The absence of "Half-Life 3" is felt by fans of first-person sci-fi gaming, but there are alternative titles that capture similar gameplay experiences.
"System Shock 2," released in 1999, is set aboard a starship in the 22nd century where players awaken from cryogenic sleep to find the crew transformed by alien parasites, featuring a partnership with the AI SHODAN. A remaster was released in 2025.
"Deus Ex," launched in 2000, places players in a dystopian future as JC Denton, a cybernetically enhanced agent navigating conspiracies and making choices that affect humanity's future.
"Quake 4," released in 2005, is a sequel to "Quake II," where players control Matthew Kane during an invasion of the Strogg home planet, focusing on single-player storytelling and refined gameplay.
"Crysis," released in 2007, is set in 2020, where a Delta Force unit investigates an archaeological discovery and faces aliens and North Korean forces, emphasizing action and an engaging storyline. A remaster was released in 2020.
"Metro 2033," based on Dmitry Glukhovsky's novel, immerses players in post-apocalyptic Moscow, where survivors live in the subway system and face hostile factions and mutated creatures, presenting a survival horror experience.
Digiphile has launched a PC bundle called the Landfall x Aggro Crab Showcase, featuring eight acclaimed titles, to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation in celebration of World Wish Day. The bundle is available for purchase until May 12 at 6 PM PT or until keys sell out, with a total value of 0. The minimum purchase price is set at , and any amount exceeding this will go directly to Make-A-Wish. An optional add-on for game soundtracks and artwork also benefits the charity. The eight games included in the bundle are:
1. PEAK: A co-op climbing game where players team up to scale a mountain and escape an island.
2. Content Warning: A co-op horror game focused on exploring eerie locations while avoiding monsters.
3. Another Crab’s Treasure: A soulslike game where players, as a hermit crab, hunt for treasure to reclaim its shell.
4. HASTE: A running game that challenges players to navigate procedural worlds while racing against the universe's end.
5. Totally Accurate Battle Simulator: A humorous battle simulator featuring chaotic, physics-defying battles.
6. Going Under: A satirical dungeon crawler where players battle through a tech startup using office supplies.
7. Subway Midnight: A light horror game where players evade a pursuer on a train while solving puzzles.
8. Stick Fight: The Game: A physics-based fighting game featuring stickmen with both online and couch co-op gameplay.
Board games remain a popular option for players in 2026, with the transition to mobile platforms giving access to timeless entertainment. Examples include Chess.com, Checkers, and Scrabble.
Metro 2039 is the next installment in 4A Games' Metro series, with a reveal scheduled for April 16 during an Xbox online showcase. The game follows previous titles Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, and Metro Exodus, which explore post-apocalyptic narratives in the Moscow subway system. The conclusion of Metro Exodus suggests a potential narrative direction for Metro 2039, possibly revisiting underground themes. The reveal will be streamed live at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM UK, and previous Metro games are currently available at discounts of up to 90% on various platforms.
Neverway is a debut game by Coldblood Inc. that combines elements of a farming simulator with a darker narrative focused on self-reflection, mental health struggles, and spiritual rebirth. The protagonist, Fiona, deals with the aftermath of losing her job and experiences feelings of manic depression as she navigates a city filled with hostility. The gameplay involves a mix of combat mechanics and strategic thinking, where players can unlock new abilities by forming bonds with island inhabitants. The game features a dynamic soundtrack composed by Disasterpiece, enhancing the emotional experience. Neverway is set to be released in 2026 and has garnered anticipation for its unique blend of genres and immersive storytelling.
An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.
Android 16 introduced Live Updates, a feature that prioritizes important notifications like transit directions and Uber progress, making them easily accessible without needing to open the app. Live Updates display information in a bubble or chip in the status bar, allowing users to glance at their screens for essential updates. This feature is particularly useful for public transport users and drivers, as it integrates seamlessly into the Android interface, appearing in the notification drop-down, on the lock screen, and on the always-on display. However, the adoption of Live Updates among developers has been low, with only a few apps like Uber, byAir, and Flud utilizing it effectively. Many Google applications, such as the Clock app and the Google app, have not integrated Live Updates, raising concerns about the feature's future viability.
