competitive Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Live service games are ‘innovating’ all the way back around to what worked 20 years ago, except way worse

Epic Games is introducing a free toolset for Fortnite that allows users to create and publish their own games, accompanied by a revenue-sharing program based on player engagement. Teravision, a studio using the Unreal Engine for Fortnite, has successfully released a roguelike game and plans to develop two more titles. Fortnite's multiplayer approach is shifting away from traditional matchmaking systems, aiming for a more creative environment reminiscent of past games like Garry's Mod and Team Fortress 2. However, the UEFN initiative has been criticized for lacking community spirit and producing low-quality content, with many games focusing on monetization rather than enjoyable gameplay. This trend reflects a broader issue in gaming where progression systems overshadow the core enjoyment of games.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

JDM: Japanese Drift Master review

Japanese Drift Master (JDM) is an open-world racing game set to be released on May 21, 2025, priced at in the U.S. and £29 in the U.K. Developed and published by Gaming Factory, it combines drifting mechanics with life simulation elements and explores Japanese drift culture through a narrative involving an outsider, a failing sushi delivery business, and an unsolved murder, presented in anime comic panels. The game features a variety of licensed vehicles, visual and performance upgrades, and event types such as drag races and delivery missions. While the drift physics are strong, the handling model may feel awkward for conventional driving. Players may face translation issues, optimization challenges, and performance hiccups, but the game offers inventive mission types and a rewarding progression system, encouraging exploration and vehicle customization.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

‘I’m a PC gamer and there are 10 video games I’ve been hooked on since 2020’

Video games have over three billion players globally and are evolving into a dominant force in the entertainment industry. The following ten standout games were released for PC since 2020: 1. Elden Ring (2022) - An action RPG known for its stunning visuals and intricate storytelling, requiring over 70 hours to complete. 2. Split Fiction (2025) - A cooperative narrative game where players battle against a machine stealing creativity, released in March 2025. 3. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2021) - A remake of the 1997 classic, featuring updated combat mechanics and breathtaking graphics. 4. Valorant (2020) - A tactical hero shooter with a vibrant eSports scene, released in early 2021, with over 1,000 hours logged by the player. 5. Fields of Mistria (2024) - An early access farm life simulation game that allows players to cultivate crops, raise animals, and explore mystical mines. 6. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025) - A turn-based RPG with a blend of traditional and real-time combat mechanics, released last month. 7. Hades (2020) - A roguelike game with fast-paced combat and Greek mythology-inspired artwork, released in 2020. 8. Overwatch 2 (2023) - The sequel to Overwatch, introducing new heroes and a 5v5 format, released in 2023. 9. Visions of Mana (2024) - The fifth main installment in the Mana series, featuring familiar gameplay mechanics. 10. Marvel Rivals (2024) - A game featuring 38 Marvel characters, allowing casual play with friends, released in 2024.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft to add Anthropic’s AI coding agent to its GitHub service

Microsoft is integrating an artificial intelligence coding agent from Anthropic into its GitHub platform, alongside its own coding agent. This was announced by Executive Vice President Jay Parikh during Microsoft's annual software developer conference. The AI tool aims to assist developers by automating tasks such as bug identification and resolution. Additionally, Microsoft is collaborating with OpenAI to provide another coding agent, reflecting its commitment to offering diverse AI solutions for developers and organizations.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

Mobile apps to continue your birding

Deb Nofzinger and Dave Wilkins recommend several mobile applications for birding enthusiasts, including eBird and Merlin Bird ID, both associated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. eBird operates on a donation model and allows users to maintain detailed bird lists, track sightings, and utilize a Hotspot function for prime birding locations. It has recorded 149 species at Earth Heart Farms since its addition, with 78 species identified this year. Wilkins has completed 239 checklists at Creek Bend Farm Park and observed 137 species there. The Merlin Bird ID app offers a sound identification feature for 1,382 bird species and is noted for its accuracy in familiar environments. Other suggested apps include BirdCast for migration updates and the Sibley Birds v2 app, priced at .99.

AppWizard

May 18, 2025

Top 8 Tips to Master Minecraft Dungeons in 2025

Minecraft Dungeons is a dungeon crawler with unique levels featuring random layouts, increasing difficulty, and various equipment and enemies. Players must understand enemy behaviors to prioritize threats, embrace higher difficulty modes for better loot and skill improvement, and learn boss mechanics for effective strategies. The dodge roll is essential for survival, and players should actively farm emeralds for gear while experimenting with different builds. Setting self-imposed challenges can enhance tactical skills, and teaching others can deepen one's understanding of the game. Regular updates introduce new content, making it important to stay informed to remain competitive. Success in the game requires adaptability, experimentation, and strategic planning.

BetaBeacon

May 17, 2025

The 5 Best New Apps for Android and iPhone this Week

- EA SPORTS FC Tactical is a mobile game that offers a turn-based system for making strategic decisions during key moments of a football match. - The game combines realistic player models with stylized animations and a rock-paper-scissors-style attribute system to determine the outcome of encounters. - The game features a unique approach to traditional football elements and offers a cinematic experience with dynamic music and visual effects.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Tabletop Game Shop Simulator Announced For PC

Knight Fever Games, in collaboration with Ludogram, has announced Tabletop Game Shop Simulator, a digital board game store management simulator. Players can manage and expand their own game shop, design layouts, set prices, hire staff, collect and paint miniatures, and engage with the community through events. The game was announced at the Games Made in France event, but does not have a confirmed release date. Players will navigate supply and demand, manage finances, and aim to become a prominent part of the board gaming community.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Best VPN for Android 2025: NordVPN Voted Best of VPNs for Android

NordVPN has been recognized as the Best VPN for Android in 2025, continuing its commitment to trusted VPN services since launching its Android app in 2016. The user interface has been redesigned for a streamlined experience, featuring a clean, map-based home screen and easy server access. It has received praise for exceptional speed on Android devices, attributed to its NordLynx protocol, and boasts over 7,000 servers in more than 100 countries for reliable internet access. NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy and includes advanced security features like Threat Protection Lite. The app is optimized for battery efficiency and offers robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat. NordVPN's competitive pricing plans and various payment methods enhance its accessibility.