fortress Archives

AppWizard

May 22, 2025

Live service games are ‘innovating’ all the way back around to what worked 20 years ago, except way worse

Epic Games is introducing a free toolset for Fortnite that allows users to create and publish their own games, accompanied by a revenue-sharing program based on player engagement. Teravision, a studio using the Unreal Engine for Fortnite, has successfully released a roguelike game and plans to develop two more titles. Fortnite's multiplayer approach is shifting away from traditional matchmaking systems, aiming for a more creative environment reminiscent of past games like Garry's Mod and Team Fortress 2. However, the UEFN initiative has been criticized for lacking community spirit and producing low-quality content, with many games focusing on monetization rather than enjoyable gameplay. This trend reflects a broader issue in gaming where progression systems overshadow the core enjoyment of games.

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

Blaze XP Farm Guide for Minecraft Java Edition | Esports News – The Times of India

Collecting experience points (XP) in Minecraft is important for enchanting gear and progressing in the game. Blaze farms are an efficient way to gather XP, as defeating a Blaze yields 10 XP points and has a 50% chance of dropping a blaze rod, which is essential for brewing and fuel. To build a Blaze XP farm in Minecraft Java Edition, players should follow these steps: 1. Locate a Blaze Spawner in a Nether Fortress. 2. Prepare the area by illuminating the spawner and clearing a 9x9x5 space around it. 3. Construct a containment chamber using durable materials to enclose the spawner and create a funnel system for the Blazes. 4. Design a killing mechanism, which can be manual, semi-automatic, or automatic. 5. Optimize the farm by incorporating hopper systems for collecting drops and storage chests for managing blaze rods. Players should ensure their safety with fire-resistant gear and secure the location with torches and barriers during construction.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

This game has 100 endings, and it’s pushing the creators to the brink of bankruptcy

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a visual novel and turn-based tactics hybrid developed by Too Kyo Games, a studio formed by the creators of Danganronpa and Zero Escape. Despite positive reviews and notable sales, studio CEO Kazutaka Kodaka has expressed concerns about the studio's financial future, stating that the chances of further console releases for the game are "very slim." The game features a complex narrative with an estimated 80% narrative to 20% action ratio, requiring over 130 hours for 100% completion. The production process took over five years, including a complete reboot, and Kodaka described it as a gamble where he invested his skills and money. The game is currently available on Steam for £50.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.

AppWizard

April 22, 2025

Dwarf Fortress has sold over one million copies on Steam

Dwarf Fortress has officially sold over one million copies on Steam, as announced by its developers, Bay 12 Games, 26 months after its launch on the platform. The game, created by Zach and Tarn Adams, debuted on Steam in December 2022 and sold over 500,000 copies within the first month. By February 2023, sales exceeded 600,000. Kitfox, the game's publisher, acknowledged the community's support and the game's unique charm.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Dwarf Fortress sells 1 million copies on Steam, so now Bay 12 Games can afford that ‘little party’ it planned

Dwarf Fortress has sold over 1 million copies on Steam since its launch, as announced by publisher Kitfox Games. The game, previously available for free for nearly two decades, gained popularity after its Steam release in late 2022, selling half a million copies in two months. The updated user interface and hand-drawn tiles attracted both new and long-time players. Following an adventure mode update, sales predictions were confirmed less than three months later. Tarn and Zach Adams, the game's creators, have hinted at celebrations for this milestone. Kitfox indicated that the game is entering a new development phase with a focus on new features and enhancements. Ongoing projects include improvements to siege mechanics, site building in adventure mode, and revisions to subterranean layers.

AppWizard

April 17, 2025

Jared Hess Is Still a Sundance Guy: Why the Smash Hit ‘Minecraft Movie’ Feels a Little Like an Indie Film

Jared Hess, director of “A Minecraft Movie,” admires Robert Eggers’ reinterpretation of “Nosferatu” for its distinct personality and unexpected storytelling elements. Hess gained recognition with “Napoleon Dynamite” at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, which became successful through word-of-mouth. “A Minecraft Movie” has earned over million at the box office after three weekends, significantly surpassing “Napoleon Dynamite's” total earnings. Hess's children served as unofficial consultants during the film's development, contributing to its personal touch. Adapting “Minecraft” posed challenges due to its lack of a traditional narrative, but it also allowed for creative freedom, particularly with the character of Steve. The film was primarily shot in Auckland, New Zealand, and Hess emphasized collaboration with game developers to balance fidelity to the source material with innovative storytelling. Despite mixed critical reception, Hess maintains his comedic style focused on character and story, and he hopes for broader opportunities in Hollywood.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Superman: Extended Preview to Play Before A Minecraft Movie

Warner Bros. has released an extended sneak peek of James Gunn's Superman, which will be shown before screenings of A Minecraft Movie this weekend. The preview was first revealed at CinemaCon, featuring Gunn, Peter Safran, and the film's lead actors: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult. It highlights a scene where a wounded Superman is rescued by his pet, Krypto, and offers a look at Superman's automatons and the Fortress of Solitude. Krypto's character is inspired by Gunn's own rescue dog. Superman is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 11th.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Roguelike Action Game Castlebound Announced for PC

Developer Ogre Pixel has announced the roguelike action game Castlebound, set to launch on PC via Steam. Players will defend a walking castle against waves of monsters, featuring characters Lenora, a skilled archer, and her grandfather Vargus. The game includes fast-paced combat, solo or cooperative gameplay, multiple playable heroes, and roguelike progression. Castlebound combines castle defense and roguelike mechanics for a unique gaming experience.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Minecraft sequel quietly leaks online

A sequel to Minecraft Dungeons, tentatively named "Project Spicewood," is in development for at least two years. The game will include various areas such as Honeycomb Fields, Desert, Forest, and Town. Leaker X0XLEAK provided this information, along with images from an associated account. Fan reactions on the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit have been positive, expressing enthusiasm for the sequel. No official release date has been announced.