free-to-play Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 live: All the announcements in real-time

Obsidian Entertainment has announced that The Outer Worlds 2 will feature six companions with their own questlines linked to distinct factions, allowing players to influence their character arcs through gameplay choices. The game is set on Arcadia, a new colony governed by The Protectorate, and will include an enhanced perk system similar to Fallout: New Vegas, allowing for specialized character builds. Players will take on the role of a customizable Sky Marshall, with an emphasis on traits that affect gameplay dynamics. The sequel aims for deeper RPG mechanics and a more complex narrative due to increased development time and resources. The game is scheduled for release on October 29, 2025.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I’m not here to apologize but I am here to clarify’: Splitgate 2 boss says his Make FPS Great Again hat is ‘not a political statement’

1047 Games unveiled a battle royale mode for Splitgate 2 at the Summer Game Fest, announced by CEO Ian Proulx. Proulx wore a hat with the phrase "MAKE FPS GREAT AGAIN," which drew mixed reactions from viewers. He later clarified the hat's message on social media, emphasizing the company's commitment to improving the multiplayer FPS experience. The launch included a shop refresh with a new skin bundle, the most expensive item in the game, prompting discussions about in-game purchase value. The new mode led to a surge in players and technical issues, including problems with the experience points (XP) system, which the company is working to resolve.

BetaBeacon

June 6, 2025

Download EA Sports FC 25 for Windows, Android, APK and iOS

EA Sports FC 25 is not free and requires payment for purchase.

AppWizard

June 5, 2025

XDefiant exec producer Rubin departs Ubisoft

Mark Rubin, the executive producer of Ubisoft's XDefiant, has left the company, and the game is set to be discontinued. Rubin cited inadequate marketing and technical issues with the Snowdrop engine as challenges for the project. The entire team behind XDefiant was let go at the end of the previous year, with many members seeking new opportunities. Rubin is stepping away from the gaming industry to spend time with his family. In December 2024, Ubisoft announced the closure of XDefiant, leading to the layoff of approximately 300 employees.

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

New Steam Game Just Released Has a 99% Rating and Is Free

Poco is a point-and-click adventure game released on May 20, developed by Whalefall and Micah Boursier. It has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with 99 percent of 774 user reviews being favorable. The game is free to play and contains no microtransactions or hidden costs. Poco features a whimsical narrative where players help a clown named Poco navigate the Below World and construct a rocket. The gameplay lasts around two hours, and its compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently listed as “Unknown.”

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Otome Games Celebration PC Sale Starts on Steam

Valve has launched the Otome Games Celebration on Steam, running until May 26, 2025, featuring a selection of paid and free-to-play visual novels from the otome genre. The event includes significant discounts on titles from various publishers, such as Alaris, Bustafellows Season 2, Diffraction, Fate’s Masquerade, and Talents, as well as numerous indie otome games. It also highlights upcoming releases and demos, providing players with a preview of future titles in the genre.

BetaBeacon

May 17, 2025

Tribe Nine service will end on November 27 for iOS, Android, and PC

Tribe Nine, a free-to-play extreme action RPG, will be shut down on November 27 by Akatsuki Games. The game's Chapter 4 will not be released, all scheduled updates and content releases have been canceled, and unreleased characters will not be added. Refunds for purchases made within the app or web store will be issued after the service ends.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Brightika charts $3M expansion into PC and console space

Mobile game publisher Brightika is expanding into PC and console gaming with a commitment of one million dollars to develop new titles. The funding will be allocated over the next 12 to 24 months, focusing on marketing, user acquisition, localization, and community support for indie developers. Brightika plans to offer financial backing, marketing strategies, and operational assistance, including creating demos and trailers for its partners' games. The first PC title from this initiative is Bullet Yeeters, a PvP third-person shooter set to launch in the spring. Brightika will announce the first recipients of its funding during the upcoming Steam Next Fest. Founder Alexander Rodichev highlighted the company's goal to apply its marketing expertise to support developers in the PC and console space.