competitive play Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Play Faster, a Precision Platformer Purpose-Built for Speedrunning, Announced for PC

Play Faster is a minimalist precision platformer designed for speedrunning, currently in development for PC by GoBlimp and published by Byzantium. It features tools for speedrunners, including an input display, replay system, instant retries, practice mode, and anti-cheat measures. The game focuses on short runs lasting 5 to 8 minutes, emphasizing deterministic movement and player skill. A trailer and screenshots are available, and players can add it to their Steam wishlist.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Ever complained about Overwatch matchmaking? There’s a chance Jeff Kaplan checked your account and all he has to say is: ‘There’s gotta be winners and there’s gotta be losers’

Matchmaking in Overwatch is challenging for players trying to escape "Elo-hell," with a tendency for win-loss ratios to hover around 50% for most players, except for the elite top 500 or those struggling significantly. Former Overwatch lead Jeff Kaplan describes matchmaking as a complex design task that inevitably results in winners and losers. Players often express frustration over losing streaks, which can be psychologically impactful. Kaplan notes that players tend to complain more about losses than celebrate wins, highlighting a contradiction in their expectations for fair matches. Despite the difficulties, Overwatch has made progress in matchmaking and hero balancing, indicating a strong player connection to the game.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Google Play is adding new paid and PC games, game trials, community posts, and more

Google announced updates at GDC 2026 to enhance the gaming experience on Google Play, including plans to expand its game catalog with new paid and indie PC games. Upcoming titles include Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, 9 Kings, Potion Craft, and Low-Budget Repairs, accessible on mobile and PC with synchronized progress. Google is introducing game trials for select paid games on mobile, allowing players to sample games before purchasing, with plans to extend this to PC. A new “buy once, play anywhere” pricing model will let users buy both mobile and PC versions of select games with one purchase. The Play Store’s Games tab will feature a dedicated section for Windows-optimized titles, and users can create wishlists to receive notifications on sales. Community posts will enable users to ask questions and share answers about games, initially available in English for select titles, with plans for expansion. An AI-powered in-game overlay called Play Games Sidekick will provide real-time assistance for select paid games. Google also redesigned the Play Games experience and launched Play Games Leagues for competitive play.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

5 Best Video Games Like Terraria

"Terraria" fans have several similar gaming options. 1. Minecraft: Launched in 2011, it features procedurally generated worlds made of cubes, allowing players to gather resources, craft items, and engage in both cooperative and competitive play. It is the best-selling video game in history. 2. Starbound: Released in 2016, this sci-fi game allows players to explore various planets, terraform environments, and craft items while establishing settlements. It features procedurally generated worlds and character customization. 3. Forager: Released in 2019, this game emphasizes crafting over combat in a top-down perspective, allowing players to mine, farm, fish, and cook while exploring and developing their base. 4. Valheim: A fantasy survival game that gained popularity in 2021, where players act as fallen Viking warriors in an afterlife, combining survival elements with home maintenance and featuring a dynamic day-night cycle. 5. Core Keeper: An early access fantasy sandbox game where players explore a procedurally generated underground world, dig tunnels, and craft gear. It supports solo or cooperative play with up to seven friends.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

Overwatch tier list for Season 1 Conquest

The latest update in Overwatch's Reign of Talon chapter has introduced five new heroes, the most significant addition since the game's launch. The current tier list categorizes 50 characters by role, with Domina being notably powerful, and Sigma remaining a top choice in competitive play. Other dominant tank characters include D.Va, Zarya, and Ramattra, while Winston is favored against unprepared teams. New heroes Anran and Emre are well-balanced, but established characters like Sojourn, Ashe, Cassidy, and Bastion continue to perform strongly. Vendetta has the highest win rate at approximately 55%. In the support category, Jetpack Cat is highlighted for her mobility and healing, while Mizuki is more situational. The top heroes by win rate are Vendetta (55.6%), Domina (54.4%), Mizuki (54.2%), Zenyatta (53.1%), and Doomfist (52.9%). Lower pick rate heroes often have higher win rates, emphasizing the need for mastery over popular choices.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Black Ops 7 Season 2 is bringing some wild loadout additions, and I haven’t been this scared of a scorestreak in years

Treyarch is set to introduce new content for Black Ops 7 Season 2, including a scorestreak called the Lockshot, inspired by Titanfall's Smart Pistols, which can lock onto multiple targets and eliminate them with a single trigger pull. Players will also have access to new weapons through the battle pass, including the REV-46 submachine gun, EGRT-17 assault rifle, and H311-SAW melee weapon. Additional weapons, such as the SG-12 shotgun, Voyak KT-3 assault rifle, and the returning Swordfish burst rifle from Black Ops 4, will be available later in the season. Season 2 will also feature the launch of Ranked Play, providing a competitive gameplay environment. The season officially begins on February 5.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Riot Games Launches League of Legends 2026 Season 1 PC Café Event With Free Rewards, Skins and Esports Prizes

Riot Games has launched its first PC café promotion of 2026, coinciding with the Season 1 update for League of Legends. The promotion, running until January 21, offers in-game rewards, trial cosmetics, and sweepstakes for players at participating PC cafés. Players can earn tiered rewards based on playtime, with those logging 20 hours receiving up to 15 Hextech Chest and Key sets. Participants are also entered into prize drawings for tickets to major esports events. A separate reward track is available for ranked victories, offering randomized rewards. Additionally, players will have temporary access to 15 champion skins from the Demacia region until January 30.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Ubisoft says The Division 3 is “a monster” and believes it can have “as big an impact” as the first game

Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment are developing a third installment in The Division series, referred to as The Division 3, which executive producer Julian Gerighty describes as "shaping up to be a monster." The Division 2 continues to offer a rich looter-shooter experience with extensive PvE content and PvP Dark Zones. An upcoming expansion for The Division 2, titled Survivors, will reintroduce the extraction experience with a new twist, although a release date is not confirmed. Gerighty has indicated that The Division 3 will maintain the series' core elements, including online co-op gameplay and RPG mechanics. The franchise's tenth anniversary next year may provide an opportunity for early reveals of both The Division 3 and the Survivors DLC. An exclusive preview event for community members is scheduled for February at Massive HQ in Sweden. Further insights into The Division franchise are expected in 2026.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Best PC Sports Games for 2026

Sports games on PC in 2026 showcase a diverse array of titles that blend arcade excitement, intricate simulations, and innovative concepts. Modern PC hardware enhances the gaming experience, allowing titles that once required specialized setups to run seamlessly on contemporary devices. Arcade-style sports games benefit from lower system requirements and simplified controls, while simulation-heavy titles are better suited for desktops. Standout games include Baseball Stars 2, which maintains its charm with engaging mechanics, and RetroMania Wrestling, which focuses on recognizable gameplay rather than realism. Fire Pro Wrestling World offers extensive customization and online play, appealing to players who enjoy fine-tuning their matches. Mutant Football League reimagines American football with fictional teams and exaggerated violence, while Super Mega Baseball 3 combines stylized visuals with intricate statistical systems. Rocket League remains popular for its skill-based multiplayer, and Windjammers 2 emphasizes strategic gameplay. Turbo Golf Racing merges golf with kart racing, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 remasters classic skateboarding titles. The PC platform thrives on variety, offering arcade-style action, intricate simulations, and experimental hybrids. Notable sports games in 2026 include Rocket League, Super Mega Baseball 3, Fire Pro Wrestling World, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2, and Windjammers 2. Many sports games are suitable for the Steam Deck, especially arcade-style titles. While there are fewer officially licensed simulations on PC, some titles cater to simulation-focused players. Current trends include hybrid designs, enhanced community tools, and growing interest in customization systems.