ethical dilemmas Archives

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

Dragon Age setting creator says AI push is a delusion of the executive class that’s a ‘virulent plague’ on games

David Gaider, a veteran of BioWare and creator of the Dragon Age universe, expressed concerns about generative AI in gaming, calling it a "virulent plague" that negatively impacts creativity and job opportunities. He criticized the current use of AI for producing subpar results and diminishing entry-level opportunities for writers. Gaider suggested that AI should be used as a supportive tool for mundane tasks, allowing human writers to focus on creative work, but noted that AI is currently taking on critical roles instead. He emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent and cautioned against eliminating tasks essential for training junior developers. Gaider also raised ethical concerns about AI's reliance on datasets that may lack consent from original creators, warning of potential legal issues. He expressed skepticism about AI's readiness for widespread application in the industry, advocating for caution until proper regulation and ethical data training are established.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

‘Tactical radio action’ game Burn-9 announced for PC

14 Hours Productions is developing a political spy thriller game titled Burn-9, set to launch for PC on Steam, GOG, and the Humble Store in 2026. Players take on the role of an unseen operator assisting the last survivor of a black-ops team in a chaotic mission. A demo is currently available. The game involves navigating espionage and making pivotal choices based on gathered intelligence while using advanced surveillance systems. Players can disable security measures and extract sensitive information, facing moral complexities and ethical dilemmas throughout the mission.

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

Anticipated supercannon sim PVKK delayed until 2027, but for the kind of reason you want to hear

PVKK, or Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant, is a highly anticipated game that features tactile controls for operating a planetary defense cannon. The release date has been delayed to 2027, as announced by game director René Habermann, who emphasized the team's commitment to improving the game. In a 2024 interview, Habermann discussed the game's focus on ethical considerations, allowing players to reflect on their actions while operating the cannon for an autocratic regime. Players can add PVKK to their wishlist on Steam despite the delay.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Heart of the Machine review

Players in the upcoming cyberpunk strategy RPG, Heart of the Machine, will assume the role of a newly sentient Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The game is set to release on March 6, 2026, developed by Arcen Games and published by Hooded Horse, with a price of £25. It features a turn-based interface for navigating a city, engaging with inhabitants, and completing morally complex missions. Players can command robotic enforcers, repurpose properties, and make decisions that lead to multiple endings. The narrative includes a corporation observing the AGI's evolution, and players can enhance their intelligence through server farms or by integrating human brains. As players progress, they can perceive five-dimensional timelines and explore procedurally generated cities. The game includes a Doom tracker for impending disasters, over 50 hours of gameplay, and challenges related to resource management. Players can engage in various scenarios, from uplifting animals to instigating global conflicts, while navigating ethical dilemmas.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Star Trek Voyager: Across the Unknown is a fairly dull curiosity that I’m really enjoying

Tuvix, a character in Star Trek Voyager, is created from a transporter accident that fuses two crew members into one. The decision to separate Tuvix back into his original forms involves sacrificing the unique entity he has become. Retaining Tuvix would provide a powerful asset on missions but would cost the distinct personalities of the original characters. Ultimately, the choice is made to separate Tuvix, restoring the original crew members. The game "Across the Unknown" features a mix of missions inspired by Voyager episodes, with gameplay centered around resource gathering and ship reconstruction. The narrative includes choices, such as dealing with the character Seska, and presents the option to abandon missions, which conflicts with Starfleet principles. The game is described as enjoyable but may not appeal to those unfamiliar with Voyager.