playing Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 live: All the announcements in real-time

Obsidian Entertainment has announced that The Outer Worlds 2 will feature six companions with their own questlines linked to distinct factions, allowing players to influence their character arcs through gameplay choices. The game is set on Arcadia, a new colony governed by The Protectorate, and will include an enhanced perk system similar to Fallout: New Vegas, allowing for specialized character builds. Players will take on the role of a customizable Sky Marshall, with an emphasis on traits that affect gameplay dynamics. The sequel aims for deeper RPG mechanics and a more complex narrative due to increased development time and resources. The game is scheduled for release on October 29, 2025.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Xbox console games are suddenly showing up inside the Xbox PC app

Microsoft is integrating its Xbox and Windows platforms by including Xbox console games in the Xbox app on Windows, suggesting a strategy for a unified library of Xbox and PC games. The company is also working on enabling visibility for games from Steam and the Epic Games Store within the Xbox PC app. Microsoft has rebranded its Xbox PC app to "Xbox PC" and aims to establish it as a central hub for PC gaming. Additionally, Microsoft is merging Xbox and Windows strengths for handheld devices, with changes expected later this year. There is speculation about whether Xbox console games will become playable on PC, potentially utilizing cloud infrastructure or emulation technology.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

Gamers, let’s not pretend PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass multiplayer subscriptions are okay – they’re exactly why PC gaming is arguably cheaper in the long term

Transitioning from console gaming to PC gaming involves challenges such as file management and technical adjustments, but it offers benefits like no multiplayer subscription fees. Console gamers often need to subscribe to services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus for online play, with exceptions for free-to-play games. While gaming PC hardware is more expensive initially, the long-term costs of playing games are lower due to access to affordable titles and frequent discounts on platforms like the Epic Games Store and Steam. In contrast, PlayStation games often retain their retail prices longer, limiting discount availability. The basic PS Plus plan costs .99 annually, similar to the price of a new game, while the 'Premium' plan costs 9.99 and lacks day-one title access. Xbox Game Pass offers better value with new games available on release day. Overall, while the initial investment in a gaming PC is high, the savings on games and lack of subscription fees make it a worthwhile choice.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

I’m quitting PC Gamer to run a vending machine empire in the back streets of Japan after my idle game obsession shadow-dropped at the Wholesome Direct

The author became interested in managing a vending machine business in Japan after playing a demo of the game Vending Dokan!: Kozy Kiosk. The full version was announced immediately after a showcase, prompting the author to continue exploring the virtual vending business. The game offers a tranquil experience of overseeing a vending machine in a Japanese alleyway, which has inspired the author to consider real-life vending machine ventures and explore online vending machine auctions.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Game of Thrones strategy game War for Westeros announced for PC

The game titled "War for Westeros" was unveiled during the Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles on June 6th, with a release date set for 2026. It draws inspiration from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and allows players to command armies from House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King. The gameplay features real-time strategy battles, unique faction strategies, and a variety of units, including infantry, cavalry, siege engines, giants, and dragons. Players can traverse the realm from the Wall to King’s Landing, engage in skirmishes or longer campaigns, and their decisions will impact the narrative. A trailer depicts Jon Snow's death and resurrection as a wight, showcasing the game's dynamic storytelling. Additionally, multiple TV spin-offs from the Game of Thrones universe are in development, including the third season of "House of the Dragon" and a new series titled "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School is an open-world puzzle game spanning the whole campus

Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School is set to debut on PC in 2026, and fans can add it to their wishlist on Steam. The sequel expands the original game's concept into an open world where players can explore and uncover secrets. The original Escape Academy attracted over 4 million players. Coin Crew is seeking playtesters through its Discord channel, and the sequel was revealed during the Day of the Devs showcase at Summer Game Fest 2025. The series is published by iam8bit.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I grew up playing Halo, I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we could have Titanfall 3!’: Splitgate 2 boss slams the state of shooters as he surprise launches a battle royale mode

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, announced a battle royale mode for Splitgate 2 at the Summer Game Fest. This new mode introduces portals into the battle royale format, promising a unique gameplay experience. The game aims to blend elements from popular franchises while maintaining its distinct charm. The announcement has generated significant anticipation among players.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

‘I grew up playing Halo, I’m tired of playing the same Call of Duty every year, and I wish we could have Titanfall 3!’: Splitgate 2 boss slams the state of shooters as he surprise launches a battle royale mode

Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games, announced at the Summer Game Fest that Splitgate 2 now features a battle royale mode, available for players immediately. This new mode has been anticipated by the gaming community, and Proulx noted the game's evolution while expressing nostalgia for classic round-based modes. The integration of portals into the battle royale format aims to provide a unique gameplay experience.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

PC finally has its own Breath of the Wild killer, and it’s indistinguishable from the Nintendo game except that you are a boy who is also a tire

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console that features games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. A new game called Tire Boy, unveiled at the Day of the Devs event, features a protagonist with a tractor tire for a head who navigates through lush landscapes and battles creatures. The game involves repairing a radio transmitter to reconnect with lost travelers and includes whimsical elements, such as Tire Boy playing an acoustic guitar. Tire Boy is expected to compete with the Nintendo Switch in the gaming market.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

New ‘Game of Thrones’ PC Strategy Game ‘War for Westeros’ to Launch in 2026

PlaySide Studios, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive, announced a new video game titled “Game of Thrones: War for Westeros” during the Summer Game Fest in Los Angeles. This PC real-time strategy game is inspired by George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and allows players to command factions such as House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King. Players will engage in battles, forge alliances, and utilize unique strategies and heroes from each faction. The game features skirmish matches and a campaign across the Seven Kingdoms, where decisions impact the struggle for dominance. This marks a shift for Warner Bros. Interactive, which has primarily focused on mobile titles for the “Game of Thrones” franchise. A trailer for the game has been released.