narratives Archives

AppWizard

October 22, 2026

The next Mass Effect would have had ‘a level of autonomy and choice that no other game has been able to match’, according to BioWare veteran

Tony de Waal, a former cinematic supervisor at BioWare, revealed that around 50 individuals were working on the now-canceled Mass Effect 4 before the studio's closure. He believed the team was close to creating a game with unprecedented player autonomy and choice. De Waal also discussed the challenges faced while developing Dragon Age: The Veilguard using EA and DICE's Frostbite engine, describing the effort as "herculean" and highlighting the complexity of managing variable player characters across cinematics. BioWare's closure is part of a larger restructuring at Electronic Arts, resulting in over 400 layoffs as the company shifts focus toward live service shooters and sports games. De Waal expressed disappointment over the cancellation and emphasized the dedication of the remaining developers. He is currently seeking new opportunities in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

October 20, 2026

Lucasfilm wants to do more Star Wars games like Zero Company and Galactic Racer: ‘We’ve tried to be more flexible about who we’re willing to take pitches from’

In 2026, two new Star Wars games were released: Zero Company, a tactical game developed by Bit Reactor, and Galactic Racer, an arcade racing game by Fuse Games. Both received positive acclaim, indicating a shift towards unconventional Star Wars games from smaller studios. Douglas Reilly, vice president of Lucasfilm Games, emphasized the value of diverse ideas in game development. Lucasfilm Games was revitalized in 2021 after a decade-long partnership with Electronic Arts, which did not meet expectations. Upcoming titles include Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic, a new chapter in the Knights of the Old Republic series, a third installment of the Star Wars Jedi series, and Quantic Dream's Star Wars: Eclipse, along with ongoing work on the KOTOR remake.

Winsage

October 13, 2026

“Begun, the clone wars have” — Microsoft 365 apps have been copied by the AI dev who cloned the Adobe suite

Developer Brandon Thomas is creating open-source alternatives to Microsoft’s applications—Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—using artificial intelligence. His suite includes GridCraft (Excel clone), DeckCraft (PowerPoint clone), and WordCraft (Word clone), all powered by the Claude AI model and available for free download on the ArtCraft GitHub page. These applications mimic the functionality and design of Microsoft 365, challenging the necessity of expensive subscriptions for productivity tools. Thomas has previously replicated the Adobe suite and aims to provide competitive alternatives to established software giants.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is an okay approximation of ‘Diablo for kids’ that’s sorely in need of more depth

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is an action role-playing game available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, with a release date of September 29, 2026. The game features a twelve-hour campaign where players experience consistent challenges due to level scaling, which diminishes the sense of progression. Combat is repetitive, lacking strategic depth, and exploration is limited despite claims of a more expansive world. The visual aesthetic is vibrant, but the narrative is weak and lacks engaging characters. The game includes accessibility options such as a guidance trail, customizable subtitles, and color-blind modes. The review was based on over thirteen hours of gameplay on a high-performance PC.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Be warned: Nivalis Nights may not be the cozy game you expect: ‘If you want a cozy existence in this city, you’re going to have to earn it’

Nivalis Nights is a user-generated tag on Steam that is described as a cyberpunk shop/life simulation game, with elements of management and relaxation. However, the game presents an overwhelming volume of quests and notifications, creating a chaotic experience that contrasts with traditional notions of coziness. Lead writer Thomas Welsh acknowledges that the game reflects life in a capitalist society, where players face burdensome debt and bureaucratic challenges. Despite its harsh world, the game includes decorating and management elements, visually stunning graphics, character narratives, and a hint of romance. The initial overwhelm from the quest log and constant notifications contributes to the subjective interpretation of coziness in gaming.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

From a 1997 PC Game to a Prime Video Hit, Why Fallout Remains a Gold Standard

Fallout celebrates its 29th anniversary today. Developed by Interplay Productions, it is a post-apocalyptic RPG known for its exceptional storytelling, mature themes, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Critics praised its smooth gameplay, effective action points system, user-friendly inventory, and character development. Fallout's narrative was noted for its depth, leading players to reconsider their gaming choices. The franchise's legacy is highlighted by sequels and a successful television adaptation on Prime Video, starring Walton Goggins, which showcases the narrative strength of the series.

AppWizard

October 7, 2026

Will Android apps struggle on Intel Googlebooks? Google and Intel offer different answers

Support for independent tech journalism is emphasized, with Chrome Unboxed encouraging contributions through its membership program. The text discusses the challenges of running Android applications on Intel versus ARM processors in the context of the new Googlebook OS, which is built on Android 17. Google has warned that Intel-based Googlebooks may face challenges with certain Android apps, particularly those designed for ARM processors, although 96.6% of the top 10,000 Android apps reportedly run well on Intel devices. Intel disputes the need for developer adjustments, promoting its Intel Bridge Technology as a solution for application compatibility and performance. The ongoing public disagreement highlights concerns for potential buyers regarding the performance of Intel-powered Googlebooks, especially for resource-intensive applications.

AppWizard

October 4, 2026

Kingdom Come: Deliverance studio co-founder says a lot of RPGs are ‘still games for teenagers,’ and that he’s ‘tired of all the RPGs where you are this chosen one’

Martin Klima, co-founder of Warhorse Studios, expressed fatigue with conventional RPG narratives that often revolve around the 'chosen one' trope and grand missions. He believes many players are tired of this formula and seek something fresh, which inspired the creation of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Klima noted that the gaming landscape has not significantly changed, as many games still cater primarily to teenagers, despite the audience maturing. He criticized publishers for recycling proven formulas, using Ubisoft as an example, and acknowledged the high craftsmanship in their games while wishing for more innovation. He also recognized the financial constraints that limit experimentation in the industry.

AppWizard

October 3, 2026

Signal Veil: A Survival Horror Game Announced For PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Serafini Productions has announced a survival horror game titled Signal Veil, set to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, and PC. The game aims to deliver an immersive experience aligned with the heightened interest in horror games during October. Details about the gameplay and storyline are not yet disclosed, but the announcement trailer has generated significant buzz.

BetaBeacon

October 1, 2026

Football Manager 27 launches November 10 for PS5, Xbox Series, PC, iOS, and Android

Football Manager 27 features a cleaner, more intuitive interface with new and returning features to enhance immersion and decision-making. The game offers smarter navigation, better scaling, and greater personalization options for players. The football world beyond the player's club has been reawakened with returning and reimagined features, such as cup draws and an overhauled news feed. Players can stay ahead of the competition with improved stats and data reporting. Fans can follow @FootballManager on social media for more gameplay reveals and updates leading up to the game's launch.