narrative-driven games Archives

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

PC Gamers Can Claim 9 Free Games This Month, Including 2025 Award Winner Dispatch

PC gamers can claim the free game Dispatch, which won the Steam Awards 2025 Game of the Year. Amazon Luna, a gaming service that allows streaming on various devices, is offering Dispatch along with other titles for July 2026. The game is developed by AdHoc Studio, whose team includes former members of Telltale Games. Dispatch features engaging storytelling, humor, and animation, and is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2. Other games available on Amazon Luna this month include Sonic Mania Plus, Courtroom Chaos: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Centipede Swarm, LEGO: Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, YouTuber’s Life, Arcade Paradise, Jackbox Party Pack 8, and Angry Birds Mystery Island.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

Sally Beaumont, voice actor in Old Skies and The Séance of Blake Manor, extols the virtues of narrative singleplayer games ‘You can have lots of them in your PC toolbelt’

Sally Beaumont began her gaming journey with Leisure Suit Larry and was inspired to pursue voice acting after playing The Curse of Monkey Island. Her portfolio includes titles like Harold Halibut, The Excavation of Hob's Barrow, Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader, and she is the lead voice in the upcoming Old Skies. Currently, she is playing The Séance of Blake Manor and enjoys revisiting Nelly Cootalot. Beaumont has spent the most hours on Old Skies, using it to ground herself in her role, while Two Point Hospital is her most-played game outside of her work. She does not have a game she would never uninstall, as she prefers narrative-driven games with endings. Her essential non-gaming software is GoldWave, an audio editing tool. Beaumont describes her desktop as chaotic, with some organization but overall disarray.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Sony confirms PS5 and PC are still “the standard” platforms for live-service PlayStation games

PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that live-service PlayStation games will remain available on both PS5 and PC, while single-player games developed in-house will become exclusive to PlayStation. Each game will be evaluated individually for its release platforms, with a focus on expanding the audience for live-service titles. Sony aims to enhance the unique experiences of single-player games on its hardware, suggesting future exclusivity for narrative-driven titles. This marks a shift from previous strategies where several major titles were released on PC after console exclusivity. The acquisition of Nixxes Software supports Sony's dual-platform approach.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Pirated PC games are delivering password-stealing malware

A surge in Windows malware campaigns has been identified, with malicious software hidden in pirated PC games and modified installers for popular franchises like Far Cry, Need for Speed, FIFA, and Assassin’s Creed. Over 400,000 devices globally have been affected, with around 30,000 cases in the United States. The malware, known as the "RenEngine loader," is disguised as a legitimate game launcher and infects systems when users download cracked games. It aims to deploy an infostealer called ARC, which can capture sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and may also install other harmful payloads like the Rhadamanthys stealer and Async Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Users often remain unaware of their infection until significant damage occurs. Recommendations for safety include avoiding unofficial downloads, using up-to-date anti-malware protection, and regularly updating software.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

There’s one game Don’t Nod narrative designer Nina Freeman won’t ever uninstall from her PC, because it’s banned on Steam: ‘It’s tragic, because everyone should play this game’

Nina Freeman's first gaming experience was with the 1991 game Rodent's Revenge, which she played on a friend's computer or at school. She has developed autobiographical games like Cibele and Last Call, and worked as a level designer on Tacoma and Open Roads. Currently, she is working on an undisclosed project with Don't Nod and developing an indie horror game titled Size Zero with her husband. Freeman recently played Angeline Era on her Steam Deck and completed Scarlet Hollow, which she describes as a masterpiece with a complex branching narrative. The oldest game installed on her PC is Rollercoaster Tycoon Deluxe, released in 1999. She has logged over 2,101 hours in Dota 2, which she and her husband enjoy together. Freeman considers Devotion by Red Candle Games one of the best horror games and will never uninstall it from her library. She relies on OBS for her work as a game developer and Twitch streamer, and maintains a tidy desktop for streaming purposes, although her external hard drives are less organized.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Combing through a house full of a dead loved one’s possessions to figure out who they were feels like the anti-Unpacking

A Storied Life: Tabitha is an interactive storytelling game that allows players to explore the belongings of a deceased relative, uncovering her identity and history through personal effects in her cottage. The game begins with a letter inviting players to sort through items that reflect the life of an elderly woman, including a collection of cat accessories and other intriguing possessions. This narrative structure encourages personal interpretation and reflection on the significance of objects and memories. The game is available on Steam, with a demo option for players.

AppWizard

April 12, 2026

1000xResist developer added a video sequence ‘out of desperation’ but now they’re bringing FMV back for their next game

Players of 1000xResist navigate through chapters with new perspectives and mechanics, featuring a transition to video footage of Hong Kong, which was incorporated out of necessity by creative director Remy Siu using archival documentary footage. The game explores the theme of convincing an AI of its humanity and utilizes full-motion video (FMV) as a storytelling tool, with the team focusing on narrative-driven games for innovation. The resurgence of FMV in gaming is highlighted by titles like Her Story and Road to Empress, showcasing diverse storytelling possibilities. Despite its niche status, Siu believes their unique approach can contribute to the genre. Another title, Prove You're Human, is set to launch on Steam, further enhancing the narrative landscape.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Soren Johnson on keeping his game studio small: ‘You get better games if you take longer to make games’

Mohawk Games, established in 2013 by former Firaxis developers, is preparing to launch new downloadable content (DLC) for their 2021 grand strategy game, Old World. The studio, which employs 15 individuals, has sustained its operations through revenue from Old World. The upcoming expansion, titled Empires of the Indus, will introduce three new civilizations and is scheduled for release on March 30. Co-founder Soren Johnson expressed a desire to explore creative avenues beyond grand strategy and has ambitions to develop a light tactical RPG. While there are no immediate announcements for new projects, Johnson has a list of game ideas he finds exciting.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Highly Rated PC Vampire Game Now Available on PS5 & Nintendo Switch (& Xbox Is Coming Soon)

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines and V Rising are notable vampire-themed video games, while Vampire Therapist has gained attention for its narrative-driven adventure and therapeutic themes. Launched on PC via Steam in July 2024, it has received an Overwhelmingly Positive rating and various awards. The game features a gunslinger turned therapist helping vampires with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and includes voice actors from titles like Hades and Baldur’s Gate 3. As of February 17th, Vampire Therapist is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch for .99 USD, with a 15% launch discount until March 3rd. An Xbox version is set to release on March 5th. The game is not yet supported on the Switch 2 due to progression issues.

AppWizard

February 16, 2026

The Hundred Line has changed how I think about choice and consequences in games, and I can’t put it back in the box

The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy immerses players in the consequences of their choices, allowing for significant alterations to the storyline through a time-rewind mechanic. The game features a linear narrative where players defend a school over a hundred days, gradually uncovering character stories. Each decision leads to distinct outcomes, creating a rich tapestry of branching narratives. Character development is emphasized, with companions evolving based on player choices. The game has achieved market success and is priced at .99 / £49.99 on Steam, with a demo available for players to experience its mechanics.