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Remember when Mastercard pressured Steam to remove a bunch of NSFW games? The FTC says that's not cool—sort of
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Remember when Mastercard pressured Steam to remove a bunch of NSFW games? The FTC says that’s not cool—sort of

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has addressed concerns to the CEOs of major financial service companies, including Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe, regarding the potential denial of services to customers based on political or religious beliefs. The letters warn that such practices could lead to investigations and enforcement actions. This initiative follows an incident involving Valve, where Mastercard was alleged to have pressured the company into removing adult-themed games from its Steam platform, although Mastercard clarified it did not directly influence the removals. FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized the importance of ensuring all law-abiding individuals can engage in commerce. The situation is further complicated by an executive order from former President Donald Trump, which raised concerns about financial institutions surveilling individuals involved in conservative activities. Ferguson urged Mastercard's CEO to prevent unlawful debanking practices by its network members. There is uncertainty regarding a proposed rule change that may not significantly alter the discretion financial institutions have in customer-related decisions. Inquiries have been made to Valve and the FTC about the implications of these letters for adult video games on the Steam platform.
PC Game Made Free For A Limited Time, Save $15
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

PC Game Made Free For A Limited Time, Save $15

PC gamers can claim the free game "Blood and Zombies" from the indie studio Wild Monkey, which involves battling zombies in a first-person wave defense shooter format. The game is available for download at no cost on the PC digital platform, IndieGala, but the offer may be limited. It is currently priced at .99/£11.99 on Steam and the Epic Games Store. "Blood and Zombies" has not received reviews on Metacritic but holds a "Mixed" rating on Steam, with user feedback indicating both dissatisfaction and appreciation for its gameplay and visuals. The game is exclusive to PC and not available on consoles.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

If you’re sick of waiting for Ubisoft to make a new Splinter Cell, this newly announced indie stealth game might fill the Sam Fisher-shaped hole in your life

The Splinter Cell franchise has been silent for nearly thirteen years, with a remake of the original game reportedly in development, though it has faced significant changes, including the departure of its original director. Meanwhile, an indie stealth game called Lizard State has been announced, featuring unique gameplay elements such as "mimic cameras" that transform into spider-like devices and another gadget that can incapacitate guards. The game aims to provide a compelling stealth experience, with initial impressions raising some concerns about tactile engagement. A thrilling moment in the trailer showcases the protagonist executing a judo throw combined with a rifle maneuver. Details about the release date are not available, but players can request access to an upcoming playtest on the game's Steam page.
The director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau learned his most important game development lesson while working with Ridley Scott: 'That's why we're able to make games faster'
AppWizard
March 29, 2026

The director of Tales of Kenzera: Zau learned his most important game development lesson while working with Ridley Scott: ‘That’s why we’re able to make games faster’

Surgent Studios faced challenges after the commercial failure of their first game, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, leading to layoffs and potential redundancy for the entire team by October 2024. However, the studio rebounded by launching two new games, including the horror game Dead Take in 2025, which was well-received on Steam. This shift in strategy focused on smaller, more sustainable projects rather than lengthy development cycles. The experience gained from Zau contributed to the studio's efficiency in producing new games. Salim, the studio's director, also created a child-friendly multiplayer game called FixForce. He remains open to larger projects in the future but acknowledges the competitive nature of the gaming market.
Were PC gamers right to take against Syndicate's FPS reboot? Only one man with an ancient disc copy can find out
AppWizard
March 28, 2026

Were PC gamers right to take against Syndicate’s FPS reboot? Only one man with an ancient disc copy can find out

In the early 2010s, PC strategy and tactics enthusiasts expressed discontent as mainstream publishers, like EA and Take-Two, rebooted classic '90s franchises such as XCOM and Syndicate into first-person shooters, disappointing dedicated fans. These reboots were criticized for straying from the original gameplay experience, which allowed for exploration and strategy, and instead confined players to tight spaces with wave-spawning enemies. Despite the backlash against these reboots, it led to a resurgence of strategy games, exemplified by Mike Diskett's launch of Satellite Reign, a tactical successor to Syndicate that received critical acclaim three years later.
First-Person Shooter Zombie Game Now Free for All PC Gamers
AppWizard
March 28, 2026

First-Person Shooter Zombie Game Now Free for All PC Gamers

A first-person shooter zombie game called Blood and Zombies is available for free to PC gamers through IndieGala, a digital storefront. The game, developed by Wild Monkey and published by Indie.io, was released in 2022 and typically retails for .99. It has received a "Mixed" user review score on Steam, with a 57% approval rating based on 283 reviews. The gameplay involves players defending against waves of zombies using various weapons and survival strategies. Players can experience several hours of content without any financial commitment during the promotional offer.
The Stanley Parable creator and Minecraft composer's indie studio is shutting down after one cozy sim because "it's a particularly tough time for raising game funds"
AppWizard
March 28, 2026

The Stanley Parable creator and Minecraft composer’s indie studio is shutting down after one cozy sim because “it’s a particularly tough time for raising game funds”

Ivy Road, an independent game studio, announced its closure effective March 31, 2026. The studio was developing a new title called Engine Angel but faced funding challenges. They are finalizing a tea-brewing simulation game called Wanderstop, which explores themes of burnout and trauma. Wanderstop is currently playable and available for purchase on all platforms, and a special code for a chapter select feature has been shared. Analysts predict that the upcoming PS6 and Xbox Project Helix will launch at a price point 50% higher than their predecessors.
"We'll keep making Warframe if there's one player count," Digital Extremes' Megan Everett asserts. "I don't care what SteamDB says"
AppWizard
March 28, 2026

“We’ll keep making Warframe if there’s one player count,” Digital Extremes’ Megan Everett asserts. “I don’t care what SteamDB says”

The gaming industry has seen a shift in how success is measured, particularly focusing on initial player counts since the launch of games like Marathon and Highguard in 2026. Warframe, which launched in 2024 with a peak player count of 22,000, has grown to reach 175,546 players on PC after the release of The Old Peace in December 2025. Community director Megan Everett noted that the game has achieved new internal records despite not hitting its all-time high. Creative director Rebecca Ford humorously suggested a new release titled 'Player Count' to address the ongoing debate about player metrics. She highlighted the competitive landscape, noting that Warframe launched amidst 435 titles, compared to 20,014 games released in the same year today. Everett emphasized the importance of ongoing growth and player engagement over mere numbers, stating that a poor launch does not equate to a dead game. The success of The Old Peace was attributed to the introduction of content skips, which allowed players to bypass extensive story content. The team is committed to community engagement and innovation, with new characters and mechanics being introduced to keep the game fresh.
Bargain PC Bundle Drops 15 Games to $1 Each, Including 98% Classic
AppWizard
March 27, 2026

Bargain PC Bundle Drops 15 Games to $1 Each, Including 98% Classic

Humble Bundle is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering a collection of 15 curated games for a total price of £7.41, with a retail value of £118.46. The games have positive ratings between 72% and 98% on Steam and support Comic Relief, a UK charity. Notable titles include: - Rocket Rat: A whimsical game priced at £4.99. - Necroking: A turn-based tactics game with an 84% positive rating. - Kingsgrave: A dark fantasy RPG with a 72% positive rating. - Janosik: A retro-style action platformer with a 96% positive rating. - Pile Up! Box by Box: A 3D puzzle platformer with a 95% positive rating. - Lunark: A cinematic platformer with an 86% positive rating. - Distraint Deluxe Edition: A psychological horror game with a 93% positive rating. - Distraint 2: A sequel to Distraint Deluxe Edition with a 96% positive rating. - Orten Was The Case: A puzzle/adventure game with a 98% positive rating. - The Invisible Hand: A game about stock market manipulation, normally priced at £9.99. - Technotopia: A city-building and deck-building game. - Dropsy: Warm Damp Hug Edition: A point-and-click adventure game. - ION Shift: A first-person shooter. - Undead West: A bullet-hell game with a supernatural narrative. - Janosik 2: A sequel to Janosik with enhanced gameplay. - Glitchhikers: The Spaces Between: A meditative journey game. The bundle is available until April 15, and all game keys must be redeemed before April 15, 2027.
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