NewApp Digest
search bot

player preferences

Instead of difficulty, Obsidian designer Josh Sawyer thinks in terms of 3 RPG player archetypes: 'What are they trying to get out of this game?'
AppWizard
January 27, 2026

Instead of difficulty, Obsidian designer Josh Sawyer thinks in terms of 3 RPG player archetypes: ‘What are they trying to get out of this game?’

Josh Sawyer, design director at Obsidian, discussed the concept of difficulty in game design on his YouTube channel, emphasizing the need to understand player expectations rather than viewing difficulty as a fixed set of challenges. He highlighted the benefits of offering detailed difficulty settings, as some players desire granular modifications to enhance their gaming experience. Sawyer categorized RPG players into three types: adventurers, survivalists, and explorers, noting that each type has different motivations and preferences. He suggested starting with complex mechanics that can be simplified based on player preferences, using bullet drop mechanics as an example. Sawyer concluded that providing granular difficulty options is advantageous for both players and developers and committed to prioritizing this approach in future projects.
Valve announced the 2025 Steam Awards winners (and shockingly Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 didn't win everything)
AppWizard
January 7, 2026

Valve announced the 2025 Steam Awards winners (and shockingly Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 didn’t win everything)

Valve announced the winners of the 2025 Steam Awards, highlighting user preferences on the gaming platform. Hollow Knight: Silksong was the only title to win multiple awards, while Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won the Best Soundtrack Award. The Steam Awards, held annually since 2016, are determined by user votes, with this year's selections showcasing a diverse range of titles, including smaller games like The Midnight Walk and RV There Yet?.
The Best PC Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic
AppWizard
December 24, 2025

The Best PC Games Of 2025 According To Metacritic

In 2025, PC gaming offers a wide range of choices, including early-access titles transitioning to full releases and popular games from Xbox and PlayStation coming to PC. Notable games released this year include Hades 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Absolum. Additional titles such as Pipistrello, The Cursed Yoyo, The Roottrees are Dead, and The Seance of Blake Manor are expected to become cult classics. Metacritic has tracked the year's releases, providing insights into the best-reviewed PC games and curated lists of top games available.
Think what you will about Roblox, but PC players are still hooked on its hardcore soulslike RPG
AppWizard
December 21, 2025

Think what you will about Roblox, but PC players are still hooked on its hardcore soulslike RPG

Roblox is experiencing a surge in popularity, with games like Grow a Garden and Steal a Brainrot attracting tens of millions of concurrent players. These games have surpassed 20 million concurrent players, significantly exceeding previous records. The 2025 Roblox Replay highlights the platform's continued dominance on PC, with distinct gameplay preferences emerging across different devices. Mobile players favor social roleplay games and simpler mechanics, while console players enjoy complex titles like Sonic Speed Simulator. On PC, the term 'RPG' is prominent, with Deepwoken leading as a popular hardcore RPG, boasting approximately 1.5 billion plays. Despite a 30% drop in search interest this year, Deepwoken remains the top choice for PC players, reflecting its design and community appeal.
A grittier take on post-apocalyptic MMOs like Fallout 76, new shooter finally lands on Steam to mixed reviews
AppWizard
December 18, 2025

A grittier take on post-apocalyptic MMOs like Fallout 76, new shooter finally lands on Steam to mixed reviews

Pioner, developed by GFA Games, is an MMO with shooter elements set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Stalker. It features a 50km² island that players can explore, incorporating story-driven exploration, social spaces, and PvE and PvP zones. The game includes a faction-based progression system that allows players to build reputations and unlock better items. Players must manage hunger and rest while crafting tools for survival. Launched on Steam Early Access, Pioner has over 1,200 players but faces performance issues and bugs, resulting in a user score of 50%. A hotfix has been released to address these issues, and new story content is expected by January 2026, along with a roadmap for future developments.
The 10 best Total War games to play today ahead of Medieval 3
AppWizard
December 6, 2025

The 10 best Total War games to play today ahead of Medieval 3

The Total War series has evolved over two decades from a simple wargame to a complex strategy format combining real-time tactics with a strategic world map, incorporating military, political, and economic dimensions. Total War: Napoleon (2010, PC) focuses on gunpowder campaigns and emphasizes combat tactics and army strategy. Total War: Rome (2004, PC) is considered a franchise-defining title, introducing a variety of unit types and campaign factions, and remains popular with numerous mods available. Total War: Attila (2015, PC) immerses players in a world on the brink of collapse, focusing on empire management and societal decline. Total War: Medieval 2 (2006, PC) is known for its intense battles and intricate tactics, becoming a popular modding platform. Total War: Shogun 2 (2011, PC) is praised for its refined gameplay and accessibility, set in a single nation during a specific historical period. Total War: Rome 2 (2013, PC) has developed a distinct identity despite initial criticism, offering rich strategic gameplay. Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019, PC) introduces character-driven politics and relationships, enhancing narrative engagement. Total War: Warhammer (2016, 2017, 2022, PC) provides a dark fantasy experience with a vast game map and diverse factions, solidifying its place in the franchise.
Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it's avoiding Inzoi's biggest flaw
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Despite getting delayed, Paralives looks like it’s avoiding Inzoi’s biggest flaw

The release of the life simulation game Paralives has been delayed, with a new early access launch date set for May 25, 2026. The Paralives team recently showcased 45 minutes of uncut gameplay, highlighting features such as a daily local newspaper with activity suggestions, skill progress bars, a meaningful conversation system, personality trait upgrades, contextual moods, and the ability to purchase items in shops. Despite some minor bugs observed during the gameplay session, the overall experience suggests players will have opportunities to shape their characters' lives. The game aims to address critiques of its predecessor, Inzoi, which has faced criticism for lack of engagement and meaningful activities.
Epic boss Tim Sweeney thinks stores like Steam should stop labelling games as being made with AI: 'It makes no sense,' he says, because 'AI will be involved in nearly all future production'
AppWizard
November 26, 2025

Epic boss Tim Sweeney thinks stores like Steam should stop labelling games as being made with AI: ‘It makes no sense,’ he says, because ‘AI will be involved in nearly all future production’

Steam has implemented an "AI generated content disclosure" for games like Arc Raiders, while the Epic Games Store does not disclose AI involvement, a stance supported by CEO Tim Sweeney. Sweeney believes that AI disclosures are unnecessary for game stores, arguing that AI will be integral to future game development. He has previously discussed the potential of AI-generated voices in games, envisioning enhanced gameplay through context-sensitive dialogue. Legal concerns regarding copyright and transparency in AI-generated content remain significant, with some in the gaming community advocating for AI labeling to inform consumer choices. The prevalence of generative AI in gaming is expected to increase, raising ethical questions and player preferences regarding transparency.
Search