discussion Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Dune: Awakening has decided it’s ‘not an MMO’ anymore

The author has been writing professionally about video games for three years and finds the English language's insistence on defining concepts, particularly genres, frustrating. They highlight the ongoing debate about the classification of the game Deadlock as either a MOBA or a hero shooter. Joel Bylos, the director of Dune: Awakening, stated that his game does not fit the mold of an MMO, despite opinions suggesting it might be a hybrid. The author leans towards categorizing Dune: Awakening as an action RPG due to its stronghold management feature, illustrating the complexity of genre definitions in gaming.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

Sorry, Black Flag fans: the new Assassin’s Creed remake isn’t adding any more legendary ship battles

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature a major graphical overhaul, a revamped sword fighting system, and three new officers for recruitment. However, it will not include new legendary ships, which are considered thrilling challenges in the game. The five legendary ships from the original game will remain unchanged, and game director Richard Knight hinted at the presence of another challenging ship, though details are not provided. The focus of Resynced is on Edward Kenway's narrative, with the possibility of exploring other stories in future content.

TrendTechie

May 21, 2026

007 First Light рискует оказаться на торрентах до официального релиза

The game 007 First Light is set to launch on May 27, but there are concerns about it being leaked onto torrent sites before its release. Players who pre-order the game can start playing 24 hours earlier than the general public, increasing the risk of piracy. Recent trends show an increase in fully functional pirated versions of major games appearing before their official launches, including titles like Pragmata and Death Stranding 2. There is no confirmed information about the use of the anti-piracy system Denuvo on Steam, and even with such protections, hackers have been able to bypass them. Factors contributing to early availability of game builds to hackers include failures in pre-loading systems and actions by reviewers. Even if a game avoids leaks initially, it is likely to be pirated eventually.

TrendTechie

May 20, 2026

Альба Диас и Лидия Торрент раскрыли свои настоящие секреты ухода за кожей на вечеринке Lancôme

Recent high-profile parties have transformed into platforms for unexpected revelations. At a VIP Party hosted by Lancôme in Madrid, attended by notable figures such as Alba Díaz, Lidia Torrent, and Andrea Guash, discussions about beauty routines revealed that even recognizable faces in Spain do not always follow fashion trends. There was no consensus on the ideal beauty routine; Andrea Guash emphasized the importance of consistency with thorough cleansing and moisturizing, while Lidia Torrent preferred a minimalist approach with fewer products. The topic of double cleansing sparked debate, with Alba Díaz stating it is essential for her, and others sharing varying perspectives on their skincare habits. The influence of social media was also discussed, with Lidia Torrent acknowledging its impact on her purchasing decisions, while Alba Díaz and Andrea Guash expressed caution regarding recommendations. The evening highlighted that skincare is an integral part of celebrities' daily lives, reflecting a shift in focus from sensational topics to personal details that make them more relatable.

TrendTechie

May 20, 2026

Лидия Торрент раскрыла, как минимализм и привычки изменили её подход к красоте

Lidia Torrent has recently gained attention for her candid revelations about her beauty routine at a Lancôme event, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism. Following Jaime Astrain's return from "Supervivientes," Lidia has expressed her appreciation for closeness, spending every morning with him, symbolizing their reconnection. Despite receiving numerous offers from cosmetic brands, she adheres to a strict skincare regimen focused on minimalism and quality products. Lidia acknowledges the influence of social media on her purchasing decisions but prioritizes proven skincare solutions. She believes her radiant appearance stems from caring for both body and mind, incorporating strength training and balanced nutrition into her routine. Lidia starts her mornings with a protein-rich breakfast, particularly cottage cheese, which she values for its benefits to muscle health. She has also invested in trending beauty products, spending around 30 euros on one inspired by an influencer, viewing it as an investment in her confidence.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

‘We are not a killing game,’ says Subnautica 2 dev: ‘Go play Sons of the Forest or something if you want to kill’

O'Rielly, a developer of Subnautica 2, suggested that players seeking a violent gaming experience might prefer other titles like Sons of the Forest, which led to mixed reactions from fans. Players expressed frustration over the lack of options to defend against aggressive marine life, prompting O'Rielly to assure the community that this issue would be addressed in an upcoming update. He also acknowledged a fan's gratitude for the game and emphasized the team's commitment to continuous updates and enhancements leading up to the game's full release.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

All Will Rise devs ‘definitely expect some pushback from Western audiences’ over its depiction of violent resistance and ecoterrorism

All Will Rise is a narrative-driven deckbuilder that explores themes of activism, environmental degradation, and accountability through gameplay. It draws inspiration from real-world activism and contrasts peaceful methods with more radical tactics. The game is set in the fictional city of Muziris, inspired by India, and emphasizes the struggles of Adivasis and the complexities of their movements. The creators encourage debate and dissent among players, aiming to challenge stereotypes about activists. Comparisons are made to other games like Final Fantasy 7, but All Will Rise focuses on reflection and discussion rather than direct action. A demo is currently available, although no release date has been announced.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Google’s redesigned app icons are rolling out, whether you want them or not

Google is rolling out a significant redesign of its app icons, moving away from the traditional use of all four signature colors to a more minimalist approach with fewer colors and an emphasis on gradients. User reactions are mixed, with some appreciating the modern design while others express dissatisfaction. The updated icons for Google Sheets and Slides now feature a landscape orientation. The new icons are gradually appearing across Google’s apps, although some platforms still display the older icons, indicating that the rollout will take time.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s director weighs in on the real-time versus turn-based debate, saying that younger players ‘increasingly favour more real-time experiences in games’

Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, noted a trend towards real-time mechanics in RPGs, suggesting that action-oriented games are gaining popularity while turn-based strategies are seen as "legacy genres." He appreciates games that allow for strategic deliberation but acknowledges the growing player desire for a blend of turn-based tactics and real-time decision-making, as seen in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Despite the shift towards real-time mechanics in newer Final Fantasy titles, there has been a resurgence of turn-based gameplay, evidenced by the success of games like Persona and the Yakuza series' transition to turn-based combat. The preference for gameplay styles may depend more on player expectations than demographic trends, with modern titles often featuring high production values aligned with real-time action, while isometric or top-down RPGs typically favor turn-based mechanics.

AppWizard

May 17, 2026

What would be your go-to gaming soundtrack to recommend to a non-gamer?

Videogame music plays a significant role in many people's lives, often unnoticed by non-gamers. Critical Hit is a platform that explores and celebrates videogame music and audio design. A recent discussion on Reddit's r/gamemusic focused on recommending original soundtracks (OSTs) to entice non-gamers. Personal experiences shared include introducing captivating videogame tracks to friends and family, such as vocal tracks from Persona 4 and calming music from Final Fantasy 10. The discussion also highlights the use of relaxing background music as an introduction to gaming music. Examples of tracks mentioned include "Kitsch" from Tekken 5 and the main theme from L.A. Noire.