gameplay systems

AppWizard
December 11, 2025
Anton Emelyanov, brand manager at Owlcat Games, admires Baldur's Gate 3 and its creators at Larian Studios, noting that their success has highlighted a vibrant market for narrative-driven CRPGs. He believes that Larian's achievements have reinforced Owlcat's commitment to creating engaging, story-rich experiences. Emelyanov stated that the success of Baldur's Gate 3 has boosted Owlcat's confidence in investing in complex systems and narrative depth. Owlcat is focusing on essential elements of CRPGs such as choice and consequence, compelling companions, and rich storytelling, while also working on upcoming titles like Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Larian plans to explore new territories beyond Baldur's Gate, and both studios aim to enhance player immersion and engagement through deeper reactivity and systemic storytelling.
AppWizard
November 23, 2025
Stealth mechanics in role-playing games have been popular among players for decades, with games like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Cyberpunk offering immersive experiences. The Stealth Archer playstyle in Skyrim has gained a significant following, leading to numerous guides and discussions online. Emil Pagliarulo, Bethesda's design director, has a background in stealth games, having started his career at Looking Glass Studios, known for titles like Thief. He conducted an analysis of stealth mechanics in 20 different games upon joining Bethesda. Oblivion, released in 2006, introduced important stealth mechanics such as consistent sound and line-of-sight, enhancing the stealth experience compared to previous games. Pagliarulo distinguishes between Thief, which focuses solely on stealth simulation, and Bethesda's games, which offer a broader range of gameplay systems. He emphasizes the freedom players have to shape their characters' identities through stealth gameplay, expressing pride in the evolution of stealth mechanics at Bethesda.
AppWizard
November 22, 2025
In 2023, Project Black Budget, a spinoff of the PUBG franchise designed as an extraction shooter, was announced with a closed alpha testing phase scheduled for December 2025. The testing will take place from December 12-14 and December 19-21, accessible to players in North America, Europe, and Asia. Interested players can request access via the game's Steam page, but entry is not guaranteed. There is no non-disclosure agreement for the alpha phase, allowing players to stream and share their gameplay. Access keys will also be available through Twitch Drops during the testing period. PUBG Studios has acknowledged potential technical issues during the alpha and aims to refine gameplay systems through community feedback.
AppWizard
October 31, 2025
Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake has been released on Steam, allowing fans to revisit the origins of the series. This remaster follows the reimagining of Dragon Quest 3 and features high-definition adaptations that blend modern aesthetics with original pixel art. The games include new characters, dungeons, and expanded storylines, with Dragon Quest 2 introducing an Ocean Floor area, a mermaid town, a ghost ship, and new enemies. Combat in Dragon Quest 1 now allows battles against groups of foes, while Dragon Quest 2 features a party system and the new character, Princess of Cannock. Modern gameplay systems have been integrated, including sigils for skill upgrades, scrolls for teaching new abilities, hidden mini medals for valuable items, and a tombola minigame. The games are available on Steam and the Microsoft Store for .99 / £49.99, with a bundle for .99 / £84.99.
AppWizard
October 25, 2025
Circana’s industry analyst Mat Piscatella described Battlefield 6 as one of the most successful premium PC titles ever tracked by the firm, noting its strong engagement levels among PC players. The game achieved the largest launch in the franchise's history, surpassing seven million units sold within its first three days, with players engaging in over 172 million matches and logging 15 million hours of streamed content during its launch weekend. Battlefield 6 was released on October 10, 2025, and features a comprehensive single-player campaign, a redefined four-class system, and an expansive multiplayer offering. In September, total software spending in the gaming sector rose 11 percent year-over-year to .3 billion, with non-mobile subscriptions increasing by 32 percent. Borderlands 4 was the top-selling game in September, with launch-month revenue nearly 30 percent higher than that of Borderlands 3.
AppWizard
September 14, 2025
Nintendo announced a remake of Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly, set to launch on PC in early 2026. The remake will feature enhanced visuals, audio, and gameplay systems, while retaining the Camera Obscura mechanic. A new feature, 'Holding Hands with Mayu,' will deepen the emotional connection between the main characters. This remake is the first original trilogy title to be released on PC, and Fatal Frame II is considered the scariest installment in the franchise. The series involves confronting ghosts through photography, adding suspense to the gameplay.
AppWizard
September 11, 2025
Endless Legend 2 is set to launch in Early Access on September 22. It will be available on multiple platforms, including Steam, the Microsoft Store, and PC Game Pass. The Early Access version will include core gameplay systems, narrative quests, functional diplomacy and combat mechanics, and five playable major factions. The game is described as stable and enjoyable, with plans for further refinement during the Early Access phase, including the introduction of a new faction and a multiplayer mode.
AppWizard
April 4, 2025
PC gaming in 2025 features advanced GPUs enabling ray tracing and AI-enhanced upscaling, with tools like Unreal Engine 5 facilitating diverse game development. Platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store host tens of thousands of titles, with over 13,000 new games launched on Steam in 2024. Notable games include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Dota 2, League of Legends, Warframe, and Apex Legends. Key trends include cross-platform compatibility, free-to-play models, and game subscription services. Optimal gaming setups typically require a mid-range processor, a GTX 1070 or better graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM. Popular multiplayer games include Valorant and Apex Legends, while highly rated titles include Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Disco Elysium. Classics worth playing today include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Portal 2.
AppWizard
February 12, 2025
Crytek has laid off approximately 15% of its workforce, equating to around 60 employees out of 400, due to challenging market conditions. As a result, the development of Crysis 4 has been put on hold, although it is not officially canceled. The studio will focus on expanding Hunt: Showdown, which has seen increased player engagement following its recent update.
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