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Tarkov

If you're asking why everyone's making an extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC according to new report, beating Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and PUBG
AppWizard
May 4, 2026

If you’re asking why everyone’s making an extraction shooter, Escape from Tarkov is the 11th most-played game on PC according to new report, beating Overwatch, Marvel Rivals, and PUBG

Escape From Tarkov, developed by Battlestate Games, ranked 11th in overall playtime on PC for the year 2025, according to a report from Newzoo. It outperformed several established titles, including Overwatch 2, Marvel Rivals, PUBG, Apex Legends, GTA 5, and Diablo 4. The game was edged out for the 10th position by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The rankings reflect overall playtime rather than concurrent or total player counts, indicating that while Escape From Tarkov may not have the largest player base, its players are highly dedicated.
Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs say their new shooter "won't be another clone lost in a gray zone," but don't want it labeled as an "'X' killer"
AppWizard
April 27, 2026

Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs say their new shooter “won’t be another clone lost in a gray zone,” but don’t want it labeled as an “‘X’ killer”

Rush is Real is an upcoming shooter game developed by Dmitri Ogorodnikov and German Terekhov under Nomion Games, who previously worked on Escape From Tarkov. The game is currently in the prototyping phase and aims to differentiate itself from generic multiplayer experiences by being fast-paced and structured, avoiding slow gameplay typical of extraction shooters or battle royales. It will feature clear objectives and promote player skill, with a design philosophy focused on simplicity and clarity. Rush is Real intends to merge elements from games like Call of Duty and Escape From Tarkov while appealing to a broad audience, balancing casual and hardcore gaming. The development team emphasizes the importance of human creativity in the game's final design, despite the potential use of artificial intelligence in the process.
Escape From Tarkov Arena is free-to-play this weekend, just in time for its new season
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Escape From Tarkov Arena is free-to-play this weekend, just in time for its new season

Season 2 of Escape From Tarkov Arena has launched, introducing a new battle pass, fresh weaponry, and a comprehensive rebalancing of game elements. Players can test these features for free during a weekend event from April 24 to April 27, 2026. The game has transitioned to the Unity 6 engine for improved performance and will feature a new map called 'Factory.' A 30% discount on the full game will be available until May 3, along with a 25% discount on the Arena + Full Tactical Maps Bundle.
After 2 years of silence, an extraction shooter we liked back in 2022 for its 'impeccable vibes' suddenly springs back to life on Steam
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

After 2 years of silence, an extraction shooter we liked back in 2022 for its ‘impeccable vibes’ suddenly springs back to life on Steam

In 2022, Marauders, an extraction shooter, launched in early access on Steam, gaining a notable player base despite not being free-to-play. However, updates ceased after the Retribution update in August 2024, leading to over 20 months without new content. Recently, developers announced they had focused on a comprehensive overhaul of the game, which generated mixed reactions from the community. Some players are hopeful for its revival, as evidenced by 11 pages of comments following the update. The competitive landscape for extraction shooters has intensified with new titles like Arc Raiders and Marathon.
Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs will "ride the wave" of AI, but stress "the finishing touch must always come from a human hand"
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Ex-Escape From Tarkov devs will “ride the wave” of AI, but stress “the finishing touch must always come from a human hand”

Nomion Games was founded by Dmitri Ogorodnikov and German Terekhov, former contributors to Battlestate Games. They believe that "creative potential, accumulated experience, and ambition should not be put on hold." Their upcoming title, Rush is Real, will incorporate AI as a crucial tool in game development. Ogorodnikov views AI as essential, comparing it to a sculptor's chisel, and emphasizes its role in speeding up the ideation process. He acknowledges AI's ability to alleviate tedious tasks in game development but insists that final decisions must come from humans. He warns against over-reliance on AI, particularly in critical areas like level design and gameplay mechanics, to avoid losing creativity and identity. The gaming community has raised concerns about AI-generated content, and Ogorodnikov recognizes the need for vigilance in maintaining unique artistic vision while using AI to enhance efficiency.
'Single-player Tarkov' Road to Vostok's solo dev admits its huge popularity is "running away from me," but he has a plan
AppWizard
April 13, 2026

‘Single-player Tarkov’ Road to Vostok’s solo dev admits its huge popularity is “running away from me,” but he has a plan

Antti Leinonen, a Finnish soldier turned solo developer, launched his survival shooter game, Road to Vostok, which sold around 140,000 copies and has over 25,000 daily active users five days post-launch. He faces challenges managing player feedback, with over 11,000 unread emails, and plans to hire additional support next month. Leinonen is pleased with the game's launch performance and believes it debuted in a solid state for early access. He intends to take a break for personal recovery before implementing hotfixes and enhancing the game, including improvements to enemy AI and new features.
Former Escape From Tarkov dev says "no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product"
AppWizard
April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.
Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch
AppWizard
March 30, 2026

Arc Raiders Steam player count for March down over 50% since launch

Arc Raiders emerged as a surprise hit in 2025, successfully elevating the extraction shooter genre to mainstream popularity with a vibrant community known as the Care Bears. The game peaked at nearly 500,000 concurrent players, driven by streamer coverage and word of mouth. However, the player base has gradually declined as many have explored the game's content. The Shrouded Sky update in February did not significantly boost player numbers, indicating a need for more substantial content. The upcoming Flashpoint update is anticipated to determine if it can draw players back and sustain interest in the game.
Is Marathon's time-to-kill too fast, or am I too Arc Raiders-pilled?
AppWizard
February 28, 2026

Is Marathon’s time-to-kill too fast, or am I too Arc Raiders-pilled?

The author completed the original Mass Effect and shifted focus to extraction shooters, particularly Marathon, influenced by experiences in Arc Raiders. During the first 24 hours with Marathon, the author compared it to Arc Raiders, noting the challenging gameplay dynamics, including a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and the importance of teamwork. Initial frustrations with Marathon's pace shifted to appreciation as the author adapted strategies with friends. The game emphasizes sound and teamwork, with a TTK that feels punishing but manageable with squad support. The author reflected on the need for better resource management, expressing concerns about inventory issues and the early loss of loadouts. They suggested that Bungie should streamline gameplay to enhance the PvP experience.
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