N4G V2 Open Beta

It’s been a while now since we last had a major update to the site, 5 years to be exact. We are finally ready to push the next site update and we are aiming for a launch mid December. Before that we need some help with breaking stuff so we are opening up beta versions of all 5 newsboiler sites today so that we can do some stress testing and sort out the last bugs. So for those interested in helping out...

[tayz]

I like the current design better.

[thepatientgamer]

I second that notion.

[ajax17]

The people have spoken! TABLOID VIEW SUCKS! Thanks for the bubbles, though. Sorry you guys took 5 years designing a site that nobody likes, lol.

[mechlord]

thirded, fourthed and infinited. that layout suck balls. its just plain fugly. how could you even consider that??

[uptownsoul]

Everybody got 10 bubbles!!! ...except I already had exactly 10(so no upgrade or downgrade in bubbles for me). I noticed that some people said they got more bubbles, but did any get bubbles taken away?

[RedDevils]

Same here the beta view look suck, don't fix what isn't broken!

[Bansai]

Whoa, I really don't dig that layout, I hope we will be able to use the old skin.

[AnubisG]

Yeah, have to agree. The current design is just a lot better. Just want to add that I checked it out on my "mobile" and it's not great. So I think it's pretty clear that you guys are headed in the wrong direction with this new design. Wanted our feedback... Well, there you have it.

[nix]

35th'ed.

N4G, you already had that tabloid-like format for years but i've never used it. we like this format.

just bring back the Open Zone. Let's have some laugh in this site instead of depressing same fights every time... and also with Open Zone, Septic can finally open up to us. be who he really is. lol. i kid. i kid.

@AnubisG,

the mobile version is good the way it is.. please don't ask them to change that. last thing i want is another data consuming mobile site.

[That-Guy]

Retain this layout please. Update it to be more reactive (scaling with size) if you want one theme to fit all (mobile). Perhaps update some of the colors and icons for a more modern look. Comments are far more legible here in the current version, and content is king. If it's harder to read there's less audience engagement.

[JackBNimble]

Nope, if I am stuck with that tabloid shit I will never come back to N4G, sorry but it's garbage.

[FriedGoat]

The problem with Tabloid view and any other design that features squares/pictures, is that there just isn't enough information on the screen, have to scroll down so far to get all the news :/

[UltraNova]

Ok...I need some time to get used to this but I'll admit its quite slick

[G20WLY]

Yep, sadly not a fan of the new layout. The thing is, by and large I like the current format fine, barring some fine tuning. I think the back end stuff needs tightening and the format is pretty clear as it is.

The new beta format is very odd. I don't understand why today's top story (about Sony's potentially unlocked 7th PS4 core) is 7 or 8 pages down?! And it's a little box, while stories with less than half the community interest have a box taking up over half the screen.

If anything, maybe look at the 'heat' level denoting the size of the box (up to full page width) as well as the order, otherwise gamers will miss important news if they only manage to steal seconds one day to glance at N4G.

[Gazondaily]

You're honestly gonna lose a lot of engagement in that tabloid style layout. The one as it is is fine.

But still looking forward to the other changes minus that.

[breakpad]

@tayz while i like more the current one if they modify a bit the new one it would be the same...change the background color to blue ,add the same comment section as here , add some colors to add-agree and keep the flash and graphics at minimum so it can be fast even at low spec Pcs

[ThanatosDMC]

That was horrible. It was like a bunch of ads from the usual $hitty websites.

[Perjoss]

I even prefer current design (classic) when I'm browsing on a small phone or tablet, don't like this new one at all!

[Major_Glitch]

Yeah...the new layout is a no go.
Edit: Holy crap! Where did all these bubbles come from?!

[AnubisG]

@nix

I meant to say the the new beta site design on mobile looks bad, not the current one. The current one is pretty good.

[antz1104]

Tabloid view is no good, it's just not fun to sift through on a tablet or a desktop. Keep it the same!

[antz1104]

If they wanted to do something right they would scrap the bubble system. Tabloid view is just annoying to sift through and now the threads are zoomed in way too close.

[lociefer]

like some1 mentioned , pls also bring back the open zone section, some really funny stuff was going on there , we need to blow some steam every once in a while u no xD

[subtenko]

Look, I think the layout is good, but the actual front page on the current layout looks better overall, the actual layout and possibly colors.

Everything else I think is slightly better.

The again I dont really dislike the current layout as well.

[specialguest]

Wow, I've been an official N4G member for 9 1/2 yrs and a lurker even longer. I remember the first yr of N4G when the 2 separate Xbox and PS site merged to one. I also remember all of the updates which kept a similar layout making the site smoother and incrementally prettier.

However, with this latest update, its a drastic change. I dont like it, because each article post takes up an entire mobile phone screen of real estate. It makes scrolling passed each article post a pain. The current layout has always been mobile friendly, so why the drastic change?

[amiga-man]

Not for me, popped in then out again, if the site comes to that count me out.

[ULTp0ltergeist]

Weeeeee free bubbles! ...i know off topic ;D

[blackbeld]

The Beta looks pretty but tabloid sucks! The current view is clear so please don't change it.

[Bathyj]

Looks like the people have spoken. No one likes the beta layout. You have to look to hard to find information that used to just be there.

Also what's with all the bubbles? I earned my bubbles and it took years to get there. I also bite my tongue often so I don't lose them. NOW all the trolls have 10. I hope you going to reset that back to normal. Bring back the open zone if you want to give trolls free reign.

[camel_toad]

Just checked it myself and quickly closed the tab. I also like the current form. A vertical list is easier and faster to skim through than random fisher price-sized blocks.

[Relientk77]

Fisher price blocks lol

[ThunderPulse]

Yup I like the OG look.

[Relientk77]

Can they have the top 5 news stories on top, then the news under it like they do now. Then update everything else but keep the layout, The current "classic" layout is perfect

[uth11]

Don't like the look, but if the current bubble system is gone, I'll take it!

[lociefer]

please listen to us and dont go tabloid , leave it as it is, its practical and easy to get the stories

[babadivad]

I like the new design. It's a little cramped but not terrible. Just will take some getting used to.

[fitfox]

just no

[iliimaster]

lol by then how many followers would this site have lost?

[choujij]

Quite a few I would imagine.

[babadivad]

Lol,Damn that's a lot of disagrees!

[monkeyDzoro]

I second that.

[fenome]

I definitely like the current design better myself, I've never been a fan of tile formats. The list is much easier for me to scan and see the things that interest me personally, I always have N4G set to Classic View..

[ThunderPulse]

Same

[-Foxtrot]

Kind of reminds me of when Kotaku gave their site a new lick of paint

All we really needed was to scrap the bubbles.

Main criticism...it's too white. Sides are a faded grey and the main section for articles/comments are white

Can they not implement a colour/theme option.

Oh and the "SPAM/Inappropriate" options. I know there isn't any bubbles but shouldn't the options we had like immature, trolling, bad language remain so you know what kind of punishment to give out. Well maybe not bad language, that needs to be thought out more. If it's in the nasty way to a user then fine but if EA decides to do something stupid then I don't see why a "I don't f****** believe it" would be as bad. I've starred that out but you know what I mean, even if you are 12.

I just tested this on someone who wasn't in violation by the way, not because I'm a dick but because I thought clicking inappropriate would bring up some options but it didn't...sorry.

Little disappointing with how long it's been in development. I was expecting it to use 3D holograms or something at this point

[TheCommentator]

Wait, you mean bubbles are finally going away?

[-Foxtrot]

Pop...their gone.

[G20WLY]

RIP bubbles. The system is only partially broken, since there are some people that nobody can listen to, regardless of preference. On that front it actually unites those of differing opinions.

Thanks for all the work on developing new solutions. Sorry it's not been well received, but at least the feedback should be invaluable to understanding what the community do and don't want.

[Major_Glitch]

I would've liked the bubble system...if it worked properly.

[Export]

I like the reply system better

[outsider1624]

Agreed! I don't like the new layout. Maybe stick with the current layout but use different colors and different menu styles.

[Ristul]

I dont want to shit on someones hard work but the new design is not great. When it comes to ui, simple is often better!

[IanTH]

Agree 100%. This has that PC Gamer typed layout that is infecting everything. Less intuitive to browse, things take up too much space, etc. They note that list view is coming, and I hope it comes with some improvements to the current list, but this would certainly be a no-go for me if it became their everyday interface.

Off Topic: You probably have more likes from this 6 word comment than I do in the history of my commenting lol.

[rezzah]

I prefer the previous design, whatever that looked like.

I just remember liking it more than the current one.

[RiseofScorpio]

I agree.

[TheSaint]

Seems like 99% of us like the old version better.

[DOMination-]

I only use n4g on mobile so this update is very welcome. The current mobile site is very limited

[Ahytys]

I don't like it at all! Useless change on a desktop PC

[Clown_Syndr0me]

Agreed. New version on mobile is so crap can't find anything quickly.

[Perjoss]

Don't change it, the layout of the current site (classic mode, not tabloid) is perfect.

[bradleejones]

The current design is much better. If the new design was just laid over the current, then that would be great.

[quaneylfc]

Have they removed the god-awful "agree, disagree" system?

[Edito]

I'm with you, I think the actual website feels better.

[SegaGamer]

What the hell is wrong with admins ? they always feel they need to change their site. Leave it as it is now, the new style is absolutely horrible.

[UnHoly_One]

Yeah if this is the only option, I'm out. I hate literally everything about this layout. Even the comments section is terrible.

[Thunder_G0d_Bane]

Agreed, the new design is terrible!!

[SeanScythe]

Was anyone asking for the layout to change? No, so leave it alone. If it isn't broke don't fix it.

[Imalwaysright]

Who doesn't? Whoever designed that layout...

http://www.blackenterprise....

[Spenok]

The current design is definitely more comfortable, this new design is still nice. Personally I think the best part about the new design is the comments. It appears they got rid of the bubble system, which is super nice. I never dropped below the standard 5, but it's annoying when you're having a good conversation. I wish they would have added a button to respond to people regardless of where they were at on the comments section. It's annoying there's no way to notify them you've responded without some kind of tag or something. MANY other sites allow you to so you know when a conversation has continued without having to physically look at the thread to see if someone has responded. That is honestly my most requested feature.

[N4G3RZ]

Design is not as good as the one on the OLD site.

[kenshiro100]

Not fond of it myself.

[FITgamer]

Agree. Not a fan of tabloid layout, also the overly white background is harsh on the eyes. Wonder without out the bubble system, will comment section end up like IGN's. Non-stop troll comments.

[SlyFoxC]

agree

[Silver_Faux]

It's safe to say that it's not gonna change any time soon...unless N4G pulls a Ubisoft/EA on us and tells us what we need

[Silver_Faux]

What would be good if there was a 'filter' where you could set it so you won't see site you don't like come up on the news feed, ie Kotaku

[Gondee]

Clickbate layout

[Zhipp]

Yeah, the new design is too bright. Makes me feel queezy.

[SynGamer]

Love the new design (same for animeshinbun.com as well)!

[Erik7357]

I think the newer one is nicer if your using a phone.

[MehmetAlperTR]

i didnt like the Beta.. It's not nice.. I like the original one...

[bradleejones]

No sir, I don't like it.

[crazyclown]

Same here, the new design is week and is actually way worse then mashable which is a similar design

[Relientk77]

"Site search is finally useful"

good lol

[rkyounis]

I like the current design way better. The new one just looks disorganized and cluttered.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

It's like the Tabloid version of this site :/
Which I don't like.

[Insomnia_84]

That was horrible! Came back to the current version right away!

[Heyxyz]

Interesting. Very Interesting.

[Export]

you can reply to people and they will see the latest one not 5 pages back

[justy112]

I Don't Know, i think i like the original more is easier on the eyes. so far the beta one has too much on the screen at once. meaning to many tiles and picture that it almost over whelming, but I'm going to give it more time.

[BitbyDeath]

1. Most of the page is just grey with a small box in between that contains the page info, can we have layouts for those of us using widescreen monitors?

2. Can avatars be made bigger? They help searching through comments easier.

3. How do we insert images/links etc? Not seeing any HTML bar?

4. Can we get a filter for everything but Opinion pieces?
Would be great to have an option for just real news.

5. Remove the blocks and go back to a list format for the Featured page.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Also, add a proper Block feature so that people we ignore can no longer reply to us, and so we don't even see the existence of the posts of anyone we ignore.
There are so many trolls that would just dry up and blow away once everyone who would argue with their stupidity can no longer see what the trolls write.

[Stringerbell]

According to your profile you are ignored by 20 people. Yet I don't view you as a troll nor would I want you or anyone posting within the guidelines to be arbitrarily silenced...

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

@Bell
Well, I'm happy that you aren't one of the people who have blocked me and that you don't mind talking to me.
However, if there were ever a time that you or anyone else did not want to speak with a specific poster, nor see their posts, and wanted to deny all future contact with them, then I don't see any issue with a block system that supports that.

That's what that system is there for, after all; to let us choose when to cut off contact with someone we don't like.
But as it is now, even if we ignore someone, we still get notifications from any replies they make to us, meaning if they were harrassing us before the block occurred, there's still nothing stopping them from continuing to harrass us via continuing replies.

A more complete ignore/block system would solve that.

[bradleejones]

@ stringerbell. Its not arbitrary, though. Believe me, it makes the experience on here 100 x better.

[KnownAsEpic]

No! Keep the current layout but change it to a more modern look!

[-Foxtrot]

That would have saved sooooooo much time then trying to think outside the box.

Less is more

[RetrospectRealm]

The Submit page is INCREDIBLY better though. It's super efficient since it fetches most of the information for you and you can add tags on the same page. I love that, but that's about it...

[My_Outer_Heaven]

I feel the original looks more organised... my advice is to make all the news previews smaller and tighter together. At the moment they are too big and too far apart. I found myself having to scroll all the way down for too long just to see all the latest news.

The one thing I do like though is the way you can pick a temperature to see the hottest stories... I like that feature.

[Sir_Simba]

Looks like a giant mess of article and i can barely focus on one, but we'll resent it for while, then probably learn to accept it.

Soon as i saw it I knew this design for portable things (mobile tablet, yourmother... and anything else)

update: just check the site on my tablet and yhh, it looks really good there. I'll probably be using that N4g now.

[Segata]

That new one is bland and a mess. Old one is better.

[Sureshot]

mobile site doesnt present news well. articles take up too much realestate. needs to have a more prominant 'top stories' section

[Double_O_Revan]

I browse this site 99.9% of the time on my phone. The current version is great. Clean, simple, and requires very little. I can see around 7 headlines on screen at once. The new site only allows me to see 1.5 stories. The image us just too damn big.

I like that they finally included some more options at the top on mobile, including access to my notifications, which is my biggest problem with the current mobile site. I currently have to go to the full site to read them.

[nix]

true. mobile is fine the way it is. no big picture to skip. it's just text. pure and simple. if i want heavy data consuming site i'll go to other sites.

[parentsbasement]

The new one sucks so lets make that the xbox side and this one that works can stay PS4...I kid , I kid ...and I don't like all these damn bubbles!!!

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Lol bubbles are cool :P

[MasterCornholio]

You'll have to get used to a bubble less system I'm afraid.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

I prefer a no-bubble system, to be honest.
There are some people who will wait, on purpose, until someone is out of bubbles, before putting out a response, just so it looks like the other person didn't HAVE a rebuttal.
That's always irked me.

[MasterCornholio]

@Wonderful

Well i just hope they control the trolls because giving them infinite bubbles could be quite disruptive.

I do enjoy commenting here and stating my opinion but i despise being pestered by trolls.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

The picture speaks for itself really lol

[tombfan]

Like it and not... I like what you're making with news all being in their own little square, but after the main ones, there should be all like this one, I read the titles, not see the image and decide what to look.

[WeAreLegion]

Love some features. Dislike others.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Mostly dislike for me.
Classic mode FTW! lol

[BlindMango]

It's just a bunch of pictures randomly sprawled around the page with no organization, and the site isn't even wider than the current one either! lol

Everything just looks oversized, the comment layout, the images, the text... I hope this stays in beta for a while until all of this is resolved, haha

[Dusty]

We appreciate the candid feedback. Trust us, we will listen to all the feedback. This is a beta and we will do continues updates form now on. As stated in the post we will give the option to use a list view instead of a grid view, so you can choose to use whatever layout you want. But for the beta we wanted to test this new concept. It is different but if you give it a chance it has many advantages over the list view. But we will bring back the list view soon as an option for those who prefer that.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Will the bubble system stay? I like the bubble system :(
Edit:NOOOOOOOOOOOOO
MA BUBBLES ARE GOING TO POP!!!

[Christopher]

No, the bubble system will be going away.

[thexmanone]

Agreed the bubble system needs to go

[Export]

I love the bubble system is gone ... the popular kids would get together to rank up the bubbles just to talk more ... better for debating things

[nix]

noooooooo....

keep the bubbles.

just bring back the Open Zone.

without the bubbles it will be endless verbal diarrhea...

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

@ Nix
Like I mentioned earlier: a more complete Ignore/block system would do wonders for harrassment like that.
It would also act as a "verbal diarrhea" filter.^_-

[optimus]

the bubble system has it's pros and cons...the main problem being that people will bubble you down if they don't agree with you, no matter how valid your point is which isn't very diplomatic.

[BitbyDeath]

It is too hard to read in a grid view.
Not very user friendly.

Also why is the page so tiny, is it just so the site can have ads take up 90% of what we see?

It's a shame bubbles can't be gone from this article.
Can't get great feedback with limited posts.

EDIT: Thanks for the response Chris, can the list view be carried over to mobiles as well? I'd hate to use tabloid view on any device to be honest.

[Christopher]

People should note that the box layout (or metro layout if your prefer) is primarily for mobile purposes and it of high priority today (since search engines will de-prioritize sites w/o mobile friendly designs now). As Dusty said, a list view will be implemented, but right now they're trying to get the box layout to a point where it can be utilized and will continue to be updated alongside other features.

***Can't get great feedback with limited posts.***

There is the feedback box on the right-hand side of the beta site. Please use that for all feedback with the team. You can use it as often as you need whenever you find something.

[Why o why]

Few layout, cropping issues on mobile. The disagree number can often appear alone on the next line. Bit untidy. Feels very sterile too. Almost no colours in the comments.

[Kayant]

@Christopher
If it's not too much work could there be better separation between hot stories and regular stories as the one thing I have hated about the Tabloid view is that there is no timeline. I think that's one thing that would make the new layout more accepting because it would make it more organised and in line with the current view.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

So can we get some information on how the comment system will work?
The current one used the bubble system to mark guys as *trolling* or *Funny* etc.. by the community.. how will this one work exactly?

[Christopher]

You will be able to report comments as spam or inappropriate. Agrees will already be promoted when you sort by 'top comments' (look in the upper right of the comments section for that filter option).

This is subject to change, of course.

[Blastoise]

@ Christopher

So should we expect something more like Disqus?

[TripleCs]

@ Christopher

I honestly have a love, hate relationship with the bubble system. I liked what it was designed for and intended to do but I just didn't like how it was handled and abused by the mods and the people in the community so I'm kinda happy it's going away but at the same time I'm not.. I'm glad people can be more open and honest in certain topics without the fear of incorrectly or unfairly being marked as trolling and losing a bubble they shouldn't have lost but at the same time I don't want people to feel like they can troll and be obnoxious without suffering any consequences for it.

So I think the bubbles should stay, I just think the metrics for earning and losing bubbles needs to change. Just don't make it so hard to earn bubbles because I've noticed that you can have 2 well said comments and not earn any bubbles if you have 1 comment marked as trolling which is what happened to me. You have to get about 3 well said comments to earn a bubble and offset 1 troll comment which is ridiculous so my suggestion is that whenever someone gets a well said, funny, intelligent, etc, comment they should automatically earn a bubble and whenever someone gets a troll, inappropriate, personal attack comment they should automatically lose a bubble. Nothing is perfect so of course this isn't going to make the bubble system perfect but it will make it better by making the bubble system a lot more fair and balanced for members.

Now, as for the beta, I'm not liking the fact that you can't see the number of comments posted and the degree indicator is very small. It's feel it's harder to gauge interest in certain topics and I don't like how the image boxes for articles are different sizes from one another in the beta. On this version of the site, image boxes for articles are the same size and I like that. In the beta they are different sizes and it just makes the site look very unorganized and unprofessional. I also don't like how articles are in rows of 3 instead of in 1 row. It makes the site feel cluttered and unorganized. Lastly, I feel like the new site lacks color. It's too much white and the site ends up looking bland because of it.
I'm honestly not liking the new site at all.

Just my opinion and take on things..

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

@ Blastoise

Oh God, I hope not. Disqus has a horrendous lack of ignore user features.
We need to improve on that, not take a step backwards.XD

[nix]

wrong place.

[TheColbertinator]

I prefer the current design but I welcome easier access or customize news to my keywords like Sega or Fallout

[Miraak82]

I think the current layout much better , plus i like seeing brief descriptions before going into an article .We can't see the amount of comments at the homepage and lets get real this sites is all about it's userbase and comments . I don't like the focus on the title pictures either, it's just sooo in your face . It's like it's trying to use the title picture to sell the article instead of the article itself

I feel like the way the new site is it just doesn't entice me to wanna read any of the articles , it's just a scroll through of pictures

[Nodoze]

Oh god no. That new site is AWFUL!!! Please do not change it to that. I doubt I would continue visiting if that is what you guys put out.

If I wanted to browse Polygon's site, I would go there (actually their site is better).

[HeartlessGamer]

I tried it and don't really like it

[Maywell]

HELL NO to the BETA!

Current version is faaaarrrr better and unique. Why change?

[MrCMan]

Cause google is switching their primary search to mobile instead of desktop. It's time for N4G to change, this isn't 2010 anymore.

[ZaWarudo]

Yeah, not a fan of the layout.

[chazjamie]

its pretty much trash. Why the fuck are there so many pictures? Its designed for the ADHD retard generation.

they can keep their bullshit design as long as the default layout is available.

[mushroomwig]

Without my 10 bubbles being visible how are people supposed to know I'm better than them?!

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

Lol

[PizzaSteve]

Haha well every body got 10 bubbles so everyone is equal grounds.

[RatchetandClank]

I really wish they make a mobile friendly version of the current design.

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

The current design is great for me and I use it on mobile all the time.

[Tru_Blu]

I have no problems using the site on my phone.

[optimus]

there is a mobile friendly version it's in the google playstore.

[PhoenixUp]

I noticed that we all got a lot more bubbles. Now the community doesn't have to be so limited on the amount of responses it can make per article

[raggy-rocket]

Current design is immeasurably better than the new one

[TheBurger29]

Yea hate the new design.
edit: My god the bubbles!

[raggy-rocket]

omg I had 3 before wtf, has there been like a reset?

[TheBurger29]

Im not 100% sure but I think the bubble system will be removed so they just reset it.

[djplonker]

Really hate the new layout and I would use the site alot less if the top stories are buried under piles of articles I don't care about...

[the_hitman3000]

What's with all the bubbles? Lol

[MasterCornholio]

They want us to get used to not having a bubble system. At least that's what they told me when I got my bubbles.

P.S Is it just me or does the site run better on my tablet?

[UserNameIsNotTaken]

I agree. This site is better on mobile for me.

[the_hitman3000]

Interesting, in a way I'm glad however it was a thing that made this site unique.

[Christopher]

That is the purpose of the design ;)

[ZombieStalker]

Add me to the large group of people that think the beta format is a huge step backwards. Why on earth is everything on the beta site so large??

Keep the current version. Why change?? Current version is efficient and effective.

[the_hitman3000]

They'll have a list option so hopefully that looks good.

[crazyclown]

*hopefully*

[MasterCornholio]

Well it does look alot different that's for sure.

[Ray_moondo]

I think some of the new ideas are great, but like almost everyone else, I like the current design. I really think some of the dynamic features have potential though.

[00]

the new site looks bland and like every other site out there though having no stupid bubble system seems like an upgrade.

[ThePsychoGamer]

At first glance I like new layout, but I wait till I've used for a while tto get a solid opinion about it.

[Lennoxb63]

Let people comment as much as they like, to whomever they like. Unless they block you of course.

[legend80]

Ugh, please don't ruin yet another awesome gaming site for a new "mobile version" which in actuality makes it worse and forces more taps/navigation for mobile users. I'm rocking a 4.5" screen and the current/desktop version work just fine.
Honestly, i just don't get what this new wave of web devs are trying to accomplish. They just don't give a s*** about the actual customer experience and just go for making things way too streamlined and HUGE. It's just pathetic. Please, PLEASE retain the current, powerful design (forever). :) Thanks!

[JasonKCK]

On the fence, need more time with my phone and tablet. Enjoy the bubbles while they last. I wonder if anyone will go from 10 to 1 in the time left lol.

[REDGUM]

Hi guys. Thanks for the update - beta. Personally I'm not a fan of it. Seems too big and oversized.
The current site gives you more info on the one page before clicking ahead, giving you the choice in interest. The new way is more of "just a title" system making you have to click ahead to see if you are interested in thd article.

I'm not a fan sorry. Not that your building a new browser just for me but it does seem to have a few of us saying the ssme thing.

Personally, I'd leave it the way it is and tweak as you see fit. Not rebuild the whole thing.

Just an observation.

Keep up the great work guys, really like the news feeds!

[Fantangoooo]

it looks messy to me. and you have to scroll down so far to see all that is on the site. The space inbetween the blocks whats that about?.. Tighten it up and make it compact.

[MrCMan]

Sorry but last version was horrible. This beta is a welcome addition.

[Fantangoooo]

I am not saying it isnt, but it could be presented better. Not create new issues i.e scrolling all the way down to see everything.

[Saelyn]

Not too hip on this one, In a way it looks rather cluttered.

[PlatinumGX]

Didn't like it at all, current design looks a million times better.

[kaozgamer]

The problem with the new design is that the number of news stories displayed on the screen is far less than the list view in the current design. Meaning that I don't want to scroll too much to have a quick look at the news stories.

[newsposter]

omg lol

[kevinsheeks]

do i get bubbles, tried the beta was never a fan of that viewing style but haven't ran into any errors as of yet. Navigation isn't as efficient as a user above mentioned shows less articles meaning more interaction required on my part.

[JJMeH]

User blogs and review:
They are just lost now... I generally don't use the filtering to find a blog entry to read, though if one on the side panel interests me I will read it, this new site makes them completely hidden unless specifically filtering on them now. Quite a bad move when trying to push original content through the monthly contests.

Layout:
This overused tile layout is terrible, I don't understand the push towards it from most news websites, it looks messy with the different size tiles all over the place. Its so much easier just to read down the page, rather than down, across, down, back the other way, left, right, now I'm lost where I was...

Preview:
Now its all down to just the title to get me to want to click on an article, the preview, whilst short still gives some more information about what i am about to click on.

[legend80]

Ugh, please don't ruin yet another awesome gaming site for a new "mobile version" which in actuality makes it worse and forces more taps/navigation for mobile users. I'm rocking a 4.5" screen and the current/desktop version work just fine.

Honestly, i just don't get what this new wave of web devs are trying to accomplish. They just don't give a s*** about the actual customer experience and just go for making things way too streamlined, removing all readable text and making everything tiled and HUGE. Do they not understand screens are pretty big now?! Maybe this would have been a good look in 2006, but it's unnecessary in 2015. It's just pathetic. Please, PLEASE listen to your readers (like 99% of them) and retain the current, powerful design (forever). :) Thanks!

[TrailerParkBoys]

Awe man do I need to find another gaming news website? I am not impressed by the initial look. Much easier to navigate the current site I never had any issues using the mobile site so why the change?

[Urbz7870]

It looks dull compared to the current layout

[Godmars290]

"I see you've changed the desktop theme.

"I don't like it"

[DivineAssault]

I like the new design but how do i comment without scrolling through all the others?

[M-M]

Tabloid design is not the way to go. N4G's current design is what made it unique. Should have improved upon that instead of doing a cluttered, overhauled version.

[JMaine518]

No. The old design is much better. I'm open to see a list view for this version but this new beta is a no.

[bow2yoda]

Why would you do this to us? The UI is not inviting at all!

[PizzaSteve]

N4G is my go to site for gaming news. Gamespot was my go to site in the pass but when they changed the design I left. I like the current design for N4G. Removing bubbles is fine but keep the the same design. It's simple and easy with no clutter of big and little boxes. If it's changed, I will try to get use to it but If I can't stand it I will find another gaming site.

[kenwonobi]

I've always loved the current design. It's so easy to use and perfectly built from the onset. Having said that I like being helpful and contributing. I'll give it a go.

[kidwonder3]

new design hurts my eye

[PersonMan]

I like the more modern look of the beta site, but it seemed a bit easier to read in list view. However, make it a preference in case there are those that like the new view as well. I think the new site looks and feels great! Keep up the good work!

I just realized that the comment box is way too big. I have to scroll quite a ways to hit the "Add" button at the bottom.

[twinspectre1990]

it looks cool :D

[LPH24]

Kind of like the "material" design of it, but certainly prefer the style of the current site.

[-Foxtrot]

This is the first time I've seen every agree with one another....it's nice

[crazyclown]

:)

[vikingland1]

I like it so far.

[ShadowWolf712]

I actually like this beta design, tbh. The front page is a tad confusing at first and it wouldn't hurt maybe to have some keywords or tags showing on each, but I definitely like the comments better.

Now if only we could reply more directly to people in longer threads, that'd be golden.

[masterfox]

it sucks!!! right of the bat you don't know what is the important news/article that currently is with that new layout even thou you have the degree mark at the top left t, the old design is pretty easy to follow important stuff in a banner type view is on top and the ones that got promoted are below and it means that are currently not important but probably will get there depending how much users find it interesting.

there alot of step backs in that new design for instance, the main page of current design the articles are below are easy to follow for the and also you get a small brief of what the article has in it, also you get to view how many comments that article currently has, also you have the icon of the article, so you have the article title, a small brief of it and the comment count, a lot of people find interesting how many comments the article has it means how importan that article is.

All that I mention above is lost with the new design.

[DivineAssault]

I wouldnt mind it if it have a classic view like the current page as well as the add/+comment tab so you dont need to scroll down all the previous comments to add one. It needs some work but i dont see it being too bad if they address certain features.. It looks more modernized but i hate the tabloid view..

[Testfire]

Don't fix what's not broken.

[Destiny1080]

let me guess, you hired a Microsoft employee to create your website

[iliimaster]

okay i visit this site daily and the new layout is horrible,... what the hell happened? msn. com did kinda the same thing very hard to look at

[MNGamer-N]

I don't like the new layout, it is so hard to read! The images are way too large. I want to see text headlines, so I can pick what to read. Just keep the existing layout please

[StormLegend]

I hate the new Website

This is much better!

[BattleAxe]

I love the new redesign. It runs so much quicker and smoother in Explorer than the old layout.

[goldwyncq]

New Design hurts my eyes. Keep the current one please.

[BlackIceJoe]

I hate mobile sites, I've never once used them. I'm using a phone right now and when ever I go to the site the first thing I do is request the desktop version. I know that some people like mobile sites, but I'm just not one of them.

[NicSage]

I am not a fan of the front page layout, but the comments area is much better and over all is much better.

[Kamikaze135]

Yeah the comment section is much better. The new color scheme also gives the site a more modern feel to it.

[jon_snow]

Bubbles, Bubbles everywhere. Where is my Longclaw Blade when i need one.

[SilentXCaspa]

The only reason I like it is because its more modern and responsive to any screen device size, but heres the problem.

N4G presents the hottest / highlight news of the day / week. That is not presented very effectively at all in this new layout. The old layout presents it a hell of a lot better.

Coming from an actual web designer.

[crazyclown]

Well said

[Remmulak]

While I like the initiative to make the site better. I definitely like the current design better.

[Why o why]

Liking the option to put the newest comment at the top

[psnCAShville_615]

love this version keep it!!!!! is not as simple as the one before, but is more open to other news.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

I definitely like the new design. It's fast, responsive and I enjoy the minimalist design.

The comment section also feels less cluttered and it's easier to use.

[crazyclown]

Ill agree with the fact that the comment section is good but in my opinion nothing else is good. Everything is a step backwards.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

Despite the complaints from other users, I actually like the new design. I also understand that it's a work in progress. I look forward to seeing the final product.

[ZorinInc]

If that beta site in its current condition replaces this one. I can guarantee it will only get a quarter of the comments on articles. They're the full width of the screen and look terrible. N4G is built on its community and that is the most important factor in the layout.

[Kamikaze135]

The current design looks MUCH better and easier to navigate through.

I go to this site and up top, I see the most popular stories. Below, I see the rest of the approved stories. It's simple, straightforward, and very easy to look at. As it should be for a news site. The new site seems so out of order and very messy. At least keep the most popular articles at the top.

[jznrpg]

What's with everyone having 10 bubbles. I had 10 and still do .

[Mike04]

Did a 5 year old kid made this idea? Its just look so bad

[mEGUSTO]

hover zoom would be a nice implementation.... has been bugging me for years that this site hasnt got it!

[Dasteru]

The tabloid view is designed to look pretty at the expense of functionality. It is that exact change that caused me to stop going to PSU years ago. Keep it simple.

[SaveMeJebus]

Everyone has 10 bubbles now!? Talk about communism.....I kid, I kid.

[Sarobi]

I like the look of it, but the tabloid layout just does not look good. Use the current layout structure on it, and it'll be fine.

Edit: I'm using it as I type this.

[vergilxx3]

No no no.. I can see where this is going
Pleas don't end up like Windows 8

[vega275]

I kind of wish they go back to the old comment section for decent discussion and the troll section.

[boodi]

the old site is much better . stick with that please .

[zaz12]

keep current layout, please. I prefer a new design that is slightly improved over the current one. Call of duty developers can help you!

[ritchi45]

If you give us the option to select either the current design or the new one, that'd be swell. New one isn't my cuppa tbh

[jayzablade]

Please stick with the current design! I access this site from my phone and it is quick and easy to use without endless scrolling! The tabs at the top are quick and easy to view and tap without having to access a drop down menu, I see more articles on screen and can flick through the whole page in almost 2 screens. The mobile version (in my opinion) is horrible! I love N4G for being a one stop gaming news shop and wouldn't ask for it to be any other way!

[sAVAge_bEaST]

This is a Test.. -Don't go the way of MySpace.. with whack changes.

[Tru_Blu]

New design is teribad.

[SaveMeJebus]

Just checked out V.2 and all I gotta say is.....
https://www.google.com/sear...

[Jmanzare]

I prefer the mobile site.. No ads just the articles.. I even use the mobile site on my laptop lol

[Artemidorus]

Like the older design, what about giving it a fresh look with the old layout??

[Tzuno]

New n4g is targeted towards mobile, i don't like the new layout, i have quit Gamespot when they changed to new design because it was not the same site it was years ago, if it's not broken don't repair it, improve it without changing the core too much. Look at windows history, when people jumped from xp to 7 it was easy and clean very intuitive and not so much changed in interface but when 8 was released was a mess with all that metro bloatware. Keep it simple.

[iliimaster]

so forcing this change on everyone for people who use mobile phone/tablets to acess the site...... seriously?

[Vitalogy]

I find the new style a bit confusing. And I'm not even resistente to changes, but this one's better.

[Number_9]

I like it for mobile use. Also no more bubbles, yay!

[Roccetarius]

Yeah, i'll just echo what other people have said. I'm pretty sure i wouldn't stick around, if this became the new thing. The current site layout is just fine.

[NJShadow]

The new design is pretty terrible, in my opinion. It removes the main reason I visit N4G daily: relevant news delivered in a clean and organized manner. This is that awful style that they went with for the "new" Digg before it went to utter garbage. Please don't follow suit..

[Kos-Mos]

Looks like a cheap commercial click-bait site.

[madmonkey01]

Keep the bubbles, dont force tabloid view! I prefered the old N4G but got use to it as it is now, but dont use tabloid views.

[jcnba28]

I do not like the new layout.

I think you should keep the old layout but make it more modern-looking (fonts, boxes, colours etc.)

[jay2]

Donm't like having to go to latest to get stories in order, I think I used list view which was perfect, I want my stories to appear in the order the were posted, nnot 11 hrs then 4 mins, I want to easierely read wheats new, unless you click on latest you can't do that. I've been here since the beginning not imopressed.

[Kalebninja]

How on earth was my comment offensive?!

"Are there no more bubbles? Endless arguments here we come."

In no way can someone find that offensive.

[L0wlifeGamer]

The old design is MUCH better.

[Woksaus]

Well, it's not all bad, i personally like the colors and more modern design but is a little too much in your face, if there was an option to vertical list the news articles instead of tabloid, i think everybody would be fine with it.

[_LarZen_]

I like the new one much better. It's a modern design compared to this old one. The only thing I would wish for it is removing your entire commenting system. And replacing it with Disqus.

[Gardenia]

I don't think it's that bad. There are a few things that need to improve however

- I don't like the tablet layout
- Background needs some color or pictures at the side

[craig2web]

I like the new design.

[UNKLE]

I like the new design.. more tablet and mobile friendly not just pc which is a good thing.

[Ashlen]

Can we please have the ability to have something other than "Featured" as the default. Or have the choice saved between sessions.

[Ashlen]

I'd like a more open site with the ability to see when moderators (including handles) alter an article. Things like adding heat or adding articles to featured.

[saimcheeda]

Unfortunately this layout isn't user friendly, feels like a mess. The same thing happened with Gamespot and I stopped going there!

[LemyAtom]

Personally I quite like the design. I mainly browse on mobile though. FINALLY being able to read notifications and the like without having to revert to desktop mode is a feature I've wanted for a long, long time.

[mechlord]

Its fugly on pc but actually workable and better on mobile. I like it on mobile, vomit on it on pc.

[Talamak]

The new layout is definitely a no go....

[jznrpg]

I really don't like discus . The rest is OK

[GetSomeLoGiK]

Old view is better, it's like you guys pulled a Microsoft and went with that dumb Windows layout. Looks like it was designed by a 5 year old in Microsoft Paint.

The old layout is why I come here instead of VG247, they did the same thing you're trying to do now and it pushed me away to here. Just keep it, and to the designers, A for effort.

[JOKERACN7]

i like the Beta version, it's so slick. The current one is good as always.

[MellauxGMNG]

How do I switch back to the old layout?

[AJBACK2FRAG]

Sorry! I think it's visually unappealing.

[turab]

NO NEVER CHANGE PLEASE. I GOT DIZY IN 1 MINUTE. BETA SUKS

[trenso1]

Keep this style but add the old classic version back thats all we need. Also how is the comment section going to work in this new version. No one has bubbles in the new one. Trolls will be rampant

[holtzy]

horrible layout looks like crap the current layout is million times better

[the_hitman3000]

I decided to try it on my phone and I have to say it's really nice on the phone part.

[MrCMan]

People are scared of changed. The new design is way better functionality wise and cleaner. Time for change, people will get use to it. Only complaint, when you type in the comment box, it keeps extending down per character type on the desktop version.

[Stapleface]

New layout isn't terrible on a tablet but I still prefer the old. List style will be available so that's good to know. Glad the bubbles are going away.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

I'm probably alone on this, but I like the new design.

[RedTriangle53]

I think you guys are dumb or something. The tabloid view will be optional, so give actual constructive feedback on how to make it more appreciable. It's going to be SO MUCH better for using N4G on a phone, which means that N4G has decided to improve how it is used 70% of the time. That WORKS huh?

Personally I have sent in feedback on the amount of stories visible at any given time, and that I think it would be better to add more horizontal space as a compromise between browsing and scrolling. Stop being ghastly cunts and help out.

[GearSkiN]

Updates are nice but feels like I've seen the style before.

[Applejack]

It will take me some time to get used to the new layout. Anyway, are bubbles gone for good now? That's a relief!

[cutthroatslim]

well I kinda like it for mobile

[dkp23]

The Beta is horrible, why try to be like the other site like kotaku, the verge, etc. Cluttered, confusing, and pointless.

Kill the beta

[Father__Merrin]

new format doesnt work well on mobile. i use a data saving opera browser and its no good. hopefully you fix it

[level 360]

Keep the current look please

[Infinite1212]

...The new page is not very efficient. I much prefer the current site.

[Toon_Link]

Not liking the new design. I want my news to look like news not pintrest.

[Patrick]

Like the old site better.

[Smokeeye123]

The list better still be an option or I will never come back. I go to n4g, skim the top 5 hot links at the top. then briefly scroll and look at the other stuff before leaving. I dont need 60 boxes that take up half my screen

[FunAndGun]

Really don't like the new site and I have only experienced it on my phone. Really hate having to scroll, scroll, scroll. And the big images for each story don't really add anything. I don't plan on using the new layout even on my phone. Just seems so unorganized with endless blocks of images. On the old site I can see top five hottest stories on the new site I see one single story with a huge image taking up the whole screen. It makes me feel like I am 5 yrs old or 70yrs old.

[Boobgrabber]

Tried it,hated it, and closed it. Like the current design better. Beta looked clutter and unorganized.

[takohma]

Eh.....not sure I like it. Maybe I'm just so used to the original. Maybe just changing some colors and icons. Leave the layout though. Easy to find things I like when I'm skimming through quickly

[MultiConsoleGamer]

You can give this site a new coat of paint but it's still going to be the same old site, with the same old problems.

You cant fix your reputation problem with a site redesign. There are bigger issues at work here, and they need to be addressed.

[Malokii]

What you are talking about ? This site and whole newsboiler have good reputation at all, so you are dumb or something dude

[MultiConsoleGamer]

This site has a terrible reputation. You must be new to the internet. And people barely use the other newsboiler sites.

I would offer my suggestions for the N4G redesign, but I don't think this is the time or the place.

[s1ngleshot98]

Before a permanent change is implemented, please poll or survey for honest opinions. I think the current design is terrible and prefer the old layout. I'm sure everyone else also agrees.

[boodi]

250 agree vs 15 disagree .. that the old design is better..i think this pretty much tell the story

[Davuskus]

I love the new design. The current one looks so old it's crazy. This is way more modern!

[kraenk12]

What a joke!

[Thump1967]

Beta not for me sorry

[SuicidalTendencies]

What's with all these site redesigns that make them look like I should be browsing the internet on a cell phone or tablet? Doesn't anyone use their PC's for that anymore? These sites all end up looking the same and it's very boring. Needless to say I don't like the new look.

[bmky]

Bad design. Not visually appealing. The windows tiles are awful. No top stories at the top. If it aint broke, dont fix.

[Foehammer]

If one updates an article using the refresh; how does one know if the article has failed?

I don't see a notification on the article itself; I have to look on the failed list of articles.

[GdaTyler]

For the people in actually like this, by some miracle, make it so you can choose whichever layout you want. That way you didn't waste your time that went into designing it, but don't force something down our throats like Youtube and Facebook layout changes do.

[asadachi]

The beta website is not a very good design in my opinion. The original is much easier to navigate and understand.

[GaMeNe99A]

The new design made my 3 year old cry :[