Escape Archives

AppWizard

May 23, 2026

I’ll never love another RPG like I loved Neverwinter Nights

A dedicated gamer finds solace in the RPG Neverwinter Nights, released in the early 2000s, which has a vibrant modding community. The game served as a lifeline during a challenging period, allowing the player to create adventures using the Aurora Toolset. The modding scene has fostered creativity and shared experiences through Persistent Worlds. However, the gaming landscape has evolved, with new games often prioritizing profit over player-created content, leading to a longing for the past. Despite changes, the community around Neverwinter Nights remains vibrant, inviting both old players and newcomers to explore its creative possibilities.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Lara Croft’s Remastered Tomb Raider Trilogy is free on the Epic Games Store

This week, the Epic Games Store is offering the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered trilogy and the indie puzzler Down in Bermuda for free until May 28th at 4 PM UK time. The Tomb Raider trilogy includes classic graphics, enhanced visuals, all expansions, bonus content, and a new challenge mode. Down in Bermuda features an isometric puzzle experience where players help an aviator escape a time bubble in the Bermuda Triangle. Users can claim these titles until next Thursday, after which they will be replaced by two new games.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

I’ve been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I’m here to say parts of Roblox need to be legislated out of existence

An experiment by Professor Marcus Carter's team found that children quickly converted gift cards into Robux on Roblox, raising concerns about the platform's monetization strategies, which include deceptive practices in 14 of the top 15 games. Tactics like "near miss" visuals and countdown timers encourage spending, while many children reported being scammed through item swaps and gem-doubling schemes. Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission from organizations like Fairplay and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation highlight how Roblox's design exploits children's developmental vulnerabilities, particularly impulse control. One case involved a 10-year-old girl who spent over ,000 in two months despite parental attempts to limit purchases. Critics argue that Roblox prioritizes profit over user well-being, with features designed to maximize engagement rather than genuine enjoyment. Experts advocate for legislative changes to address these issues, warning that without intervention, Roblox will continue to exploit young users.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Destiny 2 hasn’t been the game I’d loved in years, but it still sucks to know it’s ending

Bungie announced that the live service development for Destiny 2 will conclude on June 9, 2026, after nearly nine years, ten expansions, three episodic narratives, and 30 seasons. The game initially gained popularity for its shooting mechanics and immersive worlds but began to shift in essence around 2022, with changes like power level disadvantages and a focus on challenge introduced by former game director Joe Blackburn in February 2023. Players experienced frustrations with microtransactions and item economies, and beloved worlds were vaulted, leading to alienation among long-time fans. The final expansion, Final Shape, aims to conclude the decade of storytelling amidst internal turmoil at Bungie.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Epic Games Store PC Weekly Free Games 21/05/2026

From May 21, 2026, at 4 PM BST until May 28, 2026, at 4 PM BST, the Epic Games Store is offering three free PC games: 1. Sunderfolk - Standard Edition - A game that combines adventure and strategy in a richly crafted universe. 2. Down in Bermuda - A game by Tak & Co where players help an aviator stranded on mysterious islands due to an unnatural storm, featuring exploration and puzzle-solving. 3. Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft - A remastered collection of the original three Tomb Raider games, optimized for modern platforms and including all expansions and secret levels.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Nationwide banking app update ahead of Fairer Share £100 decision

Beginning Thursday, Nationwide customers can conceal payment references on incoming bank transfers within the app. This feature aims to help prevent abusers from using banking systems to maintain unwanted contact and control over survivors. Domestic abuse charities have raised concerns about payment references being used for harassment, with some abusers sending messages or threats through these references. Nationwide's initiative empowers customers to control what is visible in their accounts. Approximately 4.2 million women in the UK have experienced economic abuse, which can include controlling bank accounts and monitoring financial activity. Nationwide's vulnerability support team assisted 312 customers facing abuse in 2025, an increase from 213 the previous year. The organization has also established “safe spaces” in hundreds of branches for domestic abuse support. Campaigners urge other banks to assess how banking features might be exploited by abusers, and Nationwide is considering extending similar functionalities to Virgin Money customers in the future.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

I tried playing Fortnite with the Steam Controller, and now all I want to do is watch The Mandalorian and Grogu

A player approached Fortnite to test the Steam Controller while focusing on competitive shooters. They encountered a Mandalorian-themed event that included a watch party for an upcoming movie. The game featured a vibrant introduction with Mandalorian and Grogu, leading to a battle against Stormtroopers on Nevarro. Players watched a short clip from the movie, described as exhilarating with AT-AT-like walkers and explosions, which reignited the player's interest in the Star Wars franchise. However, the player's experience with the Steam Controller was disappointing, as the gyro feature needed adjustments and many buttons did not map correctly, leading them to prefer traditional thumbsticks and aim assist.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Jurassic World Evolution 3 and The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition Headline Xbox Game Pass May 2026 Wave 2 Lineup

Microsoft has announced the following games joining Xbox Game Pass from May 20 to June 2, 2026: - Dead Static Drive (May 20) - My Friend Peppa Pig (May 20) - Pigeon Simulator (May 20) - Remnant II (May 20) - Winter Burrow (May 20) - Luna Abyss (May 21) - Escape Simulator (May 26) - Echo Generation 2 (May 27) - The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (May 27) - Crashout Crew (May 28) - Kabuto Park (May 28) - Final Fantasy VI (June 2) - Jurassic World Evolution 3 (June 2) Additionally, the following titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on May 31: - Against the Storm - Crypt Custodian - Metaphor: ReFantazio - Persona 4 Golden - Spray Paint Simulator Further announcements regarding Game Pass offerings are expected during the Xbox showcase event on June 7.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

What’s new on Xbox Game Pass? Check out the latest.

Xbox Game Pass is evolving with a variety of gaming experiences. Forza Horizon 6 is set in Japan, features 550 cars, and allows players to race at speeds up to 100 mph. Hades 2 allows players to control Melinoë, expanding on the original's themes and gameplay while maintaining engaging combat and narrative. Vampire Crawlers combines gameplay from Vampire Survivors with roguelike deckbuilding, offering strategic gameplay and unique mechanics. Subnautica 2 is the most wish-listed game on Steam, enhancing exploration and survival mechanics from the original game. Mixtape is an indie game that offers a three-hour experience filled with nostalgic storytelling and a vibrant soundtrack reminiscent of the '90s.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Google’s new YouTube AI tools could make AI slop impossible to escape

YouTube has introduced the Ask YouTube feature, which supports conversational searches, allowing users to engage in complex queries and refine their searches with follow-up questions. Additionally, Google is launching Gemini Omni, a tool that enables users to remix YouTube Shorts with AI-generated edits while preserving the original video's essence. Omni-generated videos will include digital watermarking, metadata, and links to the original content, and creators can opt out of visual remixing. The rollout of these tools will begin this week, available for free through YouTube Shorts Remix and the Create app.