storytelling Archives

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Not long left to save big on these Steam Deck games under $1 at Fanatical, all verified by Valve

Fanatical is hosting a summer sale featuring discounts on hundreds of games, including titles for the Steam Deck priced under . The sale includes a selection of Steam Deck Verified games, ensuring compatibility without adjustments. Notable indie titles available for under include: - Indie Title 1: A charming adventure with captivating storytelling. - Indie Title 2: A puzzle game that challenges wits and creativity. - Indie Title 3: A platformer combining nostalgia with modern mechanics. - Indie Title 4: An exploration game inviting players to uncover mysteries.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Tourism New Zealand Launches AI Trip Planner with Minecraft Integration to Inspire Global Travellers

Travellers can use an AI trip planner powered by GuideGeek technology on newzealand.com, which provides real-time answers to travel inquiries and connects to a fully playable Minecraft destination created by Tourism New Zealand. The AI offers personalized travel tips based on individual interests and integrates data from over 1,000 travel information sources. The Minecraft collaboration features digital recreations of New Zealand locations, enhancing engagement and curiosity about actual sites. Since its launch in late 2024, the AI has attracted around 200,000 unique users, who engage 600% more than average visitors. The initiative promotes New Zealand's cultural heritage through collaboration with Māori groups and local businesses, supporting both popular and lesser-known destinations. Future enhancements for the AI tool may include voice assistance and itinerary sharing.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

New Free Steam Game Is One of the Best of 2025 So Far

A new free game, Summer in Mara, is being offered through Fanatical for 48 hours, expiring on August 13, contingent on stock availability. It is a cozy farming adventure developed by Chibig, originally released in 2020, and has received over 1,300 user reviews with a 76% approval rating. This is the first time the game has been available for free on Steam or any other platform. The game typically costs a certain amount and offers 20 to 30 hours of gameplay. Its compatibility with the Steam Deck is currently listed as “Unknown,” indicating potential performance variability. To access the free game, players must sign up for the Fanatical newsletter.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

4 PC-exclusive classics that deserve a modern remake

Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines (2004) is a flawed masterpiece that struggled with bugs and unfinished elements at release but features sharp writing and memorable characters. A modern remake could refine its dialogue and enhance gameplay. The first Witcher game, while adhering to the source material and featuring strong character development, suffers from clunky mechanics and performance issues. Rumors suggest a remake is in the works to update controls and accessibility. Half-Life 2 (2004) set a new standard for first-person shooters but has aged, particularly in visual fidelity. A modern remake could enhance graphics and AI, and address unresolved plot points. Thief: The Dark Project (1998) introduced stealth mechanics focused on subtlety and patience. A modern remake could improve its mechanics with advanced AI and ray-traced lighting, redefining the stealth genre.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Semi-open World Puzzler ‘Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times’ Hits PC & Consoles Early 2026

Developer SlugGlove and publisher Yogscast Games announced their upcoming semi-open world puzzle adventure game, Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times, set to launch on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation in early 2026. Players will craft spells by combining magical runes to solve environmental puzzles across 14 main areas, with over 102 million possible spell combinations. The game features a narrative-driven experience where players guide Rhell, a mage, and her companion Beesle, as they uncover clues and interact with various characters. Rhell will be showcased at the Tiny Teams festival from August 7-14, and a demo is available on Steam.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

WhatsApp Might Soon Let You Send Motion Photos With Audio and Movements

WhatsApp for Android is testing a new feature called motion photos, which captures audio and movement before and after a snapshot. This feature is available in the beta version 2.25.22.29 for select testers on Google Play. It is indicated by a new icon with a play button in the image selection interface. Motion photos are described as recordings of moments surrounding a photo, enhancing the photo-sharing experience. Users can only send motion photos if their devices support this functionality, but they can view them regardless of their device's capabilities. The feature aims to prevent motion photos from being converted into video files when shared. There is no timeline for its official launch yet.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

Google can make AI good if it puts its mind to it. The Storybook Gem is proof

Skepticism towards artificial intelligence exists, with some viewing the surge in AI development as profit-driven, particularly by companies like Google. Google has introduced Gemini, which features Storybook, allowing users to create a 10-page children's book by specifying a theme and illustrations. This tool enhances user experience and fosters creativity, especially for storytelling between grandparents and grandchildren. However, there are concerns about the misuse of AI technology. The text reflects on Google's past initiatives aimed at positive societal impact, contrasting them with a current focus on consumer products. There is a desire for more user-friendly applications that benefit society, such as tools for children to learn coding or assist seniors. The integration of Gemini AI into devices like the Google Pixel 9 Pro demonstrates how technology can enhance creativity and everyday experiences.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

‘Let’s just kill everyone on the station:’ The videogame audio log was apparently invented to avoid ‘awkward’ RPG dialogue trees

Marc LeBlanc, a programmer from Looking Glass Studios, discussed the innovative design of audio logs in the game System Shock during a Nightdive podcast episode. The team aimed to move away from traditional RPG mechanics, avoiding the limitations of D&D-style stats and skills that could frustrate players. They rejected the idea of conversation trees with NPCs, seeking a more immersive narrative delivery. Designer Austin Grossman suggested using audio logs by having all characters dead, allowing players to access their diaries. This approach streamlined storytelling and enhanced player engagement. LeBlanc acknowledged that while audio logs can be overused today, they remain effective for narrative delivery, offering players choices in how they engage with the story.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

The follow-up to one of the decade’s best detective games will have you selling cursed antiques to Victorian weirdos next month

Strange Antiquities, the sequel to 2022's Strange Horticulture, is set to launch on September 17. The game allows players to sell eldritch antiques to various townsfolk in a curiosity shop located in the Lake District. The developer, Bad Viking, aims to enhance the experience by encouraging players to feel like investigators of the occult, focusing on exploration and deduction. The success of Strange Horticulture has led to similar games, such as Do No Harm, which features a doctor treating a town with unusual ailments and incorporates Lovecraftian themes.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

I finally played Duke Nukem Forever’s unfinished 2001 build, and while it probably would have been better than Gearbox’s fiasco, it still wouldn’t hold up today

Duke Nukem Forever was released in 2011 with outdated graphics and gameplay compared to its ambitious 2001 E3 trailer. A playable prototype of the 2001 version surfaced, revealing various levels and features, including the Ladykiller Casino and Hoover Dam, but it was unfinished and plagued by glitches. The prototype included navigational puzzles, scripted events, and innovative mechanics like vending machines for healing items. Combat mechanics showed potential, with satisfying weapon dynamics, but the overall experience felt disjointed and less cohesive as it progressed. The prototype demonstrated ambitious ideas but likely would not have stood the test of time alongside classics like Quake or Half-Life.