immersive environments Archives

AppWizard

January 21, 2026

One of the best (and oddest) blockbuster shooters of 2019 is $4 on Steam at the moment

Control, a game released in 2019, received the "Best Setting" award for its unique presentation and immersive environments. It features combat mechanics that involve dashing maneuvers and levitating attacks using office furniture, set within The Oldest House, a brutalist tower. The game's narrative parallels the fictional SCP Foundation. Control is currently available on Steam, including the Ultimate Edition with expansions and post-launch content. A sequel, Control Resonant, is scheduled for release in 2026.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Skateboarding games had a huge 2025, but it was the controversial Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 that I couldn’t put down

The author discovered Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 this year, which changed their perception of the franchise. The series, once popular in the late '90s and early 2000s, has seen a decline in the PC gaming community. The author had previously only played Tony Hawk's Underground 2. The remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 in 2020 showcased the series' peak design. The environments in 3 + 4 are integrated into urban landscapes, including a college campus, an airport, and Alcatraz Island. Some fans were unhappy with the removal of the open-world structure in THPS 4 and the introduction of forced timers. The reimagined levels in the remake play well, with new maps like the Waterpark and a pinball machine level. Despite its release in July 2025 being overlooked due to its changes, the remake features impressive animations, a refreshed soundtrack, and modernized graphics. The author believes the remake serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the series.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Atmospheric lucid dream survival horror game Lucid Falls announced for PC

Eldamar Studios has announced a new survival horror game titled Lucid Falls, set to launch on PC via Steam. The game places players in a surreal landscape where they can manipulate gravity, space, and time while confronting nightmarish creatures and solving puzzles. The gameplay focuses on altering reality to uncover hidden paths and navigate bizarre environments. Key features include unique gameplay mechanics, realistic combat against grotesque creatures, an emphasis on mood and atmosphere, and stunning visuals. An announcement trailer and first-look screenshots are available for viewing, with further updates accessible on the official website.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

I wish Arc Raiders would steal the best feature from this rival extraction shooter, which now lets you be a sci-fi bartender to boot

The latest update for The Forever Winter introduces a bar that players can craft within their home base, allowing them to engage with patrons and complete quests to build their reputation and unlock rewards. The game features a darker, post-apocalyptic atmosphere with mechanical foes and various enemy types. The November update includes a new Front-Liner weapon designed to slow down heavy infantry enemies, streamlines the revival process for allies, and introduces a hardcore mode that removes the HUD for a more immersive experience.

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

Escape from Tarkov director says the launch week’s wobbles were ‘actual stress testing not only of our servers but also our mind and nerves’

On November 15, Escape From Tarkov launched on Steam after an eight-year beta phase. The launch faced login issues due to high demand, leading to server difficulties acknowledged by developer Battlestate Games. This resulted in review bombing from frustrated players. Nikita Buyanov, the director and COO of Battlestate, commented on the situation, expressing gratitude for player enjoyment despite the challenges. The game's intense gameplay and immersive environments continue to attract players, highlighting its enduring appeal.

AppWizard

November 3, 2025

As players debate whether to purchase Possessor(s) after Heart Machine lays off staff a week before launch, its creators and publisher respond: ‘As a developer who is slated for lay off—please buy this game!’

Heart Machine, known for Hyper Light Drifter, is facing challenges after the mixed reception of its early access game, Hyper Light Breaker, which led to layoffs and halted development. A second round of layoffs affected the team behind the upcoming game, Possessor(s), which is set to launch on November 11. Tyler Hutchinson, the narrative director for Possessor(s), urged fans to support the game despite the studio's difficulties, emphasizing the dedication of the team. He clarified that the game's creative efforts were solely from the team and not influenced by external consultants. Hutchinson acknowledged the supportive relationship with their publisher, Devolver, and noted that a successful launch could benefit the developers' future opportunities. Early impressions of the game have been positive, with comments on its immersive environments.

Winsage

October 30, 2025

Immersive productivity with Windows and Meta Quest: Now generally available

The Mixed Reality Link and the Windows App for Meta Quest are now generally available, enabling full capabilities of Windows 11 and Windows 365 for mixed reality headsets. Users can connect to their local Windows PC or Windows 365 Cloud PC, access multiple high-resolution virtual monitors, and create private workspaces. The v81 release of Meta’s Horizon OS allows all users to access this experience without experimental settings. Connecting a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset to Windows involves installing Mixed Reality Link and pairing the device. Feedback from the community since the Public Preview in December 2024 has led to improvements in connection reliability and higher resolution virtual monitors.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.

BetaBeacon

October 22, 2025

Gaming On Samsung Galaxy XR: Every Android XR Game Confirmed So Far

The fact described in the text is that the Samsung Galaxy XR headset will come with a 'Explorer Pack' from Google for those who purchase it by the end of 2025. The pack includes various items such as NFL Pro Era, Asteroid, 12 months of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, NBA League Pass, 3 months of YouTube TV, Project Pulsar from Adobe, and Calm.

AppWizard

October 20, 2025

Google Play Leaks Android XR Apps Ahead of Samsung Galaxy XR Launch

Google's Play Store has launched a collection of applications and games for Android XR, indicating a strategic move into extended reality devices ahead of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset release. The Play Store features a dedicated page for "immersive experiences made for your XR headset," including popular titles like "Beat Saber" and productivity apps such as YouTube VR. The listings include well-known VR favorites and new entries optimized for the platform, emphasizing social and interactive experiences. Over a dozen apps marked with an XR compatibility badge span gaming and media consumption. Google is enhancing its developer tools for Android XR, supporting spatial computing capabilities and attracting major studios to expand the library post-launch. Other manufacturers, like Lenovo, are rumored to explore Android XR devices. Despite challenges in XR adoption due to costs and limited applications, Android XR aims to provide accessible entry points and innovative features to attract users. Concerns regarding privacy in immersive environments persist, as XR devices collect significant spatial and biometric data.