video game development Archives

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

We polled PC gamers on how much generative AI is acceptable in games, and here’s what they said

Generative AI is increasingly integrated into video game development, with applications ranging from art assets to gameplay mechanics. A poll of approximately 1,000 respondents revealed that over 40% prefer traditional game development with no AI involvement. More than half of participants are open to generative AI to varying degrees: 20% oppose its inclusion in final products but accept its use as a productivity tool, while 21% approve of some AI involvement if disclosed. Additionally, 14% would engage with heavily AI-utilized games if enjoyable. Concerns about AI-generated code have been raised by developers, particularly regarding its quality. Despite skepticism, there is agreement on the benefits of AI-accelerated rendering techniques for performance improvements.

AppWizard

February 13, 2026

Nothing has finally given its phones a truly essential feature

Android Central Labs highlights Nothing's new tool, Essential Apps, which allows users to create personalized applications, aiming to move away from traditional app ecosystems. The tool operates from the home screen and features an intuitive interface that prompts users with context-aware questions. CEO Carl Pei stated that Essential Apps aims to eliminate the constraints of conventional app stores, enabling customization without ads or generic designs. However, there are concerns that users may revert to established apps due to convenience, despite the initial appeal of customization. The Nothing Phone 3, featuring the Glyph Interface, is positioned as a fresh option in the smartphone market, with Essential Apps potentially reshaping user engagement.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

‘Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter’: Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has ‘proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games’

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its realistic portrayal of horses, including details like the protagonist's horse testicles shrinking in cold weather, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in triple-A game production. In contrast, Peak originated from a four-week game jam and gained success, leading its creators to invest more time in its development. Co-creator Nick Kaman noted the increasing demand for smaller-scale games and emphasized that while financial challenges exist, there is still a vibrant player base for innovative experiences. He remarked that opportunities for mid-sized and small studios are diminishing, highlighting a trend in the gaming industry between large-scale projects and smaller creative endeavors.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

CD Projekt Sells DRM-Free PC Storefront GOG to Original Co-Founder for $25.2 Million, Insists It’s Financially Stable

CD Projekt has sold its DRM-free PC storefront, GOG, to co-founder Michał Kiciński for 90.7 million Polish złoty (approximately .2 million). Kiciński, who co-founded GOG in 2008 and holds a 10% stake in CD Projekt, will lead GOG independently while maintaining its DRM-free philosophy. A distribution agreement between CD Projekt and GOG has been established for future collaboration, including the release of upcoming CD Projekt Red titles on the GOG platform. CD Projekt aims to focus on video game development, including The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, following the sale. GOG has remained financially stable and continues to attract gamers with its mission. CD Projekt previously employed 1,335 staff.

AppWizard

December 14, 2025

RPG dev pushes back against Steam review AI accusations: ‘We poured years of our lives into this game and only worked with real human artists on everything’

Positive Concept Games, the creators of the RPG Shrine's Legacy, defended their game against accusations of being AI-generated, stating that all work was done by human artists and that they do not endorse generative AI. They responded to a Steam review that labeled their game as "AI slop," emphasizing their years of effort in development. The developers maintain that no AI tools were used in creating the game, despite scrutiny over its artistic choices and storytelling. A Microsoft study indicated that people can only accurately identify AI-generated content about 62% of the time, highlighting the challenges developers face in proving the absence of AI involvement.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

The biggest-budget, most notorious space game around is holding a huge free trial, with over 200 ships you can try

Star Citizen has surpassed 0 million in crowdfunding and sales. The Intergalactic Aerospace Expo (IAE) 2955 is currently taking place in Orison, showcasing a collection of spacecraft and vehicles, allowing players to test nearly 200 ships for free. The event runs from November 20 to December 3. Star Citizen alpha 4.4 has been released, introducing the new star system Nyx, along with new missions, weapons, and a revamped injury system. The expo will feature a rotating list of ships from various manufacturers, with the community-voted Ship Showdown finalists available for testing on November 29. CIG has improved accessibility through enhanced tutorials and guides. The event includes recruit-a-friend bonuses, offering rewards for both referrers and newcomers.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

We need to commit—it’s time crunchy, complicated RPGs made their mainstream comeback for good

The Dragon Age series has transitioned from classic RPG mechanics to a third-person action experience with RPG elements. Industry veterans, including David Gaider, suggest that simplifying gameplay mechanics is necessary to appeal to a broader audience, but recent successes indicate a significant market for complex systems. Baldur's Gate 3 has gained popularity by offering depth and intricate mechanics, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 provides a rewarding sense of progression through granular systems. Even action-oriented titles like Borderlands 4 maintain complexity, suggesting an appetite for depth in gaming. Obsidian Entertainment's The Outer Worlds 2 has received mixed reactions regarding its character builds, highlighting player value in meaningful choices. There is a desire for more robust RPG foundations in games like Avowed, which primarily focus on combat. The success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3 challenges the assumption that simplicity is key to broader appeal, indicating that players are ready for rich, intricate RPG experiences. Developers are encouraged to embrace complexity and consider difficulty settings to cater to varying player preferences.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Take-Two’s Zelnick thinks AI would make a bad GTA game

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, stated that AI's influence on game development is limited, particularly in creating complex gaming experiences like the Grand Theft Auto series. He believes that relying solely on AI would produce subpar and derivative results, as creativity cannot be replicated by AI systems. Zelnick emphasized that AI is effective with backward-looking data but falls short in forward-thinking creativity. He also raised concerns about intellectual property rights, noting that content created with AI is not protectable, highlighting potential legal and ethical issues in the industry.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Vermintide’s developers only realized they were wading into a cursed subgenre after they started making a first-person melee game: ‘I was so scared’

Fatshark faced challenges in developing engaging first-person melee combat for their game Vermintide, focusing intensely on melee mechanics such as hit effects, staggers, and animations. Chief creative officer Anders De Geer noted their deep immersion in discussions about combat, while CEO Martin Wahlund experienced doubts about pursuing melee combat due to concerns over financial viability. Despite these challenges, the team committed to their vision of close-quarters combat, inspired by cinematic elements from the Lord of the Rings. Their meticulous attention to weapon design and character experiences contributed to the game's success.

AppWizard

October 25, 2025

Tech investor declares ‘AI games are going to be amazing,’ posts an AI-generated ‘demo’ of a god-awful shooter as proof

Matt Shumer, CEO of HyperWrite, demonstrated AI's potential in video game development, claiming "AI games are going to be amazing." However, the reception was negative, with critics expressing disdain for the demonstration. Shumer clarified that such demonstrations are not finished products but glimpses into the future of AI technology, asserting that while they are not AAA games today, AI-powered games will be incredible in five years. The response highlighted a divide between optimism and skepticism regarding AI's role in gaming.