players Archives

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

Kakao Games Signs Global Publishing Agreement for New PC MMORPG ‘ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom’

Kakao Games has announced its upcoming PC MMORPG titled 'ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom', developed by XLGAMES. The game is being crafted for a global audience, focusing on optimizing the experience for PC users, and is led by PD Kim Kyung-tae, who was part of the original 'ArcheAge' planning team. Kakao Games has secured global publishing rights for the game and aims to enhance its portfolio with this title. The original 'ArcheAge' debuted in 2013 and has been well-received for its world-building and player freedom. 'ArcheAge S' is set to be released next year, with further details to be announced.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

RUMOR: Xbox May Move Away From Steam

Microsoft is considering a potential shift in its PC gaming strategy, which may involve moving its games away from Steam, according to Jez Corden from the Xbox Two Podcast. This is not a confirmed strategy but has emerged in internal discussions. Under new CEO Asha Sharma, Microsoft is undergoing a transformation to consolidate its brand under the "Xbox" umbrella, focusing on proprietary titles. However, Corden expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this shift due to the financial implications, suggesting that moving away from Steam could lead to significant revenue losses.

AppWizard

August 3, 2026

One day Owlcat will make an RPG that’s perfect out of the box, but 3 years after launch, it’s time to get disgustingly into Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader

Owlcat Games is known for ambitious role-playing games, but their latest title, Rogue Trader, received a lukewarm 59% rating from PCG upon its December 2023 launch. The game features deep character building, allowing players to explore various builds after significant gameplay investment. The author initially created a powerful character build called the "Death World Pyromancer Psyker Blade Dancer Executioner," but found it less exciting than controlling the companion Abellard, who has a build called the "Navy Officer Warrior Arch Militant." Rogue Trader includes elements such as companion interactions, romance, skill development, planetary management, and trading, with a focus on turn-based combat and build crafting. The success of Rogue Trader has led to anticipation for Owlcat's upcoming game, Dark Heresy.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Open-World Survival Game with Over 80K Wishlists Just Got Its PC Release Date (And It’s Soon)

Delverium, an indie sandbox survival game from Sagestone Games, is set to enter Early Access on PC via Steam on September 22nd. The game has over 80,000 wishlists and features pixel graphics, open-world survival, and farming simulations. Players can explore a vast pixel-art world, engage in activities like fighting, fishing, farming, and foraging, and play solo or cooperatively with up to eight friends. A free demo was showcased during February’s Steam Next Fest, and the game has been refined based on player feedback from a recent playtest. The Early Access version will include core gameplay, cooperative play, and full controller support, and is expected to perform well on the Steam Deck. The Early Access phase is planned to last approximately two years, during which new content will be added based on player feedback. Pricing details are not yet available, but it is expected to be lower during Early Access.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Developer of ‘Spanking Exorcist’ game held up by Steam content moderation releases free ‘apology game’ where you spank him as punishment: ‘We would be delighted if you enjoy it’

Actor, the developer of Spanking Exorcist, released a free "apology game" called Apology.exe after missing its launch date on July 24 due to content moderation issues on Steam. The game allows players to humorously simulate spanking the developer as a form of retribution. Spanking Exorcist, which blends first-person exploration with unsettling visuals, officially launched on Steam six days after the missed date, priced at .99 with a launch discount bringing it to .39.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Stellar Blade: Blood Rain’s AI slop music video is terrible for us all

ShiftUP CEO Kim Hyung Tae has faced criticism for a promotional video for the game Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, which featured an AI-generated music composition that was deemed lacking in soul and coherence. The video showcased a surreal visual experience with the protagonist, Evie, in a skin-tight suit that raised concerns about the game's creative direction. Critics argue that the video undermines the game's narrative and visual identity, leading to disappointment among fans who anticipated a deeper narrative in the sequel. ShiftUP has a history of producing high-quality content, as seen in their previous title, Nikke, which featured a soundtrack by a seasoned composer. The backlash reflects broader concerns about the normalization of AI in creative processes within the gaming industry and its potential impact on emotional connections in games. The gaming community has expressed disappointment and reevaluated their interest in Blood Rain due to the promotional material.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Brand new $10 PC bundle gives you over 100 games to play

PC gamers can purchase a bundle for a low price featuring over 100 games, created by indie developers as part of the Game Industry Hardship Fund on the Itch platform. This initiative, led by Necrosoft Games, aims to support laid-off developers in the gaming industry. The bundle includes 127 games from various indie studios, such as A Short Hike and Neurocracy. The fund seeks to raise 0,000 and will remain active until August 13, 2026, providing financial assistance to developers affected by layoffs. The fund is managed by United Videogame Workers and is available only to developers in the U.S. and Canada. The bundle can be downloaded exclusively from Itch.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Owlcat co-founder says the studio won’t turn its back on hardcore RPGs as it hits 600 employees and preps its own Mass Effect killer

Owlcat Games, co-founded by Alexander Mishulin, has expanded its workforce to around 600 employees, allowing the studio to work on two projects simultaneously. The studio remains committed to the hardcore CRPG genre, with upcoming titles like The Expanse: Osiris Reborn and Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy. Owlcat's growth positions it competitively alongside other RPG developers, such as Larian Studios and Obsidian Entertainment. The studio was originally founded in Moscow and is now headquartered in Paphos, Cyprus.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

American Truck Simulator is headed to North Dakota in its latest DLC

North Dakota will be featured in the upcoming downloadable content (DLC) for American Truck Simulator, showcasing its landscapes, including prairies, farmland, rivers, and skies. The trailer presents scenes with semi-trucks, buffalo herds, small towns, and notable landmarks like giant fish statues. This DLC will increase the total number of available DLCs on Steam to 61. Reactions from the gaming community have been mixed, with some users humorously questioning the need for detailed asset design. The game focuses on a realistic trucking experience, emphasizing adherence to speed limits and the appreciation of the scenery.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Space Marine 2’s latest updates add Terminator Sorcerers and Steam Workshop support, so you can now play co-op with 9 other players if you want

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has received two significant updates in its second year of post-release support. The Confrontation Update introduces a new enemy, the Sorcerer, and adds two new PvP arenas: Sanctum and Facility. It also includes weekly PvP rewards for players. Additionally, Steam Workshop support has been implemented, allowing for user-generated content, including the Astartes Overhaul mod, which rebalances gameplay and adds new classes and weapons. Saber Interactive plans to support the game for at least another year, with a roadmap for future content expected to be revealed during the second anniversary celebration.