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Cities Skylines 2's performance is still struggling, and the devs need your help
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

Cities Skylines 2’s performance is still struggling, and the devs need your help

Cities Skylines 2 has faced performance issues and limited content since its launch. Iceflake Studios is working on improvements, collaborating with Unity to address performance challenges. The game is CPU-intensive, with unique challenges due to its dynamic nature. Key areas for enhancement include rendering performance, simulation performance, and pathfinding. Recent changes have simplified citizen modeling and improved pathing, leading to a better gameplay experience. The game's Steam rating has shifted from 'Mixed' to 'Mostly Positive.' Iceflake has developed a benchmarking tool to collect performance data, which will be integrated into an upcoming patch.
Veteran indie developer scared to reveal new game in case it gets "slurped up by AI"
AppWizard
April 6, 2026

Veteran indie developer scared to reveal new game in case it gets “slurped up by AI”

Lucas Pope is a notable game developer known for creating "Papers, Please" and "The Return of the Obra Dinn." He has since worked on smaller projects, including Mars After Midnight, but has not released anything on Steam recently. During a podcast, Pope expressed concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on game development, particularly regarding idea theft and the potential for his work to be copied or imitated. He feels uneasy discussing ongoing projects due to these risks and reflects on the pressure of following up his previous successes. Despite these worries, Pope's reputation allows him to avoid some challenges faced by less-known developers, and his next project is expected to generate significant interest.
Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney
AppWizard
March 26, 2026

Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney

Vaunted is a tactical RPG from indie studio Lost Lake Games, set a millennium after the collapse of the last galactic empire, where mercenaries and treasure hunters seek priceless relics. The game combines third-person shooter action with turn-based tactical gameplay, allowing players to plan from a high-angle viewpoint while executing actions in real time. Players manage three characters—Dyse, Gendril, and Kyvaath—each with unique skills and backstories, and their choices influence the narrative. The game features dynamic combat mechanics, customizable loadouts, and randomized upgrades. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, praises the project, and while a release date is not yet announced, players can wishlist it on Steam for updates.
A Blockbuster Video Simulator Takes Over PC Gaming Charts
AppWizard
March 19, 2026

A Blockbuster Video Simulator Takes Over PC Gaming Charts

Samuel Gauthier is an independent video game developer and co-founder of Blood Pact Studios, known for creating Retro Rewind, a video-rental-store simulator that debuted at number one on Steam's top 10 list. The game allows players to manage a movie rental shop set in the early '90s, featuring 14,000 fictitious movie titles generated through AI prompts and 21 films inspired by popular hits of the era. The development of Retro Rewind took 15 months, with Gauthier and his team working over 60 hours a week. The game is priced at .92 and aims for greater replayability and wider appeal compared to their previous game, Bonesaw, which sold around 10,000 copies. Blood Pact Studios plans to provide ongoing support for Retro Rewind across various platforms and is considering future projects, potentially focusing on multiplayer or co-op gaming. Gauthier envisions evolving the game alongside technological advancements, possibly transitioning from VHS to DVDs.
Overhauling Minecraft's world generation was like 'trying to build a skyscraper with hand tools' which basically scared Mojang off of continuing massive yearly updates
AppWizard
March 11, 2026

Overhauling Minecraft’s world generation was like ‘trying to build a skyscraper with hand tools’ which basically scared Mojang off of continuing massive yearly updates

Ryan Cooper, the general manager of Minecraft, discussed Mojang's shift from large annual updates to a more agile update strategy that began with the Caves & Cliffs update in 2021. Player feedback has become central to development, influencing significant changes in world generation. The Caves & Cliffs update faced challenges due to simultaneous updates of the game and its technology. Mojang is now focusing on smaller, more frequent content drops, with the first announced for 2026, called the "Tiny Takeover update." More details will be revealed at the Minecraft Live 2026 event.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
AppWizard
March 11, 2026

From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox

- The Xbox Developer Summit keynote address was delivered on March 11, 2026, at the Game Developer Conference. - The next-generation Xbox console is named Project Helix, developed in partnership with AMD using FSR Next. - Xbox mode will begin rolling out to Windows in select markets starting in April 2026. - The Xbox Play Anywhere catalog now includes over 1,500 games, allowing seamless access across console and Windows. - There are currently more than 5,000 developers creating for Xbox. - Project Helix is designed to play both Xbox console and PC games and features a custom AMD SoC for enhanced performance. - Alpha versions of Project Helix hardware will be shipped to developers starting in 2027. - Xbox is committed to preserving the playability of games from four generations of Xbox. - Xbox mode will be introduced to Windows 11 in April 2026, allowing a familiar Xbox experience while maintaining Windows flexibility. - Xbox has a lineup of game releases for 2026, including titles from first-party franchises like Halo and Gears of War, as well as independent developers. - Xbox Play Anywhere allows players to transition games across devices, retaining progress and requiring only a single purchase for each game. - The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative has 500 development teams that have released titles under it.
Even among the crowd of gorgeous illustrated games, At Fate's End is stunning enough to stand out
AppWizard
March 11, 2026

Even among the crowd of gorgeous illustrated games, At Fate’s End is stunning enough to stand out

At Fate's End is a game showcased at the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco, featuring captivating artwork that stands out among competitors like Supergiant's Hades. The game features a protagonist named Shan, a young outcast from a family of demigods, and emphasizes realistic character movements and dynamic camera work. It combines 2D action with family drama, focusing on Shan's journey to reconcile with her siblings after becoming the Chosen One. The game includes a conversation system that allows players to explore family trauma. At Fate's End is expected to launch later this year, although a specific release date has not been announced.
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