hero shooter Archives

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

PUBG is removing several weapons from the game, and you could be due compensation

Players who owned QBU skins between 2020 and 2026 may be eligible for compensation as PUBG is set to remove several weapons, including the QBU and Mosin Nagant, from the game. The compensation will include in-game currencies such as BP, Credits, and G-Coins based on the skins possessed. For instance, the Seabeast Mosin Nagant skin will yield 200 G-Coins, while the Firestarter QBU skin will reward 1,490 G-Coins. The update also introduces a new Payday game mode and aims to streamline weapon offerings by removing underutilized guns.

AppWizard

May 8, 2026

2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: ‘It’s become clear that changes need to be made’

31st Union, a studio under 2K Games, has confirmed layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees as it continues development on Project Ethos, a free-to-play hero shooter unveiled in 2024. Studio head Ben Brinkman indicated that changes were necessary to achieve the studio's goals. Project Ethos was initially described as a "roguelike hero shooter," but it allows players to choose randomized buffs during matches and features gameplay similar to Fortnite. The studio's previous head, Michael Condrey, was dismissed shortly after the game's announcement, and updates on Project Ethos have been limited since then. The layoffs at 31st Union follow similar cuts at 2K Games' Cloud Chamber in 2025. Take-Two Interactive's CEO has expressed disappointment over the lengthy development timelines for new titles, including the BioShock installment. Despite these challenges, Brinkman remains optimistic about the future of Project Ethos and the team's direction.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

Best Free PC Games You Should Be Playing in 2026

The costs associated with PC gaming are rising, with new GPUs priced like used cars and AAA games exceeding high prices. However, there are many high-quality free games available. Marvel Rivals is a team-based hero shooter featuring characters from the Marvel universe, offering tactical gameplay and vibrant art. Valorant, developed by Riot Games, blends tactical shooting with character-specific abilities and remains popular five years after its launch, emphasizing team composition and skill. Delta Force has returned as a free-to-play tactical shooter, combining expansive battlefield modes with extraction gameplay, satisfying gunplay, and a robust player base. Wuthering Waves is an open-world action RPG with an anime art style and dynamic combat, allowing players to enjoy the game without spending money despite a gacha system. Dota 2, launched in 2013, remains one of the most played games on Steam, known for its depth, over 120 unique heroes, and a steep learning curve, along with a large esports scene. There are many more free PC games available across platforms like Steam and Epic, with new titles launching regularly and opportunities for players to discover quality games.

AppWizard

March 16, 2026

Marathon review in progress – exquisite gunplay and striking aesthetics cover up some frustrating cracks

Three bags of loot are accompanied by the bio-synthetic remains of their former owners, with pools of blue blood marking the ground. The narrator has transitioned from collaborating with players in Arc Raiders to a more competitive spirit in Marathon. The game features a striking user interface and vibrant aesthetics, but some aspects, like item transitions and menu designs, can be clunky and confusing. The map layouts have engaging points of interest but also feature obstructive barriers. The gunplay is praised for its quality, with balanced gameplay and challenging PvE enemies. PvP encounters have a quick time-to-kill, and environmental dangers add intensity. However, faction quests often rely on repetitive tasks, which can be frustrating despite the compelling narrative elements. The narrator expresses surprise at their engagement with the game and suggests that improvements to the user experience and quest diversity could enhance its longevity.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

That Overwatch mobile game is real, and it’s yet another win for Blizzard’s hero shooter

Overwatch has seen a significant increase in player count, rising from around 37,000 concurrent players to a peak of 165,651. Blizzard is introducing a new hero each season and making ongoing map reworks and additions. The upcoming Overwatch Rush will transform the game into a top-down mobile format, distinguishing itself with a MOBA-like gameplay style. The reveal trailer shows fan-favorite characters, but details on game modes are limited. Blizzard has confirmed that Overwatch Rush is being developed by a separate team to ensure Team 4 remains focused on the PC and console version. There is currently no specific release date for Overwatch Rush, but playtesting is planned in select regions. Players can join a new Discord server for updates.

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Marathon fully unveils all seven of its Runners, and I’ll take the one with the grappling hook and loot-stealing drone, please

The author initially lost interest in Marathon due to its challenges and competition from Arc Raiders, but recent updates, including enhanced visuals and the introduction of Runner Shells, have rekindled their enthusiasm. The Runner Shells are highly customizable, offering more flexibility than traditional hero selections in other games. Various Runner Shells, such as Destroyer, Assassin, Recon, Vandal, Triage, and Thief, have unique abilities inspired by Destiny, with Thief particularly appealing for its loot-gathering capabilities. The author expresses optimism about Marathon's potential and intends to engage with the game at launch.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

“Steam charts don’t measure fun,” says Splitgate dev as relaunched FPS debuts with a 90% lower peak

Splitgate 2, the sequel to a competitive first-person shooter, peaked at approximately 25,000 players on Steam upon its initial release but saw a rapid decline in interest, leading 1047 Games to revert it to a beta state and relaunch it as Splitgate Arena Reloaded. On launch day, the revamped game peaked at only 2,297 players, a 90% drop from its predecessor, and currently has daily concurrent player counts between 900 and 1,000. 1047 Games stated, "Steam charts don't measure fun," emphasizing that player statistics do not fully capture the gaming experience. Despite the low player count, the studio remains committed to the game and its community, encouraging players to try the free-to-play version, which features engaging gameplay elements like impressive maps and portal mechanics.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The PC game releases we’re most excited about in January

January typically sees a quieter period for PC gaming, with many anticipated titles debuting later in the month. Notable releases include: - January 12: Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Steam) - Players act as a checkpoint officer in a zombie apocalypse. - January 26: Highguard (Steam) - A free-to-play hero shooter facing skepticism. - January 29: Cairn (Steam) - A mountain climbing game praised by early players. Upcoming gaming events and sales include: - CES from January 6-9. - Steam Winter Sale (December 18 - January 5). - Detective Fest (January 12 - January 19). - Board Game Fest (January 26 - February 2). - Taipei Game Show (January 29 - February 1). Early access launches in January: - January 6: StarRupture (Steam) - A sci-fi base building and defense game. - January 22: Bladesong (Steam) - Players craft blades in a dark fantasy setting. - January TBA: Echoes of Elysium (Steam) - A co-op airship survival RPG delayed from December. Major updates and events: - January 20: World of Warcraft's Midnight Pre-Expansion Content Update. - January 12: Anthem concludes its service. - January 22: Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven expansion introduces new content. Additional game releases in January include: - January 9: Pathologic 3 (Steam). - January 12: Big Hops (Steam). - January 15: Craftlings (Steam) and Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon (Steam). - January 16: BrokenLore: Unfollow (Steam). - January 20: Mio: Memories in Orbit (Steam). - January 21: Dynasty Warriors Origins: Visions of Four Heroes (Steam). - January 22: Nova Roma (Steam) and Arknights: Endfield (Epic). - January 28: The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin (Steam) and The Midnight Walkers (early access). - January 29: Don't Stop, Girlypop! (Steam).

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

7 Greatest Blizzard Games of All Time

Blizzard Entertainment has produced several iconic games that have significantly impacted the gaming community. 1. Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness - Released a year after the original Warcraft, it refined multiplayer real-time strategy gameplay and solidified Blizzard's reputation in the genre. The expansion, Beyond the Dark Portal, enhanced the experience. 2. Hearthstone - Launched with over 100 million players by 2018, it has become a staple in digital card games despite criticisms of its monetization strategies. 3. Overwatch - Originating from the shelved Titan project, it became a phenomenon in the hero shooter genre with nearly 10 million players in the open beta, although it faced loot box controversies. 4. StarCraft - A cultural phenomenon, it established itself as a national sport in South Korea and set new standards for balance in competitive play with its innovative design. 5. Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos - Known for its compelling narrative and rich lore, it laid the groundwork for the MMO genre and inspired the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. 6. World of Warcraft - With a peak player count of 12 million in 2010, it is the best-selling MMO of all time, generating billions in revenue and continuing to thrive with new expansions. 7. Diablo 2 - Following its Lord of Destruction expansion, it became the fastest-selling PC game and defined the action RPG genre, influencing many subsequent games.