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Saber Interactive denies replacing writer with ChatGPT on its new driving game, but says it will use AI for dialog 'as the number of passengers in the game is infinite'
AppWizard
August 12, 2026

Saber Interactive denies replacing writer with ChatGPT on its new driving game, but says it will use AI for dialog ‘as the number of passengers in the game is infinite’

Saber Interactive's upcoming game, Rideshare "Stimulator," has sparked controversy due to comments from former lead writer Stella Sacco, who claimed she was replaced by ChatGPT during development. Sacco stated that all passenger voices in the game were also AI-generated, raising concerns about transparency in the game's development. She attributed the decision to use AI to higher-ups at Saber, despite her supervisor's support for her involvement. Saber Interactive has denied Sacco's claims but acknowledged the use of AI in the game. The game's Steam page promotes "unique and unpredictable passenger stories," but Sacco's remarks suggest a disconnect between the marketing narrative and the creative process, particularly regarding the lack of disclosure about AI usage.
2026’s Best PC Game Officially Steam Deck Verified
AppWizard
August 10, 2026

2026’s Best PC Game Officially Steam Deck Verified

2026's highest-rated PC game, Big Walk, has received Steam Deck Verified status, indicating it operates smoothly on the device. It has a Metacritic score of 92, surpassing competitors like Forza Horizon 6 and Resident Evil Requiem. Although Sektori has a higher score of 94, it is a 2025 release and not eligible for the 2026 title. Big Walk, developed by House House and published by Panic, is an online co-op adventure game with a 92% approval rating from over 5,000 user reviews on Steam, priced at .99. The game features a vast open world filled with puzzles and requires teamwork for success.
Developers: Beware of Ad Libraries that Betray Your Users’ Location
AppWizard
August 5, 2026

Developers: Beware of Ad Libraries that Betray Your Users’ Location

Advertising companies provide software development kits (SDKs) for mobile app monetization, which often automatically transmit users' location data to ad systems and location data brokers, raising privacy concerns. Many developers and users may be unaware of this data sharing. When developers allow SDKs to collect location data, it poses risks beyond targeted ads, including potential misuse by agencies like ICE and global surveillance. Location data brokers harvest precise movements of individuals, often without their consent, through mobile applications. Some apps directly collaborate with data brokers, while others leak data through advertising SDKs during real-time bidding (RTB) auctions. An incident in 2025 revealed that many apps unknowingly contributed to a location data broker's database. Developers must understand their SDKs' location-sharing practices to mitigate risks. Advertising SDKs can collect location data automatically once users grant permission, without specific permissions for the SDKs themselves. Precise location data can be collected when apps have location permissions, leading to potential privacy violations. Several SDKs have been identified as collecting location data by default, increasing the risk of unintentional data leaks. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) found that four advertising SDKs collect users' location data by default when location permissions are granted. InMobi encourages location sharing for higher revenue, while BidMachine updated its documentation after EFF's inquiry, confirming precise location data collection. Verve's SDK also collects location data by default but presents a cautious narrative in its Play Store guidance. Huawei's SDK recommends obtaining location permissions to enhance revenue, with default location sharing occurring if permissions are granted. Location data can be shared without users' knowledge or meaningful consent, complicating informed consent issues. The focus on four SDKs does not imply that others adequately protect location data, as many have faced criticism for similar practices. Studies indicate that SDKs often encourage increased data collection through design and documentation, leading to minimal control for developers over data transmission. The EFF's analysis highlights that advertising SDKs incentivize location data sharing through default settings and unclear documentation. Developers should assess third-party SDKs and disable unnecessary data collection. Regulators must hold developers accountable for unlawful data sharing, while legislators should enact laws to protect location privacy and address online behavioral advertising, which drives data tracking.
How do PC player demographics change at 50 hours vs. 30 minutes?
AppWizard
August 1, 2026

How do PC player demographics change at 50 hours vs. 30 minutes?

GameDiscoverCo newsletter has reached 45,000 subscribers. The Video Game History Foundation launched a ‘history of E3’ collection, including an introductory video, vintage footage, and a podcast. Microsoft reported a decline in Xbox revenue for four consecutive quarters, with Content & Services revenue at approximately .75 billion (down 10% year-over-year) and hardware revenue around million (down 13% year-over-year). Asha Sharma noted over 200 million new players joined Xbox in FY2026, but the business did not grow. PlayStation's PS5 sales reached 95.3 million, with a 1.6 million increase for the quarter but a 36% year-over-year decline. Active PSN users rose to 125 million, and profit surged by 37%. Meta's Reality Labs reported a loss of .6 billion in Q2, despite million in revenue. Slotbound, a roguelike auto-battler game, achieved 50,000 wishlists and 2,900 peak demo concurrent users. Over 1,000 PC games now operate direct channels, saving developers an estimated billion in platform fees in 2025. GameDiscoverCo’s Steam Fan Snapshot data revealed that the average age of players is 31 for Clair Obscur and 25 for R.E.P.O. 37.5% of respondents find games through short-form video, while 27.9% use traditional media websites. Players of ARC Raiders show a strong preference for the Steam Deck, and as playtime increases, console playtime declines.
Android May Get an Auto Screen Recording Feature for Best Gaming Moments
BetaBeacon
July 30, 2026

Android May Get an Auto Screen Recording Feature for Best Gaming Moments

Google Play Games is working on a new Android auto screen recording feature that will capture gaming achievements without the need to manually hit the record button. The feature will trigger a screen recording when tough bosses are beaten or 100 percent runs are completed. The tool is designed to make it easier for gamers to share their biggest wins online.
Ubisoft now lets Xbox console players unlock select PC games for free
AppWizard
July 27, 2026

Ubisoft now lets Xbox console players unlock select PC games for free

Microsoft has partnered with Ubisoft to enhance the Xbox gaming ecosystem, expanding the variety of games available through the Xbox app. Ubisoft's popular titles, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Star Wars Outlaws, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, are now accessible on the Xbox app for PC. Additionally, a new game redemption offer allows players who own select Ubisoft titles on Xbox consoles to access these games on the Ubisoft Connect app for PC at no extra cost. The eligible titles include Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Far Cry 6, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Riders Republic, Skull and Bones, The Crew 2, The Crew Motorfest, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and Watch Dogs Legion. Customers purchasing a digital version of these titles will receive both Xbox console and PC versions. Existing owners of the Xbox digital versions will gain access to the PC versions by August 4. The offer does not allow for claiming console versions of games owned on PC, and while most downloadable content will transfer, in-game currency and one-time-use content will not. Users should update the Ubisoft Connect client to utilize this feature.
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses the games on his PC
AppWizard
July 19, 2026

‘The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters’: David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses the games on his PC

David Szymanski is the creator of the game Dusk, which was released in 2018 and is inspired by classic first-person shooters like Doom and Quake. He initially developed short horror games before achieving success with Dusk. Szymanski has also created a submarine horror game called Iron Lung, which gained recognition after being adapted into a film by YouTuber Markiplier. He categorizes the history of first-person shooters into distinct eras, labeling the '90s as the silver age and the late '90s to mid-2000s as the golden age. He enjoys survival crafting games like The Forest and Subnautica but has not finished them. The oldest game installed on his PC is Doom, which he considers nearly the best FPS ever made. His most-played game on Steam is Counter-Strike 2, with 324 hours, and he has spent 186 hours on Elden Ring. Szymanski would never uninstall Infra, which he describes as his comfort game. He uses GIMP as an essential non-gaming software tool and has a relatively tidy desktop with nine icons.
What's the best summer-themed videogame track?
AppWizard
July 19, 2026

What’s the best summer-themed videogame track?

The text discusses the impact of summer on video game music, highlighting how game developers create summer-themed soundtracks that often feature beachy or aquatic melodies. Examples include the tunes from Destiny Islands in Kingdom Hearts and Ginger Island in Stardew Valley, which capture the essence of summer. The piece also mentions the ethereal track New Bodhum from Final Fantasy 13-2 and the Seaside Resort theme from Tekken 8, both of which evoke summer nostalgia. The author invites readers to share their favorite summer-themed video game tracks.
Fallout 5: Everything Todd Howard Has Said About Bethesda's New Game
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Fallout 5: Everything Todd Howard Has Said About Bethesda’s New Game

Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that Fallout 5 has officially entered pre-production. Todd Howard, the director of Bethesda, hinted at the game's existence in 2021 and stated that Fallout 5 will be released after The Elder Scrolls 6. The Fallout show on Prime Video's crew is aware of Fallout 5's development, and Howard has ensured that the show's narrative will not interfere with the game's storyline. The game is expected to remain set in the United States, in line with the franchise's tradition. Howard has expressed a desire not to rush the development of Fallout 5, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful single-player experience. He reassured fans that Bethesda is actively developing new content, even as the timeline for Fallout 5 remains uncertain. The events of the Fallout show will influence the game's narrative. Fallout 5 is being developed on the Creation Engine 3, and it is too early to determine if it will be an Xbox exclusive.
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