PC gamer Archives

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July 14, 2026

The PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct returns September 20

The summer PC Gaming Show featured world premieres and in-depth explorations of games such as Control Resonant, Total War: Warhammer 40,000, and Arkheron. The next PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct is scheduled for September 20, 2026. Last year's Tokyo Direct was well-received, and PC Gamer's Midas Whittaker attended, bringing back exclusive merchandise.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

Future Games Show returns to Gamescom with 3 shows

Future, the publisher behind PC Gamer, will host three showcases at Gamescom in August: "Future Games Show at Gamescom" and "FGS Live From Gamescom" on August 26, and "FGS Best Of Gamescom" on August 30. The events will feature world premieres, exclusive trailers, developer insights, and new game demos. Additionally, the PC Gaming Show Tokyo Direct is set for September 20, coinciding with the Tokyo Game Show.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

The designer of cult classic King of Dragon Pass says his upcoming hellish heist game is pushing the boundaries of a concept he invented in 1999: ‘There’s really nothing else quite like it’

In 1999, designer David Dunham and his studio A Sharp released King of Dragon Pass, which combines mythic fantasy RPG and cattle management simulation. Although it initially faced commercial disappointment, it gained a dedicated following for its narrative experience. Later in 2023, Dunham and A Sharp will launch Thousand Hells: The Underworld Heists, described as a "systemic storybook experience" by its publisher, Kitfox Games. Dunham calls it a "tactical narrative game," emphasizing its unconventional classification. The game features gameplay elements where players use traits of party members in conflict resolution, set in a fantastical representation of Byzantium. It introduces conditional, rearrangeable storytelling elements, which Dunham claims to have pioneered in the '90s, although he acknowledges that King of Chicago may have predated him. Thousand Hells offers a unique experience in each playthrough and can be completed in one to two hours, contrasting with the longer narratives of its predecessors.

AppWizard

July 14, 2026

‘I’m in this whole new world’: Here’s what Eric Barone had to say about the life-changing Stardew Valley 10 years ago this month

Eric Barone, the developer of Stardew Valley, faced significant challenges during the game's development, including multiple reworks and a near cancellation due to a catastrophic computer crash. Despite these obstacles, he completed the game over four years, driven by a desire to be a game developer and the absence of similar titles on PC. Stardew Valley was inspired by Barone's childhood memories and aimed to fill a gap in the market for PC players. The game's release exceeded Barone's expectations, receiving overwhelming positive feedback and transforming his life and career. He plans to introduce multiplayer support, console ports, and attend gaming expos, marking a new phase in his journey as a game developer.

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Going from skull-cracker to safecracker in Dishonored 2

The author reflects on their experience playing Dishonored and its sequel, detailing their initial chaotic playstyle that led to a High Chaos ending. They express a desire to adopt a stealth approach in the game, facing challenges from the Chaos system and the deteriorating state of the city. In Dishonored 2, they aim for a flawless run without kills or detections, which requires extensive planning and execution. The Clockwork Mansion mission tests their resolve, particularly when confronting the character Kirin Jindosh and solving the Jindosh Lock puzzle. The author ultimately finds satisfaction in solving the puzzle independently, using creativity and notes to aid in their success.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

The Elder Scrolls Online’s developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years

PC Gamer's column discusses the state of MMOs, highlighting that they are not facing extinction despite recent challenges. Zenimax Online Studios (ZOS), known for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), has experienced significant layoffs, with reports indicating that approximately 60% of the studio faced job cuts between 2025 and 2026, including 213 layoffs in one week. The cancellation of Project Blackbird, an ambitious new venture after over five years of development, has left the community disheartened. ESO has generated over a billion in revenue since its inception, averaging 6 million annually, yet the decision to cut jobs has raised concerns about corporate priorities, especially given the game's recent positive player feedback and the timing of the layoffs coinciding with ESO's first season launch.

AppWizard

July 7, 2026

Heaps of gamepads are discounted as part of Amazon Prime Day 2026, but there’s only one I’d unreservedly recommend

Amazon is becoming a competitive destination for affordable PC-compatible gamepads, influenced by reputable brands like Razer, 8BitDo, Turtle Beach, and GameSir. Today's third-party gamepads often outperform first-party console controllers, featuring advancements such as drift-free Hall effect analog sticks, rear paddle buttons, and customizable options. The GameSir G7 Pro, available for AU7 during Amazon's Prime Day, includes features like two rear paddle buttons, trigger stops, gyro support, and a 1000Hz polling rate. The TMR technology in the G7 Pro enhances precision and reduces power consumption. The GameSir Nova Lite Wireless controller is also available at a reduced price for budget-conscious gamers.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

Meccha Chameleon celebrates 15 million sales by teasing a ‘collaboration with a famous Japanese star’

Meccha Chameleon has sold over 15 million copies within a month of its release. Developer lemorion_1224 announced a new collaboration with a famous Japanese star, speculated to be Hatsune Miku. The game was developed in two months, resulting in significant financial success for the developers. PC Gamer rated Meccha Chameleon 82%, highlighting its satisfying gameplay. The game was created by two individuals and is available at a modest price.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Dragon Age setting creator David Gaider is pitching a heist RPG that’s ‘make or break’ for his studio

David Gaider, the creator of Thedas and the Dragon Age series, is developing a new RPG centered on a crew of rogues performing heists. He chose not to engage with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, released in 2024, due to concerns over the challenges faced by the team and constraints from Electronic Arts. A review by PC Gamer praised The Veilguard but noted a lack of ideological conflict, which Gaider believes is essential for character agency and authenticity in games. He critiques the trend of creating agreeable companions, advocating for complex characters that resonate with players. Gaider expresses uncertainty about his new project but desires to focus on creativity rather than studio management pressures. He is open to revisiting the Dragon Age franchise, envisioning a return to its roots with darker storytelling.

AppWizard

July 4, 2026

Modders made a Fallout 4 quest in a weekend for charity, and it features iconic Elder Scrolls actor Wes Johnson

A new mod for Fallout 4, titled Double Feature, is a collaboration between modders Kinggath and his team, and voice actor Wes Johnson, along with contributions from Fallout actors Jan Johns and Leer Leary. The mod is part of Kinggath's annual charity initiative, which has previously produced successful mods like Shady Motives and Trunk's Malfunction. The fundraising effort for Alzheimer's research has raised over ,000, surpassing the original goal of ,500, with a target of ,000 in sight. The total amount raised, including contributions from other modders, is ,895. Wes Johnson is involved in this mod as part of a larger initiative called Voiceapalooza, in collaboration with the Fallout For Hope charity. The Double Feature mod is available for free on its Nexus page and was developed in just a weekend. Kinggath Creations also highlights other projects, including the acclaimed Sim Settlements mod for Fallout 4.