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life simulation

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AppWizard
January 18, 2026

Cutesy Stardew-like life sim with millions of players just hit Steam, but the PC version is a letdown and it’s awful news for Steam Deck

Heartopia, a life simulation game, has gained over five million players on mobile but has struggled to resonate with the Steam audience after its PC release. The game launched on Steam with vague announcements about its availability and received nearly 1,000 reviews shortly after, though feedback has been mixed. Players feel the PC version seems like an afterthought, with issues related to control schemes and the absence of controller support. The development team is engaging with the community but has provided generic responses regarding improvements. Despite these challenges, 69% of Steam reviews are positive, with players appreciating the game's charm, although frustrations about camera controls persist. Heartopia is available for free on Steam.
Heartopia (PC) Review
AppWizard
January 16, 2026

Heartopia (PC) Review

Heartopia is a life-simulation game that blends cozy simulation elements with MMO features, allowing players to cultivate a town and interact with locals. However, the MMO aspects dilute the individuality typically found in cozy games, as multiple players receive the same accolades for completing quests. Gameplay involves repetitive fetch quests to unlock activities like home decoration and fishing, which can feel tedious. The game features a community aspect, but players may find their neighbors' homes replaced or their own home relocated between sessions, undermining familiarity. Character design is uninspired, and the user interface resembles a mobile game, lacking polish. As a free-to-play title, it includes multiple currencies that create confusion, with microtransactions for premium items. Despite these issues, the game offers engaging home-building mechanics and unique hobbies like Birdwatching and Pet Care. Overall, Heartopia struggles to effectively merge MMO elements with cozy simulation, making it a less appealing option compared to established titles like Animal Crossing.
My Winter Car is a 'dangerous, depressing and tiring' life sim, and the developer doesn't want you to play it unless you've mastered the infamously tricky My Summer Car
AppWizard
January 13, 2026

My Winter Car is a ‘dangerous, depressing and tiring’ life sim, and the developer doesn’t want you to play it unless you’ve mastered the infamously tricky My Summer Car

Amistech has launched My Winter Car in early access, a sequel to My Summer Car, just a year after the original game's 1.0 release in January 2025. The game requires prior experience with its predecessor, as it features intricate mechanics and a demanding gameplay style. My Winter Car focuses on restoring an old project car while navigating a survival scenario set in the harsh Finnish winter, where players face permadeath, inclement weather, and law enforcement. The game has received nearly 5,000 reviews and holds an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam since its early access debut on December 29.
Over half of The Sims development team is working on The Sims 4 and 'the next evolution' so I guess it's time to start speculating again
AppWizard
January 10, 2026

Over half of The Sims development team is working on The Sims 4 and ‘the next evolution’ so I guess it’s time to start speculating again

EA's "next generation Sims game," codenamed Project Rene, will be a mobile game rather than the anticipated Sims 5. EA has reaffirmed its commitment to singleplayer life simulation experiences and is focusing on updates for The Sims 4. There are no plans for a Sims 4 remaster, according to modder SimMattically. EA introduced a platform called The Sims Hub to unify The Sims 4 with Project Rene and other titles, and plans to update the core technology foundation of The Sims 4. However, there is skepticism about the viability of previously announced plans for Project Rene.
It's not the news we wanted but it's what we expected: EA has finally admitted Project Rene is a 'mobile-first' game
AppWizard
January 10, 2026

It’s not the news we wanted but it’s what we expected: EA has finally admitted Project Rene is a ‘mobile-first’ game

Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that Project Rene is a mobile game focused on social multiplayer experiences, not the next installment of The Sims series. EA aimed to set realistic expectations amid concerns about the company's buyout. A leaked image showed custom characters in a vibrant outdoor plaza engaging in activities together. Many fans expressed disappointment at the mobile-only experience, especially after speculation about The Sims 5. EA noted that Project Rene has "evolved" from an earlier vision that may have included The Sims 5. More than half of the Sims development team is focused on enhancing The Sims 4 and exploring its next evolution, with more details to be shared in the coming months. EA plans to provide more information in 2026 as they continue to playtest new ideas for the franchise.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
January 9, 2026

Life sims are in a slump and the only way out is becoming strategy games again

The life simulation genre is experiencing stagnation, with fans disappointed by the cancellation of Life By You in 2024, the postponement of Paralives, and the lackluster impact of Inzoi. The Sims 4 is facing persistent save corruption issues, leading to uncertainty about Project Rene, and many players are expressing boredom and a desire for more challenging gameplay. The shift in gameplay focus from unpredictability and drama in earlier games like The Sims 2 to a more accommodating approach in The Sims 4 has resulted in a less engaging experience. Players are seeking a return to strategic gameplay that includes meaningful consequences and unexpected events. The current state of The Sims 4 resembles a Creative Mode with low stakes, which does not align with the desires of the community for deeper, more challenging life simulations.
Here are the top 20 most wishlisted games on Steam as we charge headfirst into 2026
AppWizard
December 9, 2025

Here are the top 20 most wishlisted games on Steam as we charge headfirst into 2026

The 20 most wishlisted games on Steam include: 20. Vindictus: Defying Fate - A spinoff of the 2012 MMO, set to attract Souls enthusiasts with its focus on dodges and counterattacks. 18. Reanimal - A co-op horror adventure from the creators of Little Nightmares, releasing on February 13, 2026. 17. Mouse: PI for Hire - A visually captivating title combining boomer shooter energy with rubberhose animation, set to release on March 19, 2026. 14. Chrono Odyssey - A photorealistic MMORPG featuring time manipulation mechanics, expected to launch in Q4 2026. 13. Quarantine Zone: The Last Check - A base management simulator set in a zombie apocalypse, releasing in 2025 with a demo available on Steam. 12. Witchbrook - A cooperative life simulation game with pixel art, anticipated to release in 2026. 11. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - A tactical RPG aiming to return to the franchise's roots, expected in 2026 with a demo available. 10. Half Sword - A physics-based swordfighting dueling simulator entering early access in Q1 2026. 9. Unrecord - A police officer simulation game with realistic visuals and moral dilemmas, with no announced release date. 8. Ark 2 - A sequel featuring survival crafting mechanics, currently without a clear release date. 7. Blight: Survival - A co-op survival horror game set in a medieval landscape, with no release window yet. 6. Slay the Spire 2 - A sequel to the acclaimed deckbuilding game, expected to launch in March 2026. 5. Kingmakers - A game where players use modern weaponry in medieval England, delayed indefinitely. 4. Resident Evil Requiem - The latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. 3. Light No Fire - A fantasy survival adventure from Hello Games, with no release date announced after seven years of development. 2. Deadlock - A MOBA in invite-only testing, with no clear release date available. 1. Subnautica 2 - Set to enter early access in 2026, continuing the underwater exploration theme of its predecessors.
I am already falling in love with every alt NPC in Grave Seasons, the upcoming farming sim that ranks at number 24 in our Most Wanted games list
AppWizard
December 4, 2025

I am already falling in love with every alt NPC in Grave Seasons, the upcoming farming sim that ranks at number 24 in our Most Wanted games list

Grave Seasons is a farming simulation game that combines elements of atmospheric horror with rural life, allowing players to cultivate crops while investigating murders and building relationships. It was recognized as the 24th most anticipated title at the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted and is set to release in 2025. The game's trailer features a suspenseful narrative and haunting visuals, aiming to engage players on multiple levels. Players are encouraged to add the game to their wishlists to stay updated on its development.
Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it's avoiding Inzoi's biggest flaw
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it’s avoiding Inzoi’s biggest flaw

The release of the life simulation game Paralives has been delayed, with a new early access launch date set for May 25, 2026. The Paralives team recently showcased 45 minutes of uncut gameplay, highlighting features such as a daily local newspaper with activity suggestions, skill progress bars, a meaningful conversation system, personality trait upgrades, contextual moods, and the ability to purchase items in shops. Despite some minor bugs observed during the gameplay session, the overall experience suggests players will have opportunities to shape their characters' lives. The game aims to address critiques of its predecessor, Inzoi, which has faced criticism for lack of engagement and meaningful activities.
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