pacing Archives

AppWizard

January 10, 2026

As Anthem breathes its last, I still find myself mourning just how close it came to being the BioWare game of my dreams

The BioWare Anthem servers will shut down on January 12. Anthem was launched nearly seven years ago but never fully realized its potential. Despite initial excitement and captivating gameplay mechanics, the game suffered from a lack of mission variety, limited equipment options, and slow narrative pacing. BioWare announced in February 2020 that it would halt seasonal updates to focus on a "substantial reinvention," but a year later confirmed that Anthem was effectively dead. The game is remembered for its promise and the nostalgic experiences it offered to players.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Intel: Stutters in PC Games are “Breaking Immersion”

Google's "Project Butter," introduced with Android 4.1, aimed to improve scrolling smoothness on 60Hz smartphone displays. Intel announced the Precompiled Shader Distribution to enhance gaming performance by downloading shaders directly to PCs via Arc Control software, debuting with Panther Lake review driver downloads and initially supporting select DirectX 12 titles on Steam. Intel will update offline shaders alongside game patches and driver updates, with a focus on optimal performance. Petersen expressed support for Microsoft's efforts in precompiled shaders for Windows gaming. Intel Arc employs machine learning for its XeSS image upscaler and Xe Frame Generation system, with plans to address frame-pacing issues using AI. Petersen discussed the need to distinguish between frame generation and rasterization, emphasizing that visual improvements should be viewed separately from performance metrics like frames per second.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

Square Enix asks early access players not to spoil a remake of a 25-year-old game—on the one hand, there are changes to the main storyline, but on the other hand, are you kidding me

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined has released a demo offering three hours of gameplay, allowing players to carry their progress into the full game. Square Enix has requested that players with early access from the Digital Deluxe edition refrain from sharing spoilers on streaming platforms. The game features enhancements to the original narrative, including streamlined pacing and new storylines, aimed at providing a fresh experience for both new and veteran players.

AppWizard

January 5, 2026

Code Vein 2 is largely more of the same despite its story reset, but I think I’m okay with that

Code Vein 2 has been announced and is set to launch on January 29, priced at .99 / £54.99. The game retains core mechanics from the original, including checkpoints called Mistles and a system for reclaiming lost currency called Haze. It features extensive character customization, with a detailed editor and various Blood Codes that influence play style. Combat dynamics include faster-paced encounters and new weapon types, such as twin blades and rune blades, with over 200 Formae to master. The narrative involves Blood-drinking Revenants and human hunters in an apocalyptic setting, with players awakening 100 years after a catastrophic event. Companions can assist in combat and revive players upon death, adding strategic depth. Exploration has improved, with more complex dungeon layouts and navigation aids.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Teamfight Tactics Lore and Legends dev says it’s the “deepest set” to date, and it’s made even better by its system changes

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) Set 16, titled Lore and Legends, is noted for its diverse playstyles and intuitive unlock mechanics, creating a balanced gameplay experience. Gameplay director Stephen 'Mortdog' Mortimer emphasized the importance of depth over unnecessary complexity, while lead set designer Julien Camaraza discussed significant system changes, including increased gold costs to reach Level 8 and adjustments to mid-game engagement. The current meta features a variety of viable compositions, and the balance of combat pacing is maintained, with matches lasting around 15 to 25 seconds. Incremental adjustments in balance encourage players to explore different strategies, contributing to a positive reception of the set.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

Why Modern PC Games Are CPU-Bound Again

Modern PC gaming faces a challenge where gamers experience underutilized GPUs at around 60% capacity, leading to faltering frame rates despite investing in high-end graphics cards. This issue arises not from CPU inadequacy but from gaming demands evolving faster than how games utilize CPU power. Players upgrading to more powerful GPUs like the RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT report minimal frame rate improvements, particularly at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, with CPU cores being pushed to their limits while GPU usage declines. This trend is evident across various game genres, and even DirectX 12, which offers improved multithreading, struggles to scale effectively beyond six to eight cores. Developers recognize these CPU limitations but find it challenging to address them. Modern games simulate numerous elements continuously, rely on real-time asset streaming, and face difficulties in distributing workloads effectively across CPU cores. Additionally, console hardware influences game design, often leading to CPU-bound scenarios on high-end PCs. Performance varies between Intel and AMD CPUs depending on game design, with some games demonstrating effective CPU scaling while others do not. CPU bottlenecks are expected to persist as GPU advancements outpace CPU improvements, emphasizing the need for gamers to consider CPU capabilities alongside GPU upgrades.

Winsage

December 30, 2025

These Changes Stopped Windows Updates From Wrecking My PC Performance

Windows updates can enhance system stability and performance, but they often lead to issues such as stutters and slowdowns due to the unpredictable nature of how updates affect system behavior. Microsoft's release notes do not provide comprehensive details about changes, which can include adjustments to task scheduling, background services, and driver interactions. Independent driver updates, particularly for GPUs and chipsets, can also impact performance negatively. Users have reported significant performance declines after updates, sometimes requiring hotfixes. To manage updates effectively, users can treat Windows updates as optional, be conservative with driver updates, stabilize power management settings, and ensure rollback options are available. This approach can lead to a more predictable and stable system performance.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Best PC Sports Games for 2026

Sports games on PC in 2026 showcase a diverse array of titles that blend arcade excitement, intricate simulations, and innovative concepts. Modern PC hardware enhances the gaming experience, allowing titles that once required specialized setups to run seamlessly on contemporary devices. Arcade-style sports games benefit from lower system requirements and simplified controls, while simulation-heavy titles are better suited for desktops. Standout games include Baseball Stars 2, which maintains its charm with engaging mechanics, and RetroMania Wrestling, which focuses on recognizable gameplay rather than realism. Fire Pro Wrestling World offers extensive customization and online play, appealing to players who enjoy fine-tuning their matches. Mutant Football League reimagines American football with fictional teams and exaggerated violence, while Super Mega Baseball 3 combines stylized visuals with intricate statistical systems. Rocket League remains popular for its skill-based multiplayer, and Windjammers 2 emphasizes strategic gameplay. Turbo Golf Racing merges golf with kart racing, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 remasters classic skateboarding titles. The PC platform thrives on variety, offering arcade-style action, intricate simulations, and experimental hybrids. Notable sports games in 2026 include Rocket League, Super Mega Baseball 3, Fire Pro Wrestling World, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2, and Windjammers 2. Many sports games are suitable for the Steam Deck, especially arcade-style titles. While there are fewer officially licensed simulations on PC, some titles cater to simulation-focused players. Current trends include hybrid designs, enhanced community tools, and growing interest in customization systems.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

James’ most anticipated PC games for 2026

Control Resonant is a sequel where players control Dylan Faden in The Oldest House and New York City, featuring melee-focused combat and psychic abilities. Denshattack is an arcade-style train driving game with fast-paced action and whimsical scenarios. Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core introduces new dwarf classes and roguelike elements in a cooperative gameplay setting. Planet of Lana II expands on its predecessor with intricate puzzles and collaboration with an alien companion. Good Boy is a "Petroidvania" game where players control a wheeled robot exploring a planet, capturing insects to unlock areas. Highguard is a competitive FPS with a free-to-play model, focusing on engaging gameplay mechanics.

AppWizard

December 25, 2025

Here are DSOGaming’s Games of the Year 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, the Game of the Year (GOTY) selections are highly anticipated. The GOTY will be unveiled earlier this year, allowing for more exploration of the gaming landscape. Nick McCaskey selected "The First Berserker: Khazan" for its compelling demo, robust combat system, character customization, and stunning art style, recommending it even on Beginner difficulty. Spencer chose "Ninja Gaiden 4," praising its exhilarating boss fights, new protagonist Yakumo, innovative playstyles, and commendable level design, marking it as a worthy successor in the action genre. pirovashMX highlighted "The Outer Worlds 2" for its sharp satire on corporate culture and consumerism, engaging gameplay, and witty writing, making it a memorable title of the year. John Papadopoulos picked "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" for its captivating narrative, unexpected twists, superb soundtrack, and engaging turn-based combat system, despite its less polished graphics.