seasonal content Archives

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

Phasmophobia devs say all that live service malarkey can do one: they focus on making ‘a fun game that people want to play because it’s fun’

Phasmophobia, developed by Kinetic Games, has become a popular ghost-hunting game on PC since its early access launch, earning around 340,000 "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on Steam. The developers emphasize that they do not consider it a live service game, offering only seasonal content without microtransactions or DLCs. They prioritize a healthy work environment and the freedom to release content when it is ready, focusing on player enjoyment rather than constant updates. The game aims to evoke nostalgia for childhood gaming experiences, encouraging players to engage for fun rather than feeling pressured by progression.

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

I returned to Phasmophobia while everyone else was playing Arc Raiders or BF6, and the horror hit has never been better

The author has not played Phasmophobia in the past five years despite being a fan of horror games. Phasmophobia involves players acting as paranormal investigators using ghost-hunting tools to identify ghost types and escape. The game maintains a sense of fear through unique matches and unpredictability. The author notes a significant drawback is the lack of companions for the experience, although solo play can still be exciting. Since its launch, the game has expanded to include new maps and 24 ghost types, with a progression system that rewards players for leveling up and unlocking advanced tools. Each job offers optional quests for XP and cash, adding a risk/reward dynamic. While solo play is possible, smaller maps are easier for lone players, and using a microphone enhances immersion. The game does not have missable seasonal content, allowing players to enjoy it at their own pace. The author returned to the game for the Crimson Eye Halloween event and mentions an upcoming map, Nell's Diner, launching on November 11.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Shocktober Is Back: Thrilling Events, Devilish Deals, and More Reasons to Love Xbox Game Pass

The Xbox Shocktober event runs from October 16 to November 2, featuring live service games, seasonal content, and sales for both console and PC. Highlights include: - Games on Sale: - Hell is Us: A semi-open world game with melee combat and exploration. - Dead by Daylight: Base Game: A survival game where players can be either Survivors or a Killer. - Little Nightmares III Deluxe Edition: Players navigate a nightmarish world with two characters. - New Titles on Xbox Game Pass: - Hogwarts Legacy: An open-world action RPG set in the wizarding world of the 1800s. - The Casting of Frank Stone: A narrative-driven game set in a haunted town influenced by player decisions. - In-Game Halloween Events: - Fortnitemares 2025: Features horror icons like Doja Cat and characters such as Jason and Ghost Face. - Overwatch 2: Haunted Masquerade: A seasonal celebration with spooky themes and cosmetics. - FragPunk: A tower defense mode where players face monsters and uncover chaos in the Shardverse.

AppWizard

October 14, 2025

Amazon’s revamped MMO turned ARPG soars on Steam as paid expansion goes free forever

New World has a vibrant community with thousands of daily players on Steam. Despite a significant update and rebranding a year ago, it hasn't reached the iconic status of games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy 14. Amazon Games has made New World's first paid expansion, Rise of the Angry Earth, free for all players, leading to a notable increase in player activity and achieving a peak player count of 41,000 on October 13, the highest since October 28, 2024. Season 10 introduces new content, including a new zone called Nighthaven, a Catacombs Game Mode, a ten-player raid, and an increase in the level cap to 70 with a gear score of 800. Players who purchased the expansion within the last 30 days will receive a full refund through Steam, and those who did not purchase it can now access it for free.