capitalism Archives

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

I played the economic simulator that could ‘make a convert out of Karl Marx himself’ to see if it could convert me

An entrepreneur attempted to build a business empire starting with a department store in Jakarta that sold only laundry detergent, which led to financial losses due to a misalignment with market demand. Despite diversifying the product range to include cookies and leather shoes, losses continued. A later venture in Bombay, selling CPUs, silica, and raw tobacco, yielded a profit, albeit still negative. The entrepreneur learned valuable lessons about market demands and strategies, leading to a successful department store in Guangzhou that focused on shampoo and air conditioners, resulting in substantial profits. The game "Capitalism," which the entrepreneur engaged with, reflects the post-Cold War era and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in business.

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I’ll never love another RPG like I loved Neverwinter Nights

A dedicated gamer finds solace in the RPG Neverwinter Nights, released in the early 2000s, which has a vibrant modding community. The game served as a lifeline during a challenging period, allowing the player to create adventures using the Aurora Toolset. The modding scene has fostered creativity and shared experiences through Persistent Worlds. However, the gaming landscape has evolved, with new games often prioritizing profit over player-created content, leading to a longing for the past. Despite changes, the community around Neverwinter Nights remains vibrant, inviting both old players and newcomers to explore its creative possibilities.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

The new game from Disco Elysium’s studio feels like the first Christmas after your parents’ divorce

Commodity fetishism refers to the transformation of human relationships into transactions between commodities, obscuring the labor behind everyday products. In the context of the game "Zero Parades," players control Hershel Wilks, a spy for the communist "Superbloc," who has a troubled past involving the loss of her team. The game features a skill and check system similar to "Disco Elysium," with three ability pools and a unique narrative style. The dialogue includes memorable characters and sharp writing, but the game often feels like an imitation of its predecessor, lacking originality and innovation.

AppWizard

January 12, 2026

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues banning Twitter over its ability to AI-generate pornographic images of minors is just ‘gatekeepers’ attempting to ‘censor all of their political opponents’

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized a US initiative to ban the social media platform X and its generative AI tool, Grok, following reports of Grok generating inappropriate images, including those of minors. Sweeney emphasized the importance of open platforms and opposed political demands for censorship, labeling it as crony capitalism. Reports indicated that Grok produced troubling content, including altered images of influencers in compromising situations. In response to the controversy, X has placed Grok's image generation feature behind a paywall. Sweeney's stance on free speech contrasts with censorship practices on his own platforms, such as the Epic Games Store's ban on the art game Horses due to pressure from conservative groups. He acknowledged the dangers of AI, noting that major AIs have instances of misuse.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years

The Outer Worlds 2 is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's foundations, featuring impactful decision-making and refined gameplay. Set in a different galaxy, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, tasked with investigating catastrophic rifts threatening the galaxy, particularly the Arcadia colony. The game critiques hyper-capitalism while being developed under Microsoft, incorporating satirical elements. Players' choices significantly influence gameplay, with character builds affecting the narrative and challenges faced. The revamped flaws system introduces both positive and negative effects based on player actions, encouraging exploration. The game features expertly crafted quests that intertwine with the main storyline, leading to unique outcomes. Companions add emotional depth to the experience, each with distinct personalities. While initial planets showcase engaging quests, later areas feel less vibrant, and combat lacks depth, often becoming repetitive. The crafting system allows for customization but may not be fully utilized due to the game's ease. Performance is strong, running smoothly on high-end hardware. Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes meaningful player choices but reveals a need for improved combat mechanics.

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Epic CEO says AI disclosures like Steam’s make “no sense” because AI will be involved in “nearly all” future game development

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, believes that AI disclosure tags in gaming marketplaces like Steam should be removed, arguing that AI will be involved in nearly all future game production. He expressed optimism about AI empowering smaller development teams to create expansive game worlds. However, he acknowledged that AI's reputation is often negative due to its use as a means of creative replacement rather than enhancement, leading to layoffs in the industry. Major companies like King and Ubisoft have reduced their workforce in part due to AI advancements. Steam had previously introduced guidelines requiring developers to disclose AI usage, with nearly 8,000 games reported to have incorporated generative AI. The actual number is likely higher, as seen in the disappointment over the number of demos using the technology during Steam Next Fest.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Cities Skylines’ traffic headaches are nothing compared to this brutal new city builder, where your population’s lives are literally on the line

Microlandia is a city-building simulation game developed by Information Superhighway Games that emphasizes the challenging aspects of urban life. The game introduces realism by incorporating consequences for inadequate funding in hospitals, leading to mass death as a gameplay element. Players' decisions impact citizens' lives, with issues like bad traffic potentially resulting in job loss. The housing market reflects greed and desperation, driving some citizens to crime. The game is based on data from reputable sources, ensuring authenticity in its portrayal of urban management. Microlandia will launch on November 21, priced at .99 / ~£5.32, and is available for wishlisting on Steam. The developer plans to expand the simulation post-launch with additional policy tools.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Aggressively pink boomer shooter puts the slay in Doom Slayer, and you can try it right now

Don't Stop Girlypop is an indie boomer shooter that features a vibrant aesthetic inspired by '90s teenage culture, contrasting the typical dark themes of the genre. The game includes a demo available on Steam, where players can experience its unique combat mechanics and narrative that addresses themes like capitalism and environmental issues. Players can use various whimsical weapons, such as a pistol that fires crushed skulls and a bubble gun that launches pink hearts. The gameplay encourages constant movement to inflict greater damage, incorporating mechanics like dashes, double jumps, slams, and bunny hops.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

The Most Relentless First-Person Action Game Is Free This Week On PC

Ghostrunner 2 is a fast-paced action game released in 2023, available for free on the Epic Games Store from September 11 until September 18. It features intense gameplay that demands players' full attention, with a focus on parkour and swordplay in a neon-lit urban environment filled with traps and adversaries. Players must master acrobatics and aggressive tactics, utilizing a grappling hook to navigate obstacles. The game emphasizes precision, as nearly every encounter results in a one-hit knockout. While it includes narrative elements that can interrupt gameplay, it remains an exhilarating title available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

You can pick up literally 382 games for $8 on Itch right now, with proceeds going ‘directly to Palestine aid and relief’

Itch.io is offering the Play for Peace – Games for Palestine 2025 Charity Bundle, which includes 382 games for eight dollars. Proceeds from the bundle will go directly to Palestine aid and relief, with the organizers partnering with UNRWA USA to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Notable titles in the bundle include Coffee Talk, Extreme Meatpunks Forever, Moon Hunters, VVVVVV, and a book titled I Signed Up To Be The Substitute Familiar Of A Struggling Witch To Pay My Bills And I'm Just Now Realizing What I Got Myself Into.