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After Expedition 33's success, Split Fiction's Josef Fares warns publishers not to "only do" double-A
AppWizard
January 13, 2026

After Expedition 33’s success, Split Fiction’s Josef Fares warns publishers not to “only do” double-A

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has received critical acclaim and commercial success, winning Game of the Year at the previous year’s Game Awards. Josef Fares, founder of Hazelight Studios, warns the triple-A gaming sector against merely replicating trends from Expedition 33's success, emphasizing the need for innovation rather than imitation. He highlights the importance of diversity in gaming, asserting that both triple-A and double-A titles have their place in the industry. Fares points out that while high-budget games face pressure to avoid risks, innovation is still possible, citing examples from studios like Naughty Dog, Rockstar, and Nintendo. He also mentions that other major studios, such as Capcom, are exploring unconventional ideas.
"Triple-A is in crisis" and games "don't have staying power because they're bad," says ex Gears of War director and Painkiller creator
AppWizard
December 29, 2025

“Triple-A is in crisis” and games “don’t have staying power because they’re bad,” says ex Gears of War director and Painkiller creator

Adrian Chmielarz, founder of Astronauts and People Can Fly, discusses the current state of the gaming industry, noting that 2025 is expected to be significant as indie and double-A games gain prominence. This year's Game of the Year nominations highlighted a balance between indie titles and high-budget games, with Metacritic's top-rated games including Hades 2, Expedition 33, and Blue Prince. Chmielarz emphasizes the rise of double-A games, attributing it to changes in the industry that allow developers to bypass traditional publishers due to platforms like Steam. He points out challenges for new releases in maintaining visibility, citing Theorycraft Games’ Supervive as an example of a quality game that struggled to stand out. Chmielarz also notes a lack of immersive single-player shooters in the market and criticizes the focus on gunplay over atmosphere in many indie games. He expresses enthusiasm for Witchfire's dark fantasy aesthetic and its emphasis on fun gameplay.
2025 saw game developers scrambling to avoid heavy hitters like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Hollow Knight: Silksong
AppWizard
December 25, 2025

2025 saw game developers scrambling to avoid heavy hitters like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Hollow Knight: Silksong

The timing of video game releases has become increasingly complex for developers, with major publishers traditionally launching titles between one and three months before the holiday season. However, in recent years, many have shifted to releasing games from February to April, and even into May and June, creating a crowded market. Rockstar's announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6, initially set for 2024 but delayed to May 2026 and then to November 2026, has prompted developers to reconsider their release strategies. Team Cherry's announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong disrupted the release schedule, forcing other developers to scramble for safer dates. Microsoft’s surprise release of Oblivion Remastered in April negatively impacted sales for indie titles like Rosewater, highlighting the challenges of coordinating release schedules in an increasingly crowded market. Upcoming releases such as Resident Evil: Requiem on February 27 and the potential launch of Fable could further complicate the landscape for developers in 2026.
Dishonored co-creator says it was 'a shock' when Microsoft closed Arkane Austin after Redfall's release: 'We were working on something really cool'
AppWizard
December 21, 2025

Dishonored co-creator says it was ‘a shock’ when Microsoft closed Arkane Austin after Redfall’s release: ‘We were working on something really cool’

Arkane Austin has closed, a decision that has impacted the gaming community, particularly fans of its legacy. The studio was known for innovative titles like Dishonored (2012) and Prey (2017). Former director Harvey Smith expressed sadness over the closure, especially for newer team members. He reflected on the studio's efforts to improve Redfall post-launch and acknowledged Microsoft's support in finalizing a significant patch. Smith hinted at unfulfilled projects, including a potential Blade Runner game and a shelved Thief game. The closure reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry, marking a decline in immersive sims since the 2010s, although there are upcoming titles that may revive interest in the genre.
Get 25 PC Games For $64 With This New Fanatical Deal
AppWizard
December 17, 2025

Get 25 PC Games For $64 With This New Fanatical Deal

Fanatical is offering a build-your-own bundle deal called the Best of Platinum Collection, featuring a selection of acclaimed PC games at low prices. Customers can choose from a comprehensive list of games, with discounts for bulk purchases: four games at .33 each, five or more at .99 each, and ten or more at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As 2025 draws to a close, Fanatical is unveiling an enticing opportunity for gamers with its latest build-your-own bundle deal, the Best of Platinum Collection. This collection features a curated selection of some of the most acclaimed PC games from various Platinum Collection bundles released throughout the year, allowing players to acquire exceptional titles at remarkably low prices. Similar to Fanatical's previous bundle promotions, this offer enables customers to select as many games as they desire from a comprehensive list. The pricing structure is designed to reward bulk purchases: starting with four games at just .33 each, the price drops to per game when five or more are selected. For those looking to expand their library even further, purchasing ten or more games reduces the cost to .90 each. Opting for the complete 22-game bundle is a steal at .78, representing a staggering 7.75 value—an investment that promises countless hours of entertainment. Among the standout offerings is the SteamWorld Classic Bundle, which includes four beloved titles: SteamWorld Dig, SteamWorld Dig 2, SteamWorld Heist, and SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech. By adding this bundle to your selection, you could potentially enjoy a total of 25 games. Additionally, the strategy game SteamWorld Build is available, providing even more options for fans of the series. With the anticipation building for season 2 of the Fallout TV series, now is an opportune moment to delve into the open-world RPGs that inspired the show. The Best of Platinum Collection features both Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition and Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition, which come complete with all updates, add-ons, and DLC expansions. Rounding out this selection is Fallout 76, an online multiplayer variant that retains the franchise's hallmark open-ended exploration and RPG gameplay. This title has also recently received a new Burning Springs DLC update, enhancing its connection to the Amazon Prime Video series. For enthusiasts of the horror genre, the inclusion of Amnesia: The Bunker stands out as a highlight of the Platinum Collection. Renowned for its tense atmosphere and chilling gameplay, the Amnesia series offers a thrilling experience, making this title a remarkable find at such a competitive price. The Platinum Collection is replete with a diverse array of games, including: Fanatical Best of Platinum Collection: Build Your Own Bundle (2025) Amnesia: The Bunker Botany Manor Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Doom (2016) Dungeon Tycoon Dysmantle Edge of Sanity Endless Alice Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition Fallout 76 Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition Gestalt: Steam & Cinder The Isletide Hotel LEGO Brick Tales Mini Settlers Neon Garten The Pale Beyond Paradise Killer Reveil RoboCop: Rogue City SteamWorld Build SteamWorld Classic Bundle For those seeking alternatives, Fanatical offers a variety of other bundle deals, including the Build Your Own Holiday Bundle, featuring a plethora of engaging indie titles just in time for the winter festivities. With 29 days remaining to claim these games, the entire 18-game package is available for only .49, a value of 1.75. Additionally, for fans of the unpredictable, Fanatical presents several Mystery Bundles. The RPG Mystery Bundle allows gamers to purchase mystery game keys at enticing prices: one key for .49, two for .79, or three for .69. While it may be a gamble, the quality of the titles is likely to make the investment worthwhile. Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].90 each. The complete 22-game bundle is priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As 2025 draws to a close, Fanatical is unveiling an enticing opportunity for gamers with its latest build-your-own bundle deal, the Best of Platinum Collection. This collection features a curated selection of some of the most acclaimed PC games from various Platinum Collection bundles released throughout the year, allowing players to acquire exceptional titles at remarkably low prices. Similar to Fanatical's previous bundle promotions, this offer enables customers to select as many games as they desire from a comprehensive list. The pricing structure is designed to reward bulk purchases: starting with four games at just .33 each, the price drops to per game when five or more are selected. For those looking to expand their library even further, purchasing ten or more games reduces the cost to .90 each. Opting for the complete 22-game bundle is a steal at .78, representing a staggering 7.75 value—an investment that promises countless hours of entertainment. Among the standout offerings is the SteamWorld Classic Bundle, which includes four beloved titles: SteamWorld Dig, SteamWorld Dig 2, SteamWorld Heist, and SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech. By adding this bundle to your selection, you could potentially enjoy a total of 25 games. Additionally, the strategy game SteamWorld Build is available, providing even more options for fans of the series. With the anticipation building for season 2 of the Fallout TV series, now is an opportune moment to delve into the open-world RPGs that inspired the show. The Best of Platinum Collection features both Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition and Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition, which come complete with all updates, add-ons, and DLC expansions. Rounding out this selection is Fallout 76, an online multiplayer variant that retains the franchise's hallmark open-ended exploration and RPG gameplay. This title has also recently received a new Burning Springs DLC update, enhancing its connection to the Amazon Prime Video series. For enthusiasts of the horror genre, the inclusion of Amnesia: The Bunker stands out as a highlight of the Platinum Collection. Renowned for its tense atmosphere and chilling gameplay, the Amnesia series offers a thrilling experience, making this title a remarkable find at such a competitive price. The Platinum Collection is replete with a diverse array of games, including: Fanatical Best of Platinum Collection: Build Your Own Bundle (2025) Amnesia: The Bunker Botany Manor Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Doom (2016) Dungeon Tycoon Dysmantle Edge of Sanity Endless Alice Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition Fallout 76 Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition Gestalt: Steam & Cinder The Isletide Hotel LEGO Brick Tales Mini Settlers Neon Garten The Pale Beyond Paradise Killer Reveil RoboCop: Rogue City SteamWorld Build SteamWorld Classic Bundle For those seeking alternatives, Fanatical offers a variety of other bundle deals, including the Build Your Own Holiday Bundle, featuring a plethora of engaging indie titles just in time for the winter festivities. With 29 days remaining to claim these games, the entire 18-game package is available for only .49, a value of 1.75. Additionally, for fans of the unpredictable, Fanatical presents several Mystery Bundles. The RPG Mystery Bundle allows gamers to purchase mystery game keys at enticing prices: one key for .49, two for .79, or three for .69. While it may be a gamble, the quality of the titles is likely to make the investment worthwhile. Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].78 per game. Notable titles include the SteamWorld Classic Bundle, Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout New Vegas: Ultimate Edition, Fallout 76, and Amnesia: The Bunker. The collection includes a total of 22 games, and there are additional bundle options available, such as the Build Your Own Holiday Bundle and various Mystery Bundles.
Getting a Steam Deck OLED for $1 may seem impossible, but there is a way
AppWizard
December 11, 2025

Getting a Steam Deck OLED for $1 may seem impossible, but there is a way

The Steam Deck OLED is currently available through the Fanatical Mystery Box Bundle for just £1 per attempt, with a chance to win the device at a discount. Each entry guarantees a win of a Steam key for a game, and there is also a possibility to unlock a 'Golden Box' containing top PC games valued at ,000. The bundle allows for the purchase of up to 25 keys, with bulk purchases reducing the cost per key. Players have reported finding hidden gems in previous bundles, making the investment worthwhile even if they do not win the main prizes.
Palworld publishing boss says 'I haven't really touched so-called AAA titles', adding that they tend to be 'overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity'
AppWizard
November 30, 2025

Palworld publishing boss says ‘I haven’t really touched so-called AAA titles’, adding that they tend to be ‘overwhelmingly about graphic quality and fidelity’

Pocketpair, the studio behind Palworld, focuses on indie games, including projects like Normal Fishing and Never Grave. John Buckley, the publishing manager, expresses a passion for indie games, highlighting their innovative mechanics and diverse gameplay compared to AAA titles, which he finds less interesting in terms of gameplay. He notes that the indie scene offers more creative freedom and unique concepts that diverge from mainstream offerings. The definition of "indie" is evolving, with titles like Clair Obscur receiving nominations for indie of the year, expanding the conversation about what constitutes a good game.
This fishing game awards bonus XP for no-scoping an airborne mackerel, and I think that's beautiful
AppWizard
November 25, 2025

This fishing game awards bonus XP for no-scoping an airborne mackerel, and I think that’s beautiful

How to Fish is a co-op angling game that combines traditional fishing with absurd and action-packed elements, allowing players to use unconventional methods, including firearms, for fishing. Players can quickly transition from serene fishing to chaotic action, such as shooting fish with an Uzi and engaging in activities like launching sharks for fistfights or sniping seagulls. The game features skill bonuses for precise shots and includes a playful gambling aspect with in-game currency. The developers, Dazed Games, aim to create more advanced character models than typical indie games, though there is currently no demo or release date available.
The 20 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time
AppWizard
November 22, 2025

The 20 Best Xbox 360 Games of All Time

Microsoft transformed the Xbox brand from a traditional gaming console into a multifaceted platform emphasizing software accessibility across various devices, with the Game Pass subscription model allowing users to access a vast library of games on mobile phones and rival consoles. The Xbox 360 was launched on November 22, 2005, a year ahead of competitors, and became the most advanced console for a year despite technical challenges like the Red Ring of Death. Strategic partnerships and a diverse range of titles, including blockbuster franchises like Halo and Gears of War, contributed to its success. The Xbox 360's architecture resembled that of a personal computer, providing a technological edge over the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii. Innovations such as Xbox Live and Xbox Live Arcade distinguished the console, making it a hub for competitive and indie gaming. The Xbox 360 remains the best-selling device in the Xbox lineup, with defining titles including Perfect Dark Zero, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Dead or Alive 4, Viva Piñata, Fable II, Ninja Gaiden II, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, Fez, and Oblivion, highlighting its lasting legacy in gaming culture.
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