PC gamer Archives

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

‘We have a great relationship with IO Interactive,’ Amazon says, but it won’t commit to bringing the studio back for future Bond games

Jeff Gattis, the general manager of Amazon Gaming, indicated a potential shift in the development of future James Bond games, suggesting that sequels might be produced by MGM and possibly Amazon Game Studios, which could mean IO Interactive may step back from its Bond responsibilities. An Amazon spokesperson clarified that the company is not entirely moving away from IO Interactive, though future plans remain unclear. Amazon's gaming division has faced challenges, including significant layoffs and project cancellations. Gattis expressed a belief in the convergence of television and video games, suggesting that major intellectual properties will need to integrate video game narratives. He did not confirm IO Interactive's involvement in future Bond games, stating that decisions regarding the next Bond game are still being considered. IO Interactive has not publicly responded to these developments.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Pragmata director Yonghee Cho says it’s not a sad dad game for a very simple reason: ‘I’m not a sad dad, I’m a very happy dad’

Pragmata features a dynamic relationship between protagonists Hugh, an everyman, and Diana, a curious android. Critics have noted its connection to the "sad dad" genre, but the game's director, Yonghee Cho, emphasizes a narrative focused on the joys of fatherhood and companionship. Cho's personal experiences as a father influence the story, aiming for a camaraderie between Hugh and Diana rather than a traditional parent-child dynamic. He shares an anecdote about his daughter expressing concern for Diana during an intense moment in the game, which highlights the emotional depth of the narrative. Cho's approach to parenting and storytelling may evolve as his children grow, potentially exploring new themes in future projects.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Legendary Warhammer artist John Blanche has died

John Blanche, a prominent illustrator known for his work in fantasy and science fiction, particularly with Warhammer 40,000 and other Games Workshop properties, passed away earlier this week at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by fellow artist Trish Carden on Facebook. Blanche contributed to video games such as the original Space Hulk and Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat, and received special thanks in titles like Vermintide 2 and Fire Warrior. He retired from Games Workshop in 2023 due to health issues. The art community has expressed admiration and sorrow over his passing, highlighting his significant influence on the genre.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Which gaming clip just won $500? Check out the best videos of May, featuring nukes in Minecraft, eternal drifts in Forza Horizon 6, and a dragon-riding giant in Skyrim

In May, the gaming community submitted a variety of video clips showcasing gameplay from titles like Counter-Strike 2, Marathon, and Battlefield 6, as well as comedic moments from sandbox games such as Crimson Desert, Minecraft, and Subnautica 2. PC Gamer curates these submissions, selecting one clip each month as the 'Best Clip of the Month,' which receives a 0 Amazon gift card.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

In 1997, Warren Spector told us the upcoming PC classic Deus Ex was inspired by Final Fantasy, Miyamoto, and ‘the console guys’

A friend gifted the 1997 PC Gamer US "Holiday Extravaganza" issue, which contains 456 pages of content related to PC gaming. Gary Whitta was the editor-in-chief, and he reviewed the game Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight with a score of 94%. The issue features an interview with game designer Warren Spector, who discusses his move to Ion Storm and the development of Deus Ex. Chris Norden, the lead programmer for Deus Ex, expressed concerns about the Quake engine's limitations for their project, stating that choosing Unreal over Quake was crucial for the game's development. The interview was originally published in PC Gamer Vol. 4 #12, December 1997.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

A Baldur’s Gate 2 remake is apparently in development, with the original co-lead designer returning

Wizards of the Coast is planning a revival of classic titles, specifically focusing on remakes of Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 2. Kevin Martens, a former BioWare developer known for his work on Baldur's Gate 2, is involved with Archetype Entertainment, a subsidiary of Wizards of the Coast. Fans are hoping for gameplay that combines nostalgia with modern mechanics, including real-time-with-pause battles and an optional turn-based mode. Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast's parent company, has faced challenges in leveraging the success of Baldur's Gate 3 and has canceled a Dungeons & Dragons game while leaving Warlock as the only remaining project outside the traditional Baldur's Gate experience.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Steam reviewer says ‘I am done with this game’ after 10,000 hours of Destiny 2, then plays another 160 hours just to be sure

ArkaneArdvark78 has logged 10,098.5 hours in Destiny 2 and an additional 157.8 hours after posting a negative review. The review expresses feelings of betrayal due to recent changes that made hard-earned gear obsolete, reflecting a broader sentiment among long-time players. Despite dissatisfaction, ArkaneArdvark78 continued to engage with the game, highlighting the strong social connections within gaming communities that can compel players to return even when they are unhappy with the game.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Before Mina the Hollower, Yacht Club paused a 3D Shovel Knight game that’s ‘not far from being showable’ and a possible next project

Sean Velasco, co-founder of Yacht Club Games, discussed the pricing and significance of their upcoming title, Mina the Hollower, which is positioned as a pivotal moment for the studio. He mentioned challenges faced during its development that may influence future projects. The studio is currently focused on supporting and marketing Mina the Hollower, a top-down homage to the Zelda franchise. Velasco indicated a potential return to the Shovel Knight series, noting that a 3D version was considered but the team chose to focus on the 2D adventure. Yacht Club Games follows a one-at-a-time approach to game development and Velasco expressed optimism about their future release schedule. Early backers are eagerly anticipating Mina the Hollower, which received a 90% review score from PCG contributor Kerry Brunskill.

AppWizard

May 30, 2026

007: Nightfire review (2003)

007: Nightfire, reviewed in PC Gamer issue #107 (February 2003), struggles to capture the essence of the Bond franchise, with notable flaws in artificial intelligence and combat mechanics. Guards lack awareness but can detect Bond easily, leading to frustrating stealth gameplay. The damage model is inconsistent, with some weapons causing one-shot kills while others are ineffective. Boss battles lack creativity. However, the game features well-designed environments and some inventive sequences. The multiplayer component includes standard modes with recognizable Bond characters, though their execution varies. Overall, Nightfire is seen as lackluster compared to other spy games like No One Lives Forever 2, and Bond's portrayal is criticized for lacking charisma and depth.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

I absolutely agree with 33% of you when it comes to your choice of freaky Subnautica 2 critters

The author has not yet played Subnautica 2 due to a fear of deep water. Colleagues at PC Gamer have reviewed the game positively, with Sean Martin appreciating its episodic structure, Tyler Wilde giving it a favorable review, and Fraser Brown suggesting it could be quieter. A poll conducted revealed that the Periscopic Clowncrab was the most popular creature with 33% of the votes, followed by the Coral Crab at 22%, the Great Jaw at 14%, and BFJ at 12%. The Foureye received 10% of the votes, and the Waxmoon was noted for its striking design. Elie Gould called for recognition of the Water Slug.