tabletop Archives

AppWizard

September 7, 2026

‘If you’re designing an RPG, you have to go back to the source:’ The post-apocalyptic RPG Entropy takes notes from Fallout and a long-abandoned Warhammer spinoff

Entropy is an early access RPG developed by the creators of Dread Delusion, marking a shift towards a JRPG style reminiscent of Final Fantasy 10 and Lost Odyssey, while also incorporating elements from PC gaming traditions. The game features a larger party size for tactical battles, permadeath mechanics, and locational damage. Lead developer James Wragg emphasizes the influence of tabletop gaming on the design, allowing for extensive character customization and creative freedom due to its low-fi graphics. Entropy is currently available in early access on Steam, along with a free demo for players.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

I played just one hour of Total War: Warhammer 40,000 and it was the highlight of my year

Creative Assembly revealed new details about Total War: Warhammer 40,000 during Gamescom. The game features a dynamic gameplay experience, where the battlefield evolves and players must adapt their strategies. Positioning is crucial, with options for flanking, distractions, and breaching defenses. The game retains core Total War mechanics while introducing new features and emphasizing ranged combat. Players can enjoy the chaos of battle, even without a background in the Warhammer universe. The preview session provided an engaging experience that left players excited about the game's future.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

How to Protect Against Ransomware: 13 Steps [2026]

Global ransomware attacks increased by 0.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026. The group Qilin has 279 confirmed victims, maintaining its position as the leading threat actor for four consecutive quarters. The rival group The Gentlemen saw a 62% increase in victims, reaching 269. Checkpoint Research's report indicates a shift in the ransomware landscape, challenging the narrative of declining attacks. IBM's analysis shows breaches within supply chains and third-party vendors have quadrupled over the past five years. Effective ransomware protection requires administrative access to endpoints, firewalls, and backup systems, along with specific software versions and tools. The 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy is recommended, emphasizing offline, immutable backups. Organizations should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all access points and actively patch known vulnerabilities. Network segmentation is crucial to limit ransomware spread, and canary files can provide early warnings of attacks. Regular phishing simulations and a well-documented incident response plan are essential for preparedness.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

PC Game Pass Has Some Seriously Good Turn-Based RPGs

The text discusses various turn-based RPGs and strategy games available on Xbox Game Pass, highlighting 17 standout titles. 1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - A turn-based RPG with innovative combat mechanics and a compelling narrative centered around the Paintress. 2. Heroes of Might and Magic II & III - Classic strategy games known for exploration, resource management, and tactical battles. 3. South Park: The Fractured But Whole - An RPG with grid-based combat and tactical elements, infused with the show's humor. 4. Wasteland 3 - A CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring intricate storytelling and strategic turn-based combat. 5. BATTLETECH - A tactical mech combat game focused on managing a mercenary company and strategic planning. 6. Death Howl - Combines grid movement with deckbuilding mechanics in a dark narrative. 7. Echo Generation 2 - Introduces deckbuilding mechanics and multiple characters with a voxel art style. 8. For The King II - A blend of tabletop RPG elements and roguelite mechanics, designed for group play. 9. Gears Tactics - A tactical turn-based game that transitions from a third-person shooter, encouraging aggressive playstyles. 10. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era - Revitalizes the classic formula with modern production values. 11. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Continues the turn-based combat from its predecessor with an expansive world. 12. Persona 5 Royal - A defining JRPG that balances everyday life with supernatural adventures and stylish turn-based combat. 13. The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut - A first-person dungeon crawler with exploration and puzzle-solving elements. 14. The Thaumaturge - Set in early 20th-century Warsaw, featuring political tension and supernatural intrigue in its narrative. 15. Wartales - Focuses on managing mercenaries in a medieval world, emphasizing survival and personal storytelling. 16. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire - Offers a turn-based mode in a richly detailed world with complex narratives. 17. Phoenix Point - A tactical game that serves as a successor to XCOM, featuring a unique free-aim system and evolving enemy mechanics.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Even though turn-based and real time RPGs ‘have their loud, vocal advocates,’ Fallout developer Tim Cain thinks they both have a place in the genre

Tim Cain discussed RPG combat styles on his YouTube channel, emphasizing a balanced view between turn-based and real-time gameplay. He highlighted the "real-time with pause" (RTWP) system, which allows players to queue commands while the game is paused, as a unique blend of strategy and action. James Brawley, a lead designer for the upcoming turn-based tactics game Star Wars Zero Company, acknowledged the merits of RTWP and expressed optimism about its resurgence, indicating a significant audience for this style. Both combat styles have unique strengths and can coexist, influencing the future of RPGs.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Stop waiting for the Game of Thrones CRPG of your dreams and settle for the pleasant eurojank compromise instead

Warhorse Studios, known for its medieval simulations, was considered a candidate to develop a Game of Thrones CRPG, but its parent company Embracer shifted focus to Middle-earth Enterprises, affecting Warhorse's future. Obsidian, another RPG developer, is unlikely to create a Game of Thrones game due to Josh Sawyer's criticisms of HBO's adaptations. In 2012, Cyanide developed a Game of Thrones game that struggled for identity, coinciding with Telltale Games' release of a similar title. Cyanide, recognized for other games like Styx and Blood Bowl, also released Confrontation and Of Orcs and Men during this period. The narrative of Game of Thrones: Kingsroad deviated from George R.R. Martin's storytelling style, lacking the complexity and weight characteristic of the source material.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

All the news from QuakeCon 2026

QuakeCon 2026 is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Quake franchise. A new episode titled "Dawn of the Machine," created by MachineGames and id Software, is now available as a free update for Quake, featuring a 19-map campaign, time-bending mechanics, a new soundtrack, and a new Deathmatch map. A special event discussing this episode will take place on August 6 at 1:30 PM CT with industry legends. The id Signature Series has new designs available for purchase, including tees and hoodies. "Quake: The Board Game," a cooperative dungeon crawler developed by Archon Studios, is set to launch in Q4 2026. The DOOM Collection for Evercade, including DOOM (1993) and DOOM II), is available for preorder, along with a limited-edition Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition releasing in October 2026. Additionally, "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" is now available uncensored in Germany on various platforms.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

I desperately need this TTRPG to become a videogame—it’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen

10,000 Swords Against Heaven is a tabletop role-playing game created by JK Saavedra, characterized as a "dark science fantasy cultivation RPG." The game features a narrative focused on violent resistance against a "magofascist" ruling class and incorporates elements of southeast Asian culture and history. Players encounter characters such as Aswang assassins and Fangshi, and the game critiques the Neoliberal World Order. While it offers an immersive experience, some fans express a desire for a video game adaptation due to challenges in finding a community of players.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Star Wars will also be coming to D&D, and I’m worried Hasbro’s trying to turn a TTRPG into Magic: The Gathering again

Dungeons & Dragons announced a crossover with World of Warcraft and hinted at a Star Wars crossover set to debut in 2027 as part of a themed event titled "Season of Rebellion." The initiative, called D&D Universes Beyond, aims to enhance the D&D experience and is inspired by successful monetization strategies from Magic: The Gathering. Upcoming projects include the return of settings like Dragonlance and Greyhawk, with original co-creators involved, and the return of the character Drizzt and the Dark Sun setting.

AppWizard

August 2, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 3 to 7

- Beast of Reincarnation: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Kynseed: Release Date: August 4; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Detective Holmes: Hidden Objects: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Space Tail: Definitive Edition: Release Date: August 3; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Fading Clouds: Release Date: August 4; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Five Hearts Under One Roof: Release Date: August 5; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Mate'Morphosis: Release Date: August 5; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Aery – Surreal World: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Herd Dispatch: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Montabi: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Sokogem: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Vengeance of Mr. Peppermint: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Yellowcreek Stories – The Cabin Watcher: Release Date: August 6; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere. - INK ENIGMA 2: Hidden Object Challenges: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - John Fox: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - Limbot: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere. - The Relic: First Guardian: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Tailbreak: Release Date: August 7; Availability: Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere.