player behavior Archives

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

A 23GB Helldivers 2 Is Better Than A 154GB Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 was initially reported to require 154GB of storage, aimed at accommodating older mechanical hard drives in PCs. However, analytics revealed that only 11% of players used HDDs, and the main cause of slowdowns was level generation rather than asset loading. In response, Arrowhead is testing a "slim" version of the game in public beta, which is 23GB, significantly reducing the storage requirement while maintaining gameplay integrity. This change allows players to install additional games, potentially fitting at least 13 indie city-builders in the space previously occupied by the original version.

AppWizard

November 25, 2025

My new RPG obsession has a toxic player problem, but its dev refuses to “whack on a leavers penalty” and call it a day

Fellowship, a multiplayer online dungeon adventure from Chief Rebel, has a daily peak user base of approximately 9,000 to 11,000 on Steam. Players have expressed frustrations regarding player behavior, particularly the lack of penalties for those who leave groups or queues, which affects match wait times. Community director Hamish Bode discussed plans to address these issues, including the development of an Eternal matchmaking system and improved communication tools. The team is also considering rewarding players who complete dungeons together to encourage positive interactions. Bode emphasized the need for a balanced approach to managing player behavior, acknowledging the complexities of implementing punishment systems alongside communication improvements.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

Arc Raiders punishes players who fail to extract in time by simply dropping a meteor on their heads, but there is one way to survive the blast

In Arc Raiders, the countdown timer creates urgency and anxiety for players, with a guide character warning them as time runs out. If players linger too long, a meteor-like Arc orbiter can descend, causing shockwaves that may knock them out and disconnect them from the server. However, a player noted that as long as anyone on the map calls the last extraction, others can survive the blast, introducing a strategic element to the game. This mechanic has sparked debate, with some arguing it reduces the tension associated with the time constraint. Players are primarily focused on securing their loot, navigating challenges to enhance their gaming experience.

BetaBeacon

October 14, 2025

Future of Android Slots: AI, HTML5, and 5G Transformations

- Over 65% of new slot titles in 2025 are being launched exclusively for mobile platforms - Mobile slot games now feature live dealers, gamification elements, and social integration - HTML5 has made slot games more accessible across different devices without separate apps - AI provides personalized gaming experiences based on player behavior - Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are being integrated into Android slot gaming - 5G connectivity is making games faster and more responsive - Developers are incorporating features to promote responsible gambling

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

‘It would have damaged us forever’: After the calamitous cancellation of Football Manager 25, what does FM26 need to deliver?

The release of Football Manager 2025 has been canceled by Sports Interactive due to concerns about the player experience and interface. Studio head Miles Jacobson stated that releasing the game in its current state would not provide good value for money and could damage the company’s reputation. The next installment, Football Manager 26, is expected to feature a new game engine, updated user interface, and enhanced graphics. It will also include women's football, a feature developed with a new player database and motion-capture sessions. Additionally, a partnership with the Premier League will enhance the game's management experience. Fans have created mods for FM24 to improve the match engine following the cancellation of FM25.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

I’m sick to death of PC gaming’s endless launchers

The proliferation of game launchers such as Epic Game Store, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, EA App, Rockstar Social Club, and Paradox Launcher has caused frustration among players, who experience issues like unresponsiveness and crashes. Gamers desire a streamlined experience with fewer intrusive launchers and prefer to share data without the presence of multiple platforms. They would appreciate options to bypass launchers entirely or simplify access to games, contrasting with the ease of console gaming, where games can be accessed with a single button press. The gaming community hopes developers will address these concerns for a more user-friendly experience.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Revolutionizing Android Casino Apps with Hybrid Monetization

In 2025, Android casino apps are adopting a hybrid monetization model that combines free play, in-app purchases, advertising, and subscription services, moving away from traditional revenue streams like paid downloads. This model allows for free downloads and offers players various options, such as watching ads for rewards or subscribing for premium features. Developers are utilizing online casino content aggregators to access a wide range of games without the need for in-house development, which streamlines licensing and updates. The success of this model relies on selecting the right content aggregator, which can vary in terms of game library size, certification coverage, API integration, analytics capabilities, and revenue share structures. Continuous analysis of player behavior is essential to optimize monetization strategies, allowing developers to adjust ad frequency, subscription pricing, and game offerings based on user feedback.

AppWizard

February 26, 2025

Avowed’s inert cities remind me just how good we had it in Skyrim and Oblivion

The author transformed their character in Avowed into a stealth-mage assassin, finding the game captivating due to its distinct biomes, dungeons, and side quests. The first-person perspective and gameplay mechanics reminded them of the Elder Scrolls series, despite Avowed being simpler and smaller in scale. They noted imperfections in the game's portrayal of a vibrant world, such as the lack of consequences for stealing from NPCs and rigid animation loops, which detracted from immersion. An example included an NPC chastising the author for rummaging through her backpack without repercussions. The author suggested that narrative justification for thefts could enhance coherence in the game's world. They acknowledged that Obsidian prioritizes story over emergent gameplay, contrasting it with Bethesda's approach. The author reminisced about the interactivity and NPC reactions in earlier RPGs like Baldur's Gate 2, Planescape: Torment, and The Witcher 3, expressing a yearning for the freedom and consequences present in those games.

AppWizard

February 23, 2025

Skyrim was ‘personally rebalanced’ by producer Jeff Gardiner just 2 weeks before launch: ‘Well, I hope this is good’

Jeff Gardiner, a former Bethesda producer, had conflicts with the design team over the balance of Skyrim as its launch approached. He argued that the designers' reliance on AI simulations did not accurately reflect human player behavior, which could lead to a disconnect in gameplay experience. Gardiner took it upon himself to extensively playtest the game and make adjustments to creatures and weapons in a focused effort just weeks before release. He believed that his background in design allowed him to effectively contribute to the game's balance. Gardiner reflected on the unpredictable nature of RPGs, which he found appealing in his own experience with Skyrim.