Games Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Fanmade VR Port Of Nintendo 64 Classic Perfect Dark Out Now On Quest & PC

Modder Alex Le Tux has released the first public build of Perfect Dark VR, a fan-made adaptation for Quest headsets and PC VR, following a preview video in February. The VR port is based on the Perfect Dark decompilation project started in 2022. The latest release allows players to explore iconic locations from Perfect Dark with features like head tracking and motion control aiming. A trailer showcasing these features has been shared by YouTube user Graslu00. The trend of creating VR ports for classic games has grown, with contributions from fans and indie developers, including Team Beef, which has ported classic PC titles to VR. Additionally, Virtual Boy Go is an open-source emulator that enables players to experience Nintendo's virtual reality games on Quest headsets without the original console.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

“You are the endgame”: Total War: Warhammer’s new nightmarish Chaos invasion finally gives Archaon the apocalyptic event he’s been waiting 10 years for

Total War enthusiasts enjoy endgame events, such as the Mongol and Timurid invasions in Medieval 2 and Archaon's arrival in Total War: Warhammer. The upcoming rework for the Vampire Counts will enhance Archaon's invasion, allowing players to engage in an endgame crisis after meeting short victory conditions. This new mechanic will prevent territory occupation while increasing overall power as players devastate regions. Archaon can confederate all Chaos factions by defeating their leaders, expanding the conflict. Visual updates for Archaon and new units will be introduced, addressing previous shortcomings. The Lords of the End Times expansion is anticipated to launch later this year.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

PC game store GOG explains how digital ownership should be as PlayStation announces end of physical discs

PlayStation plans to phase out physical discs for its consoles starting in January 2028, coinciding with the digital-only release of GTA 6. This shift reflects the industry's move toward a digital-only future, impacting collectors and enthusiasts of physical media. Meanwhile, GOG offers a DRM-free gaming experience, allowing users to retain access to purchased games even if they are removed from the store, as long as the files are installed. GOG's model enables personal backups on physical media and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, although online multiplayer may vary. The future of PlayStation adopting a similar DRM-free approach remains uncertain.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Dragon Age setting creator says AI push is a delusion of the executive class that’s a ‘virulent plague’ on games

David Gaider, a veteran of BioWare and creator of the Dragon Age universe, expressed concerns about generative AI in gaming, calling it a "virulent plague" that negatively impacts creativity and job opportunities. He criticized the current use of AI for producing subpar results and diminishing entry-level opportunities for writers. Gaider suggested that AI should be used as a supportive tool for mundane tasks, allowing human writers to focus on creative work, but noted that AI is currently taking on critical roles instead. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent and cautioned against eliminating tasks essential for training junior developers. Gaider also raised ethical concerns about AI's reliance on datasets that may lack consent from original creators, warning of potential legal issues. He expressed skepticism about AI's readiness for widespread application in the industry, advocating for caution until proper regulation and ethical data training are established.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Netflix has finally figured out how to get viewers off their phones with its newest horror game, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing

Point-and-click horror games face challenges in maintaining player agency due to predetermined paths, especially when using smartphones for interaction. Netflix's game Unhinged, created by Zach Cregger and David Fincher, allows players to use their phones as the protagonist Ava's device while she seeks help from her friend Claire and avoids a pursuer. The game lasts about 30 minutes and features immersive but occasionally frustrating gameplay due to distractions from notifications and the smartphone's role in executing quick-time events. The atmosphere is eerie, and the performances by Zoë Kravitz as Ava, Sadie Sink as Claire, and Troy Baker as the antagonist enhance the experience. Unhinged offers a glimpse into interactive storytelling, despite its limitations.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Minecraft on Bedrock finally gets Closed Captions, a decade after Java Edition

Mojang has officially introduced closed caption support to Minecraft Bedrock Edition after testing it through preview builds. This feature aims to create a more inclusive gaming environment for players who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Players can activate closed captions by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Gameplay, where they can customize the visibility duration, on-screen positioning, and select which sounds to display. The game will provide descriptions of nearby sounds and directional cues for sound sources. Mojang acknowledges potential issues with incorrect sound displays and encourages player feedback for improvements.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Lullabies Made of Static is a quieter, slower, but still quite welcome addition to PC gaming’s brutalist walking sim canon

Lullabies Made of Static, released today, features a disconcerting atmosphere reminiscent of the walking simulator Fugue in Void. Players navigate a desolate city with towering walls and peculiar architecture, amplifying feelings of dread and isolation. The objective is to locate a hidden cassette tape, with the game prioritizing atmosphere over traditional quests. The soundscape is minimal, dominated by wind and footsteps, enhancing the labyrinthine exploration. The city has buildings scattered across a monotonous brown plain, and the sparse dialogue varies in quality. The demo is available on Steam.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Windrose might get wind

Windrose features forgiving mechanics where players retain weapons and gear, and can easily replace lost pirate ships. Hunger and thirst are not factors, and the NPC pirate crew is immortal. The game allows for seamless sailing without wind. The studio announced a major update during early access, introducing a new biome called the Ashlands, new islands with unique enemies and resources, new building pieces, decorative options, new pirate ship classes, and improved NPC ship behavior. The studio is considering adding wind mechanics but aims to maintain a fun and simple gameplay experience. Further details on the update's release will be shared with the community.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

‘They refuse to offer a meaningful alternative’: Game preservation leader agrees that piracy is the only preservation option for a discless future

Sony plans to discontinue the production of physical game discs for the PlayStation 5 by 2028, shifting towards a fully digital licensing model. Frank Cifaldi from the Video Game History Foundation has raised concerns about the preservation of video game history, stating that piracy may become the only means of safeguarding digital works. He criticized the Entertainment Software Association for resisting efforts to create a legal framework for preserving digital content. Cifaldi highlighted that museums and archives are preparing for this digital future, questioning the industry's expectations for cultural institutions as physical media is phased out. The transition to digital ownership has sparked discussions in the gaming community, particularly regarding the lack of backward compatibility in the PlayStation ecosystem and the challenges posed by the closure of digital stores for older consoles. The urgency for solutions to protect video game history is increasing as the industry moves towards a digital-only future.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

July is a little light on the big new game releases, but your co-op horror Discord gang will be feastin’

In July 2026, notable game releases include: - Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced (July 9, Steam | Singleplayer): A remake of the original game with enhanced visuals. - College Football 27 (July 9, Steam | 4-player co-op): The latest installment in the football franchise. - Palworld 1.0 (July 10, Steam | 4-player co-op): A survival crafting game with new features. - Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28, Steam | 4-player co-op): A remake of the original Halo campaign with additional missions. Co-op indie horror games releasing include: - Cursed Cooking Mama - Happy's Burgatory (July 16, Steam | 4-player co-op). - After Hours Puzzler - Storebound 1.0 (July 16, Steam | 3-player co-op). - Asymmetric Rabbit Hunt - Carnival Hunt (July 23, Steam | 5 players). - Killer Customer Service - Shift at Midnight (Release date TBD, Steam | 3-player co-op). Gaming events include: - Tennocon (July 10 – 11). - Final Fantasy 14 Fan Fest (July 25 – 26). - Various Steam Sales throughout the month. Game updates and expansions include: - Flight Simulator 2024 (July 4). - Doom: The Dark Ages (July 7). - Granblue Fantasy: Relink (July 8). - Phasmophobia (July 21).