portfolio Archives

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Report: The Chinese Room has laid off small number of staff

The Chinese Room has reportedly reduced its workforce, with about ten employees seeking new job opportunities, although the studio has not confirmed the layoffs or the number of affected employees. Studio Director Ed Daly stated that more information about the studio's situation will be shared in the coming weeks. The studio, acquired by Sumo Digital in 2018, recently developed the Siren's Rest DLC for Still Wakes The Deep and took over the development of Paradox's Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 in 2023. Sumo Group has undergone significant changes, shifting back to a work-for-hire model and experiencing departures of its founders and several developers. Speculation exists regarding the future of The Chinese Room, including the possibility of a sale.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Sword of the Sea fuses Journey with Tony Hawk to make a pro skater game that feels as good as it looks

At the Summer Game Fest, players experienced Sword of the Sea, where they navigate desolate dunes as the Wraith, a magical hero on a hoversword, working to restore ancient ocean life. The gameplay allows for a free, mood-based approach without rigid formulas, inspired by the Tony Hawk series and snowboarding. Creative director Matt Nava emphasized that players can recover from mistakes without harsh penalties, enhancing the surfing experience. The game encourages exploration with seamless instructional breaks and features a vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of Nava's previous titles, particularly with its use of the color orange. The design integrates graceful movement and dynamic action, creating a harmonious connection between gameplay and environment.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Xbox inks hardware agreement with AMD

Microsoft has entered into a hardware agreement with AMD to co-engineer silicon for future Xbox consoles and cloud-based technologies. This strategic multi-year partnership aims to enhance gaming technology, improve graphics innovation, and ensure compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries. The collaboration focuses on creating a versatile gaming platform that allows players to access games across multiple devices without being restricted to a single storefront. Microsoft is also working with the Windows team to position Windows as the leading platform for gaming.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 11 gets retro with Vista boot noise bug

Michael has a decade of experience in technology journalism and works at PCWorld as a keyboard enthusiast. He has contributed to publications such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He covers major tech events like CES and Mobile World Congress. Michael resides in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities, including kayaking.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Klei’s next game will make a side-scrolling survival crafter out of Oxygen Not Included’s detailed fluid and heat physics

Klei Entertainment is introducing a new game titled Away Team, a side-scrolling survival crafting platformer featuring a Duplicant separated from their colony. The game includes exploration, base construction, and material gathering using a vacuum tool. Klei Fest 2025 is currently being hosted on Steam, offering discounts on Klei titles, and Away Team is available for wishlisting but does not have a confirmed release date. Klei has also streamed gameplay of Away Team on their Twitch channel.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

3 things I liked and 2 I didn’t after 30 minutes with Grounded 2

Obsidian Entertainment is set to release several games in 2025, including The Outer Worlds 2 in October and Grounded 2, which will launch in early access on July 29. Grounded 2 features a new expansive open world set in a city park that transforms into an alien landscape when players are shrunk to ant size. The map is larger than the original Grounded, and players can use buggies for exploration. The early access will allow players to experience a substantial portion of the map and the first chapter of the story, providing feedback for the final product. Grounded 2 will be available on all platforms except PlayStation.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Upgrading Windows 10 to 11: Here’s everything you need to know

Microsoft is offering a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for eligible devices that meet the minimum system requirements and use the appropriate upgrade tools. Official support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, technical support, and bug fixes. Users can obtain a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of critical security updates. Windows 11 requires specific hardware prerequisites, including TPM 2.0 and compatible processors. Users can check their PC's eligibility for the update using the free PC Integrity Checker app. To upgrade, users can download the Windows 11 Installation Wizard or use the Rufus tool to create a bootable USB stick for installation. Backing up data before upgrading is recommended.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Legendary roguelike dev behind The Binding of Isaac finally reveals the release date for his cat-eugenics strategy game, 13 years after it was originally announced

Mewgenics, a roguelike strategy game focused on breeding cats, will officially launch on February 10, 2026. The game's developer has expressed significant excitement about the project, calling it the "most exciting" he has ever worked on. Players are encouraged to stay informed about future announcements, especially with the Summer Game Fest scheduled for 2025.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Humble’s IGN Live 2025 bundle includes eight PC games for £16.32

Humble has launched a new bundle for IGN Live 2025, featuring eight PC games available on Steam for £16.32. The bundle includes titles such as The Medium, Wartales, Slay the Spire, and art of rally. There are three purchasing options: a three-game bundle for £7.41, a six-game bundle for £11.86, and the full bundle for £16.32. The total retail price of the games is £176.48. Proceeds from the bundle support Child's Play Charity, which provides games to children in hospitals, and it has raised over £13.5k so far. Notable games in the bundle include art of rally, described as visually striking, and The Medium, a horror game with psychic elements. Slay the Spire is highlighted as the highest-rated game in the collection with a 97% "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam.

AppWizard

June 9, 2025

Blumhouse Games Reveals ‘Grave Seasons’, ‘Eyes of Hellfire’ at PC Gaming Show [Trailer]

Blumhouse Games has announced two new titles: Grave Seasons and Eyes of Hellfire. Grave Seasons is a farming simulation game set in the mountain town of Ashenridge, where players engage in activities like fishing and farming while dealing with a supernatural serial killer. It is scheduled for release on Steam and consoles in 2026. Eyes of Hellfire is a cooperative horror game inspired by an Irish secret society, allowing up to five players to navigate a lodge while facing violent entities and breaking unique curses. It will be available in early access on PC via Steam this August.