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Witcher 3's heaviest scene stunned its devs into silence, but Cyberpunk 2's associate director says it was crucial for 'understanding the craft' of quest design
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Witcher 3’s heaviest scene stunned its devs into silence, but Cyberpunk 2’s associate director says it was crucial for ‘understanding the craft’ of quest design

In 2015's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a significant moment occurs when the character Vesemir, a beloved witcher-grandfather figure, dies. Lead quest designer Paweł Sasko proposed this shocking twist, which initially left the development team in disbelief. Despite facing technical challenges and negative feedback during the creation of this scene, Sasko persevered and iterated on the design, ultimately shaping the narrative's emotional depth. This experience influenced his future projects, including Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion, Phantom Liberty. The collaborative environment among designers fostered innovation and problem-solving, contributing to the game's impactful moments.
Mixtape review
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Mixtape review

Mixtape is a game developed by Beethoven and Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, focusing on the experiences of Stacy Rockford, a music enthusiast nearing high school graduation. The game features Stacy and her friends, Van Slater and Cassandra Morino, as they navigate adolescence in a suburban setting. The narrative blends charming dialogue with introspective moments, capturing the bittersweet nature of growing up as Stacy prepares to move to New York. The characters engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges of transitioning to adulthood, portraying relatable experiences. The game includes surreal visual storytelling elements, although its reliance on traditional gaming mechanics sometimes detracts from the emotional narrative. Key characters include Stacy Rockford, Jenny F*cking Goodspeed, Cassandra Morino, and Van Slater. Mixtape combines a heartfelt story with a curated soundtrack but struggles to fully integrate interactivity with its narrative.
I got to play Dead as Disco early, and it's a vivid, unrestrained romp that lets you brawl through music videos like a kung-fu Baby Driver
AppWizard
May 5, 2026

I got to play Dead as Disco early, and it’s a vivid, unrestrained romp that lets you brawl through music videos like a kung-fu Baby Driver

Harvey Randall has discovered a passion for the rhythm action game Dead as Disco, which features beat-driven combat against colorful adversaries and an emotional narrative about fame and personal connections. The game includes stunning visuals and an original soundtrack from professional musicians. Players can upgrade their skills and hideouts, and an endless mode offers various challenges. Users can also add their own music to the game. Future updates will introduce multiplayer features, genre challenges, and level creation tools. The game is set for early access launch on May 5.
I spent an undisclosed but fireable amount of time playing games at work, and here are my 10 Steam Next Fest demos you shouldn't miss before they're gone
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

I spent an undisclosed but fireable amount of time playing games at work, and here are my 10 Steam Next Fest demos you shouldn’t miss before they’re gone

- Constance, developed by btf, will be released on November 24, 2025, and features unique paintbrush mechanics and an emotional narrative centered on mental health. - Ambrosia Sky, developed by Soft Rains, is set to release Act One on November 10, 2025, and involves players navigating a vibrant, fungus-infested colony as a scarab agent. - Reanimal, developed by Tarsier Studios, has an unspecified release date and offers a chilling experience in an abandoned factory, showcasing horror elements. - Tides of Tomorrow, developed by Digixart, will be released on February 24, 2026, and is a narrative-driven adventure set on an ocean planet facing ecological disaster. - Skate Story, developed by Sam Eng and published by Devolver Digital, is scheduled for release on December 8, 2025, and combines skateboarding gameplay with a haunting soundtrack in a surreal afterlife setting. - Dice A Million, developed by countlessnights, is set to release in January 2026 and introduces a roguelike experience where players use dice instead of cards. - Starsand Island, developed by Seed Lab, will be released in Q1 2026 and offers a farming sim experience with cozy gameplay and stunning visuals. - Bubsy 4D, developed by Fabraz, is set for release in 2026 and features a whimsical platforming adventure with collectibles and challenges. - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, developed by Unfrozen and published by Ubisoft and Hooded Horse, will be released in 2026 and has over a million wishlists, paying homage to the classic Heroes of Might and Magic 3 while introducing new mechanics.
11 best video games of 2025 (so far) on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and PC
AppWizard
July 20, 2025

11 best video games of 2025 (so far) on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and PC

In 2025, the gaming landscape features the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and a variety of notable titles across platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. - Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios is a co-op game where players control rival authors Mio and Zoe in a simulation of their imaginations, emphasizing collaboration and real-time interactions. - Assassin’s Creed: Shadows by Ubisoft returns to stealth gameplay with dual protagonists in a vibrant Feudal Japan setting, offering over 100 hours of gameplay. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage by Don't Nod presents an engaging narrative with dual timelines, exploring a supernatural mystery through character interactions. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive is a turn-based RPG known for its unique art style, intricate combat mechanics, and immersive storytelling. - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves by SNK revives the classic fighting game series with smooth animations and a new REV system for varied gameplay styles. - Doom: The Dark Ages revitalizes the franchise with a medieval-inspired combat system and a focus on world-building and storytelling. - Monster Train 2 by Shiny Shoe builds on its predecessor's success with a deck-building experience featuring new equipment cards and clans. - Rematch by Sloclap is an online soccer game that emphasizes precision and offers a competitive atmosphere with a unique arena setup. - Death Stranding 2 by Kojima Productions delivers an emotional narrative with themes of fatherhood and redemption, showcasing Hideo Kojima's storytelling prowess. - Donkey Kong Bananza by Nintendo utilizes the Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities, offering classic gameplay with destructible environments and open-ended experiences.
Isometric narrative mystery adventure game Pera Coda announced for consoles, PC
AppWizard
June 24, 2025

Isometric narrative mystery adventure game Pera Coda announced for consoles, PC

Turkish game developer Elyzio and its subsidiary Falan have announced Pera Coda, an isometric narrative mystery adventure set in a surreal reimagining of Istanbul. The game features a protagonist named Deniz, an attorney navigating a subconscious limbo between life and death, focusing on themes of guilt, regret, and the search for peace. Players will engage in impactful dialogue choices and solve layered environmental puzzles, exploring Deniz’s traumatic memories. The game draws inspiration from titles like Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds, and emphasizes a rich psychological narrative with branching dialogue and puzzle integration. Pera Coda utilizes an accessible point-and-click mechanic and is designed with visually striking environments that reflect the emotional depth of the story. Specific console and PC platforms have not yet been disclosed, nor has a release date been confirmed.
Minecraft brand boss Harry Elonen on building box-office bedlam into brand devotion
AppWizard
June 17, 2025

Minecraft brand boss Harry Elonen on building box-office bedlam into brand devotion

The first trailer for A Minecraft Movie received backlash, prompting the film's team to engage with fans and make significant changes. The film ultimately became the highest-grossing gaming movie, achieving 2.8 million in domestic ticket sales and surpassing the 2023 Super Mario Bros film. It generated nearly a billion dollars in global revenue for Warner Bros. Harry Elonen from Mojang Studios acknowledged the initial marketing missteps and emphasized the importance of emotional connections with fans. The team adapted their strategy based on fan feedback, leading to a successful second weekend box office hold of .6 million. The film's success was attributed to its authentic lore and emotional resonance, with Minecraft being the best-selling video game of all time, and players having spent over 68 million years in-game. The movie grossed over 0 million worldwide by early June, exceeding projections by over 30%. The marketing strategy included embedding Easter eggs and monitoring fan sentiment, resulting in a 6.3 times return on its 0 million production budget and a surge in merchandising.
Splitgate 2's official launch is just days away as devs tease 'a massive surprise' which will be unveiled at Summer Game Fest
AppWizard
June 3, 2025

Splitgate 2’s official launch is just days away as devs tease ‘a massive surprise’ which will be unveiled at Summer Game Fest

Splitgate 2 has entered its open beta phase, launched in early May, with the official release of version 1.0 scheduled for June 6. 1047 Games has released a new trailer that explores the emotional complexities of a character from the Sabrask faction dealing with perpetual resurrection. The character learns to reconcile with their fate, improving their performance and teamwork. The trailer concludes with the message “Get up,” emphasizing resilience in competitive gaming. The open beta remains active until the official launch, allowing players to explore the game and purchase exclusive cosmetics. A significant announcement related to Splitgate 2 is expected during the Summer Game Fest livestream.
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