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Back in 2009, an experimental free-to-play Battlefield predicted our grim live service present: 'It will need to be the most popular Battlefield game of all time to be profitable'
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Back in 2009, an experimental free-to-play Battlefield predicted our grim live service present: ‘It will need to be the most popular Battlefield game of all time to be profitable’

The term "free-to-play" was not common in gaming until the late 2000s, when major publishers began exploring free versions of their flagship franchises. Battlefield Heroes was a significant experiment as a PC-exclusive spin-off that marked a high-profile franchise's entry into the free-to-play model. EA's senior producer Ben Cousins described it as a substantial risk that needed unprecedented popularity to be profitable. The game featured a real-time feedback development philosophy and introduced daily challenges, which became common in the shooter genre. Initially, players could only purchase superior weapons with in-game currency, but by late 2009, EA shifted to a pay-to-win model. Battlefield Heroes had a six-year lifespan before being discontinued in 2015.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass gets a price cut, but there’s a catch
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass gets a price cut, but there’s a catch

The newly appointed CEO of Xbox has reduced the monthly subscription price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .99, effective immediately. The other tiers of the Game Pass lineup will maintain their current pricing. Future Call of Duty titles will not be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass at launch but will be added during the following holiday season, while existing Call of Duty titles will remain available.
Microsoft announces surprise Xbox Game Pass price cuts, ends day one Call of Duty inclusion — Ultimate down to $22.99 while PC Game Pass drops to $13.99
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Microsoft announces surprise Xbox Game Pass price cuts, ends day one Call of Duty inclusion — Ultimate down to $22.99 while PC Game Pass drops to $13.99

Microsoft has reduced the prices of its Game Pass subscriptions, with Game Pass Ultimate decreasing from .99 to .99 and PC Game Pass from .49 to .99 per month. This decision follows previous price increases in 2024 and a 50% hike in 2025, which resulted in many cancellations. Gamers interested in Call of Duty titles will face delays of about a year for new releases, but existing titles will remain available. The price reduction is part of a strategy under Asha Sharma, who recently took over the division.
After 2 years of silence, an extraction shooter we liked back in 2022 for its 'impeccable vibes' suddenly springs back to life on Steam
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

After 2 years of silence, an extraction shooter we liked back in 2022 for its ‘impeccable vibes’ suddenly springs back to life on Steam

In 2022, Marauders, an extraction shooter, launched in early access on Steam, gaining a notable player base despite not being free-to-play. However, updates ceased after the Retribution update in August 2024, leading to over 20 months without new content. Recently, developers announced they had focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the game, which generated mixed reactions from the community. Some players are hopeful for its revival, as evidenced by 11 pages of comments following the update. The competitive landscape for extraction shooters has intensified with new titles like Arc Raiders and Marathon.
Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs will "ride the wave" of AI, but stress "the finishing touch must always come from a human hand"
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs will “ride the wave” of AI, but stress “the finishing touch must always come from a human hand”

Nomion Games was founded by Dmitri Ogorodnikov and German Terekhov, former contributors to Battlestate Games. They believe that "creative potential, accumulated experience, and ambition should not be put on hold." Their upcoming title, Rush is Real, will incorporate AI as a crucial tool in game development. Ogorodnikov views AI as essential, comparing it to a sculptor's chisel, and emphasizes its role in speeding up the ideation process. He acknowledges AI's ability to alleviate tedious tasks in game development but insists that final decisions must come from humans. He warns against over-reliance on AI, particularly in critical areas like level design and gameplay mechanics, to avoid losing creativity and identity. The gaming community has raised concerns about AI-generated content, and Ogorodnikov recognizes the need for vigilance in maintaining unique artistic vision while using AI to enhance efficiency.
Microsoft just made Game Pass cheaper, and it's all thanks to Call of Duty
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Microsoft just made Game Pass cheaper, and it’s all thanks to Call of Duty

Microsoft has reduced the monthly subscription price for Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .99. New releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on the subscription service at launch, but will be added the following holiday season. Existing Call of Duty titles will remain accessible on the service.
Crimson Desert is so packed with weird systems and quirks that it can be a struggle to remember them all—which is why we've made a quiz about everything from the stock market to space
AppWizard
April 20, 2026

Crimson Desert is so packed with weird systems and quirks that it can be a struggle to remember them all—which is why we’ve made a quiz about everything from the stock market to space

Crimson Desert features a variety of eccentric elements that engage players, prompting the creation of a quiz to test knowledge on its unique aspects. The quiz includes ten multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health bars, unconventional currencies, mounts, and the game's expansive map. Even experienced gamers find the quiz challenging, with few achieving a perfect score. Players are encouraged to share their results in the comments.
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