Grand Theft Auto Archives

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Portal writer Erik Wolpaw is “not worried about AI taking over creative writing,” but it could be the straight-faced foil to GTA’s chaos

Erik Wolpaw, known for his work in game writing at Valve, shared insights on generative AI tools during a podcast. He has been experimenting with AI alongside colleagues, emphasizing that this is a personal exploration rather than a Valve initiative. Wolpaw is skeptical about AI's ability to create compelling narratives, stating it is currently ineffective in creative writing. He sees potential for AI to enhance character interactions in games, particularly in real-time responses to player actions, citing Left 4 Dead as an example. He believes AI should improve player experiences rather than serve as a cost-cutting measure. Wolpaw has also experimented with AI-generated voices but finds them inferior to real actors. He acknowledges the dual nature of AI, which can be both creatively destructive and pose existential risks. Wolpaw recognizes the challenges of game development and is realistic about his future in the industry.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Crimson Desert’s bafflingly convoluted controls are already frustrating players: ‘That’s basic f*cking video game functionality’

Crimson Desert has been criticized for its control issues, making gameplay challenging and frustrating for players. Many players struggle with remembering key combinations for basic actions, and while using a controller improves the experience, it is still not perfect. Discussions on Reddit reveal widespread dissatisfaction, with players calling the controls among the worst in modern gaming. The absence of a feature to rebind actions, such as sprint and crouch, further exacerbates the problem. Despite the game's expansive world and enjoyable puzzles, the awkward controls and erratic movement mechanics detract from the overall experience. Players are hopeful for updates from Pearl Abyss to address these control issues.

AppWizard

March 18, 2026

Crimson Desert is the most hyped game I’ve seen in a minute

Crimson Desert is set to launch this Thursday and is currently ranked #4 on Steam's top wishlists chart. A preview by Harvey has generated significant excitement, making it PC Gamer's most-read article for March. The game features a variety of activities, including cooking, lumber gathering, bounty mechanics, gambling, wrestling minigames, building faction reputations, and fishing. The gaming community is eagerly anticipating a vast, immersive world, especially following delays with Grand Theft Auto 6. A review will be available soon, and potential buyers may consider waiting for patches and sales.

AppWizard

March 15, 2026

5 great indie games from GDC 2026

The GDC Festival of Gaming showcased several upcoming games. - At Fate’s End: An action-adventure game by Thunder Lotus, releasing in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It explores sibling relationships through combat and exploration. - Mina the Hollower: Developed by Yacht Club Games, this game is inspired by Link’s Awakening and will launch this spring on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. - The Melty Way: A platformer featuring a slime that melts as it progresses through levels, entering early access on Steam on April 24th. - Poke a Nose: A game where players control a severed hand to collect toilet paper and poke noses, targeting a 2026 release on PC, with a possibility of early 2027. - Super Meat Boy 3D: A 3D adaptation of the original Super Meat Boy, expected to launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

I desperately want the Just Cause creator’s new open-city game to be great, but I’m not convinced by its latest trailer

The gaming community has been seeking an engaging open-world experience similar to those from the Xbox 360 era, particularly with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Samson, an open-world game developed by Liquid Swords and created by Cristofer Sundberg, features a protagonist named Samson who returns to his hometown of Tyndalston to settle a significant debt using various methods. The gameplay requires players to meet a daily cash quota to manage debt interest, incorporating an "action points" mechanic that limits mission availability. The game showcases a gritty aesthetic with muscle cars but has received mixed reactions due to concerns about repetitive combat mechanics and sparsely populated environments. A notable moment in the gameplay trailer features Samson throwing a wrench at an enemy with a humorous quip. Samson is set to launch on April 8, and there is hope for its success despite the current work-in-progress feel of the trailer.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

This indie gem blends Devil May Cry and Darksiders, and it’s only $1 right now

Soulstice is a character action game set in the Holy Kingdom of Keidas, where players confront Wraiths as a Chimera, controlling two characters: Briar, who uses various weapons, and Lute, who provides supernatural abilities. The game features a gothic aesthetic and combo-heavy gameplay reminiscent of titles like Devil May Cry. It is currently available for £1 during the Fanatical Spring Sale, allowing players to customize their gaming experience by adding other titles from the Build Your Own Spring Bundle.

AppWizard

March 13, 2026

Roblox and Minecraft players are less likely to play traditional AAA video games

Newzoo's insights indicate a shift in gaming preferences, with Roblox and Minecraft players showing distinct engagement patterns compared to traditional AAA titles. Roblox's playtime has increased by about 50% year over year, driven by viral experiences. There is significant overlap between Roblox and Minecraft players with popular live service games like Fortnite (55% overlap with Roblox, 46% with Minecraft) and Grand Theft Auto V (28% with Roblox, 25% with Minecraft). However, Roblox players are less likely to engage with traditionally popular games, such as Monster Hunter Wilds, where they are only 0.4 times as likely to play compared to average gamers. Similarly, Minecraft players show disinterest in titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Assassin's Creed: Shadows. The demographic of these players is often younger, leading to a reluctance to invest in pricier AAA games. Newzoo's research suggests that these players may continue favoring free-to-play live-service titles and sandbox games as they mature, which could impact the market dynamics significantly. Additionally, it is projected that by 2028, PC gaming revenue will exceed that of consoles, marking a notable growth in the industry.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Cara Ellison, senior narrative designer on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 before Paradox switched developers, discusses her love of Troika’s original RPG: ‘Everyone on the team helped really make that maximum goth’

Cara Ellison is a narrative designer whose journey in gaming began with a BBC Micro and the 1987 game Acheton. She has worked as a games journalist for publications like PC Gamer and transitioned into game design, contributing narratives to titles such as Dishonored 2, Void Bastards, God of War: Ragnarok, and Ghost Town. Her latest project is Sleight of Hand, a deckbuilding stealth game inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines. She has a fondness for the original Vampire: The Masquerade—Bloodlines, despite its technical challenges, and has logged 103 hours in Kentucky Route Zero. Ellison keeps Sunless Sea installed on both her work and personal computers, appreciating its narrative depth. For her writing, she uses Scrivener, which she utilized for Void Bastards. Her desktop is relatively tidy, featuring a mix of business and leisure icons, with a wallpaper from Vertigo.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

Three phenomenal Triple-A console and PC games you can also play on Android

The reboot of Tomb Raider, originally launched in 2013 for Xbox 360 and PS3, has been adapted for mobile devices by Feral Interactive, featuring touch screen controls and traditional game controller support. The game performs well on moderate devices like the Pixel 10 series, achieving 30 FPS with graphics settings and over 40 FPS in performance mode. While its graphics do not match the latest triple-A titles, it maintains engaging combat mechanics and a compelling narrative. Red Dead Redemption has also been released on Android, requiring a Netflix subscription for access. The game runs smoothly on devices like the Pixel 10 series and recommends a Snapdragon 888 for optimal performance. It offers a rich storytelling experience at a lower cost compared to its Steam price. Subnautica, a survival game released in 2014, allows players to explore an underwater landscape after a crash landing. It performs well on mid-tier devices like the Pixel 10 series, providing around 30 hours of gameplay for the main quests, with additional time for exploration.

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

GDC is an opportunity to celebrate the games that defined 2025, and explore the new technology that will shape the future of gaming

The Game Developer's Conference (GDC) will take place from March 9 to March 13, 2026. GDC focuses on the intricacies of game creation and explores emerging technologies and innovative techniques in gaming. Attendees can expect potential game announcements from companies like Epic Games, Blizzard, Nintendo, and Xbox. The GDC Vault and the Festival of Gaming YouTube channel provide resources for game creators to share their design philosophies. A central theme for GDC 2026 will be the role of artificial intelligence in game development, with discussions led by developers from companies such as Google, Capcom, NVIDIA, Xbox, and Sega.