future of gaming Archives

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

You can now stream Xbox-only games to your PC if you’re an Insider with Game Pass Ultimate

The Xbox app is shifting to a streaming-centric model, allowing Xbox Insiders who are Game Pass Ultimate members to stream select console games they own in 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) operates. This 'stream your own game' service enables gamers to play titles without owning an Xbox console by accessing their personal game library through the Cloud Gaming section of the Xbox PC app. This development reduces platform exclusivity in gaming and may lead to a more unified gaming ecosystem.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

UAE-based Red Dune partners with Japanese studio Acquire

Red Dune Games, based in the UAE, has partnered with Japanese developer Acquire Corp to develop a series of innovative intellectual properties. Three projects are currently in development, codenamed Tremor, Umbra, and Shadowcar. Acquire has a history of notable titles and was owned by GungHo from 2011 to 2024 before being acquired by Kadokawa. Sultan Darmaki, CEO of Red Dune Games, and Takuma Endo, CEO of Acquire, both expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and its focus on global creativity and originality.

AppWizard

July 14, 2025

Way of the Samurai studio Acquire Corp and Red Dunes Games announce collaboration on multiple new IPs

United Arab Emirates-based publisher and developer Red Dunes Games has formed a multi-year partnership with Japanese studio Acquire Corp. The collaboration aims to create innovative gaming experiences, with plans for three projects: Project Tremor (kaiju battles), Project Umbra (dark fantasy adventure), and Project Shadowcar (spy thriller). All titles will be global premium releases for console and PC, with premieres at major events like the Tokyo Game Show. Acquire Corp. was recently acquired by Kadokawa Corporation and is known for developing the RPG Mario & Luigi: Brothership for Nintendo Switch. Red Dunes Games, introduced in September 2024, is set to launch titles including Princess of the Water Lilies and Zozo and the Lost Dreams.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

BioShock maestro Ken Levine says Judas is ‘very old school’ because ‘you buy the game and you get the whole thing… no online component, no live service’

More than a decade has passed since the release of Bioshock Infinite's expansion, Burial at Sea. The development of Infinite led to significant restructuring within Irrational Games, which transformed into Ghost Story Games. Ghost Story's first title, Judas, aims to revive single-player narrative-driven shooters. Ken Levine expressed optimism about the demand for such games despite a shift in the industry towards multiplayer and monetization strategies. He cited recent successful single-player games like Baldur's Gate 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as evidence that traditional single-player experiences can still thrive. The latest trailer for Judas, released in January 2024, emphasizes player choices. A fourth installment of the Bioshock franchise is in development at Cloud Chamber, featuring a team from Irrational and 2K Marin.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Xbox bet that Game Pass would be the future of gaming, and we’re all paying for it

Microsoft announced a reduction of 9,100 employees, significantly affecting the Xbox division, following a previous round of 6,000 layoffs, totaling 27,600 positions eliminated since the beginning of 2023. Promising titles have been canceled, raising concerns about the future of gaming projects and workforce stability. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's compensation increased by 63% to million in 2024 amid these layoffs. Game Pass currently has around 35 million subscribers, falling short of the goal of over 100 million by 2030. The focus has shifted from hardware to services, with concerns about the sustainability of the Game Pass model and its impact on the gaming ecosystem. Rumors suggest the next generation of consoles may resemble PCs more than traditional gaming hardware.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

‘There are no plans to drop support for SteamOS’: The Finals devs commit to Steam Deck and Linux players despite new kernel-level anti-cheat

Embark Studios announced updates for their game, The Finals, focusing on enhanced security measures against cheating through the introduction of kernel-level anti-cheat technology in the 7.3 patch. This technology aims to combat cheats that use kernel-drivers to manipulate game memory. The developers confirmed their commitment to supporting players on Steam Deck and Linux platforms, stating there are no plans to drop support for SteamOS/Proton/Wine and/or SteamDeck. They have been collaborating with CodeWeavers since Season 5 to ensure quality assurance for each release. Players are encouraged to report any issues they encounter. The interest in SteamOS and other Linux distributions is rising as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. The Finals is currently in its seventh season since its launch in 2023.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Helldivers 2 Drops Free PS5, PC DLC for Existing Players

Arrowhead Game Studios released a free DLC for Helldivers 2, called the ‘Pillars of Freedom’ commemorative cape, for PS5 and PC players. This release responds to backlash over Sony's initial requirement for PC players to create a PSN account to access the game, which caused discontent among players in regions without PSN support. Following the uproar, Sony removed the PSN account requirement and is lifting region locks for its PC games. The commemorative cape is being automatically delivered to all players as a gesture of appreciation for their commitment to the game.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Steam beta gets native Apple Silicon support — the only public Arm version of Steam

Valve has released an update to its Steam Client Beta, optimized for Apple Silicon, eliminating the need for Rosetta 2. This update enhances performance for both the Steam Client and Steam Helper on Apple computers. The transition to a native version is timely as Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 with the upcoming macOS 27. Valve confirmed that macOS Tahoe will be the last update for Intel Macs. Users can upgrade to the new Steam version (1749753892 or higher) by navigating to Steam > Preferences and selecting the Steam Beta Update option. The update can be verified in the Activity Monitor, where it should indicate Apple in the Kind column.

AppWizard

May 25, 2025

Great moments in PC gaming: Getting so badly stuck on an adventure game puzzle I called the developer for a hint

PC gaming has evolved significantly, with advancements in technology leading to improved graphics and processing power, enabling developers to create stunning visuals and complex worlds. Modern games often feature intricate narratives that engage players emotionally, and online platforms have fostered vibrant communities for gamers to connect and share experiences. Despite nostalgia for the past, the current gaming landscape offers richness and depth that were often lacking in earlier generations.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Games Inbox: Are video games too expensive on console and PC?

Bethesda's latest game, Doom: The Dark Ages, is priced at £70 for both PC and console and can be completed in about 13 hours. This pricing strategy has raised concerns among gamers, especially since PC games typically have lower price points. Some gamers believe this may be an attempt by Microsoft to promote its subscription service, Game Pass, while others plan to wait for sales. Additionally, there are concerns about Bungie's management following its acquisition by Sony, with critics questioning the effectiveness of such corporate acquisitions in revitalizing franchises. In contrast, Nintendo is innovating with its upcoming Mario Kart World for the Switch 2, moving the series to an open-world format, which has generated excitement among fans. The gaming community remains engaged in discussions about pricing, management, and innovation as the industry evolves.