simulation Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Poking around Hytale’s unfinished sandbox is the first time I’ve felt hope for a voxel RPG since Cube World broke my heart (twice)

Cube World is a voxel-based, procedurally generated RPG released in 2019 that failed to meet player expectations due to a lack of engaging content, minimal NPC interaction, and monotonous exploration. The game was criticized for its hollow adventure and mindless combat. In contrast, other titles like Dragon Quest Builders and V Rising successfully combine survival, crafting, and narrative depth. Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, aims to learn from Cube World's shortcomings, offering a voxel world with dynamic combat and a promising adventure mode. Hytale features engaging combat mechanics and has a strong focus on modding, with nearly 4,000 user-generated mods available. The game has rekindled interest in the open-world survival crafting genre, standing out as a promising contender.

BetaBeacon

February 11, 2026

Game Dev Story Temporarily Free on Android and iOS Mobile Devices

Kairosoft is offering the Android and iOS versions of Game Dev Story for free for one day only to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

In a beautifully ironic twist, a YouTuber attempting a pacifist run of Bully discovered a secret weapon hidden for almost 20 years: ‘I can see why they tried to lock it inside a building’

A long-hidden weapon, the sledgehammer, has been discovered in Rockstar's game Bully by YouTuber JustGarrison while attempting a pacifist run. This weapon, previously restricted to a boss fight, became accessible during the mission 'The Tenements' through a glitch that allowed players to manipulate the game map. JustGarrison expressed excitement about the find, noting its violent nature and the controversy surrounding the game's release. Additionally, Dan Houser from Rockstar revealed that plans for a sequel, Bully 2, were shelved due to management issues, and a fan-created multiplayer experience, Bully Online, was shut down likely due to legal challenges.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Atom Zombie Smasher, a 15-year-old game, just got updated out of the blue on Steam

Atom Zombie Smasher has received a recent patch to celebrate its 15th anniversary, enhancing the gameplay experience. The game is currently available on Steam with a 50% discount. Blendo Games, the developer, has also created other acclaimed titles such as Gravity Bone, Thirty Flights of Loving, and Skin Deep, which won the Best Immersive Sim award in 2025.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Cairn review

Cairn is a limb-by-limb climbing simulation game set for release on January 30, 2026, developed by The Game Bakers. Players take on the role of Aava, a renowned mountain climber, as she attempts to conquer Mount Kami. The game features a 15-hour journey focused on the careful placement of limbs on rock faces, with mechanics that initially seem unrefined but encourage players to adapt. Aava faces challenges such as narrow ledges and a diegetic stamina system indicated by her physical state. Players can place pitons as temporary safe zones during climbs, which require strategic placement due to their limited availability. The game incorporates survival mechanics, emphasizing Aava's need to eat, drink, and rest. Aava's character is developed through her struggles and interactions with other climbers, with a focus on realism and emotional stakes. The game features stunning art and atmospheric weather dynamics, drawing comparisons to titles like Death Stranding and Baby Steps while establishing its own identity.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

GeForce NOW Brings GeForce RTX Gaming to Linux PCs

The native GeForce NOW app for Linux PCs is now available in beta, supporting Ubuntu 24.04 and later, allowing users to stream games with GeForce RTX capabilities directly from the cloud. The app introduces ten new games, including The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut and The Bard’s Tale Trilogy. It offers high-performance gaming with resolutions up to 5K and 120 fps or 1080p at 360 fps. The app is optimized for PCs and notebooks, providing a native experience similar to the existing GeForce NOW app for Windows and macOS. New game releases include Cairn, The Midnight Walkers, Prototype, Prototype 2, Warhammer 40,000: SPACE MARINE 2, Half Sword, Vampires: Bloodlord Rising, and Total War: Three Kingdoms.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a chaotic yet brilliant RPG, and you haven’t got long to get it cheaper than ever

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a triple-A RPG that has garnered mixed reactions from players, with some appreciating its depth while others find it lacking. Players take on the role of the Arisen, tasked with summoning Pawns and confronting a Dragon. The game features a 'Vocation' system that allows players to choose and change classes, enhancing combat strategy. Since its release, the game has improved in performance, and it has received a rating of 7/10 from a recent review. Currently, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available for .06, a 64% discount, but this offer ends on February 1, 2025, at 4 PM PT.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

I never thought Stardew Valley and Diablo could coexist in one game, but then I saw Emberville

Emberville is a new game combining elements of Stardew Valley and Diablo, set to release in Summer 2026. The game features an intricate class system where players earn classes through in-game discoveries and can switch between them, with some skills being transferable across classes. It includes a randomized loot system, allowing items to drop from defeated enemies, while retaining core elements like NPC interactions, farming, crafting, and fishing. The game will feature voice acting from notable actors, including Alex Jordan and Dougle Cockle, and will launch into Steam Early Access in Summer 2026.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

Maybe I should just buy Factorio? I’d like Arknights: Endfield a lot more if it would stop trying to be Genshin Impact and just let me build

The anime gacha game market is becoming increasingly similar, with Genshin Impact as a dominant influence. New titles often struggle to differentiate themselves, leading to a saturation of open-world action RPGs with collectible anime characters. Arknights: Endfield introduces a unique factory-building mechanic, allowing players to mine materials and manage conveyor belt systems, which sets it apart from typical gacha games. Honkai: Star Rail is noted for its turn-based gameplay and humor, while other titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Genshin Impact feature vibrant character designs but face challenges with monetization strategies that can detract from gameplay enjoyment. Despite the innovations in Endfield, it still caters to the Genshin Impact audience, highlighting a desire for more engaging gameplay without the complexities of traditional action RPGs.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Nightdive boss says no one’s making immersive sims because they appeal to ‘a very small, niche group’ and tend to ‘come together at the 12th hour,’ even though it’s obviously the best genre

The immersive simulation genre is considered a pinnacle of gaming, offering unique experiences that blend creativity and interaction. However, the production of immersive sims is rare due to financial challenges. Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, noted that these games typically appeal to a small, dedicated fanbase, which is insufficient to influence corporate decisions. Despite this, Kick and his team pursue these games for their artistic value rather than financial performance. The development of immersive sims is complex, with the game's essence often crystallizing only in the final stages. Nightdive Studios has managed to allocate the necessary resources for their projects, but as budgets increase, companies become less willing to take risks on niche audiences. Even successful immersive sims may only reach a limited audience of dedicated fans and industry insiders.