player experience Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

The Fable reboot won’t have horns and haloes because of its ‘nuanced and complex’ take on morality, and also because you’re going to constantly reinvent yourself

The upcoming reboot of Fable by Playground Games will feature a nuanced and complex approach to morality, moving away from the traditional binary of good and evil. Characters in the game will have their own unique moral frameworks, leading to diverse interpretations of player actions. The game will not have a single visual representation of morality, allowing players to craft their hero's identity anew with each settlement visited. This design philosophy emphasizes the fluidity of identity and personal exploration, rather than a fixed reputation system.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

‘An evolved game of cat and mouse:’ Alien: Isolation 2 leads on taking the alien outside, the good kind of AI, and why a sequel took so long

Two years ago, Sega and Creative Assembly announced a sequel to Alien: Isolation, which won game of the year in 2014. The original game has maintained a strong reputation in the stealth genre, known for its unique enemy AI that enhances the horror experience. As the game nears its 10th anniversary, it continues to attract new fans. The sequel's development team includes veterans from the original game and new members, fostering innovative gameplay design. The team aims to create a "survival sandbox" that offers players multiple choices and paths, enhancing player-driven narratives. They are also addressing pacing issues from the original game and integrating mechanics from the start for a cohesive design. The team is committed to delivering an authentic Alien experience while exploring the franchise's lore and connecting the game to broader narratives.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Guild Wars 3 won’t have a ‘battle pass fee buried in it’, says studio head: ‘We’re not gonna hold their time hostage’

Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) have integrated live service features like seasonal content and battle passes, with varying outcomes. World of Warcraft has successfully implemented a free battle pass-like system through its Trading Post, enhancing player engagement. In contrast, Guild Wars 2's studio head Colin Johanson has stated that Guild Wars 3 will avoid a battle pass model, aiming for a more balanced player engagement. He noted that contemporary battle passes resemble subscription services and expressed concerns about overwhelming players, while also recognizing the issues with minimal rewards in games. The contrasting approaches of these titles illustrate the challenge developers face in balancing monetization and player satisfaction.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Minecraft’s next big adventure launches in September

Minecraft Dungeons, released in 2020, has attracted over 25 million players by 2023 and has received updates that include new biomes and endgame activities. The original Minecraft continues to thrive as it approaches its 15th anniversary, supported by regular updates and spin-offs like Minecraft: Story Mode and Minecraft Legends. A Minecraft Movie has grossed over 1 million globally. The franchise has collaborated with other franchises, such as Dragon Ball Z, and has a presence in games like Super Smash Bros.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Android Auto has a PDF app now, but it might be more useful than you think

Adobe has introduced Adobe Acrobat to the Android Auto platform in its latest app update (v26.5.0.45958), allowing users to access PDF files from their car's display. The app features a "Read Aloud" function that converts text from PDFs into audio, enabling users to listen to content while driving. However, the Read Aloud feature does not support every PDF file, and when it works, it provides a typical Android Auto media player experience.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

After seeing Thief Remastered, I’m calling it: That doomed Deux Ex remaster should get rebooted with Nightdive in charge

Nightdive Studios is remastering Thief: The Dark Project, showcasing it at the PC Gaming Show with a nostalgic trailer and modern enhancements. The remaster will preserve the game's medieval settings and improve low-poly NPC designs, along with including a DVD extras menu featuring art, prototypes, and behind-the-scenes footage. In contrast, Aspyr's remaster of Neverwinter Nights 2 added essential features like Steam Deck support and resolved bugs, while their upcoming Deus Ex remaster lacks significant upgrades and has received negative feedback from fans. Both Thief and Deus Ex are part of The Embracer Group, which is observing the reception of these remasters. Aspyr has faced challenges, including losing the Knights of the Old Republic remake and legal issues with Disney. The Deus Ex remaster has been indefinitely delayed, raising concerns among fans about its management and future.

AppWizard

June 4, 2026

Everyone in Rust is getting a new face

Rust is set to enhance its character customization options, which have traditionally been random. The update includes improved meshes and materials, realistic proportions on a new rig, expanded head and hair seeds, and a review of nearly all player-related assets. The developers at Facepunch noted that the old player model had not received significant attention for almost 10 years and was outdated compared to other game features. This update aims to modernize the game's aesthetic and improve the player experience.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

READY, SET, ACTION! SABER INTERACTIVE REVEALS STUNTMAN: HOLLYWOOD, A THRILLING NEW RIDE FROM THE CLASSIC ACTION-RACING GAME SERIES

Saber Interactive, in partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, announced the upcoming release of Stuntman: Hollywood during Sony’s State of Play Showcase. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, featuring a single-player experience that combines racing with cinematic elements. Players will take on the role of an aspiring stuntman, performing stunts inspired by popular films and TV shows from Universal Pictures and NBCUniversal. Key features include performing stunts in iconic scenes, mastering jumps and drifts to become a sought-after stunt performer, and driving legendary vehicles such as K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and the Time Machine from Back to the Future. The game will soon be available for wishlisting on various platforms, with updates available on saber.games/stuntmanhollywood and social media.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Bandai Namco just stealth announced that one of the coolest Ace Combat games is coming to PC for the first time as a pre-order freebie

Sony announced a port of Ace Combat Zero, originally released two decades ago, which will debut on PC later this year. This port is part of a pre-order incentive for the deluxe edition of Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, launching on PS5 and Steam on October 1. Ace Combat Zero has not received HD remaster treatment and will be available for separate purchase. The gameplay features aerial dogfighting, a reputation system affecting player choices, and characters inspired by Norse mythology. The game includes a unique 1-on-1 jousting match and will be available to those who pre-order the deluxe edition starting September 29.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Steam reviewer says ‘I am done with this game’ after 10,000 hours of Destiny 2, then plays another 160 hours just to be sure

ArkaneArdvark78 has logged 10,098.5 hours in Destiny 2 and an additional 157.8 hours after posting a negative review. The review expresses feelings of betrayal due to recent changes that made hard-earned gear obsolete, reflecting a broader sentiment among long-time players. Despite dissatisfaction, ArkaneArdvark78 continued to engage with the game, highlighting the strong social connections within gaming communities that can compel players to return even when they are unhappy with the game.