narrative choices Archives

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Attacks on Kingdom Come: Deliverance for gay romance, representation ‘only mattered to a handful of terminally online culture warriors,’ reckons KCD2’s exec producer, and probably didn’t impact the games’ reception

Kingdom Come: Deliverance has faced criticism for its narrative choices, particularly regarding the portrayal of Czech protagonists and Cuman adversaries, as well as the inclusion of gay romance and diverse characters in its sequel. Warhorse Studios, the developer, expressed a desire to move away from these cultural debates to focus on creating an engaging game. Co-founder Martin Klíma acknowledged the complexity of the controversies, suggesting they might provide visibility but could also detract from the game itself. He believes the impact of these controversies on sales and team morale has been minimal, noting that they primarily concern a small group of online critics, while the broader gaming audience remains largely indifferent. Klíma mentioned that the controversies fostered a sense of camaraderie among the development team, many of whom are unaware of the discussions surrounding the games.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

My 2026 New Year’s resolution is to finally play these 8 Xbox and PC games in my backlog — mostly because new releases are getting too expensive

As 2025 ends, there is growing anticipation for the gaming landscape of 2026, with a focus on the rising costs of new games and their frequent need for extensive post-release patches. Notable examples include Monster Hunter Wilds and the acclaimed Divinity: Original Sin series, which features intricate turn-based combat and rich storytelling. The original Divinity: Original Sin was released in 2014, while its sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2, launched in 2017 and introduced new features and character options. Baldur's Gate 3, set in the Baldur's Gate universe, has received numerous accolades for its storytelling and gameplay. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous involves character customization and narrative choices. The Hollow Knight series, including the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong, and the Ninja Gaiden series are also highlighted. Control, with its sequel Control: Resonant, features surreal visuals and unique gameplay. The Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine series includes a remastered version of the original game. Age of Mythology: Retold is set to be released with enhanced graphics and improvements. All mentioned titles are available on various platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

Take-Two’s big boss Strauss Zelnick says it got the ‘perfect result’ from slimmed-down mob tale Mafia: The Old Country, so I’d brace for more games like that if I were you

The latest installment of the Mafia franchise, Mafia: The Old Country, received a lukewarm reception due to its linear design and conventional mob narrative, which resulted in a predictable experience. However, it exceeded sales expectations according to Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, indicating a positive market reception. The author expresses a desire for more ambitious storytelling from Hangar 13, citing previous successes and missed opportunities for deeper engagement in this title. There is hope that Take-Two will recognize the potential for bolder narrative choices in future projects.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

8 years later, Manor Lords publisher reveals its surprise sequel to one of the most brutal horror games ever

The narrator recalls a childhood memory of playing the horror game F.E.A.R with their cousin at age 18, which left a lasting impact on them. They describe a specific moment involving a jumpscare from the character Alma that caused them to panic and flee. As an adult, the narrator's partner is playing Darkwood, prompting the narrator to relive their past trauma. Darkwood 2 is being developed by Ice-Pick Lodge, with Acid Wizard consulting, and is designed as a hardcore survival game set in the marshlands of the former Aral Sea. The game features a top-down perspective, resource management, and player-driven narrative choices. It will be available on PC and Game Pass, but currently lacks a release date.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Owlcat’s new Warhammer RPG has “crazy romances” and “kinky stuff,” but not because of Baldur’s Gate 3

Anatoly Shestov, the executive producer of Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy, discussed the influence of Baldur's Gate 3 on game development, emphasizing its extensive role-playing elements and the capacity for self-expressive roleplay. He noted that the game's diverse party dynamics and character interactions contribute to a rich gameplay experience, which was previously considered too costly to implement. Shestov acknowledged that while Owlcat's Rogue Trader had a simpler romance system, Dark Heresy aims to evolve this aspect, integrating romance thoughtfully into character development rather than as a superficial addition. He hinted at the potential for "crazy romances" in Dark Heresy, thanks to their narrative design team's talent, promising unique character interactions.

AppWizard

September 5, 2025

Former Call of Duty director stopped making foreign countries the enemy because he wanted ‘to go to these countries’ without needing a bodyguard

Call of Duty began with a clear antagonist in the Nazis during its World War II era, but as the series progressed into modern and futuristic settings, the portrayal of enemies became more nuanced. Glen Schofield, a former director of the franchise, noted that the depiction of villains was influenced by themes of jingoism, colonialism, and American interventionism. His perspective was shaped by a personal story from an Iraqi classmate, whose uncle expressed ambivalence about democracy after escaping imprisonment under Saddam Hussein. This narrative inspired Schofield to develop the character of Jonathan Irons in Advanced Warfare, leading to a powerful speech crafted by Eric Hirshberg that reflected this complex worldview. The evolution of Call of Duty illustrates a growing awareness among creators regarding the narratives they present and their potential impact on players' perceptions of global issues.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Supermassive Games is adding a new tool to its next horror game Directive 8020 that’ll give players a ‘second chance’ to save their favourite characters

Directive 8020 introduces innovative gameplay mechanics, including a Turning Point system that allows players to revisit significant decisions in the narrative, enabling them to correct mistakes without restarting the game. This feature aims to enhance player engagement by providing a second chance for characters that may die, catering to those who enjoy exploration and achievement. The game is set in space with an adult cast, and while it can conclude sooner than previous titles, it maintains a cinematic quality. Players can still choose to forgo the Turning Point system for a more traditional experience. The design emphasizes the emotional stakes of decision-making, creating tension and urgency in gameplay.