relationships Archives

BetaBeacon

December 24, 2024

Bandai Namco and Koei Tecmo announce Kingdom: Hadou for iOS, Android

Bandai Namco and Koei Tecmo announced Kingdom: Hadou, a free-to-play strategy game for iOS and Android in Japan. Closed beta test in mid-to-late January 2025, applications open until January 2, 2025 for 5,000 users.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

Locomoto is worth checking out if you’re all about trains, but I’m more excited about character customisation

Locomoto is a unique gaming title that allows players to embrace their inner conductor while focusing on vehicle personalization rather than traditional train operation mechanics. Players can create customizable animal avatars, fine-tuning details like ear shape and overall appearance. The game encourages interactions with other cute animal characters, fostering a sense of community. Players can also redecorate their trains, choosing from various aesthetic styles. The game emphasizes simplicity, avoiding complex manuals typical of train simulations, which allows for a more relaxed gameplay experience. Locomoto is set to be released in 2025, and anticipation is growing for details on character and carriage customizations.

AppWizard

December 11, 2024

All-in-one SDK is exactly what your app needs for effective monetization

Users globally spent 1 billion on mobile app purchases in 2023. Over 95% of mobile apps in the global AdTech market utilize SDKs. Custom SDKs enable advanced features like targeted advertising, real-time bidding, and diverse ad formats. SDKs facilitate comprehensive tracking of user engagement and ad performance metrics. Partnering with a programmatic advertising company can simplify ad management processes for publishers. The integration of SDKs is expected to remain in high demand through 2025 and beyond, aligning with regulatory frameworks like GDPR and CCPA.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Factorio, but cozy? Little Rocket Lab is a factory builder with plenty of Stardew Valley vibes

Little Rocket Lab is a game developed by Teenage Astronauts and published by No More Robots, blending life simulation with factory building. Players assume the role of Morgan, an engineer who helps townsfolk by constructing automated assembly lines and building a rocket ship while engaging with the local community. The game was showcased at the Wholesome Snack event and aims to appeal to fans of both farming and factory simulation genres.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

20 best PC games to play right now

Neva is an adventure game exploring themes of survival, nature, and loss, where players navigate life and death challenges through emotional narratives and puzzles. Alan Wake 2 is a psychological survival horror sequel featuring protagonists Alan Wake and FBI agent Saga Anderson, focusing on complex puzzles and survival mechanics. Balatro reimagines poker with special decks and magical cards, altering traditional gameplay dynamics. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes combines puzzle-solving with visual storytelling in a mysterious world. Cult of the Lamb is a rogue-like game where players build a cult as a lamb saved from death, blending action and resource management. Hades II follows Melinoë on a quest against Kronos, introducing new gods and mechanics in a roguelike format. Elden Ring is an open-world action RPG with vast exploration and dynamic combat in a dark fantasy setting. Still Wakes the Deep is a narrative-driven horror game set on an oil rig, exploring psychological and supernatural horror. Rollerdrome combines third-person shooting with roller-skating in a dystopian future. Tunic features a small fox exploring a mysterious world filled with puzzles and secrets. The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood allows players to craft tarot cards that shape destinies in a narrative-driven experience. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is an adventure game inspired by Japanese mythology, focusing on fast-paced combat and strategic elements. The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series compiles all seasons of the series, emphasizing choice-driven gameplay and character evolution. Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing game set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, featuring deep RPG mechanics and impactful decisions. League of Legends is a free-to-play MOBA game known for its strategy and team coordination. Cocoon is a puzzle-adventure game where players navigate between realms and solve intricate puzzles. Kentucky Route Zero is an adventure game exploring American culture through surreal storytelling. Valorant is a tactical first-person shooter that combines traditional mechanics with hero abilities. Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG set in Eorzea, known for its rich story and extensive content updates. Half-Life 2 features protagonist Gordon Freeman in a dystopian world, celebrated for its innovative gameplay and narrative.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

Google removes several active Android “SpyLoan” apps after McAfee detects over eight million downloads

Android users are facing a persistent threat from SpyLoan applications, which are malicious apps designed to deceive individuals into seeking quick loans. A recent investigation by McAfee identified fifteen new SpyLoan apps that have collectively been downloaded eight million times. Although Google has removed these apps from the Play Store, experts expect the threat to continue as cybercriminals adapt their tactics. These apps, categorized as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), use social engineering to collect sensitive user information by presenting themselves as legitimate financial tools. Users often receive less than the promised loan amount while being required to repay the full sum along with additional fees. In December 2023, Google removed a previous batch of SpyLoan apps that had over twelve million downloads. The latest campaigns are targeting regions like Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, using methods such as requiring a one-time password for download validation. Users are pressured to provide personal information, including identification, employment details, and banking data, which can then be used for harassment and blackmail.

AppWizard

November 27, 2024

These AI Minecraft characters did weirdly human stuff all on their own

A multitude of AI characters, numbering up to 1,000, have adapted and flourished in the Minecraft universe, engaging in various activities such as establishing professions, sharing memes, and voting on tax reforms. This project, led by AI startup Altera, aims to model human group dynamics and create large-scale AI civilizations. Altera secured over a million in funding and demonstrated an AI-controlled character in Minecraft. Their initiative, Project Sid, involves simulated AI agents with complex "brains" that exhibit distinct personalities and specialize in roles like builders and traders. The agents demonstrated emergent behaviors, such as creating cultural memes and propagating a parody religion, Pastafarianism. While the agents mimic human behaviors learned from training data, they are not considered "alive." Altera plans to expand its efforts into platforms like Roblox and aims to create digital humans capable of genuine care and collaboration. However, experts remain skeptical about the potential for machines to replicate genuine emotions.

AppWizard

November 23, 2024

This humanities professor wants students to study video games. He explains why in this Q&A

Humanities professors Michael Call and Brian Croxall at BYU have launched a video gaming initiative that combines technology and the humanities. Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., students attend a lecture on a selected video game, followed by gameplay throughout the week. The initiative began with games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft and aims to explore various games and their cultural significance. Croxall emphasizes the artistic value of video games, comparing them to traditional forms of art. Call highlights the historical connection between 17th-century French society and gaming, noting the lack of academic discussion around video games on campus. The series provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among faculty. Call points out the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of gaming, while also cautioning against excessive gaming. He encourages mindfulness and moderation in gaming habits. Call also shares a personal connection to Star Wars Battlefront 2, illustrating the emotional impact of video games.

AppWizard

November 22, 2024

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: TOKIMEKI Roadmap to the Future adds PC version

Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club: TOKIMEKI Roadmap to the Future will be released on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch on April 24, 2025. This is the first visual novel for the Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club. The game's story involves the player losing memories of the club and working with its members to reclaim those experiences. Key features include engaging with club members, experiencing unique events, gathering memories, and navigating different endings based on player choices. A 20-minute gameplay video is available for preview.

AppWizard

November 19, 2024

The 23 best PC games you can play right now for 2024

Still Wakes the Deep is set on the Beira D oil rig, where players encounter eldritch creatures and grotesque environments. The rig is described as a labyrinthine industrial platform, affected by unseen forces. Gameplay follows the first-person horror genre, emphasizing survival with no firearms, only a screwdriver for interaction. The game features full voice acting from a Scottish cast, enhancing the narrative. It combines horror with a poignant story about relationships and sacrifice, making it a notable title in interactive media.