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immersive storytelling

There's no such thing as the Matt Mercer Effect
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

There’s no such thing as the Matt Mercer Effect

Tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs) have evolved significantly, with modern resources such as over 400 episodes of Critical Role and series like Dimension 20 and The Adventure Zone providing new players with engaging narratives and gameplay examples. This abundance of content contrasts with the past, where players had limited resources like rulebooks and comic ads. However, the rise of these resources has also led to challenges, including mismatched expectations between new players and the reality of gameplay, as highlighted by discussions on RPGNet about negative experiences in the gaming community. Many new players enter the hobby with high hopes for immersive storytelling but often encounter traditional gameplay that may not meet their expectations.
1666: Amsterdam is still happening, and I'm downloading the demo as we speak
AppWizard
June 6, 2026

1666: Amsterdam is still happening, and I’m downloading the demo as we speak

Patrice Désilets unveiled the debut trailer for his upcoming adventure game, 1666: Amsterdam, during the Summer Game Fest livestream. The game features a protagonist named Noa and is set to launch in early access later this year, with a 30-minute demo available on Steam and the Epic Games Store. The project faced challenges after Ubisoft acquired THQ Montreal, leading to a legal battle for the game's rights. The game will allow players to navigate multiple timelines from 1666 to 1999 and the present day, with a focus on unraveling a larger truth. An exact release date has not been announced.
Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Is This Seat Taken?, Lia Hacking Destiny, Maneater, more
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Is This Seat Taken?, Lia Hacking Destiny, Maneater, more

Android enthusiasts can find game and app deals including "Is This Seat Taken?", "Lia: Hacking Destiny", "Maneater – Shark RPG", "Exolotl: Zian", "Through the Darkest of Times", and "Little Big Workshop". There are also discounts on Google products, with the Nest Cam Indoor at a new low price and the Nest Cam Outdoor with discounts up to 47%. The Google TV Streamer 4K is available for a reduced price, and the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 RTX 5090 OLED gaming laptop is offered at 0 off its regular price.
I'm glad they didn't release Subnautica 2 all at once—the episodic early access structure has me even more excited to explore its alien ocean
AppWizard
May 25, 2026

I’m glad they didn’t release Subnautica 2 all at once—the episodic early access structure has me even more excited to explore its alien ocean

Subnautica 2, currently in early access, sold 2 million copies within twelve hours of its launch. The game features a narrative involving an AI companion named NOA and the remnants of previous colonists, with players encountering the Masefield Syndrome linked to a colossal alien tree. The game includes a survival-crafting element where players must construct a Tadpole mini-sub to explore the ocean. It integrates tools and gadgets into the narrative, enhancing gameplay and driving players to uncover mysteries. The game has received some criticism for its stringent end-user license agreement but has made a significant impact in the gaming community.
The rumours were true: Kingdom Come 2 studio is working on an RPG set in Tolkien's Middle-earth
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

The rumours were true: Kingdom Come 2 studio is working on an RPG set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth

Warhorse Studios is developing another installment in the Kingdom Come series and an open-world RPG set in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The studio's recent success with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which won PC Gamer's 2025 Game of the Year, has generated excitement. Speculative ideas for the Middle-earth game include settings in Beleriand during the First Age or a Fourth Age adventure. Concerns have arisen regarding the replacement of a translator with AI, raising questions about the quality of future English-language games. Warhorse plans to share more information in the future.
Hasbro cancelled a D&D game from the Jedi: Fallen Order director
AppWizard
May 19, 2026

Hasbro cancelled a D&D game from the Jedi: Fallen Order director

Hasbro has decided to discontinue a Dungeons & Dragons video game in early development at Giant Skull, a studio led by Stig Asmussen. The collaboration between Wizards of the Coast and Giant Skull was announced last summer but has now been halted. Despite this cancellation, another Dungeons & Dragons title, Warlock, is still in development by Invoke Studios and is set for release in 2027. Additionally, Wizards of the Coast may be planning a new D&D CRPG and is exploring other projects, including an HBO series and a prequel novel based on the character Astarion.
Far Far West is my favorite indie in recent years, and Fanatical already has a discount for it
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

Far Far West is my favorite indie in recent years, and Fanatical already has a discount for it

Far Far West is an indie game that combines elements of storytelling from Red Dead Redemption 2, cooperative gameplay from Deep Rock Galactic, and Easter eggs reminiscent of Call of Duty Zombies. Players take on the role of a robot cowboy bounty hunter, collecting gold and souls for upgrades while facing increasingly challenging missions. The game features engaging gunplay, magical spells, and boss encounters, with a strong emphasis on multiplayer gameplay for up to four players. Since its early access launch, it has received an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating on Steam and is available for .99 / £12.79 at Fanatical, reflecting a 20% discount from its regular price.
The secret to Supermassive Games casting two Oscar winners is its focus on human-made art: 'They know that their performance is going to come across really well'
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

The secret to Supermassive Games casting two Oscar winners is its focus on human-made art: ‘They know that their performance is going to come across really well’

Directive 8020 is a horror game from Supermassive Games set aboard the Cassiopeia, a spaceship filled with scientists seeking humanity's next home. The game features a cast led by Lashana Lynch, praised for her performance, and continues the studio's tradition of exceptional casting, having previously included talents like David Arquette and Rami Malek. The game emphasizes a human touch in its development, despite advancements in AI, and aims to deliver a visually stunning experience using Unreal Engine. The team focuses on high-quality cinematic storytelling and immersive gameplay, with a commitment to excellence in both performance and technical aspects.
GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time
AppWizard
April 24, 2026

GOG Giving Away PC Game For Free for Limited Time

GOG is offering a free download of the 2022 point-and-click horror game, The Whispering Valley, until April 28, after which it will return to its regular price of .99. This is the first time the game has been available for free on any PC platform. Developed by Studio Chien d’Or, the game has a rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars on GOG and an 89% approval rating on Steam, where it is rated as "Very Positive." The game is set in the village of Sainte-Monique-Des-Monts, Quebec, in 1896, featuring a haunting narrative and atmospheric gameplay. User reviews praise its atmosphere and story but mention long loading times and simplistic gameplay mechanics. The game has a playtime of approximately two to three hours.
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