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Minecraft criticized for calling solo players "sad" in promo message for multiplayer subscription service
AppWizard
December 25, 2025

Minecraft criticized for calling solo players “sad” in promo message for multiplayer subscription service

Minecraft allows players to engage in various gameplay styles, including solo or multiplayer experiences, and offers both vanilla gameplay and mod enhancements. A recent advertisement for the Realms Plus subscription, which includes a notification referencing the song "One is the loneliest number," has drawn criticism for suggesting that playing alone is sad and encouraging players to invite friends. The backlash includes concerns about the advertisement's insensitivity towards players who prefer single-player experiences, particularly children, and its potential negative impact on mental health. Minecraft Realms provides private server access for a monthly fee, with basic and enhanced subscription options available. Players have expressed that the advertisement could lead to feelings of inadequacy and has sparked discussions about empathy in marketing strategies.
This week in PC games: a skating demon tries to eat the moon and Terminator game appropriately rewrites history
AppWizard
December 8, 2025

This week in PC games: a skating demon tries to eat the moon and Terminator game appropriately rewrites history

Edwin has been consumed by The Maw after leaning in due to its deceptive sounds. New safety measures were instituted, including a no-petting policy and using a six-foot news pole for feeding. Mark performed The Last Post on his kazoo, and the 'Days since last accident' whiteboard was updated from '56' to '0'. Upcoming game releases include Skate Story, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, Cat Named Mojave, Liminal City, Death Howl, Milano's Odd Job Collection, Unbeatable, Anxiety Puppy, Ashes of Creation, and Terminator 2D: No Fate.
This week in PC games: warriors, painters, roguelikes, sailors, shotguns, subs and metroidvanias
AppWizard
November 24, 2025

This week in PC games: warriors, painters, roguelikes, sailors, shotguns, subs and metroidvanias

The gaming industry is currently experiencing a wave of creativity and innovation, with a potential revival of third-person cover shooters on the horizon. Several new PC games are being highlighted: 1. Nientum - Op.ZERO (early access): A 2D platforming and rhythm-action game featuring amnesiac anime girls restoring a creepy theatre. 2. Constance: A 2D metroidvania where players control a painter navigating worlds influenced by mental health struggles. 3. Primal Fray: A turn-based, creature-collecting strategy roguelike set on floating hexagonal islands. 4. A.I.L.A: A narrative-driven game where players act as a game tester against a malicious AI level designer. 5. Captain Wayne - Vacation Desperation: A cartoon FPS featuring a sailor on a mission to challenge wealth. 6. Red Rogue Sea: A turn-based combat and deck-building game with a pirate theme. 7. Holder Of Place: An autobattling roguelite deckbuilder confronting a dragon that has cast the world into eternal night. 8. Kings Of Hell (early access): A nostalgic beat 'em up set in a chaotic world with upwardly mobile demons. 9. Veterum: A turn-based fantasy strategy game focused on battlefield manipulation. 10. Death In Abyss: A 3D underwater combat game where players battle massive leviathans. 11. Ayasa: Shadows Of Silence: A platforming adventure through six themed worlds. The gaming landscape remains unpredictable, with these titles adding to the excitement and anticipation for the future of the industry.
It's a shame HoYoverse's new game is sporting offensively cheap-looking character models because everything else has me sold on its paranormal cop mystery
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

It’s a shame HoYoverse’s new game is sporting offensively cheap-looking character models because everything else has me sold on its paranormal cop mystery

HoYoverse has announced a new game titled Varsapura, which follows their previous projects, Petite Planet and Nexus Anima. The game features a narrative centered around a paranormal government agency dealing with a harmful black substance. Character designs have received criticism for their plasticky look, contrasting with the game's realistic aesthetic inspired by Singapore. Varsapura includes engaging gameplay mechanics, such as a combat system similar to Zenless Zone Zero, allowing character swaps and dynamic attacks. The protagonist uses a whimsical umbrella as a weapon, while a secondary character, Sayuki, wields paperwork. The gameplay incorporates stealth elements and features a small police vehicle for transportation. Despite some concerns about character models, Varsapura offers a mix of creativity, light horror elements, and a richly designed world.
Constance is a metroidvania that wants its monsters to mean something
AppWizard
November 23, 2025

Constance is a metroidvania that wants its monsters to mean something

Constance's store page on Steam presents her as a heroine in a vibrant yet deteriorating inner world, exploring themes of mental health, creativity, and inner purpose. The game features mechanics like boss health bars and pogo-jumping that seem inconsistent with its serious themes. It draws comparisons to titles like A Short Hike and Celeste, but Constance's journey often feels superficial, with violent encounters treated as currency drops. The dreamlike realms, including an astronomy area, raise questions about their significance but lack meaningful insight. Characters, such as Frida, are visually appealing but do not deepen the narrative. The game warns of its mental health themes but fails to explore them genuinely, with fleeting moments lacking dialogue or reflection. While gameplay mechanics are engaging and the environments visually stunning, the narrative lacks depth, leaving players wanting a more profound exploration of its themes.
Resident Evil Requiem's producer assures fans that no punches have been pulled with its horror, but will still welcome player feedback: 'My mental health is very strong—I am fine to read the comments'
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

Resident Evil Requiem’s producer assures fans that no punches have been pulled with its horror, but will still welcome player feedback: ‘My mental health is very strong—I am fine to read the comments’

Resident Evil Requiem emphasizes horror elements, as demonstrated in a recent 30-minute demo at Gamescom, which showcased a chilling atmosphere and suspenseful gameplay. Producer Masato Kumazawa indicated a shift back to horror, acknowledging fan preference for this direction over the action-heavy approach of previous titles like Resident Evil 4 and Village. Players will control Grace Ashcroft, a technical analyst for the FBI, who relies on her analytical skills rather than combat, encouraging a cautious gameplay style that involves evading monsters. The game aims to balance horror with moments of action to enhance tension. The developers are actively seeking player feedback to ensure the game meets expectations and captures the classic Resident Evil blend of horror and action.
Rue Valley review
AppWizard
November 12, 2025

Rue Valley review

Rue Valley, developed by Emotion Spark and published by Owlcat, is set to launch on November 11, 2025, priced at £25. Players assume the role of Eugene Harrow, who is experiencing a mental breakdown and is trapped in a 47-minute time loop while undergoing therapy in a remote motel. The game features isometric maps and emphasizes dialogue over combat, allowing for character customization along various personality traits. Players can use inspiration points to activate "intentions," but the gameplay can become tedious due to the need to gather sufficient inspiration before acting on information learned during the loop. The narrative includes rich background lore but struggles to engage players meaningfully, resulting in a disjointed experience. Despite some moments of brilliance, the overall gameplay is criticized for its repetitiveness and lack of meaningful player agency.
I spent an undisclosed but fireable amount of time playing games at work, and here are my 10 Steam Next Fest demos you shouldn't miss before they're gone
AppWizard
October 19, 2025

I spent an undisclosed but fireable amount of time playing games at work, and here are my 10 Steam Next Fest demos you shouldn’t miss before they’re gone

- Constance, developed by btf, will be released on November 24, 2025, and features unique paintbrush mechanics and an emotional narrative centered on mental health. - Ambrosia Sky, developed by Soft Rains, is set to release Act One on November 10, 2025, and involves players navigating a vibrant, fungus-infested colony as a scarab agent. - Reanimal, developed by Tarsier Studios, has an unspecified release date and offers a chilling experience in an abandoned factory, showcasing horror elements. - Tides of Tomorrow, developed by Digixart, will be released on February 24, 2026, and is a narrative-driven adventure set on an ocean planet facing ecological disaster. - Skate Story, developed by Sam Eng and published by Devolver Digital, is scheduled for release on December 8, 2025, and combines skateboarding gameplay with a haunting soundtrack in a surreal afterlife setting. - Dice A Million, developed by countlessnights, is set to release in January 2026 and introduces a roguelike experience where players use dice instead of cards. - Starsand Island, developed by Seed Lab, will be released in Q1 2026 and offers a farming sim experience with cozy gameplay and stunning visuals. - Bubsy 4D, developed by Fabraz, is set for release in 2026 and features a whimsical platforming adventure with collectibles and challenges. - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, developed by Unfrozen and published by Ubisoft and Hooded Horse, will be released in 2026 and has over a million wishlists, paying homage to the classic Heroes of Might and Magic 3 while introducing new mechanics.
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