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I bought a PS5 on launch day but I won't be buying a PS6, even though its exclusives aren't coming to PC anymore
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

I bought a PS5 on launch day but I won’t be buying a PS6, even though its exclusives aren’t coming to PC anymore

Jess Kinghorn, a hardware writer, has been exploring indie games like Sato Killing Time Chat.exe and D14L-ogue. She pre-ordered her PlayStation 5 in 2020 for £450, which has since increased to £570/€650 due to a memory supply crisis. Sony may delay the PS6's release until 2028 or 2029. Jess is reevaluating the costs of console gaming, noting that major game releases add to the financial burden. She feels disconnected from PlayStation-exclusive titles due to limited availability on PC and is fatigued by big-budget games. Jess prefers smaller games like Home Safety Hotline, Perfect Tides, and Ambrosia Sky: Act One, which are more affordable. While she enjoys some PS5 titles, she is cautious about future console investments. In contrast, she finds the anticipated Switch 2 appealing at £396, despite hardware issues like Joy-Con stick drift.
Minecraft creator Notch says 'DLSS fundamentally makes no sense', but the X comments say 'um, actually'
AppWizard
April 3, 2026

Minecraft creator Notch says ‘DLSS fundamentally makes no sense’, but the X comments say ‘um, actually’

Markus Persson, known as Notch, criticized Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology on social media, arguing that it is illogical to use the same hardware that struggles to run games at reasonable speeds to operate a neural network for generating additional frames. He compared DLSS to anti-aliasing, suggesting both technologies complicate the rendering process. Nvidia's vice president, Bryan Catanzaro, highlighted a shift in the industry towards artificial intelligence to improve graphics rendering, stating that traditional methods are no longer sufficient. He emphasized the need for smarter approaches to optimize resource use in graphics rendering. Nick, a tester, is evaluating DLSS and Frame Generation, illustrating the GPU's workload in rendering versus AI interpolation of frames.
XCOM meets Rashomon in Vaunted, a tactical RPG where your characters can rewrite history from their perspective
AppWizard
March 29, 2026

XCOM meets Rashomon in Vaunted, a tactical RPG where your characters can rewrite history from their perspective

Vaunted is a sci-fi tactical RPG developed by Hooded Horse, showcased during the Xbox Partner Preview. Players navigate a criminal underworld, commanding a team of thieves and mercenaries after a high-stakes expedition goes awry. The game features a dual combat system that allows toggling between turn-based strategy and real-time action, enhancing tactical gameplay. Character loss can lead to new narrative perspectives, with player decisions significantly impacting the story. The game includes a roguelite element where characters earn "credibility" for upgrades upon death. James Phinney, known for his work on StarCraft and Guild Wars, leads the development team. Vaunted is set to launch later this year, although a specific release date has not been announced.
There are two different Jesus sims launching within a week of each other
AppWizard
March 26, 2026

There are two different Jesus sims launching within a week of each other

Two Jesus-themed simulators are being launched in close succession: Jesus Simulator debuted today, and I Am Jesus Christ will be released on April 2, ahead of Easter. Jesus Simulator features gameplay mechanics like "Holy Spirit Mode" and shrinking abilities, while I Am Jesus Christ is an interactive fiction experience that explores biblical narratives through various perspectives. Both games utilize AI-generated content, with Jesus Simulator using AI for images and I Am Jesus Christ for voice acting. Additionally, a third game, Jesus Take The Wheel, launched two days prior as a co-op racing game with a more lighthearted approach.
Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney
AppWizard
March 26, 2026

Fusing turn-based tactics and real-time action, Vaunted is a new strategy RPG from Starcraft creator James Phinney

Vaunted is a tactical RPG from indie studio Lost Lake Games, set a millennium after the collapse of the last galactic empire, where mercenaries and treasure hunters seek priceless relics. The game combines third-person shooter action with turn-based tactical gameplay, allowing players to plan from a high-angle viewpoint while executing actions in real time. Players manage three characters—Dyse, Gendril, and Kyvaath—each with unique skills and backstories, and their choices influence the narrative. The game features dynamic combat mechanics, customizable loadouts, and randomized upgrades. Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, praises the project, and while a release date is not yet announced, players can wishlist it on Steam for updates.
Asset reuse in videogames is essential, and we need to embrace it, says Assassin's Creed and Far Cry director: 'We redo too much stuff'
AppWizard
March 16, 2026

Asset reuse in videogames is essential, and we need to embrace it, says Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry director: ‘We redo too much stuff’

Ubisoft's Far Cry Primal is set in the Mesolithic period, allowing players to navigate the Carpathian mountains and face prehistoric creatures. The game faced criticism for reusing elements from Far Cry 4, leading to frustration from Alex Hutchinson, the director of Far Cry 4, who suggested that Ubisoft should have acknowledged the connection. Similarly, Activision's Call of Duty: Ghosts was criticized for reusing animations from Modern Warfare 2, raising concerns about creativity in game development. Hutchinson noted that asset reuse is common in large studios, citing examples from the Assassin's Creed series. He observed a shift in perspectives regarding asset reuse, with some now advocating for its creative merits, particularly in successful Japanese titles like Dark Souls and Yakuza. Hutchinson also speculated on the potential role of AI in game development but expressed skepticism about its ability to significantly change the industry.
Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?
AppWizard
March 13, 2026

Why are PC developers removing Denuvo from their games?

Denuvo is a widely recognized digital rights management (DRM) solution used by major publishers like Square Enix, Sega, and EA to prevent unauthorized copying and modification of games. A study indicated that a game could lose up to 20% of revenue if cracked within its first week. Concerns about Denuvo's impact on game performance have been raised, with reports suggesting that games without it may perform better. Issues with titles like Resident Evil Village and Tekken 7 were attributed to improper implementation of additional protection measures. Tekken 7 eventually removed Denuvo, while Resident Evil Village retained it until April 2023. Amplitude Studios launched its game Humankind without Denuvo due to performance issues found during beta testing. Michał Kiciński, CEO of GOG, argued that DRM complicates the experience for legitimate customers and fails to effectively prevent piracy. Saber Interactive decided not to use Denuvo for Space Marine 2, highlighting the nuanced nature of the anti-DRM movement. Denuvo costs around ,000 per month plus fees for each game activation, making its financial justification less compelling as sales decline post-launch. Square Enix has removed Denuvo from titles like Dragon Quest 1 & 2 Remake and Final Fantasy 16 within six months of release, while Capcom has retained it for longer periods. The decision to remove or avoid Denuvo is influenced by performance issues, financial implications, and operational efficiency considerations.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
March 11, 2026

The best FPS games of all time, from a PC gaming veteran

First-person shooters (FPS) have captivated gamers since the early 1990s, with influential titles shaping the genre. - Wolfenstein 3D: Developed by id Software, released on May 5, 1992, for PC (MS-DOS). It established core gameplay with real-time movement and first-person perspectives. - Quake: Developed by id Software, released on June 22, 1996, for PC (MS-DOS, Windows). It transitioned FPS from 2.5D to true 3D rendering, enhancing gameplay speed and introducing vertical aiming. - Half-Life: Developed by Valve, released on November 19, 1998, for PC (Windows, Linux, Mac). It integrated storytelling with gameplay, featuring a silent protagonist and advanced AI. - Counter-Strike 1.6: Developed by Valve, released in September 2003 for PC (Windows, Mac, Linux). Originally a mod for Half-Life, it emphasized teamwork and strategy in competitive gameplay. - Halo 2: Developed by Bungie, released on November 9, 2004, for Xbox and PC. It introduced new perspectives and moral complexities, with a strong online multiplayer experience. - Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Developed by Infinity Ward, released on November 5, 2007, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It transformed military FPS with a cinematic approach and persistent progression in multiplayer. - Left 4 Dead: Developed by Valve, released on November 17, 2008, for PC and Xbox 360. It focused on cooperative gameplay against zombies, featuring a dynamic AI Director. - Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Developed by EA DICE, released on March 2, 2010, for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. It featured large-scale combat and destructible environments, emphasizing squad cooperation. Other notable FPS games include GoldenEye 007, Titanfall, and Bioshock, contributing to the genre's diversity and appeal.
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