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Star Wars Zero Company is a great game that's busted and may never be fixed
AppWizard
September 2, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company is a great game that’s busted and may never be fixed

Star Wars Zero Company has an aggregate critic score of 85 on Metacritic and is regarded as one of the most acclaimed Star Wars games recently. The game features tactical gameplay similar to X-COM but suffers from technical issues, particularly on PC, including traversal stutters, input lag, and game-breaking bugs. Players have reported frequent crashes, with some needing to restart missions multiple times. The game has a "mostly positive" rating on Steam from nearly 9,000 reviews, yet many highlight similar performance problems. Console players on Xbox Series and PlayStation 5 have also experienced these issues. Bit Reactor, the independent studio behind Zero Company, has furloughed a significant portion of its workforce, with reports indicating that up to 80 percent of employees are currently unpaid. The studio faces an ongoing legal dispute among its co-founders, and confidence in receiving adequate post-launch support is low. Acknowledgment of issues was made on Steam's Community forums on the game's release day, but no further updates have been provided since.
Game review: Star Wars Zero Company (PC)
AppWizard
August 31, 2026

Game review: Star Wars Zero Company (PC)

Star Wars Zero Company is a turn-based strategy game set during the waning days of the Clone Wars, where players lead a mercenary unit called Zero Company, led by former Republic officer Tesh Hawks. The game features tactical gameplay reminiscent of the X-COM series, with players managing a squad and engaging in combat missions while also exploring an upgradeable hub called The Den. Players can choose between Operations and Tactical Missions, with character customization options available for generic recruits. The game includes a variety of missions and enemies from the Star Wars universe, including a notable antagonist, The Coil. It features a permadeath system, strategic gameplay that emphasizes positioning and cover, and a soundtrack inspired by the franchise. The game is developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm, EA Games, and Bit Reactor.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4
AppWizard
August 29, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4

- The Blood of Dawnwalker: Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game: Developer: PM-Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NBA 2K27: Developer: 2K, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NHL® 27 Deluxe Edition: Developer: Electronic Arts, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Halloween – Digital Deluxe Edition: Developer: IllFonic Publishing, Co-Publisher: Gun Media, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Young Suns (Game Preview): Developer: KO_OP, Release Date: August 31, Price: .99, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Shelldiver: Developer: Gagonfe, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview): Developer: 11 bit studios, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Game Pass / Handheld Optimized. - Angeline Era: Developer: Analgesic Productions, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - BioEden: Developer: Focus Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .79, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Puzzledorf: Developer: Stuart's Pixel Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Salvation: Echoes of War: Developer: Infinite Entropy, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Sticker Picker (Xbox Series): Developer: Afil Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Crimson Moon: Developer: ProbablyMonsters, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Tintle's Great Colorful Adventure: Developer: Midnight Pounce Studios, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Eden Coil: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Feed Your Cat: New Paths: Developer: Tribus Games Indie, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Marsupilami 2 – Salsa Palombia: Developer: Microids, Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Pharmacy Store Simulator: Developer: Art Games Studio S.A., Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Radiation Caterpillar: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Super Woden Rally Edge: Developer: Eastasiasoft Limited, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Asdivine Knot: Developer: KEMCO, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Brainrot Kart: Developer: Skibidi Studios, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Bus Simulator 27 – Year 1 Edition: Developer: astragon Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space: Developer: Flynn's Arcade, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Doctor: Developer: Bad Minions, Little Giant, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fight School Simulator: Developer: Ultimate Games S.A., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Galactic Vault: Developer: Take IT Studio!, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Hearthstorm: Developer: NOSTRA GAMES LTD, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Komorebi: A Furry Visual Novel: Developer: Top Hat Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: Developer: tinyBuild, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Shoe it All!: Developer: Bright Gambit, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Cage: Developer: JanduSoft, Release Date: September 4, Price: .49, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Fear The Timeloop: Developer: PlayWay S.A., Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play. - Flute Of Gobelin: Developer: RainForest Game Studio, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fortress Merge: Developer: QubicGames S.A., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Hockey Beasts: Developer: Revulo Games LLC, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - I Am Angel: Developer: PortingGuru, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Isle of Reveries: Developer: Electric Airship, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonbringer: Developer: 2dragontails, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Order Automatica: Developer: better. publishing, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Railbreak DX: Developer: Dead Drop Studios LLC, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Tales of Formentera: Developer: Ratalaika Games S.L., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere.
Dishonored was a last-ditch effort by Arkane Studios after years of fruitless contract work, according to the game's co-creator: 'I think we had four months of money left'
AppWizard
August 22, 2026

Dishonored was a last-ditch effort by Arkane Studios after years of fruitless contract work, according to the game’s co-creator: ‘I think we had four months of money left’

Harvey Smith, former head of Arkane Austin, has launched a new studio called Black Pony Immersive, focusing on immersive simulations inspired by titles like Deus Ex and System Shock. Smith's previous experience at Arkane included a critical period of financial uncertainty, which led to a decision to concentrate on their core vision, resulting in the successful creation of Dishonored. With Black Pony Immersive, Smith aims to foster creativity without succumbing to industry trends, following the less successful title Redfall. The immersive sim genre is seeing a resurgence, with other projects like Gloomwood and Fallen Aces, as well as an unnamed RPG from WolfEye Studios, indicating a promising future for the genre.
Star Wars Zero Company And Galactic Racer Clashed, Lucasfilm Could Have Prevented It
AppWizard
August 22, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company And Galactic Racer Clashed, Lucasfilm Could Have Prevented It

Two Star Wars titles, Star Wars Zero Company and Galactic Racer, are set to launch within months of each other, marking the first time in 15 years that games from different developers will share a release year. The simultaneous lifting of embargoes for both games occurred just an hour apart, creating a clash that disadvantaged the team behind Galactic Racer. The two titles are developed by independent studios Fuse Games/Secret Mode and Bit Reactor/EA, respectively, with Lucasfilm Games overseeing the process. The marketing strategies for the games have differed, with Zero Company announced at last year's Celebration and Galactic Racer unveiled in December. Star Wars Zero Company is set to launch on August 27th, while Galactic Racer will follow on October 6th. Pre-orders are available for both titles.
The bigwigs who want AI-generated NPCs and writing think you're too dumb to appreciate a good story—don't prove them right
AppWizard
August 15, 2026

The bigwigs who want AI-generated NPCs and writing think you’re too dumb to appreciate a good story—don’t prove them right

Saber Interactive's CEO discusses the potential of generative AI dialogue in video games, while skepticism remains due to past failures with AI-driven characters. Companies like Convai and Ubisoft aim to create more immersive experiences with AI NPCs, but the assumption that background character dialogue is unimportant undermines storytelling in games. The richness of game worlds comes from carefully crafted scripts, and AI-generated content may not achieve the same quality. Industry veterans emphasize that good storytelling relies on human experience, and there is concern that companies may prioritize profit over artistic integrity, leading to inferior products. This reflects a broader trend of viewing video games as commodities rather than art forms, highlighting a disconnect between corporate strategies and creative processes.
The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026
AppWizard
August 13, 2026

The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026

The digital landscape for purchasing PC games has evolved, offering various online stores for Linux, macOS, and Windows games, with some also featuring e-books, movies, and software. Notable platforms include Steam, Epic Games Store, Humble Bundle, and Xbox, each with diverse game libraries. Some publishers, like Blizzard and EA, initially required exclusive downloads but are now allowing games across multiple storefronts. Steam offers extensive titles and a Verified program for Steam Deck users, while GOG.com focuses on classic games and itch.io on indie titles. Consumers can purchase games from different platforms and use tools like CheapShark to compare prices and find deals.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Legacy Edition Gets Shadow Drop on Modern Consoles and PC
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North Legacy Edition Gets Shadow Drop on Modern Consoles and PC

The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has been re-released on modern consoles and PC, remastered by Aspyr. It is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC, priced at .99 until August 25th, after which it will increase to .99. The remaster features 60fps, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements, including enemy lock-on and character hot swapping. Originally launched in November 2011, the game received mixed reviews, with IGN rating it 7/10. It includes an online co-op feature and a narrative that runs parallel to the events of the books and films. War in the North was the first in the franchise to receive an M for Mature rating. Aspyr hinted at the possibility of more Lord of the Rings re-releases in the future, though specific titles have not been disclosed.
Voidwood, a Fantasy Co-Op Survival Horror Game, Announced for PC
AppWizard
August 11, 2026

Voidwood, a Fantasy Co-Op Survival Horror Game, Announced for PC

Santa Barbara Games has announced its first project, Voidwood, developed by a team from studios like Bethesda, Riot, and EA. The game combines fantasy and horror with an art style similar to Studio Ghibli. Players can team up with up to three friends to explore a cursed forest, focusing on strategy and stealth. During the day, players gather supplies and craft tools, while at night, they must evade The Beast. Communication is crucial, as players can use proximity chat to whisper, but shouting can attract danger. Players can regroup at a camp for safety, but The Beast can still attack if it detects them. Each session lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and the game features meta progression for character development. Voidwood is currently in development for PC and is expected to release in 2027.
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