gaming landscape Archives

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Newzoo: Top 20 PC/Console Games of June 2025 by Revenue and MAU

Newzoo's market analysis indicates a significant shift in the gaming landscape across the US, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, with an increase in new titles in revenue rankings and monthly active users (MAU). In June, notable revenue rankings included: - Dune: Awakening at 5th place - Rematch at 9th - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach at 15th - SCUM at 17th - Deltarune at 20th - Valorant climbed to 7th place due to its 5th anniversary. - A collaboration between Dead by Daylight and Five Nights at Freddy's achieved the highest monthly revenue growth since April 2020. - Rematch and SCUM are independent IPs, while others are based on established franchises. Platform-specific revenue rankings showed: - MindsEye entered PlayStation's top sales at 18th despite a 2.3 out of 5 rating. - Lies of P rose to 20th due to its prequel release. - On PC, newcomers included Dune: Awakening (#1), SCUM (#7), Rematch (#8), Deltarune (#13), PEAK (#10), Stellar Blade (#14), and Date Everything! (#17). - Nintendo platforms featured Mario Kart World at 2nd, Deltarune (9th), Cyberpunk 2077 (14th), and Date Everything! (15th). In MAU rankings: - Elden Ring Nightreign and Splitgate 2 were among late-May releases. - Rematch was included, likely counting its closed beta audience. - PEAK ranked 5th on PC, surpassing games like Marvel Rivals, Valorant, and Overwatch. - For Nintendo Switch 2, new titles included Mario Kart World (1st), Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour (8th), and Deltarune (20th).

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Xbox to bring true cross-device gaming: Start on console, finish on PC

Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Linux is the best thing to happen to PC gaming in years

PC gaming has experienced a notable shift due to the rise of Linux, particularly with the introduction of Valve's Steam Deck in mid-2021. The Steam Deck, built on a Linux foundation and utilizing Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has broadened the compatibility of games on Linux, allowing users to enjoy titles without dual-booting systems. This device has popularized handheld PC gaming, prompting other manufacturers to create similar devices. The Steam Deck's modest hardware has led to a trend of optimization among developers, resulting in better performance on lower-end systems. Valve's SteamOS has improved the user interface for both Linux and Windows users, making PC gaming more accessible. However, a significant challenge remains with anti-cheat software, which is difficult to implement across various Linux distributions. Despite this, the state of Linux gaming is strong for single-player experiences, and Valve is exploring solutions to enhance competitive gaming on Linux.

AppWizard

July 21, 2025

Deck 13 vet founds publisher under legacy Artex name

Veterans of the German games industry have established a new indie publishing entity under the Artex name, co-founded by Jan Klose, who was involved in the creation of Deck 13. The initiative aims to discover and support young studios and start-ups, emphasizing creativity, fair conditions, and robust business development. Artex plans to unveil its lineup of indie titles next month at Gamescom, including a console version of the dungeon crawler Cralon, developed by Pithead Studio.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

11 best video games of 2025 (so far) on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and PC

In 2025, the gaming landscape features the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and a variety of notable titles across platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. - Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios is a co-op game where players control rival authors Mio and Zoe in a simulation of their imaginations, emphasizing collaboration and real-time interactions. - Assassin’s Creed: Shadows by Ubisoft returns to stealth gameplay with dual protagonists in a vibrant Feudal Japan setting, offering over 100 hours of gameplay. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage by Don't Nod presents an engaging narrative with dual timelines, exploring a supernatural mystery through character interactions. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive is a turn-based RPG known for its unique art style, intricate combat mechanics, and immersive storytelling. - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves by SNK revives the classic fighting game series with smooth animations and a new REV system for varied gameplay styles. - Doom: The Dark Ages revitalizes the franchise with a medieval-inspired combat system and a focus on world-building and storytelling. - Monster Train 2 by Shiny Shoe builds on its predecessor's success with a deck-building experience featuring new equipment cards and clans. - Rematch by Sloclap is an online soccer game that emphasizes precision and offers a competitive atmosphere with a unique arena setup. - Death Stranding 2 by Kojima Productions delivers an emotional narrative with themes of fatherhood and redemption, showcasing Hideo Kojima's storytelling prowess. - Donkey Kong Bananza by Nintendo utilizes the Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities, offering classic gameplay with destructible environments and open-ended experiences.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

GTA 5 finally launches in Saudi Arabia and the UAE 12 years after its global release — will be age-rated 21+ as part of the new regulatory framework

Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online have been officially released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, receiving a new 21+ age rating from the General Authority for Media Regulation and the UAE Media Council. This approval allows local gamers to purchase and enjoy the game legally, marking a shift towards more progressive content regulation in the region. Previously, the game was inaccessible due to its portrayal of violence, sex, and drug use. Over 90% of PC and console players in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are over the age of 21, and the gaming market in these countries is projected to grow significantly by 2029. Additionally, Take-Two Interactive has established a partnership with the Saudi-based Advanced Initiative Company for local distribution of its major franchises, including GTA V. The approval comes ahead of the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on May 9, 2026, which is expected to launch in the region without previous regulatory delays. As of May 2025, GTA V has sold over 215 million copies worldwide.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

15 incredible DOS classics you can play in your browser

Between the late '80s and early '90s, DOS became the foundation of PC gaming, fostering innovation with advancements in 2.5D and 3D environments, first-person shooters, city-building simulations, and point-and-click adventures. DOS games are lightweight, allowing them to run on modern devices easily. Dangerous Dave (1988) is a nostalgic platformer that remains enjoyable today. Sid Meier's Civilization (1991) is considered one of the greatest DOS games, allowing players to build empires through various strategies. Dune II: The Building of a Dynasty (1992) is credited with shaping the real-time strategy genre, introducing base-building and resource management. Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons (1990) set the standard for PC platformers with its vibrant gameplay. Carmageddon (1997) is an iconic car combat game known for its humor and chaos. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (1992) is a hallmark of the point-and-click genre with engaging puzzles. The Oregon Trail (1990) started as an educational tool and became a classic game blending survival strategy with humor. Command and Conquer (1995) revolutionized the RTS genre with engaging gameplay. X-COM: UFO Defense (1994) is known for its strategic gameplay where every decision matters. Wolfenstein 3D (1992) is a pioneer of the FPS genre, influencing many subsequent titles.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Weekend PC Download Deals for July 18: The Epic Games Store Summer Sale

The Steam Summer Sale has ended, allowing the Epic Games Store to launch its offers, featuring exclusives like Alan Wake 2 and Blades of Fire. Other highlighted titles include Assassin's Creed Shadows, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Skin Deep, and To a T, which is on discount. The Steam Automation Fest is ongoing, and the Ubisoft Summer Sale has concluded. Black Ops 6 is now available on Battle.net. The Epic Games Store is offering Sid Meier's Civilization 6 Platinum Edition for free until July 24. Humble Choice subscribers can receive several games for .99 this July, including Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader and Cat Quest 3. Various game bundles are available for purchase, activating on Steam.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake will launch ‘very soon,’ Ubisoft exec says, but he also namedropped Splinter Cell for no apparent reason so maybe he’s still just messing with us

Five years have passed since the initial leak of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. Ubisoft has not provided concrete updates on the remake or Splinter Cell during its recent Annual General Meeting. Chief Financial Officer Frederick Duguet indicated that the Sands of Time Remake is slated for release in Ubisoft's 2026 fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2026, with speculation suggesting a potential holiday 2025 release.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Shadow Labyrinth review

Bandai Namco is set to release a game that combines elements of Pac-Man and Metroidvania on July 17, 2025, priced at £25. In this game, the character Puck consumes fallen enemies to transform into a mech for a brief invincibility period. The game features a linear start but expands into a Metroidvania world with navigation puzzles and platforming challenges. It includes maze levels reminiscent of classic Pac-Man gameplay, set to energetic dance music and a five-minute timer. The narrative has a disjointed feel, with dialogue often filled with clichés. The game offers a blend of genres, providing a unique experience in a crowded market.