procedural generation Archives

AppWizard

November 24, 2025

The world’s busiest toilet temporarily made detective sim Shadows of Doubt a murder-free zone: ‘You can’t always legislate for the fact that everyone’s going to need a wee at midnight’

A presentation by Stark Holborn at AdventureX revealed that a glitch in the detective simulation game Shadows of Doubt caused a busy toilet to deter players from committing violent actions nearby. This unexpected interaction added humor to the game and demonstrated how mundane elements can influence gameplay and contribute to crime prevention in a virtual setting.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Fancy playing Sea of Thieves without the PvP? This pirate-themed survival game just left early access with a big update and a launch discount

Salt 2: Shores of Gold is a sequel to the original Salt, which enhances graphics and expands player versus environment (PvE) interactions in an infinite, procedurally generated world. After three years in early access, it has officially transitioned out of alpha development, introducing new features such as a non-playable character (NPC) that offers quests for rare items at level 40, formidable world bosses, and an endgame merchant for ship customization. The latest update also includes gameplay improvements like proper menu pausing, the ability to jump while swimming, and streamlined looting. Lavaboots Studios plans ongoing development with future updates to add new content based on community feedback. To celebrate the release, a 20% discount is offered, reducing the price to £12.39 until November 26.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Arc Raiders dev “in no way uses generative AI whatsoever” for its visuals, but here’s why Embark still has to disclose on Steam

Embark Studios' game Arc Raiders is the third most-wishlisted game on Steam, just behind Subnautica 2 and Valve's Deadlock, with its launch imminent. The game has gained popularity due to its accessible extraction shooter mechanics, including optional account wipes and a pathway for players to recover after losing gear. Its visual aesthetic features vibrant raider gear and robot designs, complemented by a synth-driven soundtrack. Design director Virgil Watkins clarified that Arc Raiders does not use generative AI but employs machine learning for drone locomotion. The game utilizes a text-to-speech system for voice lines, similar to Embark's previous title, The Finals. CEO Patrick Soderlund noted that AI and procedural generation have accelerated the game's development, particularly in content creation pipelines, while emphasizing that generative AI did not influence the game's visual elements.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Starfield isn’t the “calibre” of Fallout or Elder Scrolls, says former dev, but “it would have been received differently” if it weren’t from Bethesda

Starfield has received mixed reactions from players, with some feeling it does not meet the high expectations set by previous Bethesda titles like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Bruce Nesmith, a veteran at Bethesda, stated that while he believes Starfield is a good game, it does not match the caliber of its predecessors. He noted that the game's reliance on procedural generation may hinder player engagement and expressed disappointment in the portrayal of alien life, comparing them unfavorably to wolves in Skyrim. Nesmith suggested that if Starfield had been developed by a different studio, its reception might have been more favorable.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

I’m a gamer. The NO FAKES Act could get me in trouble.

Congress is considering the NO FAKES Act of 2025, which aims to combat AI-generated deepfakes by establishing property rights over one's "digital replica." This legislation could negatively impact the gaming community by making it illegal to create realistic representations of individuals without consent, potentially affecting games that rely on accurate likenesses. The act introduces liability for unauthorized digital replicas, which could lead to censorship and discourage developers from offering diverse customization options. Existing laws already provide protections related to publicity rights and intellectual property, but the NO FAKES Act may disproportionately affect small developers and non-commercial fan projects. Valve has announced plans to require developers to disclose AI use in games, promoting transparency.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

I dove deep into Steam’s 4X Fest, and these are the six best games on discount you should grab before the sale is over

The Steam 4X Fest is currently running until August 18 at 10 am PT, focusing on 4X strategy games. Notable titles featured include: - Age of Wonders: Planetfall (2019, Triumph Studios, .19 / £8.49): A sci-fi 4X game with quirky factions and mod support. - Stellaris (2016, Paradox Development Studio, .99 / £8.74): A complex game set in space, offering unique playthroughs through procedural generation. - Galactic Civilizations 4 (2023, Stardock Entertainment, .99 / £15.24): An approachable 4X game allowing players to craft spaceships and choose various strategies. - Age of Wonders 4 (2023, Triumph Studios, .99 / £25.19): Features asymmetrical factions, cross-platform multiplayer, and customization options. - Civilization 6 (2016, Firaxis Games, .99 / £4.99): A popular entry in the series with engaging gameplay and expansions that enhance replayability.

AppWizard

August 7, 2025

Peregrino: A Brutal, Yet Stylish, Survival-Management Game

On August 6, a new survival-management game titled Peregrino was announced for PC. The game features isometric gameplay where players guide a caravan of pilgrims through a harsh landscape, making decisions that significantly impact the group's survival. It includes a cast of characters with unique motivations and emotional backgrounds, and players must manage resources while facing moral dilemmas. The game emphasizes emotional and strategic implications of choices, contrasting with lighter titles in the genre. Visually, it employs a painterly aesthetic with a muted color palette and haunting soundscapes, enhancing the immersive experience. Peregrino focuses on endurance and adaptation rather than empire-building, with characters evolving based on player decisions. The game is currently in development and does not have a confirmed release date.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

This brilliant dark and moody cyberpunk city builder is my kind of cosy game—and for less than $7 you might as well see if it’s yours too

Dystopika is a low-pressure city-building game that challenges traditional cozy aesthetics by offering a darker, more complex experience. Players construct megacities filled with towering structures and vibrant holograms, evoking a unique sense of coziness amid a harsh environment. The game features a simple interface, allowing players to focus on creativity with customization options for colors, sizes, and personal images. It incorporates procedural generation, enabling smaller buildings to emerge organically, creating a vibrant ecosystem. The developer, Voids Within, has released updates that introduce new districts, props, and a synth soundtrack. Dystopika is priced under £6, providing an accessible and uncomplicated escape for players.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Dwarf Fortress sells 1 million copies on Steam, so now Bay 12 Games can afford that ‘little party’ it planned

Dwarf Fortress has sold over 1 million copies on Steam since its launch, as announced by publisher Kitfox Games. The game, previously available for free for nearly two decades, gained popularity after its Steam release in late 2022, selling half a million copies in two months. The updated user interface and hand-drawn tiles attracted both new and long-time players. Following an adventure mode update, sales predictions were confirmed less than three months later. Tarn and Zach Adams, the game's creators, have hinted at celebrations for this milestone. Kitfox indicated that the game is entering a new development phase with a focus on new features and enhancements. Ongoing projects include improvements to siege mechanics, site building in adventure mode, and revisions to subterranean layers.