh my bad, I misunderstood. I thought you were talking about a long "press stick forward" section where you were pressed against a wall. TLOU2 used the quick squeeze through in combat to provide a player-only way to get into a side room that I thought worked well.
It's actually similar to a ladder. Would you prefer to press A to climb ladder and the player automatically climbs to the top or have it so you have to stick up, stick down, or stop?
July 8, 2026 at 1:43 AM
It's actually similar to a ladder. Would you prefer to press A to climb ladder and the player automatically climbs to the top or have it so you have to stick up, stick down, or stop?
It had it's time. Reminds me of WW1 or something, where technology had outpaced the tactics that were developed for a different war (console generation).
July 8, 2026 at 1:41 AM
It had it's time. Reminds me of WW1 or something, where technology had outpaced the tactics that were developed for a different war (console generation).
Agree and I can't defend it. At this point it doesn't enrich the experience, it's a chore, and it's associated with less freedom (loading gates) than agency. It's a relic of the past but in terms of development costs it's proven, is low cost in terms of anim / cams, and is repeatable across the game
July 8, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Agree and I can't defend it. At this point it doesn't enrich the experience, it's a chore, and it's associated with less freedom (loading gates) than agency. It's a relic of the past but in terms of development costs it's proven, is low cost in terms of anim / cams, and is repeatable across the game
LDs always have a very strict minimum width for hallways / spaces that controls and camera will work in so very often if you want a space less than 3 - 4meters you'd need a squeeze mechanic that is controlled.
July 8, 2026 at 1:34 AM
LDs always have a very strict minimum width for hallways / spaces that controls and camera will work in so very often if you want a space less than 3 - 4meters you'd need a squeeze mechanic that is controlled.
It's about pacing, creating interesting LD spaces through large vs small, and providing repeatable systemic navigation opportunities that the player controls. Agree that at this point it's become a trope and is associated more with "hiding loading" than a tool in the player's / designer's toolbox.
July 8, 2026 at 1:32 AM
It's about pacing, creating interesting LD spaces through large vs small, and providing repeatable systemic navigation opportunities that the player controls. Agree that at this point it's become a trope and is associated more with "hiding loading" than a tool in the player's / designer's toolbox.
Congrats Josh! You’re an incredible dev, here’s to many more years making amazing games.
May 25, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Congrats Josh! You’re an incredible dev, here’s to many more years making amazing games.
Yup, that's the best way to experience it.
May 21, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Yup, that's the best way to experience it.
but the vibes are immaculate. And the time mechanic for examining items feels fresh in the genre. Can't recommend this game enough!
March 17, 2026 at 10:26 PM
but the vibes are immaculate. And the time mechanic for examining items feels fresh in the genre. Can't recommend this game enough!
I'm not a horror-game person so yeah, it gets as close as I feel comfortable getting.
March 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM
I'm not a horror-game person so yeah, it gets as close as I feel comfortable getting.
I loved playing this game. Was just telling a friend of mine he needs to play it.
March 17, 2026 at 9:01 PM
I loved playing this game. Was just telling a friend of mine he needs to play it.
This can’t be it, right?
February 5, 2026 at 6:54 AM
This can’t be it, right?
That's awful news.
January 13, 2026 at 4:31 PM
That's awful news.
Congratulations Cara!
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Congratulations Cara!
A great moment with grandma and console games as well. IYKYK
November 25, 2025 at 12:24 AM
A great moment with grandma and console games as well. IYKYK
Having someone you tried to kill but they ended up living def fuels the drama engine better than a character being gone.
November 15, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Having someone you tried to kill but they ended up living def fuels the drama engine better than a character being gone.
I'm sorry, Hannah. Awful news.
November 13, 2025 at 7:50 PM
I'm sorry, Hannah. Awful news.
