genres Archives

AppWizard

June 22, 2026

The arcade meets the hex grid in R-Type Tactics—an unlikely fusion that shines like a star on PC

The R-Type series is transitioning from its traditional shmup format to a strategy format, introducing complexity with statistics and material costs. Originally released on the PSP with two Tactics games in the late 2010s, the series now offers over 100 missions across three unlockable campaigns on PC, including the new English debut of Operation Bitter Chocolate and additional content in the "Cosmos" missions. This shift aims to provide a unique experience for players amidst a competitive landscape of strategy games.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

The team behind bullet hell FPS Luna Abyss just got laid off, less than a month after the game’s release

Luna Abyss, a game that blends first-person shooters with bullet hell mechanics, has faced significant challenges following the announcement of layoffs affecting its entire development team. The news was shared by Hollie Emery, CEO of Kwalee Labs, on June 16, stating that the decision was beyond their control. As of now, the game has a concurrent player count of 43 and a peak of 317 players since its release on May 21. Despite its innovative gameplay, the layoffs have overshadowed its potential success.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series’ rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year

Ultima is a significant franchise in PC gaming, originally created by Richard 'Lord British' Garriott, known for its influential roleplaying series and spinoffs like Ultima Underworld and Ultima Online. The rights to the series have been held by Electronic Arts (EA) since 1992, following Garriott's sale of Origin Systems. Despite some releases, the series has largely been inactive under EA, with unsuccessful attempts at revival in 2010 and 2013. Recent developments indicate that Garriott may soon reclaim the copyright to Ultima in 2027 due to U.S. copyright law, although the trademark will remain with EA. Garriott has expressed interest in potentially creating a new title, possibly titled "Lord British's Ultima." He has attempted to revive the series multiple times during EA's ownership but has faced challenges in those discussions.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Do you recognize these survival crafting games? Prove you’re a real master of roughin’ it with our latest quiz on base-building sandboxes

Many gaming enthusiasts have specific genre preferences, often favoring narrative-driven RPGs, but their gaming history may show a variety of titles, particularly in the survival crafting genre. Survival crafting games combine creativity and adventure, offering social interaction and collaborative play. A new survival crafting quiz challenges players to identify 20 games through pixelated screenshots, allowing participants 12 minutes to complete it. This quiz aims to evoke nostalgia and encourage sharing results among gamers, reinforcing social connections within the gaming community.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

2026 Horror Game is 100% Free for Limited Time

Callus, a highly anticipated horror game, will be released in 2026 and is currently available for free for a limited time until June 15. The Epic Games Store and Steam regularly offer free games, while Itch.io also provides several complimentary titles.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

How PlayStation And PC Games Shape Reward Systems

PlayStation and PC gaming ecosystems both aim to make progress feel worthwhile through various rewards, including trophies, cosmetics, and seasonal items. PlayStation rewards are typically clear and straightforward, linking effort to outcomes, while PC rewards offer more choice and personalization, often involving community-created content. Cosmetics play a significant role on both platforms, allowing for personal expression without affecting gameplay balance. The trophy system on PlayStation fosters social interaction and is integral to the console experience, while PC rewards can create a vibrant market culture based on item rarity and demand. Battle passes are bridging the gap between the two systems by introducing seasonal content and objectives. Random rewards, which rely on chance, require careful navigation to ensure players maintain control over their spending. Effective reward systems are characterized by generosity, clarity, and fairness, guiding players toward goals without creating a sense of entrapment. The divide between PlayStation and PC rewards is narrowing, with both platforms increasingly adopting elements from each other to enhance the gaming experience.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

‘Make some noise’: Vanillaware reportedly wants more of its games on PC, but it’s up to the publishers

Vanillaware's latest game, Muramasa: Revenant Blades, has been released on Steam, while many of its past titles remain on outdated consoles. Founder George Kamitani is interested in bringing these classic games to PC, despite some conflicting reports. Fans are particularly interested in titles like Dragon's Crown and Grimgrimoire for potential PC releases. The success of these ports depends on finding the right publishing partner, and fans are encouraged to express their interest through social media and community forums.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Weekend PC Game Deals: Anno 117, Final Fantasy VII, Rematch, and more

The Epic Games Store is offering free copies of Warhammer 40K Speed Freeks and The Ouroboros King until June 11. Speed Freeks is a multiplayer racing game featuring Ork vehicles, while Ouroboros King combines chess with tactical roguelike elements. The Humble Store has launched The Complete Inkle Library charity bundle, which includes Heaven's Vault and other titles, available for nearly three weeks. The GOG store is also featuring DRM-free discounts on various games, with offers for members and limited-time promotions. Availability and pricing may vary by region.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

[Exclusive] Asia Game Buzz & GameDev Reports: China’s Steam & PC Gaming Market in 2025

The Chinese gaming market is valued at approximately .6 billion and is projected to have over 683 million players by the end of 2025, with 42.4 million users on the Steam platform. Client-based PC games make up about 22.28% of the market, equating to around .5 billion, while the legal console market is estimated at .1-1.2 billion for 2025. Steam holds 87% of all monthly active users in the PC and console market, while PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox account for 6%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. As of the end of 2022, there were over 16.7 million console players in China, with total console revenue reaching approximately .3 billion. Major gaming events like ChinaJoy and Bilibili World attracted over 410,000 and 300,000 visitors, respectively, in 2025. The demand for gaming merchandise is growing, with over 100 million users searching for related products by 2025. Heybox is the primary distribution channel for PC keys, with TapTap and Sonkwo also gaining popularity. Effective marketing relies on platforms like Heybox, Bilibili, and Douyin, while Xiaohongshu and Weibo remain influential. The leading game genres in China include action/shooters (33%), RPG/adventure (24%), and simulation/management (16%).

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

A Star Trek horror game is just wild enough to work, but not the one Bloober Team is making

Bloober Team is developing a horror game set in the Star Trek universe, featuring the Bajoran character Ro Laren. The project combines horror elements with the traditionally optimistic themes of Star Trek, creating a mix of excitement and skepticism among fans. Ro Laren's character, known for her conflict with Starfleet ideals, aligns with the darker themes of the game, but her story may challenge the franchise's core values of unity and hope. The success of unconventional Star Trek projects suggests the franchise can adapt to new formats, and anticipation builds around how Bloober Team will merge their style with Star Trek's spirit.