console gaming Archives

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution Now Available On PC Via Steam

Idea Factory International has released Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution on PC via Steam for .99, with a Deluxe Pack available for .99 that includes bonuses like swimsuits for characters. The game features character designs by Tsunako and Katsuyuki Hirano, and players control Older Neptune to revitalize a gaming company. It includes real-time game creation mechanics, where players make strategic decisions on projects, and incorporates items from dungeons to enhance game development. Combat features revamped systems, chain attacks, and specials, while players can explore dungeons and market games using a motorcycle. The game is also available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

AppWizard

August 17, 2025

The Top 3 PC-Only Games That Need a Console Release Yesterday

A select group of games remains exclusive to PC, limiting console gamers' access and impacting community growth and developer revenue. Three notable PC-only games are: 1. Arma 3 / Arma Reforger: Developed by Bohemia Interactive, Arma 3 is a tactical sandbox game focused on military realism, emphasizing precision and teamwork. Its successor, Arma Reforger, introduces modern enhancements but remains PC-exclusive. A console adaptation could fill a genre gap and attract console audiences. 2. Counter-Strike 2: This free-to-play first-person shooter builds on the Counter-Strike legacy and is a top performer on Steam. Despite its popularity and the potential for a new player base on consoles, there are currently no plans for a console release. 3. World of Warcraft (WoW): Launched in 2004, WoW is a leading MMO with a vast community. Despite its iconic status, it has not been released on consoles. Modern consoles have the capability to support WoW, and a console version could expand its market reach.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

I’m sick to death of PC gaming’s endless launchers

The proliferation of game launchers such as Epic Game Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, EA App, Rockstar Social Club, and Paradox Launcher has caused frustration among players, who experience issues like unresponsiveness and crashes. Gamers desire a streamlined experience with fewer intrusive launchers and prefer to share data without the presence of multiple platforms. They would appreciate options to bypass launchers entirely or simplify access to games, contrasting with the ease of console gaming, where games can be accessed with a single button press. The gaming community hopes developers will address these concerns for a more user-friendly experience.

AppWizard

August 1, 2025

Once Upon a Katamari will have you rolling up the annals of history, and it’s coming to PC

Bandai Namco has announced a new game titled Once Upon a Katamari, the first mainline entry in the Katamari franchise since 2011, set to launch on October 24, 2025, for PC and Nintendo Switch. Players will take on the role of the King of All Cosmos and explore various historical eras, including feudal Japan and ancient Greece. The game will feature customizable avatars, an original soundtrack, and a new power-up system that includes magnets, rocket boosters, and time manipulation.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

PC’s sky-high growth has carried Japan’s games market on its back for 7 years, but the forecast is it’s set to slow down

In 2024, the PC gaming sector in Japan achieved ¥240 billion, a 16.2% increase from the previous year, while the console market was valued at ¥525 billion, experiencing a decline of 3.1%. The mobile gaming sector was valued at ¥1,742 billion, with a 5.2% increase year-on-year. Despite the overall gaming market contracting in US dollars, the PC sector grew by 7.8%. Newzoo forecasts a slowdown in PC gaming growth to 5.1% from 2024 to 2027, while console gaming is projected to grow by 6.3%. From 2018 to 2021, PC revenue grew by 12% from ¥95 billion to ¥135 billion, and from 2021 to 2024, it surged by 21.4% to ¥240 billion.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Linux is the best thing to happen to PC gaming in years

PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

You can now stream Xbox-only games to your PC if you’re an Insider with Game Pass Ultimate

The Xbox app is shifting to a streaming-centric model, allowing Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select console games they own in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) operates. This 'stream your own game' service enables gamers to play titles without owning an Xbox console by accessing their personal game library through the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app. This development reduces platform exclusivity in gaming and may lead to a more unified gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Nintendo banned a Switch 2 user for playing second-hand games and only reinstated after providing proof of purchase

A Switch 2 owner, known as dmanthey on Reddit, was banned by Nintendo after attempting to play second-hand Switch 1 games purchased from Facebook Marketplace. This incident highlights Nintendo's strict enforcement of its intellectual property rights and digital rights management (DRM) policies. The company recently updated its online user agreement, allowing it to permanently disable services for users who violate terms, which can include actions like modding hardware or using pirated games. The specifics of what triggers a ban are unclear, raising concerns for new Switch 2 owners about inadvertently violating these policies. The situation underscores issues of ownership in the digital age, particularly for consumers who have invested in Nintendo's latest console.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Xbox bet that Game Pass would be the future of gaming, and we’re all paying for it

Microsoft announced a reduction of 9,100 employees, significantly affecting the Xbox division, following a previous round of 6,000 layoffs, totaling 27,600 positions eliminated since the beginning of 2023. Promising titles have been canceled, raising concerns about the future of gaming projects and workforce stability. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's compensation increased by 63% to million in 2024 amid these layoffs. Game Pass currently has around 35 million subscribers, falling short of the goal of over 100 million by 2030. The focus has shifted from hardware to services, with concerns about the sustainability of the Game Pass model and its impact on the gaming ecosystem. Rumors suggest the next generation of consoles may resemble PCs more than traditional gaming hardware.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Activision takes Call of Duty: WWII offline after hackers apparently disrupted the game with RCE exploits — malicious code wreaks havoc on PC gamers as bad actors take complete control of your computer

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023 to enhance PC and console gaming integration, focusing on the inclusion of Call of Duty in Xbox and PC Game Pass. Call of Duty: WWII, released in 2017, remained active in 2025 but faced issues when hackers exploited remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities shortly after its addition to Game Pass. Although no serious damage was reported, the potential risks were concerning, especially given the game's outdated peer-to-peer matchmaking system. Activision introduced the Ricochet anti-cheat system in 2019, but Call of Duty: WWII lacks these protections. In response to the hacking incidents, Activision temporarily removed the game from the Microsoft Store for investigation, while it remained available on Steam and PC Game Pass. Reports of hacks included a streamer experiencing a live hack that changed their desktop wallpaper and the sharing of hacking tools by users.