PC gamer Archives

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 4, 2026

Forget what PC Gamer said: The Witcher 3 will always be my 2015 GOTY

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has been remastered, originally released in 2015, featuring enhanced graphics and minor gameplay improvements. A new expansion titled Songs of the Past is set to be released in 2027, with previous expansions available for free. Players will need a fresh save file to access the new DLC.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Tempest Rising has just launched an expansion that lets you play as the bad guys

Tempest Rising, developed by Slipgate Ironworks, is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that successfully revives the essence of 90's-style RTS games. Set in an alternate history post-World War III in 1997, players compete for control over a resource called Tempest. The game has received positive reviews, including an 85 score from PC Gamer. The recently released Veti's Wrath expansion introduces a new faction, the Veti, featuring an 11-mission campaign where players can transform fallen enemies into thralls for strategic advantages. The Veti cultivate Tempest through Refinement Altars and possess unique units like flying Caretakers and the Gorgon mech. Tempest Rising will be re-released as a Gold Edition on September 29, including both the base game and the expansion, with the Veti faction available as a free multiplayer option. The base game is currently available on Steam.

AppWizard

September 26, 2026

What’s the weirdest thing that happened to you in a tabletop RPG?

Fraser Brown, Online Editor at PC Gamer, reflects on his 15 years of tabletop roleplaying experiences, sharing memorable anecdotes such as a companion covered in vomit due to the "Vomit Bandit" and his own humorous attempt to use a large table as a battering ram. He emphasizes the unpredictability and creativity of tabletop gaming, highlighting the camaraderie and joy it fosters among players.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

8 strong Elder Scrolls opinions: With over 2,500 combined hours (and not all as stealth archers), we shout at each other about Skyrim, Morrowind, and Oblivion

Players in The Elder Scrolls series have taken on roles such as the Nerevarine and defeated characters like Dagoth Ur and Mehrunes Dagon. They have collectively spent over 2,500 hours reflecting on the franchise's past and future. Notable quests include Oblivion's The Ultimate Heist, Morrowind's atmosphere, and Skyrim's side quests, particularly A Night to Remember. Some players prefer older RPGs for their depth, while there are mixed feelings about Bethesda's recent titles, with calls for improved storytelling in games like Starfield. The editors advocate for a focus on interactivity, highlighting the immersive experience of manipulating the game environment. They also express interest in an Elder Scrolls television series, suggesting it could explore the franchise's lore while fans await The Elder Scrolls 6.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Tim Cain: ‘Among other things that Steve Jackson Games didn’t like about Fallout was Vault Boy’

The Fallout video game was initially developed with the intention of using the GURPS (Generic Universal Role-Play System) license from Steve Jackson Games. However, misunderstandings led to the dissolution of the licensing agreement, which Steve Jackson learned about from a press member rather than Interplay directly. Jackson's objections were primarily due to creative differences, particularly regarding the violent opening cutscene, character design, and the whimsical style of the mascot, Vault Boy. After extensive discussions, Jackson threatened legal action if Interplay continued with Fallout in its current form, prompting Interplay to abandon the GURPS license. This decision significantly impacted the future direction of the Fallout franchise.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

The Industrial Revolution is the reason RPGs have area-of-effect spells: A PC Gamer Causality Chain™

Causality Chain is a series at PC Gamer that explores the connections between history, culture, and video games. The concept of area-of-effect spells in video games began to develop in the 1980s, with the Wizardry series introducing spells that could target multiple enemies. Ultima 3 featured a noxum spell that allowed for multiple fireballs aimed at different foes, and by 1985, Ultima 4 included a tremor spell affecting all adversaries on screen. Wizard's Crown, released in 1986, showcased a fireball affecting surrounding enemies, and Ultima 5 added cone-shaped spells in 1988. That same year, SSI acquired the license to create official D&D games, leading to the release of Pool of Radiance, which introduced a true area-of-effect fireball spell that could harm party members.

AppWizard

September 24, 2026

Rogue Trader is coming to an end with miracles, madness and ‘tears of blood’

Stella is a character in the upcoming expansion of Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader, described as a delicate young woman with formidable psychic abilities. She is revered by the Ecclesiarchy as a creation of the God Emperor but is an unsanctioned psyker, which complicates her character due to the volatile nature of her powers. In battle, she can unleash psychic flares that cause area damage. However, she faces dangers such as veil degradation and warp instability, leading to a cycle of peril and madness. The expansion, titled Processional of the Damned, will introduce a new storyline and companion, integrating into the existing narrative. Stella's attributes include crying tears of blood, possessing unstable powers, being potentially heretical, and being described as a living weapon. Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy is confirmed to be "coming soon," and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is also anticipated.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Upcoming vampire RPG Nighthawks has been removed from Steam search and delisted in certain countries as Valve classifies it Adults Only: ‘It’s very bad news for us’

Nighthawks, a vampire RPG from Wadjet Eye Games, has been classified as 'Adults Only' by Steam, resulting in its removal from search results and delisting in regions like Germany. Wadjet Eye's CEO, Dave Gilbert, criticized Steam's decision, arguing that the game’s content is not pornographic. The Adults Only label negatively impacts their launch strategy, especially in key markets, and the team is uncertain about the reasons for the classification. Valve's policies on adult content complicate the situation, as developers must navigate ambiguous guidelines. Richard Cobbett, the game's creator, expressed hope that Valve will reverse the decision before the planned launch on September 22.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Beneath a Steel Sky review (1994)

The review of "Beneath A Steel Sky" gives it an impressive score of 81%. The game is set in a dystopian future where corrupt corporations have taken control after the collapse of the world government. The protagonist, Robert Foster, is abducted and stranded in this chaotic environment. The gameplay features around 100 locations, numerous puzzles, and a robotic companion named Joey. Players must navigate the city to uncover a conspiracy while evading security forces. The game follows conventional adventure mechanics but is noted for its rich storytelling and design. However, it faces criticism for inconsistencies in tone, with some elements feeling out of place. Despite these issues, it is regarded as a solid entry in the adventure genre.