philosophy Archives

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Star Wars: Galactic Racer’s multiplayer ‘tour’ mode is a chaotic arcade racer spliced with a MOBA, and that somehow works brilliantly

Star Wars: Galactic Racer is an upcoming racing game developed by Fuse Games, featuring a single-player campaign with roguelike elements and an online multiplayer mode structured like a MOBA. Players can race across six planets in 12-player races or eight-player podracing, selecting characters with unique loadouts. After each race, players can upgrade their vehicles and choose parts inspired by the single-player campaign. The game emphasizes player agency, with choices affecting gameplay outcomes, and balances accessibility with depth. Environmental hazards add chaos to the gameplay, although the lack of a catch-up mechanic can hinder those falling behind. The game is set to release on October 6.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

I’m modding GTA 5 every day until it becomes GTA 6 or breaks, starting with a new vehicle and enough missiles to level a city block

Rockstar Games is reportedly finalizing Grand Theft Auto 6, which has raised concerns about accessibility for gamers without the latest consoles. In response, a gamer is enhancing Grand Theft Auto 5 through mods, aiming to keep the game fresh and engaging. Using tools like OpenIV, the modder is integrating military technology from Chinese aerospace organizations into the game. The modding has transformed Los Santos into a chaotic battleground, allowing for unique gameplay experiences, including unexpected interactions with police. The modder's skills are evolving, suggesting limitless possibilities for future enhancements to the game.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

Stalker 2’s imminent free update aims to make the sequel more atmospheric and less relentlessly hostile: ‘The Zone isn’t one constant gunfight’

Stalker 2, the sequel to the 2007 game, has faced challenges such as bugs and performance issues. GSC Game World is releasing a significant 2.0 patch alongside the first story expansion, which includes a complete overhaul of the lighting system, enhancing both indoor and outdoor environments. The A-Life system will also be improved to make the game world feel more alive, with new locations for creatures and increased conflict opportunities. The patch will feature a custom difficulty setting, new weapons, dynamic fog, and binoculars for tactical gameplay. The expansion, titled 'Cost of Hope,' will launch on August 20, focusing on the 'Duty' faction within the game.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Lies of P studio reveals name change and hypes up sequel: ‘My goal has been to create the world’s greatest action game.’

Nough, formerly known as Round8, has released a 16-minute mini-documentary that explores its culture and the creative process behind the Lies of P series. The studio's name change reflects its commitment to a development philosophy centered on the motto 'Games by Gamers'. The documentary features behind-the-scenes insights, personal stories from developers, and highlights the challenges faced during the creation of Lies of P. The team is currently working on a sequel, with optimism stemming from the success of the original game and its Overture expansion. News writer Harvey Randall has noted the positive reception of the Overture expansion as a promising sign for Lies of P 2.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Big Walk patch addresses voice volume complaints with restraint: ‘We consider it an important part of the game’s design that you can only hear players who are close to you’

The puzzle game Big Walk features a proximity voice chat that has received mixed feedback from players regarding volume levels, especially for those with quieter microphone setups. In response, developer House House released a patch to enhance audio, making quieter voices more audible at close and medium distances, while maintaining the original distance at which voices fade. The patch does not increase the range of voice communication or allow for separate adjustments of voice and background audio levels. Players have reported varying experiences with the voice volume, with some adapting quickly while others find the volume drop-off challenging.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

John Romero says id Software once sold empty Doom boxes to Taiwanese pirates so fans there could have legit copies: ‘For us, it was distribution’

Doom was initially distributed through a shareware model, offering the first chapter for free to players. This approach allowed players to experience the game before purchasing the remaining episodes, fostering a unique relationship between developers and players. In the early gaming landscape, distribution was challenging, particularly before the internet, with players often relying on Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes) and facing barriers such as long-distance phone call costs and the need for a modem. Despite these challenges, Doom's popularity led to the rise of resellers selling shareware versions for a fee. id Software, led by John Romero, focused on accessibility over copy protection, believing that players would find ways to copy games regardless of protective measures. This philosophy emphasized community engagement and set a precedent for future innovations in the gaming industry.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Marketplace Content August 2026

The Uncrafter+ 2.1 Add-on from Dalibu Studios allows users to deconstruct crafted blocks back into their original components. More Blocks 3.0 from RareLoot introduces over 80 new blocks and more than 1,000 texture variations. The Auto Factory by Team Metallurgy provides automation tools like conveyor belts, funnels, and magnets for material gathering and crafting. The Blocks Update by Radium Studio includes 5,000 new blocks and furniture, compatible with various resource packs. The Auto Farming Add-on by Block Perfect Studios enables users to cultivate crops in glass containers for auto-harvesting. Food Expansion by Mine-North adds dozens of new dishes, fresh crops, and farming vehicles.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Modded Hosting for Long Term Survival: Create Mod Guide

Some Minecraft servers can thrive for months, allowing players to build complex factory networks and infrastructure. Reliable modded Minecraft server hosting is essential for maintaining these long-term survival worlds. The Create mod introduces advanced automation and mechanical connectivity, requiring significant server resources due to its custom physics simulation. As players expand their factories, server load increases, necessitating hosting solutions that can accommodate growth, such as scalable RAM and NVMe storage. For long-term hosting, essential requirements include the ability to upgrade RAM, automated daily backups, regular software updates, stable uptime, and active support. The ideal hosting solution should support the evolving needs of a server as player creations grow over time.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

Crimson Desert adds 133 new trading posts and overhauls the in-game economy with supply and demand

Crimson Desert is undergoing a transformation towards trading simulation, with a recent patch introducing 133 new trading posts and rebalancing the types and quantities available. New mechanics have been added to simulate supply and demand dynamics. The developer, Pearl Abyss, is enhancing the game's complexity despite some critiques for a more minimalist approach. Minor fixes in the patch address bugged challenges and improve interaction animations for creatures like the platypus and feathered weasel. These updates have garnered attention, including praise from the Prime Minister of South Korea.

AppWizard

August 1, 2026

My new favourite Tolkien game is free, has over 40 years of history, and would run on a toaster

Sil-Q is a free and open-source game that reimagines the classic Rogue experience within Tolkien's First Age of Arda, as depicted in The Silmarillion. It draws inspiration from the game Angband, which is a descendant of the 1983 title Moria. Players are tasked with infiltrating Morgoth's fortress to retrieve a Silmaril gem, focusing on strategic evasion rather than combat. The game restricts character options to races aligned with Tolkien's lore, including the Noldor, Sindar, Naugrim, and Edain, prioritizing immersion over balance. Players encounter challenges reminiscent of classic rogue-like gameplay while navigating Morgoth's domain, battling orcs and discovering mythical weapons. Sil-Q emphasizes storytelling and community engagement within the gaming realm.