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Marathon's Game Director admits it's "overwhelming to learn" and too sweaty
AppWizard
May 15, 2026

Marathon’s Game Director admits it’s “overwhelming to learn” and too sweaty

Marathon, developed by Bungie, has a specialized appeal that may hinder sustainable growth, as noted by Game Director Joe Ziegler. He described the game's learning curve as "overwhelming" and gameplay as a "hardcore sweat-fiesta," indicating a need for more relaxed options. Since its launch nearly three months ago, the game has fostered a growing core community, with players contributing fan art and lore videos. Key observations from Season 1 include the overwhelming experience for newcomers, the chaotic endgame balance, and the demand for less intense gameplay. For Season 2, two new PvE-focused modes will be introduced, including one that blends PvE with PvP and another emphasizing cooperative gameplay. New features will include the Night Marsh zone, a defensive Runner shell named 'Sentinel,' fresh weapons, and improved customization options. Additional anticipated features are a Duos rotating zone queue, a revamped matchmaking system, and an expansion of Vault size. Bungie is also working on enhancing the onboarding experience and contract system. Season 2 is set to launch on June 2, with more details to be revealed in late May.
15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU
AppWizard
May 14, 2026

15 PC Games That Rely More on CPU Than GPU

In competitive gaming, unique character abilities combined with a 5v5 format create innovative experiences, with high stakes in competitive shooters where low frame rates can lead to defeat, demanding on CPU resources. Baldur’s Gate 3 features an immersive storyline and expansive world, requiring a robust CPU due to its intricate physics and character interactions. Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020 onwards) is a CPU-intensive simulation game that offers real-time world streaming, dynamic weather, and air traffic management. GTA Online allows players to engage in a sprawling open world of crime, with complex AI interactions that demand substantial processing power. Civilization VI, while not graphically intensive, requires significant CPU load for its intricate gameplay mechanics and constant calculations. Counter-Strike 2 demands high FPS and stable frame rates, making it extremely CPU-intensive due to its tactical team-based combat. World of Warcraft is one of the most CPU-intensive MMOs, requiring significant processing power for large-scale battles and exploration. Total War: WARHAMMER III places considerable demands on CPU performance due to its real-time warfare mechanics with vast armies. Overwatch relies on steady frame rates and real-time calculations, necessitating a powerful CPU, while also depending on the GPU for optimal performance. Minecraft's resource generation and real-time world building place significant demands on the CPU across various modes. Call of Duty: Warzone requires a powerful CPU to maintain fast frame rates and execute numerous physics-related calculations on a massive map. Starfield is one of the most demanding PC games of 2023, emphasizing the need for a capable CPU to handle its complex mechanics and expansive environments.
Doom is 10 years old today, and you can pick it up for just $2 on Steam
AppWizard
May 14, 2026

Doom is 10 years old today, and you can pick it up for just $2 on Steam

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 reboot of Doom, which has established its own legacy in the first-person shooter genre. Bethesda Softworks has reduced the price of Doom on Steam to £1.59/€2, a 90% discount from its regular price. The sale includes a variety of other titles and will end on May 15.
PC 20+ Game Bundle Costs Under $1 Per Game, Saves $100s In Total
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

PC 20+ Game Bundle Costs Under $1 Per Game, Saves $100s In Total

Fanatical has launched the Build Your Own Killer Bundle, featuring 27 games that gamers can select to create their own bundle. The pricing structure allows for significant savings: starting at £5.75 for five or more games (£1.15 each), £1 per game for 10 or more titles (totaling £9.99), and £0.95 each for 20 games (starting at £18.99). The complete bundle costs £25.64, offering a 95% discount from the original retail price of £476.06. Notable titles include Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game, Copycat, Sniper Elite 4 Deluxe Edition, and various Enhanced Editions of Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights. Each game includes a Steam key, and compatibility information for Steam Deck users is provided. Availability is limited to stock on hand.
Absent a Left 4 Dead 3, modders are turning Team Fortress 2 into COD Zombies instead
AppWizard
May 10, 2026

Absent a Left 4 Dead 3, modders are turning Team Fortress 2 into COD Zombies instead

Mann Versus Zombies is a total-conversion mod for Team Fortress 2 developed by Breadworks, transforming the game into a horde survival experience similar to Call of Duty Zombies. It features an endless onslaught of zombie hordes, allowing players to start with a sidearm and earn cash to upgrade weapons and purchase temporary perks. The mod supports solo and cooperative gameplay for up to eight players and reintroduces the character Merasmus. Mann Versus Zombies is set to launch on Steam soon, with full Steam Workshop support for custom maps and skins. Team Fortress 2 is free to play.
2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: 'It's become clear that changes need to be made'
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

2K Games confirms layoffs at Project Ethos shooter studio and hints at new design direction: ‘It’s become clear that changes need to be made’

31st Union, a studio under 2K Games, has confirmed layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of employees as it continues development on Project Ethos, a free-to-play hero shooter unveiled in 2024. Studio head Ben Brinkman indicated that changes were necessary to achieve the studio's goals. Project Ethos was initially described as a "roguelike hero shooter," but it allows players to choose randomized buffs during matches and features gameplay similar to Fortnite. The studio's previous head, Michael Condrey, was dismissed shortly after the game's announcement, and updates on Project Ethos have been limited since then. The layoffs at 31st Union follow similar cuts at 2K Games' Cloud Chamber in 2025. Take-Two Interactive's CEO has expressed disappointment over the lengthy development timelines for new titles, including the BioShock installment. Despite these challenges, Brinkman remains optimistic about the future of Project Ethos and the team's direction.
New PUBG game, inspired by Escape from Tarkov, gets free playtest
AppWizard
May 8, 2026

New PUBG game, inspired by Escape from Tarkov, gets free playtest

The gaming genre of extraction shooters is gaining popularity, with titles like Arc Raiders and Escape From Tarkov leading the way. Krafton, the developer of PUBG, has introduced a new game called Black Budget, which incorporates a supernatural element while maintaining realistic gameplay. Players in Black Budget must infiltrate dangerous locations, collect valuable items, and escape within a 30-minute time limit, facing threats from both other players and AI creatures. The game is set on a tropical island with a shrinking playable area, forcing players to make strategic decisions. An upcoming playtest for Black Budget is available for interested players, following a successful initial Alpha test with nearly 10,000 participants.
Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they 'make it free to play and keep the servers online indefinitely' anyway
AppWizard
May 7, 2026

Indie shooter devs pull a reverse-Concord: No one played their game, but they ‘make it free to play and keep the servers online indefinitely’ anyway

Blindfire, a multiplayer first-person shooter, has officially launched after a year and a half in early access. The game features a unique mechanic that requires players to use their senses and technology to detect opponents. Developers Double Eleven have made the game free-to-play to ensure the servers remain operational for years, despite active development concluding about a year ago. The full release includes a final update with two new weapons, achievements, new skins, and full haptic support. An "Audio Aim Assist" feature has been added for blind and partially sighted players, providing audio cues for orientation and enemy detection. The developers expressed pride in their work, despite not achieving mainstream success, and the community hopes for self-hosting options in the future.
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