game design Archives

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 13, 2025

Stellar Blade PC will release on 11th June, according to leaked trailer montage of technical improvements

Stellar Blade is set to release on PC on June 11th. A leaked trailer revealed enhancements for the PC version, including advanced AI frame generation, support for higher resolutions, bonus outfits, Japanese and Chinese voiceovers, a new boss fight, and ultrawide display support. The PC version was originally confirmed in February and has generated attention alongside its console counterpart. The game features dynamic character designs and engaging gameplay mechanics, combining elements of combat and exploration.

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

Xbox is giving away $214 worth of its PC games for just $10, including a Metroidvania banger and the best game from Marvel’s Spider-Man devs

A new Humble Bundle offers a collection of Xbox Game Studios titles valued at approximately £161 for £8. The bundle includes games such as Wasteland 3, As Dusk Falls, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Broken Age, Battletoads, and Quantum Break. It will be available for 12 days, and each purchase supports Gameheads, an organization that promotes diversity in the tech industry through video game design and development training for youth of color.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

The next ‘Minecraft’ could come from a Niagara College student

Conor MacNeill, a game development professor at Niagara College, highlights the excitement of students presenting their capstone projects at the Welland campus library. The game development program has grown from about a dozen graduates to a large community, now including collaborations with Brock University. Students are now creating VR games, a significant development compared to the program's early years. First-year student Mark Lampman and fourth-year student Dante Bell showcase their projects, with Bell's team, Slugworks, presenting a game called "Green Thing from the Planet Jupiter." This game features a competitive chase between a green alien and a cat, requiring significant time commitment from the team. The GDLaunch event has evolved, with students actively promoting their games through various marketing strategies. Approximately 25 alumni attended, many looking to hire graduates. The gaming industry is expected to grow through 2027, providing promising opportunities for students. After GDLaunch, 64 graduates attended the Level Up Showcase in Toronto, where their game won second place for Achievement in Audio. The event attracted around 5,000 attendees, showcasing the innovation and dedication of the students.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Analyst claims Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is selling twice as fast as any other recent JRPG has on Steam—and it’s got me wondering what the secret sauce is

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, is a strong contender for Game of the Year in 2025, resonating with RPG fans and achieving significant sales success. It outsold major titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Persona at a 2:1 ratio, selling over 785,000 copies on Steam in its first week and reaching a peak concurrent player count of 145,063. The game has garnered attention for its engaging opening hours, innovative parry-based combat system, and relatable characters, appealing to PC gamers. It combines elements of JRPGs with Western aesthetics, distinguishing itself from other titles in the genre.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

‘It is very touching and very stupid’: Katamari Damacy creator can’t wait for us to experience the final scene of his new game

Keita Takahashi's latest game, To a T, features a character named Teen who is stuck in a T-pose. Players help Teen navigate everyday challenges with immovable arms, focusing on simple and humorous gameplay. The game includes a catchy soundtrack, highlighted by the song "Cooking is so ah-mazing…". The second installment of the Katamari series, Reroll, is available on Steam, while the original Katamari Damacy is typically discounted during promotional events.

BetaBeacon

April 30, 2025

Flappy Bird Added To Epic Games Store For Android

Flappy Bird has teamed up with Epic Games to bring the modern version of the game to the Epic Games Store on Android. The Flappy Bird Foundation is spearheading the game's return and has acquired the official trademark rights. Planned future releases include desktop and mobile web browsers and native app versions on iOS and Android in 2025. The game features Classic mode and Quest mode with new worlds and challenges. The app on Epic Games Store will not have Web3 elements and is supported by ads and in-app purchases.

AppWizard

April 29, 2025

Medieval strategy sim Manor Lords is getting proper AI village-building, an upkeep system and fancier castles

In Manor Lords, a medieval strategy city builder by Slavic Magic and Hooded Horse, developers have announced updates as the game nears its first anniversary. Key updates include: - New buildings such as a quarry for stone mining and a lime kiln for construction. - Visual enhancements to the user interface and map resource nodes, along with improved castle components. - AI improvements allowing it to construct and manage small villages with new features like burgage plots. - Introduction of a new upkeep system requiring consistent resource flow for buildings like smithies and mines. - Modifications to the Record View for regional production and consumption tracking. - A rewritten pathfinding system for multi-story castles to improve unit navigation. The team has expanded since the game's early access debut and is focused on enhancing gameplay and AI capabilities.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

While this paleontologist doesn’t find Elden Ring’s monster designs all that realistic, he was impressed by FromSoft’s subtle storytelling and commitment to ‘speculative biology’

Paleontologist Dr. Darren Naish analyzed the monster designs in the game Elden Ring, praising the developers at FromSoftware for their attention to detail. He specifically highlighted the Land Octopus, noting its design reflects thoughtful environmental storytelling and mimics the behavior of real-life intertidal octopuses. Naish observed that the creature's movements are adapted to a hybrid environment, demonstrating a blend of creativity and biological plausibility. The video series Reality Check features insights from various experts, including parkour athletes and psychologists, to explore the relationship between game design and real-world principles.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

The Best PC Games Right Now (2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features a mix of innovative remasters, indie titles, and new intellectual properties, providing a wide range of experiences for gamers. The most played games on Steam include Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Dota 2, with Counter-Strike 2 leading in player engagement due to its esports scene. Notable new releases include Blue Prince, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Promise Mascot Agency. Other popular games outside Steam are Minecraft, Fortnite, and Valorant. Genre-specific leaders include South of Midnight for action, Myst (Remastered) for adventure, and Street Fighter 6 for fighting. Upcoming anticipated titles include Grand Theft Auto 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. Trends in 2025 highlight esports engagement, indie innovation, purposeful remakes, and cinematic storytelling. Last Epoch's Season 2 update has revitalized player interest with new content and enhancements. The year 2019 was significant for PC gaming, with acclaimed titles like Resident Evil 2, Control, and Disco Elysium, and marked by the influence of digital distribution platforms.