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AppWizard
May 3, 2026

Fallout designer Tim Cain thinks influencers have changed how people make and play games: ‘more people seem to be abdicating their own judgement to that of people they see online’

Tim Cain discussed the evolution of game development and the impact of the internet on the gaming community in a recent YouTube video. He noted a shift from a culture of possibility in the 1980s to one of restriction for developers, highlighting concerns about closed-mindedness among gamers and polarized discussions. Cain observed that players often focus on metrics of games they do not engage with, which can pressure developers to cater to influencers rather than the essence of their games. He expressed uncertainty about the future of the gaming industry in the 2030s, contemplating whether it will see further entrenchment or a pushback from consumers. Cain humorously suggested that gamers should consider informed opinions from knowledgeable writers at PC Gamer.
New First-Person Shooter Dethrones Windrose to #1 Best-Selling Steam Game
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

New First-Person Shooter Dethrones Windrose to #1 Best-Selling Steam Game

Windrose was the best-selling PC game on Steam last weekend but has since been surpassed by Far Far West, a co-op first-person shooter developed by Evil Raptor and published by Fireshine Games. Far Far West has achieved an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with nearly 7,000 user reviews and a 97% approval rating. The game invites players to form a crew of bounty-hunting robot cowboys or embark on solo missions. Far Far West is currently priced at .99, reflecting a 10% discount until May 5. Evil Raptor previously released Pumpkin Jack in 2020, which received 2,824 user reviews, and Akimbot in 2024, which had only 628 reviews.
Subnautica 2 Release Date Announcement Forces Outbound Dev to Bring Its Game Launch Forward
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Subnautica 2 Release Date Announcement Forces Outbound Dev to Bring Its Game Launch Forward

Subnautica 2 is set for early access release on May 14. Developer Unknown Worlds faced challenges, including a public falling out with publisher Krafton and the dismissal of its management team, but the CEO has been reinstated. Square Glade Games has moved the release of their game Outbound to May 11 to avoid competition with Subnautica 2. Outbound is currently ranked 13th on Steam's Most Wishlisted chart. Subnautica 2 will allow players to explore an open-water environment, featuring solo and multiplayer experiences, and will be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
As Steam player counts continue to dominate conversations around multiple games, it turns out 45% of you don't actually care that much for the metric
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

As Steam player counts continue to dominate conversations around multiple games, it turns out 45% of you don’t actually care that much for the metric

Nearly 45% of respondents prefer to enjoy their gaming experience without focusing on player counts. About 32% pay attention to these figures, with 15% humorously claiming to be Gabe Newell. Additionally, 13% only monitor player counts when concerned about a game's potential closure, and 10% check them to provoke reactions among fans. The author enjoys tracking player counts but maintains skepticism about their significance in the overall gaming experience.
The cozy game launches of May are dominated by a bunch of hotly-anticipated sims
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

The cozy game launches of May are dominated by a bunch of hotly-anticipated sims

A total of 27 cozy games are set to be released in May, with a focus on simulation games. Notable upcoming titles include: - Thrifty Business: Release Date: May 18 | Shop organizing sim - Greenhearth Necromancer: Release Date: May 11 | Balcony garden sim - Paralives: Release Date: May 25 | Sims-like life sim - OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast: Release Date: May 13 | Creature collecting and crafting - Wax Heads: Release Date: May 5 | Record store narrative sim Three of these titles have experienced delays.
Rocket League has a new Easy Anti-Cheat addition, and it still works on the Steam Deck — it's about time for other game Devs to follow suit
AppWizard
May 2, 2026

Rocket League has a new Easy Anti-Cheat addition, and it still works on the Steam Deck — it’s about time for other game Devs to follow suit

Psyonix has integrated Easy Anti-Cheat into Rocket League while supporting Linux platforms. Although Rocket League is no longer available on Steam, it can still be played on SteamOS through the Epic Games platform using Proton for compatibility. Other titles like Battlefield 6, Call of Duty, and EA Sports FC 26 are not accessible on SteamOS due to compatibility issues with anti-cheat systems. Psyonix's efforts may encourage other developers to improve Linux support. Emerging titles like Splitgate: Arena Reloaded and Rocket League are contributing to broader Linux compatibility, but challenges remain due to some publishers' reluctance to invest in these solutions.
I didn't think a 2D platformer could be scary, but oh boy did this game about a forsaken nun in a dead world of demon cockroaches prove me wrong
AppWizard
May 1, 2026

I didn’t think a 2D platformer could be scary, but oh boy did this game about a forsaken nun in a dead world of demon cockroaches prove me wrong

Metamorphosis is an upcoming game with a demo available on Steam, featuring a unique pixel art style and engaging gameplay. The game includes an innovative inventory system that uses a command line reminiscent of MS-DOS and incorporates interactive eerie paintings. Players face a blend of horror and action, encountering grotesque creatures and save points designed as confessionals that deepen the narrative. The combat system is accessible yet challenging, allowing advanced maneuvers from the start. The release date is currently "To be announced."
The new 'Xbox mode' for Windows 11 has arrived, but don't get your hopes up for performance improvements: it's just a new UI
Winsage
May 1, 2026

The new ‘Xbox mode’ for Windows 11 has arrived, but don’t get your hopes up for performance improvements: it’s just a new UI

Microsoft has begun rolling out its Xbox mode for Windows 11, which aims to provide a full-screen, dedicated gaming experience similar to console functionality. This feature, announced in March, is now available in select markets as of April 30. Xbox mode is designed to create a cohesive Xbox experience across various devices, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, and caters to gamers who prefer using a controller. The launch is part of Microsoft's strategy to enhance the integration of Xbox with Windows, although some users still find the Xbox experience on PC lacking compared to competitors like Steam.
Cyberpunk bartending sim VA-11 Hall-A devs' first game in 10 years finally launches this summer
AppWizard
April 30, 2026

Cyberpunk bartending sim VA-11 Hall-A devs’ first game in 10 years finally launches this summer

Sukeban Games has released a new trailer for their upcoming game, .45 Parabellum Bloodhound, set to launch this summer, coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of their previous game, VA-11 Hall-A, on June 21. The development team plans to return to their roots with a project called NIRV Ann-A after completing Bloodhound. Players can wishlist .45 Parabellum Bloodhound on Steam.
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