Martin Klima, co-founder of Warhorse Studios, expressed fatigue with conventional RPG narratives that often revolve around the 'chosen one' trope and grand missions. He believes many players are tired of this formula and seek something fresh, which inspired the creation of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Klima noted that the gaming landscape has not significantly changed, as many games still cater primarily to teenagers, despite the audience maturing. He criticized publishers for recycling proven formulas, using Ubisoft as an example, and acknowledged the high craftsmanship in their games while wishing for more innovation. He also recognized the financial constraints that limit experimentation in the industry.
Google has introduced a passive sign-in feature for YouTube that allows users to stay signed in to their Google account while accessing the platform, eliminating the need for repeated logins.
Mojang Studios hosted its annual Minecraft Live event on September 26, announcing several significant updates and projects. The highlight was the introduction of The Sift, a new dimension set to launch next year for both Java and Bedrock editions, marking the first new dimension in over 14 years. Additionally, Minecraft Dungeons II is scheduled for release on September 29, featuring enhanced character customization and cooperative multiplayer options, allowing players to explore The Sift before its full integration into the main game.
Mojang also provided an update on Minecraft World, a UK-based amusement park set to open in 2027 at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which will include a coaster named Escape the Nether and a themed hotel. The studio announced a new initiative to foster creativity within the community, with ongoing improvements to tools for creators. Upcoming game updates include a new biome called Frozen Caves, the Wilderness Bound community challenge, and new Sound Effects Packs launching on the Minecraft Marketplace before the end of 2026. Minecraft is also set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 27, and the Minecraft: Education Edition is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
- Mobile version of Dome Keeper, a popular mining survival game, is in the works
- Pre-registration is open on Google Play and pre-orders are available on the App Store for 899 rubles
- Dome Keeper involves balancing resource extraction and defense against alien attacks
- Players can enhance the dome, upgrade mining equipment, and increase movement speed with materials found
- Procedurally generated maps offer a unique experience with each new run
- Dome Keeper was originally released on Steam in 2022 and has sold over a million copies by October 2024
Embark Studios has announced a "pause" on the Expeditions feature in Arc Raiders, with plans to revisit it until early 2027 due to persistent player feedback. Executive producer Aleksander Grøndal indicated that the feature may be overhauled or eliminated entirely. Expeditions serve as a prestige system where players reset their progress for unique benefits, but many have criticized the extensive grind for minimal rewards. The fifth Expedition, ending in September, will be the last until the feature is reworked or potentially scrapped. The studio aims to make significant changes based on community concerns regarding departure windows, reward structure, and accessibility. A major update, Frozen Trails, is set to launch in October.
Adventurers gather around a campfire to share stories of their experiences, including unexpected detours and surprise encounters. While some moments are planned, spontaneous events often create lasting memories. Preparations for future journeys include stocking inventory, mapping campsites, and being ready for unforeseen adventures. New features for Wilderness Bound will require either Minecraft: Bedrock Edition or Java Edition, which must be purchased separately, and community feedback will help refine these features as development continues.
Wordless Forest is a newly launched FMV survival game available on Steam, created by solo developer Dogus Cagrici. The game features stunning visuals from a 40-day hiking expedition across four Turkish cities and has no dialogue. Players navigate the protagonist's journey after a head injury, making critical choices that affect the story's outcome. The gameplay includes dilemmas like whether to consume food found at an abandoned campsite or investigate a dark cave. Early reviews are mixed, noting that the game offers about 45 minutes of gameplay with limited choices, leading some to view it as a short interactive film. It is currently available at a 10% discount for two weeks on Steam.
BlackMill Games' World War I series has surpassed a decade of gameplay, with the latest installment, Gallipoli, focusing on the Gallipoli Campaign. This campaign aimed to capture the Dardanelles Strait and Constantinople but ended in a disastrous retreat for the Allies. Gallipoli features improved visuals, refined gunplay, and balanced mechanics, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics such as increased team sizes, a ticket system with unpredictability, realistic ballistics, a refined stamina system, and a suppression system that affects soldiers' performance. However, concerns exist regarding the limited rewards in the progression system, which may impact player engagement over time.
The text discusses various turn-based RPGs and strategy games available on Xbox Game Pass, highlighting 17 standout titles.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A turn-based RPG with innovative combat mechanics and a compelling narrative centered around the Paintress.
2. Heroes of Might and Magic II & III - Classic strategy games known for exploration, resource management, and tactical battles.
3. South Park: The Fractured But Whole - An RPG with grid-based combat and tactical elements, infused with the show's humor.
4. Wasteland 3 - A CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring intricate storytelling and strategic turn-based combat.
5. BATTLETECH - A tactical mech combat game focused on managing a mercenary company and strategic planning.
6. Death Howl - Combines grid movement with deckbuilding mechanics in a dark narrative.
7. Echo Generation 2 - Introduces deckbuilding mechanics and multiple characters with a voxel art style.
8. For The King II - A blend of tabletop RPG elements and roguelite mechanics, designed for group play.
9. Gears Tactics - A tactical turn-based game that transitions from a third-person shooter, encouraging aggressive playstyles.
10. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - Revitalizes the classic formula with modern production values.
11. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Continues the turn-based combat from its predecessor with an expansive world.
12. Persona 5 Royal - A defining JRPG that balances everyday life with supernatural adventures and stylish turn-based combat.
13. The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut - A first-person dungeon crawler with exploration and puzzle-solving elements.
14. The Thaumaturge - Set in early 20th-century Warsaw, featuring political tension and supernatural intrigue in its narrative.
15. Wartales - Focuses on managing mercenaries in a medieval world, emphasizing survival and personal storytelling.
16. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Offers a turn-based mode in a richly detailed world with complex narratives.
17. Phoenix Point - A tactical game that serves as a successor to XCOM, featuring a unique free-aim system and evolving enemy mechanics.
