dynamics Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2025

Crystal Dynamics makes more layoffs

Crystal Dynamics announced another round of job cuts due to "evolving business conditions," with the exact number of affected employees undisclosed and no WARN notice filed. This is the second instance of workforce reductions this year, following 17 layoffs in March and ten in September 2023. The studio expressed gratitude to those impacted and committed to supporting them during the transition. They assured that the future of the Tomb Raider franchise remains secure despite these changes.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Watch out, Nvidia: AMD’s FSR 4 tech offers a big leap for PC games – but there’s a catch

AMD's FSR 4 upscaling technology delivers 276 frames per second (fps) on the Radeon RX 9070 XT, a 5% decrease compared to FSR 3's 290 fps. Despite this performance dip, FSR 4 shows significant improvements in visual fidelity and has outperformed Nvidia's DLSS 3 in super-resolution quality. FSR 4 incurs a 37% increase in GPU usage but remains a small fraction of the overall frame time. Currently, FSR 4 is exclusive to RDNA 4 GPUs, and there is potential for AMD to backport it to older GPUs, which could enhance its competitiveness against Nvidia, especially in handheld gaming PCs with RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Report: The Majority of Top-Played Games Cost $20 or Less

Recent insights from Ampere Analysis reveal that 55% of the top 150 games on Steam have an average sales price (ASP) of or less, indicating a shift towards budget-friendly gaming. AA releases, priced between and , attract 18% of players, while only 3% of the top games have an ASP exceeding . The only game priced above is Split Fiction, which has an ASP of .72 but retails at a more accessible price in the United States.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Amazon’s Android Pivot: A Catalyst for Semiconductor and Software Ecosystems

Amazon is transitioning its Fire tablet lineup from Fire OS to standard Android, codenamed “Kittyhawk,” to enhance hardware and software integration and compete with Apple and Samsung. This shift addresses developer fatigue by eliminating the need for separate app versions for Amazon's Appstore and responds to consumer demand for access to the Google Play Store. The new Android-based tablets, set for release in 2025, will likely increase app availability and capture a share of the premium tablet market. Key semiconductor partners expected to benefit from this transition include Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek, as Amazon's adoption of standard Android may lead to increased demand for their chipsets. Additionally, the move strengthens Google's position within the ecosystem, potentially stimulating growth for its cloud and AI services, despite Amazon's decision to exclude Google's proprietary applications. Investors should monitor Qualcomm and MediaTek for semiconductor exposure, as well as Amazon's AI tools and cloud partnerships for potential growth. Amazon's current global tablet market share is 8%, which could expand with the new model, although risks include project delays and regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Goodbye Jason Voorhees, hello Michael Myers: Friday the 13th developer and publisher return with a new multiplayer survival horror game based on Halloween

IllFonic and Gun Media have announced a new multiplayer survival horror game titled Halloween, set to launch in 2026. The game features a "one-versus-many stealth horror experience" where players can take on the role of Michael Myers or his potential victims. Gameplay includes various modes such as a solo story mode, offline bot challenges, and online multiplayer, emphasizing stealth and strategy. Halloween will be available on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. Additional details can be found at halloweengame.com.

AppWizard

August 20, 2025

Lords of the Fallen’s creative leads were let go just months before the Lords of the Fallen 2 reveal: ‘Like Mournstead, no kingdom lasts forever’

Lords of the Fallen II is being developed by CI Games, following a 2023 reboot of the original 2014 title. Key departures from the development team include executive producer Saul Gascon and art director Alexandre Chaudret. Nathan Richardsson has been appointed as the senior development director, while James Lowe serves as the game director. Tyminski, another prominent figure, has implemented a "zero woke" policy regarding character creation options, emphasizing traditional male and female body types. The development of the 2023 version faced significant upheaval, with changes in studios and leadership, but it received a positive reception. The game is set to be released in 2026.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade possible for older models: TPM 2.0 apparently not mandatory

BornCity is an innovative company in urban development, focusing on creating smart, livable spaces through technology and sustainability. Its projects utilize IoT technology for energy optimization, prioritize green building materials and renewable energy, and involve local communities in planning. BornCity aims to enhance quality of life and set new standards for urban planning while positioning itself as a leader in adapting to urban dynamics and promoting environmental stewardship.

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.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers patch messes the game’s story all up, renders bosses technically unkillable, and it’s all the Qing Dynasty’s fault, apparently

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has generated curiosity and controversy among players, especially within the soulslike genre. Many players have struggled with the game's introduction, leading to speculation about future patches. The latest patch introduced improved gameplay features, including enhanced invincibility frames, recovery animations, and new NPC dialogues. However, significant changes to core mechanics and storylines have been noted, such as players no longer defeating historically significant bosses but instead becoming 'exhausted' after battles, particularly affecting Chapter 4 where many enemies are now non-hostile. Criticism has emerged from Chinese-speaking players regarding the game's historical context, specifically its omission of the Qing Dynasty, which followed the Ming Dynasty. This has led to perceptions of bias in the narrative, with some players expressing Han nationalism and desiring a storyline that portrays resistance against Manchu rule. Feedback has also highlighted concerns that recent changes dilute the historical narrative and compromise character development, resulting in a fragmented storyline. The developer, Leenzee, faces uncertainty regarding the response to these changes and whether they were influenced by external pressures.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Minecraft “is actually a hardcore action RPG in disguise,” says former Path of Exile co-creator, “more hardcore than even Path of Exile,” in fact, because there’s lava

Chris Wilson, co-creator of Path of Exile, discussed Minecraft's survival mode, arguing that it presents an intense challenge comparable to hardcore experiences in Path of Exile. He noted the risk of losing items near lava, which adds significant stakes to the gameplay. Wilson acknowledged his deep-rooted influence from action role-playing games while recognizing the unique challenges in Minecraft. Additionally, there is speculation in the Minecraft community about an upcoming live event, although it may be based on an old typo rather than a confirmed date.