player engagement Archives

AppWizard

September 27, 2026

Between 70 and 80% of Blood Bowl 3 games were solo

A significant majority of players engage with Blood Bowl 3 in solo mode, with 70 to 80% of games played in the Eternal Leagues being solo endeavors. The game is set to transition to Warhammer Blood Bowl, which will feature a more sophisticated AI and a revamped user interface. The new version will be available as a free upgrade for existing owners of Blood Bowl 3 and is scheduled for release by the end of the year.

AppWizard

September 21, 2026

Wait, how did Lego beat Minecraft to making a city builder?

Lego has introduced Lego Skylines, which allows fans to build cityscapes with colorful bricks, reflecting a natural evolution of the brand. This has led to discussions about the lack of a city-building spinoff for Minecraft, a game known for its building mechanics. In Minecraft, there are already elements conducive to city-building, such as templated structures, player engagement with villagers, and a community interest in large-scale construction. Additionally, the first generation of Minecraft players is leaning towards more strategic gameplay, and various mods exist that cater to this interest. Despite the potential, there are questions about why Mojang has not developed a city-building spinoff, with possibilities including unfulfilled internal prototypes, the search for suitable partners, and mixed results from previous spinoffs. The idea of city-building in Minecraft is appealing due to the existing captivating villages and the possibility of larger-scale construction.

AppWizard

September 20, 2026

Over 10 years later, Gabe Newell’s advice to devs still holds up

Gabe Newell, co-founder of Valve, spoke at the LBJ School of Public Affairs in 2013 about the relationship between hacking and player engagement in gaming. He highlighted an incident from Ultima Online where the character Lord British was killed during his speech, which led developers to roll back the game instead of embracing the event. Newell argued that recognizing the significance of player-driven narratives could enhance the game's lore and experience, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and creativity in game design. He noted that stories arising from player interactions are often more compelling than those created by developers.

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

An ambitious fanmade expansion for Baldur’s Gate 3 is out after almost two years in development

Baldur's Gate 3 has a mod called "Baldur's Gate 3: Act Two Expansion," created by modder SquallyDaBeanz, which introduces a new zone named The Chionthar Wilds. This expansion offers players a fresh region to explore, contrasting with the darker themes of the game's second act. A launch trailer is available to showcase the new features and environments.

AppWizard

September 13, 2026

Playing RTS with a controller? Total War: Warhammer 40,000 dev says it ‘really does work’ in their game: ‘I think we’ve landed in a really solid spot’

Creative Assembly is set to release Total War: Warhammer 40,000 on consoles, challenging the belief that controller support is incompatible with real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay. Dave Petry, the battle product owner, stated that controllers are an accessibility tool that can enhance player engagement. The studio has prior experience with console RTS games, having co-developed Halo Wars 2, which successfully integrated controller support. Total War: Warhammer 40,000 will focus on real-time battles rather than traditional building and technology management, and Petry is optimistic about creating a satisfying experience for players using controllers.

AppWizard

September 11, 2026

Bribing medics to revive me first in Wardogs is one of my favorite shooter mechanics in ages

Wardogs is a Battlefield-inspired shooter that allows players to invest in enhancements such as customized loadouts and taxi services to improve their gameplay experience. The game features an engaging economy that rewards players for their contributions, with over 300,000 players participating in its early access phase. The economic system incentivizes players to embrace their roles in the game, enhancing overall engagement and experience. The developers, Bulkhead, are focused on refining and expanding the game during this early access period.

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.