player engagement Archives

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Steam Week in Review: 54 idle games released on Steam last week, and many look eerily similar

In 2013, Cookie Clicker and Candy Box emerged as popular games, with Cookie Clicker gaining significant attention and leading to widespread addiction among players on social media. Cookie Clicker, inspired by Cow Clicker, features simple gameplay where players click to generate cookies and enhance production. New games like Next Reign: Kingdom and We Need More Humans! have been released, competing with established titles such as Bongo Cat and Task Bar Hero. The number of games tagged as idlers has increased from 100 in 2020 to 1,811 in 2024, with 1,119 more in development. The Blood of Dawnwalker sold a million units in three days, while the Elden Ring Tarnished Pack received mixed reviews.

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 be released on PC?

Grand Theft Auto 6 is anticipated to potentially release a PC version about six months after its console launch, possibly around May. Historically, GTA 4 had a seven-month gap for its PC version, while GTA 5 had a 19-month gap. The timeline for GTA 6 may be influenced by the launch of GTA Online 2. There are hopes that GTA 6 will feature innovative moral choices affecting gameplay, with complex character dynamics between protagonists Lucia and Jason. Microsoft has introduced a cap on streaming hours for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to 15 hours per month and five hours for basic tier users, raising concerns about the viability of cloud gaming. Speculations suggest future consoles may include a high-end model priced around £1,200 and a more affordable streaming-only option. Consumer reactions reveal frustration over cloud gaming limitations and a commitment to physical game copies amid concerns about digital ownership. The potential role of artificial intelligence in gaming is also being discussed, with mixed opinions on its impact on non-player character dialogue.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Star Wars Zero Company’s permadeath makes it a better RPG than most RPGs, even though it’s not really an RPG

Star Wars Zero Company is a role-playing game that combines tactical gameplay with narrative depth, allowing players to explore a universe similar to Mass Effect 2. A key feature is its system of permanent character loss, where main characters can be lost if they fall in battle three times without medical attention, adding emotional weight to player decisions. The game emphasizes meaningful choices, enriching the narrative experience. Companion questlines, such as that of the clone trooper Trick, personalize the story and deepen player engagement. While the game successfully integrates permadeath into its mechanics, the narrative and tactical elements are somewhat distinct, with potential for greater integration in future developments.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Elden Ring’s Tarnished Edition is exciting enough on its own, but it’s also our last chance to properly experience the game’s launch day hype

The Tarnished Edition DLC for Elden Ring introduces two new classes, armor, and items, providing players with a final opportunity to engage with the game four years after its launch. Despite its modest appearance, the DLC is expected to significantly enhance player engagement. Elden Ring, which won the 2022 Game of the Year, features a rich narrative and stunning visuals, set in a world dominated by the Erdtree. The gameplay includes diverse character builds and intricate combat mechanics, with the new expansion adding a perfect block mechanic from Sekiro. The DLC serves as a bridge to future projects from FromSoftware, as players continue to be drawn to the game's captivating landscapes.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Valve assures Deadlock players hungry for its next big update that it will notify them, ‘or order a ton of pizza’, when it’s ready

Deadlock, a hybrid MOBA-shooter in pseudo-early access, has generated significant anticipation among players. The recent Old Gods, New Blood update introduced six new heroes and other enhancements. Valve hinted at a large content update and two smaller updates focused on ranked mode and item adjustments. However, a communication from developer representative Yoshi indicated delays in the anticipated update due to playtesting and iteration processes. Despite being invite-only, Deadlock has evolved over the past year, with signs pointing toward a potential transition to open beta. The development team is responsive to community feedback, suggesting a commitment to the game's future.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Rockstar considered having four protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 6, but the studio ‘worried about diluting the amount of player time’ with each character

Rockstar has reduced the number of playable characters in Grand Theft Auto 6 from three to two, prioritizing a more intimate narrative experience. The decision was influenced by concerns about diluting player connection with characters if more were introduced. The focus on two protagonists aims to foster a strong emotional bond and chemistry between them, enhancing player engagement. The game features a world three times larger than Red Dead Redemption 2 and a nuanced honor system, but the central partnership between the two characters is expected to define this installment.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

New on Java Realms: Mischiefs & Secrets

BATTLE BLITZ has introduced new lobby features including a practice tool, leaderboards, and improved inventory organization. Class balancing has been a focus, with major reworks, performance tracking improvements, and bug fixes. Songs of Greavesoyl has also added new lobby features and class rebalancing. Void Chains has improved visual polish and gameplay, addressing issues with invisible players and same-team collision. Puzzle Wars has returned, and new users can access a 30-day free trial of Java Realms. Creators can showcase their projects on Java Realms and seek assistance from Bine Birk or Oskar Thysell on X.

AppWizard

August 23, 2026

I’m a decade-plus FromSoftware sicko, and these are my 5 takeaways from the first Duskbloods gameplay

Veteran Soulsborne YouTubers VaatiVidya and Oroboro have shared gameplay videos for The Duskbloods, an exclusive PvPvE title for the Switch 2. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the project lead, has discussed the game with IGN and Automaton. The design of Duskbloods resembles the level layouts of Nightreign, emphasizing verticality and exploration, contrasting with Elden Ring's landscapes. Visuals in Duskbloods evoke Bloodborne, featuring hooded ogres similar to Church Giants, a map reminiscent of Yharnam, a boss encounter in a cathedral, weapons akin to those in Elden Ring and Bloodborne, and thematic elements like a battle in a field of white flowers. The map's vertical density is compared to Shadow of the Erdtree and Nightreign. Concerns exist regarding FromSoftware's ability to maintain multiplayer balance and support, as well as the game's single-player content and potential PC release. The gaming community is eager for updates leading up to the network test.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

This mod transforms Doom into a terrifying tactical shooter, and it’s partly inspired by another PC gaming classic

Blackout is an alpha-stage mod for Doom source ports Zandronum and UZDoom, created by modder PKmX. It emphasizes tactical military simulation with slow, methodical gameplay, encouraging players to use cover and breaching techniques. The mod features mechanics inspired by the Crysis series, including an energy suit with a damage-absorbing shield, an adrenaline system for speed boosts, and a cloaking device for stealth. PKmX recommends complementary mods, such as a palette mod to enhance the dark atmosphere. Blackout aims to redefine player engagement in the Doom universe by blending strategy and horror.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Gladio Mori launches on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 16 September

Oulu, Finland, will see the full launch of Gladio Mori on September 16, 2026, after its successful Steam Early Access period. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, developed by Plebeian Studio. It features unique combat mechanics that track damage through injuries rather than health bars, with a focus on strategy and precision. Players can utilize a move editor to create personalized attacks or access a community gallery for user-generated moves. The game supports online matches for up to four players and has received a Very Positive rating on Steam since its Early Access launch on November 26, 2024. Full crossplay functionality will be integrated at the full release. Plebeian Studio is a one-person development team, and the game is published by Bonus Stage Publishing, with plans for release in China by Korgi Digital.