voice chat Archives

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Despite a disaster launch, Blair Witch inspired horror game sells over 100,000 copies as dev commits “to face everything head on”

Multiplayer horror games have gained popularity due to platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Recent successful titles include R.E.P.O, Phasmophobia, and Lethal Company, inspiring indie developers to create multiplayer experiences. Digital Cybercherries is developing a game called Don't Scream Together, which combines cooperative gameplay with a found footage horror aesthetic. The game faced challenges at launch, receiving negative reviews primarily due to microphone calibration issues and player confusion about mechanics. Despite this, it sold 100,000 copies within days, with 60,000 on the first day. The developers engaged with the community and addressed feedback, leading to updated reviews from some players. They released a patch to fix audio problems linked to Windows 11 Audio Enhancements and committed to improving microphone calibration. Don't Scream Together is currently available at a 38% discount on Steam until December 10.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

New dark fantasy looter shooter mixes dungeon crawling, corporate greed, and the co-op magic of Peak and Lethal Company

Vision Quest is a dark fantasy looter shooter game developed by Wizmud Games, set in a consumer goods conglomerate mega dungeon. Players embark on an online co-op adventure to investigate "data mining used for dark rituals" and redeem the legendary Sweepstakes Code. The game supports squads of up to four players and features a mix of medieval and modern weapons. It includes 3D in-world voice chat and a unique loot-carrying mechanic. Players face various threats, including monsters and illness, and can assist each other with items. If a player dies, they can control a plastic toy called a 'Freakopop' for additional vision. Wizmud Games has partnered with Pocketpair for marketing and promotions, and Vision Quest is set to launch in 2026, with a wishlist available on Steam.

AppWizard

November 23, 2025

5 months after launch, cooperative shooter FBC Firebreak finally has integrated voice chat, but its Vampire Survivors-style wave mode is delayed until next year

Remedy Entertainment has introduced cross-platform voice chat in its cooperative shooter, FBC: Firebreak, after receiving criticism for the lack of this feature since its launch in June. This update allows players to communicate within the game, improving teamwork without relying on third-party applications. Additionally, a new game mode called Endless Shift, inspired by Left 4 Dead and Vampire Survivors, is set to be added. Despite these enhancements, the recent Breakpoint update did not restore player confidence, resulting in a non-cash impairment of €14.9 million for Remedy.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Remarkably, you’ll soon be able to play Unity games in Fortnite as Epic joins forces with its long-time rival

Epic Games and Unity have partnered to allow games developed in Unity to be published and played within the Fortnite universe. This announcement was made at Unity's Unite 2025 conference by Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney. The integration will utilize advanced network technology for seamless coexistence of Unity engine games within Fortnite, streamlining the process for developers without the need for additional software installations. Epic aims to establish Fortnite as a leading metaverse platform, competing with Roblox, and reported 100 million monthly active users, with 40% of playtime on third-party content. Unreal Engine developers will benefit from access to Unity's cross-platform commerce system, which is expected to roll out early next year.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Valve is welcoming Android games into Steam

The Steam Frame is a new device from Valve that represents its entry into mobile gaming, functioning similarly to a wireless VR headset or a Steam Deck. It features an Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon chip and aims to integrate Android applications into its ecosystem. Valve is encouraging developers to adapt their Android applications for the Steam Frame, launching a developer kit program to facilitate this. The device is expected to run code natively on the Arm processor, enhancing performance. While Valve's primary focus is on gaming, there is potential for broader software integration, including tools like Discord and Blender. Plans for rich browser integration are also in development. Users will have the option to sideload Android APKs, and Valve may adapt SteamOS for various Arm-based devices in the future.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Arc Raiders players stuck in login queues and long matchmaking times as it blows past its Steam player peak of 330,000

Players of Arc Raiders are currently experiencing challenges related to server strain, voice chat, and party system issues, which Embark Studios is working to resolve. The game recently reached over 330,000 concurrent players on Steam, leading to matchmaking errors and lengthy queue times of 5 to 10 minutes. SteamDB recorded a peak of 337,834 players, but numbers have since settled around 286,000. Players are sharing their frustrations on platforms like Reddit, and some humorously refer to the game as a "queue simulator." Despite the difficulties, some players find that persistence in the pre-game queue can eventually allow them to rejoin the game, though this may lead to matchmaking stalls.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Remedy is ‘not satisfied’ with its Q3 results after FBC: Firebreak’s flop, and has ‘moved development resources’ to other games in production

Remedy Entertainment's cooperative shooter, FBC: Firebreak, launched in June, failed to meet expectations due to missing essential features and a compromised vision. The first major update, Breakpoint, did not attract the anticipated player influx, with current player counts around 25 on SteamDB. Following Firebreak's poor performance, Remedy issued a profit warning for 2025, and CEO Tero Virtala resigned. The Q3 2025 financial results showed a 32% revenue decline compared to Q3 2024 and an operating loss of €16.4 million, primarily due to a non-cash impairment of €14.9 million linked to Firebreak's sales. Interim CEO Markus Mäki expressed optimism about future projects and noted that self-publishing Firebreak has helped establish supportive structures for future titles. Development resources have shifted away from Firebreak, but the company plans to continue investing in it based on long-term sales expectations. Despite the setbacks, Remedy reported an increase in game sales and royalties from €0.8 million to €6 million compared to the same period in 2024, largely due to subscription service agreements and royalties from successful titles like Alan Wake 2 and Control. The studio's cash levels increased by €8.9 million over the previous quarter, and it is focusing on upcoming projects such as Control 2 and the Max Payne remakes.

AppWizard

October 26, 2025

A game jam game about pudgy chainsmoking dads seems to be Steam’s latest co-op hit, hitting 100,000 concurrent players on its first weekend

This year, the proximity-based voice chat party game genre has seen significant growth with new titles like Mage Arena and R.E.P.O. joining established games such as Lethal Company and Content Warning. Peak has been recognized in PC Gamer's Top 100 list. The new game RV There Yet? quickly gained popularity, reaching 100,000 concurrent players shortly after launch, although player numbers have since stabilized. The game features players as rotund fathers navigating terrains while towing a camper, incorporating humor and challenges. Players have reported technical issues, which the developers are actively addressing. RV There Yet? is available on Steam.