gaming innovation Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2026

Id Software founder John Carmack mourns layoffs: “Games need to succeed, not just be beloved”

Id Software is laying off 136 positions, more than half of its workforce, as part of broader layoffs affecting Microsoft and Xbox studios. Co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over the layoffs, which coincide with the launch of new DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages. He noted that his previous optimism regarding Microsoft's management of the brand is diminishing and highlighted the increasing pressures in the gaming industry. Carmack suggested that Id Software may be viewed as a marginal business by Microsoft, with revenues from Minecraft supporting other studios. He discussed the fierce competition for consumer attention and questioned whether different pricing models or broader audience targeting could have helped Doom succeed. The latest DLC for Doom received praise but arrived too late to make a significant impact. Carmack remains hopeful for the studio's future and expressed doubt about reclaiming ownership of the Doom IP, while also supporting Team Beef's commercialization of legacy open-source games on VR.

AppWizard

May 16, 2026

GamesRadar has decamped to Kyoto to bring you some killer world premieres and trailers straight out of BitSummit Punch 2026

GamesRadar+ will host the BitSummit Punch 2026, showcasing a variety of video games, including innovations and unique offerings. The event will be available on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, with details on featured games on the BitSummit Steam event page. This year's theme is "High Impact," celebrating Japanese fighting games like Street Fighter and Tekken, while also catering to diverse gaming interests.

AppWizard

April 19, 2026

The Death of the Console War: Why Project Helix is Both a PC and an Xbox

Microsoft has announced Project Helix, a next-generation gaming initiative aimed at merging PC and console gaming into a unified ecosystem, set to launch in late 2027. The initiative features a hybrid gaming system that allows seamless play between Xbox and PC games. It is powered by a custom AMD System-on-Chip called Xbox Magnus, which includes next-generation ray tracing, generative AI technology, and Microsoft’s proprietary DLSS5 technology. Project Helix also introduces streamlined tools for developers to simplify game creation and porting, aiming to expand the Xbox game library. Key milestones include an official announcement in March 2026, a potential hardware reveal in mid-2026, and a consumer launch in late 2027. The initiative is led by Xbox executives Asha Sharma, Matt Booty, and Jason Ronald. Project Helix is positioned as a premium gaming device with a projected price of ,000, reflecting its advanced features and expansive game library.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

‘Most of the innovation in gaming has happened on PC’ says EVE Online studio boss: ‘When I love a game, it’s so deeply PC’

Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games, stated that most gaming innovation occurs on PC, with mobile gaming primarily focused on refinement. He noted that PC gaming allows for more experimentation. CCP Games is developing EVE Frontier, while EVE Online recently launched its expansion, Catalyst, on November 18, and EVE Frontier's next update is scheduled for November 27. EVE Vanguard, a first-person shooter, is also in development.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Gamescom 2025 schedule: All the showcases and events you can watch this year

Gamescom 2025 will take place in Cologne, Germany, featuring various events and showcases. Key highlights include: - Gamescom's Opening Night Live on August 19 at 8 pm CEST, with updates on Resident Evil Requiem and the World of Warcraft Midnight expansion. - The Future Games Show on August 20 at 8 pm CEST, hosted by David Hayter and Maggie Robertson. - The Awesome Indies showcase on August 21 at 6 pm CEST, focusing on indie titles. - Xbox will present broadcasts on August 20 and 21 at 6 am PT, featuring Grounded 2, Black Ops 7, and The Outer Worlds 2. - Bethesda will host broadcasts over three days starting August 22, including developer interviews and game showcases.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Big Boss and Lady Dimitrescu will host the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2025

The Future Games Show will broadcast live from Gamescom 2025 on August 20, featuring hosts David Hayter and Maggie Robertson. Hayter, known for his roles as Solid Snake and Big Boss, expressed excitement about the event, which will include world premieres, new trailers, and in-depth looks at games. The show is organized by Future PLC, the parent company of PC Gamer, and will be available to viewers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

AppWizard

June 26, 2025

How to add non-Steam games to your Steam Deck with Heroic Games Launcher

Valve's Steam Deck allows access to games from platforms like GoG, Amazon, and Epic Games through the Heroic Games Launcher, which can be integrated into the Steam Library. To install the Heroic Games Launcher, users need to switch to Desktop mode, search for and install the launcher via the Discover app, and set up their gaming accounts. After installation, users can add the Heroic Games Launcher to their Steam library and customize its appearance using artwork from the steamgriddb website. This integration enhances the gaming experience on the Steam Deck by providing access to a wider range of games.

Winsage

June 9, 2025

Microsoft & ASUS Reveal Xbox Handhelds

ASUS has launched two handheld gaming devices, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, inspired by the Xbox controller. The ROG Xbox Ally features an AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor and a 60Wh battery, while the ROG Xbox Ally X is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor for improved graphics and framerates. Both models have displays with a peak brightness of 500 nits, a 120Hz refresh rate with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and utilize AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) for enhanced frame generation. The Xbox Ally X includes impulse triggers for advanced haptic feedback.

AppWizard

November 3, 2024

AI-powered Minecraft runs without a game engine — game rendered in real-time at a continuous 20 FPS

DecartAI has launched a world model called Oasis, resembling Minecraft, but it features low resolution (360p) and framerate (20 fps), similar to Nintendo 64 games. The gameplay includes numerous AI hallucinations, making interactions difficult, such as digging resulting in players being returned to the surface. The experience lacks permanence and coherence, raising doubts about its appeal as a survival-building RPG. Despite advancements in AI for games like Counter-Strike: GO and Doom, traditional game engines on robust hardware are deemed more viable for enjoyable gaming experiences. AI-generated content relies on existing material for training, limiting originality, with the closest example being a derivative version of Angry Birds that fails to match the original's quality.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Multiplayer focus aside, the Steam Next Fest demo charts reveal the weird unpredictability of PC gaming

The Steam Next Fest featured a variety of games, highlighting the unpredictable nature of PC gaming. Notable titles included the revival of the tactical shooter Delta Force, which has been modernized for PvP gameplay; Supervive, a rising MOBA amidst a declining genre; Strinova, which allows toggling between 3D and 2D gameplay; Rivals of Aether 2, a combat game with charming creatures; Popucom, a match-3 platformer; Fast Food Simulator, a co-op simulation game; Gladio Mori, a melee fighter with unique mechanics; and KLETKA, a co-op survival horror game inspired by Lethal Company. Additionally, single-player titles like The Precinct and Sultan's Game gained traction despite the multiplayer focus.