gunfire Archives

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

I added player-seeking hit squads to GTA 5, though the billion other mods I have installed keep getting in their way

The Ambient Hit Squads mod for GTA 5 introduces armed assassins that hunt players, inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2. Players see red dots on their maps indicating the arrival of these foes, leading to chaotic gameplay filled with gunfire and vehicle collisions. Aerial assassins struggle to orient their helicopters, creating a humorous spectacle. Players can use their in-game weapons to defend against the attackers, enhancing the gaming experience through the interplay of strategy and chaos.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

2 Steam top sellers, 2 simultaneous betas, 2 very different shooters: It’s Wardogs & Modern Warfare weekend

Two highly-anticipated military first-person shooter titles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Wardogs, are offering beta access to pre-order customers. Call of Duty is currently leading sales on Steam, while Wardogs has over one million wishlists and is gaining popularity. Wardogs features a short time-to-kill mechanic, expansive maps, and aims to balance realism with accessibility. The game is designed to attract fans of mainstream shooters and battle royales. The pre-order price is set, and players are encouraged to request refunds if the beta does not meet expectations. Over 87,000 participants are currently facing server issues due to high interest.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Hit markers are an FPS crutch

Hit markers are visual cues in first-person shooters that indicate the impact of a shot, often accompanied by an 'X'. Before 2007, developers used impact animations and effects like blood spurts for feedback instead of UI elements. Notable franchises like Halo and Gears of War initially provided immersive feedback through visual cues but have since adopted hit markers, which clutter the HUD and diminish the immersive experience. The trend raises questions about balancing clarity and immersion in game design, as seen in contrasting examples like Left 4 Dead 2, which uses dynamic enemy reactions, versus Back 4 Blood, which employs hit markers.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Organized crime is using encrypted messaging apps to enlist youth. This spells trouble for police

Toronto has seen an increase in gunfire incidents aimed at the U.S. consulate, leading to the arrests of a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old. These incidents are linked to alleged gun-for-hire plots that also target Jewish schools, synagogues, and waste management facilities in the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators are facing difficulties in identifying the masterminds behind these operations, partly due to the use of encrypted messaging apps to recruit young individuals. The federal government's Bill C-22 aims to provide law enforcement with tools to address these challenges, but it has faced criticism for potential overreach and privacy concerns. Police Chief Myron Demkiw emphasized the need for effective tools to prevent violence facilitated through encrypted communication. Technology analyst Carmi Levy raised concerns about balancing law enforcement needs with privacy rights. Additionally, there is a societal responsibility to protect children from online recruitment by criminal networks, with calls for proactive conversations between parents and children and educational initiatives in schools.