corporate culture Archives

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

This week in PC games: Outer Worlds 2, Arc Raiders, occult detectives and some chunky strategy games

James has returned from his travels in India, having enjoyed a holiday rather than focusing on the Indian game development scene. Noteworthy PC game releases include: - Terra Firma 2: A sandbox god simulation. - The Séance of Blake Manor: A first-person supernatural detective mystery set in 1897 Ireland. - Master of Command: A historical strategy game set during the Seven Years' War. - Simon the Sorcerer Origins: A prequel to the 1993 point-and-click adventure game. - Death By Scrolling: An RPG promising endless upward mobility. - Wreckreation: A game featuring 400 square kilometers of landscapes for vehicular chaos. - Silly Polly Beast: A third-person survival horror game with a skateboarding orphan. - As Long As You're Here: A semi-autobiographical experience about a woman with Alzheimer's disease. - DSS 2: War Industry: A medieval wargame simulating real-time activities of workers and soldiers. - Dark Moon: A real-time survival strategy game with a mecha-base. - The Outer Worlds 2: A sequel focusing on leveling up companions and corporate satire. - Orbyss: A game navigating a metal labyrinth filled with logic puzzles. - Resonance Solstice: A blend of train simulations, trading mechanics, and deckbuilder combat. - Majogami: A hack-and-slash platformer in a paper-crafted world. - Arc Raiders: An extraction shooter from the creators of The Finals. The Treehouse team is engaged in various projects, with James preparing for another press trip, Mark discussing Hong Kong dollars, Ollie finalizing Silksong guides, Jeremy working on The Outer Worlds 2, and Callum exploring Umamusume: Pretty Derby.

TrendTechie

October 25, 2025

Состоялся ранний релиз The Outer Worlds 2 — игра уже на торрентах

The Outer Worlds 2, a first-person sci-fi RPG, is set to release on October 29. Players will assume the role of an agent from the Earth Directorate in the colony of Arcadia, where various factions compete for control amid spatial and temporal rifts. The game features non-linear quests, flexible character progression, and unique companions. The combat system has been improved, and the game maintains its satirical commentary on corporate culture. The release version was leaked online shortly after launch, but it has received positive reviews on Steam with an 88% approval rating, praised for its optimization, graphics, shooting mechanics, and storyline. Critics have noted the adaptive mechanics of the "flaws," fast-paced combat, and a rich narrative involving six companions. Microsoft will include The Outer Worlds 2 in its PC/Xbox Game Pass offerings, and NVIDIA has showcased a trailer highlighting visual enhancements, including ray tracing technology for improved realism.

AppWizard

September 9, 2025

GTA 6 leak gives us a hint at some of Leonida’s new businesses, and it’s innuendos galore

The Grand Theft Auto franchise continues to parody real-world brands, with GTA 6 expected to feature a variety of fictional companies. Recent trailers have introduced new brands such as Patriot Beer, Airgator Airboats, and Arrow gas stations. Community member 'Tez2' discovered newly registered domains linked to the game, registered on May 27, which may serve as in-game websites. The domains include what-up.app (inspired by WhatsApp), rideme.app (mimicking ride-sharing services), and buckme.app (potentially representing a payment service). Another domain, brianandbradley.com, hints at a fictional law firm connected to a character involved in the drug trade. The domain leonidagov.org suggests a governmental presence in the game's universe. Additional whimsical domains like wipeoutcornskin.com and myboyhasacreepycorndog.com may represent in-game spam ads, while hookers-galore.com raises questions about its purpose. None of these domains are currently live, but their registration has generated interest among fans.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Android Chrome and Photos apps both get a makeover courtesy of Google

Alan Friedman emphasizes the importance of adaptability in today’s fast-paced market, urging companies to anticipate changes to maintain a competitive advantage. He discusses technology as a double-edged sword, offering opportunities for innovation while also presenting challenges that require careful navigation. Friedman highlights the significance of corporate culture, stating that fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, which in turn enhances productivity and loyalty.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s enshittification of Xbox, Surface, and even Windows itself, are by design — with greed and corner-cutting replacing innovation

Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.

AppWizard

July 4, 2025

Valve conquered PC gaming. What comes next?

Valve Corporation, founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, is known for its influential role in the gaming industry, particularly with its groundbreaking title Half-Life, released in 1998. The company has a unique corporate structure and impressive revenue-per-employee metrics, reportedly exceeding .9 million. Valve's Steam platform, launched in 2003, dominates the PC gaming market, accounting for approximately 70% of sales in a sector valued at around billion, with over 100,000 titles available. Steam had an estimated 170 million active monthly users by May 2023. Financially, estimates suggest Steam may have handled around .3 billion in game sales in 2021, yielding a profit of approximately .6 billion from commissions. Valve's employee culture emphasizes self-organization and innovation, though it faces scrutiny regarding content moderation and legal challenges related to market competition.