PC gamer Archives

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

February is surprisingly light on cozy game launches but we’re looking forward to these chill picks you shouldn’t miss

Cozy gaming is gaining popularity within the PC gaming community, characterized by charming aesthetics and relaxing gameplay. A special section is dedicated to cozy games, highlighting smaller titles. The Steam Next Fest on February 23 will feature many cozy game demos. Notable cozy game picks for February include: - Reigns: The Witcher: A game that parodies Tinder's swiping mechanics with moral dilemmas faced by Geralt. - Creature Kitchen: A puzzle game where players cater to whimsical characters through cooking and problem-solving. - Bento Blocks: A puzzle game focused on slicing and arranging sushi ingredients into lunchboxes, evoking nostalgia. - Reanimal: A game with horror elements that offers a captivating experience, diverging from typical cozy aesthetics.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

One of BioShock Infinite’s best narrative devices is its music

BioShock Infinite's soundtrack has had a lasting impact since its launch thirteen years ago, particularly through its innovative use of music that blends different time periods. A significant moment features the Bee Sharps, a barbershop quartet performing the Bee Gees' "God Only Knows," juxtaposing a 1912 setting with a song from over fifty years later. Another poignant scene includes Booker and Elizabeth discovering an acoustic guitar, where Elizabeth sings lines from the hymn "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." The music enhances the game's emotional depth and storytelling, making it a crucial part of its legacy and gameplay experience.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Can you guess which game these competitive rank crests are from?

PC Gamer has created a collection of gaming trivia quizzes covering various topics, including health bars and in-game currencies. A gamer is hosting a challenge where participants identify games based on their competitive ranked logos, incorporating familiar and surprising elements to test knowledge and engagement.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Skyrim’s design lead says if you play Morrowind today, you will ‘cringe’: ‘The reality of playing Morrowind would not stand the test of time’

The 2002 review of Morrowind by PC Gamer awarded the game a score of 83, the lowest for a mainline Elder Scrolls title by the UK publication. Bruce Nesmith, the design lead for Skyrim, suggested that calls for a Morrowind remake are driven by nostalgia rather than gameplay quality, stating that revisiting the game may lead to discomfort due to its outdated design. He expressed a preference for remaking titles like Battlespire or Redguard, which he believes never reached their full potential, rather than Morrowind. Nesmith indicated that Morrowind is the furthest back the franchise could realistically go for a remake, reflecting the balance between honoring past games and embracing modern design advancements.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

A Pokémon-like gacha game should be such an obvious win that I’m shocked I can’t find much to like about Aniimo

Aniimo is a creature-collecting gacha game currently in closed beta, aiming for a broader launch in 2026. It features multiplayer functionality, allowing players to explore and battle together, and includes interactive elements with aniimos in the open world. Despite some intriguing features, Aniimo struggles to stand out in a crowded market of gacha games. Industry sentiments indicate growing fatigue with the genre, and competition from upcoming titles like Hoyoverse's Honkai: Nexus Anima may impact its success.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Once and for all, which game has the best art?

Videogame art captivates audiences, with enthusiasts collecting special editions, design works, and vinyl soundtracks featuring concept art. The Dishonored Soundtrack Collection exemplifies the artistic talent within the franchise. Iconic artists like Viktor Antonov have created striking visuals that blend gothic architecture with futuristic elements, contributing to the lasting impact of games like Half-Life 2 and Dishonored. Character art in Dishonored includes contributions from Cedric Peyravernay, Sergey Kolesov, and Piotr Jabłoński, enhancing the game's visual narrative. In Destiny, Rory Norris highlights the captivating concept art of a post-apocalyptic Chicago and the enigmatic Vex architecture illustrated by Jesse van Dijk. Tyler Colp admires Elden Ring's concept art, which translates into stunning visuals, showcasing detailed character designs. Ted Litchfield expresses excitement for Avowed, noting its comic book-style illustrations and inventive designs that evoke nostalgia. The artistry in gaming enhances gameplay and creates emotional connections with players.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Minecraft-like Hytale got a huge dinosaur update just a few days after release

Hytale has launched as a playable title with positive early reception and has generated enough revenue to support two additional years of development. The game received praise for its engaging gameplay, and a significant update was released just four days post-launch, which included the addition of dinosaurs. The Hytale Team has been transparent about the game's lore and design, sharing information on their official website. The project saw rapid progress after Simon Collins-Laflamme took over following its cancellation by Riot Games, with gameplay footage released shortly after the acquisition. Hytale is currently available for purchase in early access on the developer's website, although it has not yet launched on Steam.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

Facepunch Studios COO says he’ll buy New World for $25 million, and he might not be joking: ‘We’re always looking for new opportunities and we are open to all avenues’

Amazon is set to discontinue its New World MMO on January 31, 2027. Alistair McFarlane, COO of Facepunch Studios, has expressed interest in purchasing the game, stating that "games should never die." He humorously suggested a purchase price of "25m" on social media. Simon Collins-Laflamme, known for reviving Hytale, offered his expertise in acquiring canceled games. Popular streamer Gothalion also showed support for the idea of saving New World. McFarlane mentioned that his company is opening a publishing arm and is looking for new opportunities, emphasizing a commitment to preserving gaming experiences.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Owner of big gaming platform can’t believe how bad Windows 11 is – and hints are dropped about big things for Linux gamers this year

Michał Kiciński, the new owner of GOG, expressed surprise at the longevity of Windows, criticizing it as poor-quality software. Maciej Gołębiewski, managing director of GOG, noted the company's strategic shift towards Linux, driven by increasing game compatibility and the success of SteamOS. This pivot is part of a broader industry trend as developers recognize the value of alternative operating systems. GOG plans to embrace Linux more fully by 2026. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on integrating AI into Windows 11, which has faced criticism for not addressing foundational issues, particularly in performance and functionality.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 release date may have leaked in Forza Horizon 5

The preorder pop-up linked to Forza Horizon 5 indicated a four-day early access period beginning on May 15, with the official release set for May 19, and offered an exclusive Ferrari J50 for preorders. However, attempts to replicate the pop-up experience have been unsuccessful, raising questions about its authenticity. The Xbox Direct showcase is scheduled for January 22, where Forza Horizon 6 and other titles are expected to be unveiled.