video gaming Archives

AppWizard

July 18, 2026

5 Classic PC Games That Are Unplayable Today

"Dune II," released in 1992, is credited with laying the foundation for real-time strategy games, featuring base-building and military maneuvers on the planet Arrakis. It has not been re-released due to licensing issues after Westwood Studios closed in 2003. Interplay Entertainment released two video games based on "The Lord of the Rings" in the early '90s, allowing players to guide Frodo Baggins through Middle-earth. Low sales led to the cancellation of a planned trilogy, and both titles have since faded into obscurity. "Star Trek: The Next Generation — A Final Unity," a point-and-click adventure from 1995, features Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew on a mission to recover an ancient scroll. It has not received a modern re-release. Sid Meier's "Civilization II," released in 1996, has not been officially re-released, despite the series' significant evolution and availability of later entries. The absence of these formative titles leaves a gap in strategy gaming history. "Black & White," released in 2001, is a god simulator that allows players to influence tribes on islands. It has not been optimized for modern platforms following the acquisition of Lionhead Studios by Microsoft, limiting access to those with original discs.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

Minecraft gamers to get $15,000 scholarship on one condition

The educational institute has identified that specific games can effectively impart essential skills such as systems mastery, survival optimization, and team collaboration. Students aiming for the Max Achievement Scholarship can achieve two tiers: Mastery, which offers a scholarship of ,500 per term, and Legendary, which provides ,000. The scholarship emphasizes that digital gaming environments cultivate competencies that drive innovation and leadership. The skills acquired through video gaming align with the university’s Polymathic Domains, including goal decomposition, systems thinking, and resource optimization. The institution offers programs like Game Design, Digital Art, and Software Development. Minecraft is used as an educational tool to enhance problem-solving abilities and logical reasoning. Dr. Eric Kildebeck at The University of Texas, Dallas, has utilized Minecraft to create a virtual hospital for pre-med students, allowing them to engage with realistic scenarios.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Games Without PCs: How Mobile and Web Platforms are Growing in Russia

In January 2026, the RVI association reported that 75% of Russians aged 14 and older engage in video gaming, with one-third playing nearly every day. The study indicated a shift from traditional hardcore gaming to mobile and web games, with seven out of ten players preferring smartphones and tablets, and only four out of ten using PCs for gaming. The growth in mobile and web gaming is attributed to their accessibility and casual nature. There are over 50,000 games available, leading to intense competition for player engagement. Monetization strategies include freemium models, advertising, and subscription services.

AppWizard

April 22, 2026

PC Limited-Time Free Game Is A Resident Evil and Silent Hill Hybrid

PC gamers can download the horror game The Whispering Valley for free on the GOG platform, thanks to a tip from Twitter user Wario64. The game is a folk horror point & click adventure that involves exploring a remote village and solving complex puzzles related to guilt and depression. It has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 on GOG based on eight user reviews and is rated "Very Positive" on Steam from a total of 157 reviews. Players can claim the game for free until April 28, 2026, after which it will cost £9.99. Games on GOG are DRM-free, allowing players to own the installation file and play across multiple devices without restrictions.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

Alexander Morton, the voice of Geralt’s pal Zoltan in The Witcher games, has died

Alexander Morton, known for voicing Zoltan Chivay in The Witcher video games, has passed away. CD Projekt, the game's developer, expressed their sorrow in a tribute. Morton was also recognized for his role as Golly Mackenzie in the series Monarch of the Glen, which significantly contributed to the show's success. Louise Thornton from BBC Scotland highlighted his impact on Scottish television and theatre. Morton's career spanned several decades, starting in the 1970s, and he was celebrated for his theatrical performances. Fellow actor Robert Carlyle praised him as a brilliant actor and a kind person. Alexander Morton was 81 years old at the time of his passing.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Revisiting the last truly great Call of Duty

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019 has seen a resurgence in interest due to a sale on Steam. The game is praised for its visual quality, sound design, and gameplay experience, setting high standards for first-person shooters. Its Create-a-Class system encourages strategic gameplay, and the attachment mechanics require meaningful choices, preventing any single weapon configuration from dominating. Despite some flaws, the game retains distinct weapon characteristics. Modern Warfare 2019 is viewed as both a high point for the franchise and a catalyst for challenges, particularly with the introduction of Warzone. The decision to separate Modern Warfare from Warzone has been positively received. Activision's recent discount indicates an effort to rekindle excitement for the game, which continues to be a benchmark for future titles.

AppWizard

February 12, 2026

Logitech G reveals gaming couples enjoy higher relationship satisfaction

A survey by Logitech G and Antenna Insights involving 1,500 participants aged 18 to 45 found that couples who game together at least once a week experience a 47.3% increase in relationship satisfaction, compared to 24.0% for those who play together infrequently. Nearly 44% of respondents enjoy gaming with their partners, while 22% play infrequently and 34% do not game at all. Couples who game weekly spend about 17 hours of quality time together each week, which is approximately 3.8 hours more than those who game occasionally. Reasons for enjoying gaming together include teamwork (52%), stress relief (47%), and closeness (46%). Other benefits noted are quality time at home (39%) and playfulness in the relationship (36%).

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

In the wake of Bloodlines 2’s struggles, Vampire The Masquerade’s most famous face is leaving Paradox

Vampire: The Masquerade has a significant narrative in tabletop role-playing games, with many fans, including the author, drawn in by the series LA By Night. Jason Carl has played a crucial role in revitalizing the franchise since 2010, transitioning from CEO of By Night Studios to a game producer and brand marketing manager. Despite the success of LA By Night and New York By Night, recent video game projects like Bloodlines 2 have faced challenges, including a disappointing 57% score on Steam and a million write-down by Paradox Interactive. Carl announced his departure from the World of Darkness in a message on Discord, expressing pride in the community's contributions and confidence in the future leadership. He will be joining Tabletop Vacations as Dean of Dungeon Master University, focusing on helping Dungeon Masters enhance their skills.

AppWizard

November 9, 2025

Game Review: Slots and Daggers (PC)

Slots and Daggers is a PC/Steam game developed by Friedemann and published by Future Friends Games, set to release on October 24, 2025, priced at .99. The game combines roguelite RPG mechanics with slot machine elements, focusing on in-game currency for character enhancement rather than monetary gain. Players navigate through ten dungeons, facing various enemies and earning coins to upgrade their characters. The game features a progression system that allows players to unlock permanent upgrades and experiment with different builds. After completing the dungeons, players can access Arena Mode for additional challenges. The visuals are retro-inspired with modern touches, and the game includes a catchy soundtrack. It is noted for its simple gameplay, addictive nature, and replayability, although it may be considered short in length.

AppWizard

October 6, 2025

After 14-and-a-half years and over $500k raised for charity, Minecraft YouTuber KurtJMac finally reaches the Far Lands

YouTuber KurtJMac reached the Far Lands in Minecraft after nearly 15 years of exploration, starting his journey in March 2011 with a project called "Far Lands or Bust." He adhered to a no-mods policy and traveled in a straight line to uncover this glitched area. He achieved this milestone during Day 69 of a 2025 sub-a-thon, revealing the floating land masses at 3:43:30 into the stream. The Far Lands are a glitch from earlier Minecraft versions, resulting in surreal landscapes, and while they have been patched in later updates, they remain a significant part of Minecraft lore. Kurt's journey was marked by challenges, including vast expanses of instability, and he was accompanied by his dog, Wolfie. A former co-creator of Path of Exile commented that Minecraft is a hardcore action RPG in disguise, claiming it to be more challenging than Path of Exile.