Tag: Techland

  • Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

    Key Takeaway

    – Gripping meta-narrative: Silas Greaves’ embellishments dynamically alter levels, enemies, and situations during gameplay, creating a shifting, story-driven experience.
    – Fast-paced, arcade-style shooter: Emphasis on bullet time, duels, precise gunplay, with distinct handling for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, plus momentum from concentration skills and combos.
    – Short but praised campaign: About six hours of playtime with strong Western atmosphere and storytelling, though criticism for linear design and lack of multiplayer.

    At the center of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is aging bounty hunter Silas Greaves, who recounts his past in a saloon. The game uses an unusual narrative trick: as Silas embellishes or corrects his story, levels, enemies and situations change during gameplay. The shooter was developed by Polish studio Techland, known for Dying Light and Dead Island, and released in May 2013. It normally costs around $14.99 on Steam, but a 90% discount reduces the price to $1.49 until June 2. According to SteamDB, the current discount matches the game’s all-time low, which was last reached in August 2025.

    Overview of Gameplay Mechanics

    Gunslinger focuses on fast-paced arcade action with bullet time, duels and precise gunplay. Pistols, rifles and shotguns differ noticeably in handling, while concentration skills and combos add extra momentum. The campaign takes players through classic Wild West locations such as gold mines, ghost towns, forests and bandit camps. Our previous article on the game offers a more detailed look at its gameplay, story and structure.

    Reception and Criticism

    In the Steam reviews, the shooter is praised above all for its creative storytelling, strong Western atmosphere and fast-paced gameplay. Criticism is aimed at the short playtime of around six hours, the linear level design and the lack of a multiplayer mode. Overall, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger currently has around 94% positive ratings from more than 43,000 reviews. On Metacritic, the shooter has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 8.1. The title is classified as “Verified” on the Steam Deck.

    Note on Pricing

    Disclaimer: The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Techland to Release Hotfix for Dying Light: The Beast’s QTE Issues

    Techland to Release Hotfix for Dying Light: The Beast’s QTE Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Return of Kyle Crane: Dying Light: The Beast brings back Kyle Crane in the new setting of Castor Woods, marking a return to the series’ origins.

    2. Frustrating Biter Mechanic: Biters can catch players regardless of their speed or progress, leading to mandatory QTE sections unless players are equipped with throwing knives.

    3. Developer Acknowledgment: Techland recognizes the issue with biters and plans to adjust their mechanics based on community feedback to maintain challenge while ensuring fairness.

    4. Upcoming Hotfix: A hotfix will soon be released, providing players with more time to escape biters, clearer warning signals for lunging attacks, and reduced grab assaults from alerted biters.

    5. Ongoing Community Engagement: Techland continues to gather player feedback to improve the game experience and address concerns effectively.

    Techland’s Dying Light: The Beast marks a strong return to the series’ origins with Kyle Crane making a comeback in the new setting of Castor Woods. The thrilling night cycles filled with alert volatiles have kept players on alert; however, one infected type has left many frustrated as they try to navigate the woods at lightning speed. This annoyance arises from the game’s biters.

    Biters’ Grabbing Mechanic

    In Dying Light: The Beast, biters can catch you no matter how fast you move, how far you’ve progressed, or the area’s difficulty level. This results in players being thrown into a mandatory QTE section unless they have throwing knives handy.

    Techland acknowledged that the infected are more formidable this time, but there was no prior warning about the unavoidable biter QTEs. In response to community input, Techland has announced plans to adjust the overzealous biters, as discussed in a developer update video released over the weekend.

    Addressing Player Concerns

    Game Director Nathan Lemaire spoke directly to fans, confirming the issue and emphasizing that Techland wants to keep the game’s challenge while adding some fairness. Lemaire shared:

    “I’d like to discuss our biters today. As you know, their main instinct is to grab you, and while we intend to keep their aggressiveness, we also want to ensure fairness in that aspect.”

    The fixes will be rolled out in an upcoming hotfix. The team is currently testing it to ensure it meets their quality standards, and they will continue to gather player feedback. Lemaire concluded, “Thank you for playing, and we’ll see you in Castor Woods.”

    Upcoming Hotfix Details

    Techland plans to release a hotfix soon after completing internal testing. This update will bring three main changes. First, survivors will receive an extra moment to escape a biter’s grasp before suffering damage.

    Secondly, biters that lunge at players will have clearer warning signs through modified startup animations. Lastly, biters that are alerted will be less inclined to perform a grab assault, which will lower the chances of a QTE ambush while exploring Castor Woods.

    Dying Light: The Beast Dev Update.

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  • Dying Light: The Beast Sells 1.5 Million Copies in One Week

    Dying Light: The Beast Sells 1.5 Million Copies in One Week

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sales Success: Dying Light: The Beast has sold over one million units on Steam and more than 1.5 million copies across all platforms post-launch.

    2. Player Base: Approximately 82% of players who logged into The Beast had previously played the original Dying Light, while 77% had experience with Dying Light 2: Stay Human.

    3. Gameplay Depth: The game offers over 20 hours of single-player gameplay, with an additional 20 to 30 hours of side quests and content, receiving an average score of 84 on Metacritic for PC.

    4. Market Performance: Dying Light: The Beast topped Steam’s sales charts, outperforming competitors like Borderlands 4 and maintaining a peak player count of 121,222.

    5. Positive Reception: The game has a Very Positive rating of 87.12% on Steam from over 26,000 reviews, highlighting its immersive gameplay and enhanced co-op features.

    Techland’s Dying Light: The Beast has recently surpassed sales expectations in an impressive post-launch boost. It has sold over one million units just on Steam and more than 1.5 million copies across all platforms, as per the latest reports from Alinea Analytics.

    Sales Insights

    Rhys Elliott from Alinea Analytics shared the news in the platform’s newsletter. Before its launch, Techland announced a million pre-orders for Dying Light: The Beast. However, this number also included players who bought Dying Light 2’s Ultimate Edition, which allowed them to access The Beast for free, fulfilling the studio’s promise for post-launch content.

    Player Demographics

    Steam’s data reveals that a large portion of the player base consists of those who played the original Dying Light and its sequel, Dying Light 2: Stay Human. Approximately 82% of players who logged into The Beast had previously played Dying Light, while around 77% had experience with Dying Light 2.

    Gameplay Experience

    Dying Light: The Beast has established itself as a successful title, offering a more realistic and terrifying experience similar to the original game. It provides over 20 hours of single-player gameplay, along with an estimated 20 to 30 hours of side quests and extra content.

    The game has received positive feedback, boasting an average score of 84 on Metacritic for PC, with commendations for its immersive gameplay and enhanced co-op features. On Steam, it enjoys a Very Positive user rating of 87.12% from 26,597 reviews. The peak player count reached 121,222 on September 21, with a daily average of about 80,000 concurrent players.

    Market Performance

    Dying Light: The Beast has dominated Steam’s sales charts, securing the number one position in weekly sales for the week ending September 23, 2025. It has outperformed competitors like Gearbox’s Borderlands 4, which launched earlier this month and sold an additional 300,000 units, bringing its total to two million copies.

    In third place, Hollow Knight: Silksong has also performed well, adding over 250,000 sales to its existing total of five million units.

    The Beast has experienced a notable increase in sales and player engagement post-launch, providing gamers with a darker, more intense Dying Light experience filled with unique Easter Eggs and Treasure Hunts scattered throughout Castor Woods.

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  • Dying Light: The Beast Reaches 107K Players, Free Bat Reward

    Dying Light: The Beast Reaches 107K Players, Free Bat Reward

    Key Takeaways

    1. Techland celebrated the launch of Dying Light: The Beast by giving players a free in-game weapon, the Spectral Bat, for achieving a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.
    2. The game has a peak of 107,651 players online and boasts over 8,000 reviews with approximately 90% player recommendations.
    3. Dying Light: The Beast was originally planned as DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human but became a standalone game set in the Eurasian Castor Woods area.
    4. The game features Kyle Crane from the original Dying Light and offers around 40 hours of gameplay with a price of $39.99 for the Standard Edition.
    5. Dying Light: The Beast will also be released on older consoles, PS4 and Xbox One, by the end of 2025.

    Just a day after its launch on September 18, Techland delighted players of Dying Light: The Beast by gifting them a free in-game weapon called the Spectral Bat. This was a gesture of thanks to the community for helping the game achieve a “Very Positive” rating on Steam. At the time of writing, the game also saw an impressive peak of 107,651 players online simultaneously.

    Community Gratitude

    Techland made an announcement to celebrate the game’s success and thanked players for their support, saying:

    “We are Thankful for the Very Positive rating on Steam – Enjoy Your Reward! You all are amazing! With more than 8,000 reviews and around 90% of players recommending Dying Light: The Beast, you have helped us reach the ‘Very Positive’ status. To show our appreciation, we are giving every player a special gift: the Spectral Bat.”

    To claim this bat, players just need to update their game! We truly appreciate your support! Thanks for Unleashing the Beast.”

    Game Specifications

    Initially intended as a DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human, Dying Light: The Beast was later launched as a standalone game set in the new Eurasian Castor Woods area. It has garnered a remarkable 13,521 reviews on Steam, boasting a rating of 90.1%.

    The Spectral Bat, which features red blood splatter, is available to all players who own Dying Light: The Beast on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S|X. Techland has a history of giving back to its players, starting from the original Dying Light, which received an Enhanced Edition update before the release of The Beast, along with quality-of-life updates for Dying Light 2.

    Gameplay Experience

    Dying Light: The Beast brings back Kyle Crane from the original game, who has suffered years under the Baron’s torment. Players will find themselves in the Swiss Alps-inspired environment of Castor Woods, offering a more grounded experience similar to the original Dying Light.

    For those who haven’t yet experienced Dying Light: The Beast, it offers up to 40 hours of gameplay filled with engaging side quests and an expansive open-world map for just $39.99 for the Standard Edition. Additionally, the Deluxe upgrade includes extras such as the Hero of Harran Bundle. Lastly, Dying Light: The Beast is set to be released on older consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One toward the end of 2025.

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  • Dying Light: The Beast Release Date Now Set for September 18

    Dying Light: The Beast Release Date Now Set for September 18

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dying Light: The Beast will launch on September 18, a day earlier than previously planned, following one million pre-orders.
    2. Techland acknowledges community excitement and has made improvements to the game based on positive previews.
    3. The game features the return of Kyle Crane, confirming his survival after 13 years of experiments.
    4. Players can expect a 20-hour main campaign, with up to 60 hours of additional content available.
    5. Exclusive pre-order rewards will be announced at launch, and owners of Dying Light 2: Stay Human Ultimate Edition will get The Beast for free.

    Techland has dropped a surprise for fans – Dying Light: The Beast is now set to launch on September 18, which is a day earlier than the previously planned September 19 date. This announcement comes after the zombie survival title hit a remarkable milestone of one million pre-orders.

    Excitement from the Community

    In their press release, Techland shared, “We’ve heard you, we’ve seen the passion, and together we’ve already reached an incredible milestone.” Franchise Director Tymon Smektała expressed his thrill, stating, “Seeing the excitement from our community for Kyle Crane’s return in Dying Light: The Beast, and knowing the game is ready, we wanted to do something special for our players.”

    Overcoming Development Hurdles

    The early release is a joyful surprise, especially considering the game faced some development issues earlier this year. Initially, The Beast was slated for an August 22, 2025 release but was pushed back to September after positive previews highlighted areas that needed improvement. Techland took advantage of the extra time to work on “balance tweaks, UI, quality of physics,” plus enhancements to cutscenes and player animations.

    A Special Return for Fans

    For dedicated fans, The Beast holds a special place as it brings back Kyle Crane, the main character from the 2015 installment. After years of ambiguity regarding Crane’s fate from the endings of Dying Light and its The Following expansion, The Beast confirms he survived but has gone through 13 years of terrifying experiments by a mysterious figure known as the Baron.

    The game will be available globally on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S at specific times. In the United States, players can dive in at 9 AM PDT on the West Coast and 12 PM EDT on the East Coast. The game boasts a main campaign lasting 20 hours, with 40-60 hours of content for those seeking to complete everything.

    Exclusive Rewards for Pre-Orders

    Techland also announced an exclusive pre-order reward for early supporters, but specifics will be kept a secret until launch week. Furthermore, those who own Dying Light 2: Stay Human Ultimate Edition will receive The Beast free of charge – a thoughtful move since this expansion-turned-standalone title began as the anticipated “Story DLC 2” for the sequel.

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    Dying Light: The Beast Release Date Now Set for September 18

     

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  • Techland Denies Dying Light: The Beast Currency Microtransaction Rumors

    Techland Denies Dying Light: The Beast Currency Microtransaction Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Dying Light: The Beast will not include microtransactions or virtual currencies (DL points).
    2. Techland aims to rebuild trust with the community after backlash from Dying Light 2’s monetization strategy.
    3. The franchise director acknowledged criticism regarding gameplay focus in Dying Light 2, emphasizing a return to hardcore survival horror elements.
    4. The release date for Dying Light: The Beast is now set for September 19, 2025, after a one-month delay.
    5. A hands-on demo will be available at Gamescom 2025, allowing players to preview the game.

    In a recent announcement that has pleased a notably outspoken segment of the Dying Light community, Techland’s franchise director, Tymon Smektala, has assured fans that Dying Light: The Beast will not feature microtransactions or virtual currencies, which were previously referred to as DL points.

    No Microtransactions

    In response to a question from a fan about the potential return of DL points in Dying Light: The Beast, Smektala quickly stated, “Not planned.” This news brings significant relief to numerous fans of the series, as Techland seeks to rebuild trust with its audience by moving away from monetization tactics after the game’s launch.

    Backlash from Dying Light 2

    Techland had introduced a new virtual currency in Dying Light 2: Stay Human about 18 months after its 2022 launch, leading to a strong backlash from players. DL Points restricted some cosmetic items behind extra in-game purchases, causing irritation among players who found they often had to purchase more DL points than they needed because of fixed bundle pricing.

    Many fans labeled Techland as “greedy.” While Dying Light 2 achieved commercial success, selling five million copies within its first month, trust within the community began to erode. It seems that Techland and Smektala are now putting player feedback first, aiming to establish a more player-friendly approach with Dying Light: The Beast.

    Focus on Gameplay

    Dying Light 2 faced criticism for emphasizing scale over gameplay and atmosphere. Smektala acknowledged that the game had missed the mark on the “hardcore survival horror” essence that made the original 2015 release so beloved.

    Although Smektala has stated that there are no plans for monetization, Tencent’s investment of $1.6 billion in July 2023, increasing its share in Techland to 67%, could potentially affect future monetization strategies.

    Release Date and Demo

    Currently, Techland is focused on refining Dying Light: The Beast, which has experienced a one-month delay, pushing its release date to September 19, 2025. Nonetheless, players will still have the opportunity to experience a hands-on demo at Gamescom 2025 in Hall 6, allowing them a sneak peek at Castor Woods.

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  • Dying Light: The Beast Delayed for Final Adjustments Before Launch

    Dying Light: The Beast Delayed for Final Adjustments Before Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Techland has delayed the release of Dying Light: The Beast from August 22 to September 19, 2025, to refine the game further.
    2. The decision aims to enhance gameplay, improve user interface clarity, refine cutscenes, and better player animations based on feedback.
    3. Mixed reactions from fans include disappointment over the delay and support for Techland’s commitment to quality.
    4. The new release date places Dying Light: The Beast among other major game launches in a busy period from September to October.
    5. Initially planned as a DLC for Dying Light 2, it has been developed into a standalone title due to its scale and narrative elements.

    Techland has made the decision to delay the release of Dying Light: The Beast from August 22 to September 19, 2025. This change comes just a month before the game was set to launch, suggesting that the developers want to further refine the title before its release.

    A Thoughtful Approach to Development

    It appears Techland is being very careful with the release of this much-anticipated sequel, which continues the storyline of Dying Light and features the original character, Kyle Crane.

    In a press release on their official site, Techland mentioned:

    “Our main goal has always been to create Dying Light: The Beast as the best entry in the Dying Light series. We know this news may not be what everyone hoped for, but we believe that first impressions are really important.”

    Details of the Delay

    The announcement about the delay was made on June 25, with Techland planning to utilize the additional time to enhance gameplay, improve user interface clarity, refine cutscenes, and better player animations based on feedback from recent testing sessions. Attendees of Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, will still have the opportunity to try a playable demo of Dying Light: The Beast in Hall 6.

    On social media, fan reactions to this delay have been mixed. While some fans expressed disappointment and excitement to explore the new Castor Woods area in Dying Light: The Beast, others showed their support for the decision, arguing that Techland should take the necessary time to fine-tune the game instead of releasing a potentially flawed version.

    Timing is Everything

    This delay places Dying Light: The Beast in a busy launch window from September to October, coinciding with other major releases like Ghost of Yotei, Frostpunk 2, Borderlands 4, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: Order of Giants DLC.

    Initially, Dying Light: The Beast was planned as a DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human. However, given the game’s scale and its return to narrative elements, Techland opted to present it as a standalone title.

    Dying Light: The Beast is set to be released on September 19, 2025, for platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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  • Techland Cancels 2 Unannounced Games Amid Financial Issues

    Techland Cancels 2 Unannounced Games Amid Financial Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Techland has canceled two unannounced games due to financial difficulties, with losses increasing significantly from 2023 to 2024.

    2. One of the canceled projects, Project Cornerstone, was an open-world fantasy action RPG developed by a team of ex-CD Projekt RED developers.

    3. Techland’s previous game, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, was a financial success, selling five million copies in its first month and contributing to the series’ total of 30 million copies sold.

    4. The studio continues to support Dying Light 2: Stay Human with updates and released a free “Retouched Update” for the first game.

    5. Techland is focusing on Dying Light: The Beast, a standalone game set to launch on August 22, 2025, after evolving from a planned DLC for Dying Light 2.

    Techland, the Polish studio known for the Dying Light series, has decided to cancel two of its unannounced games during a tough financial time for the company.

    Financial Struggles

    Reports from the Polish business publication Puls Biznesu reveal that Techland faced losses of around 130 million Polish zloty (almost $37.3 million) in 2024, a significant jump from the $25 million loss in 2023. This growing financial burden was a major reason for the halt in development on the two unannounced games.

    Rumored Project Details

    One of the projects that got canceled is believed to be an open-world fantasy action RPG, which Techland had announced back in 2022. Known as Project Cornerstone, this game featured a team of ex-CD Projekt RED developers, including director Bartosz Ochman, along with narrative leaders like Arkadiusz Borowik and Karolina Stachyra.

    CEO Paweł Marchewka had previously shown excitement about Techland’s first intellectual property in almost ten years, which was said to be inspired by the Star Wars franchise.

    Previous Success

    Techland’s latest major game was Dying Light 2: Stay Human, released in 2022 and which turned out to be a financial hit. The game managed to sell five million copies within its first month. Combined, the Dying Light series has achieved a total of 30 million copies sold over its lifetime.

    Even with these challenges, Techland has kept up its support for Dying Light 2: Stay Human by rolling out bug fixes and updates requested by the community. They also introduced a free “Retouched Update” for Dying Light 1 on June 26.

    Future Projects

    Currently, Techland is concentrating on their next confirmed title, Dying Light: The Beast, which started as a DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human. After two years of work, Techland transformed the project into a standalone game with a linear storyline. Dying Light: The Beast is scheduled to launch on August 22, 2025, for Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5, and PC.

    Despite the difficulties, including recent job cuts and project cancellations in the gaming sector, Techland is still dedicated to broadening the Dying Light universe.

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  • Bloodbath in Paradise: Action Classic for Just $2!

    Bloodbath in Paradise: Action Classic for Just $2!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Direct Continuation: Dead Island: Riptide picks up right after the first game, moving the story from the island of Banoi to the jungle-filled Palanai.

    2. Brutal Melee Combat: The game emphasizes intense melee action with customizable weapons and targeted attacks, while firearms are rare.

    3. Co-op Gameplay: Players can team up with up to four friends in co-op mode, making teamwork essential for survival against zombies.

    4. Mixed Reception: The Definitive Edition received praise for its engaging combat and game world, but criticism for outdated graphics and lack of new features, earning a score of 73/100.

    5. Affordable Pricing: The game is generally priced around $20 but is currently available for just $2 on Fanatical, marking a significant discount.

    Dead Island: Riptide continues the thrilling zombie saga, directly following the events of the first game. The original adventure took players to Banoi, a fictional island famed for its beautiful sandy beaches, lavish resorts, and throngs of tourists. Sadly, these tourists have transformed into ravenous zombies. Riptide starts on the rescue ship ES Meridian, designed to transport survivors to safety. However, the ship crashes near Palanai, another island in the Banoi chain. Unlike the sunny main island, Palanai is shrouded in thick jungle, submerged villages, and decaying military outposts. As before, the undead lurk around every corner. Players can choose from five characters, each with unique fighting styles. For instance, Sam B excels with blunt objects like hammers and bats, while Xian Mei, a former secret agent, opts for swift and precise attacks using sharp weapons.

    Intense Melee Action

    The essence of Dead Island: Riptide lies in its brutal melee combat. Players battle the undead using makeshift weapons like baseball bats, axes, machetes, and pipes, many of which can be enhanced with found materials. For instance, adding nails to a bat not only increases damage but also creates an enjoyable splatter effect. The game allows for targeted attacks; smashing a zombie’s knees makes it hard for them to pursue you, while a solid hit to the head can end a fight swiftly. While firearms are available on Palanai, they are scarce, and ammunition is always in short supply. This leads players to engage in raw, close-quarters combat against the undead. A standout feature is the co-op mode, which enables up to four players to explore the island together and combat the zombie menace as a united front. This mode is a favorite among players, as teamwork and careful resource management can be the key to survival or a gory demise.

    Development and Reception

    Techland developed Dead Island: Riptide, which was released in collaboration with publisher Deep Silver in April 2013. The current deal refers to the Definitive Edition, which launched in May 2016. This updated version includes all previously released DLCs and technical improvements like sharper textures and better lighting. The German website gamecritics.de reviewed the PS4 version of Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition, praising its engaging combat system and the varied, well-crafted game world. However, they also noted that the graphics still seem outdated despite the upgrades, and the game lacks new features when compared to the first installment. Nevertheless, gamecritics.de awarded it a respectable score of 73 out of 100, appreciating the fun experience even with its technical flaws.

    User Feedback and Pricing

    Since its launch, Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition has received close to 6,000 user reviews on Steam, with 76% of those being positive. The feedback on Metacritic is quite similar, showing a Metascore of 7.0 and a user score of 7.5.

    Currently, Dead Island: Riptide – Definitive Edition is usually priced around $20, but Fanatical is offering a significant 90% discount, reducing the price to just $2 until April 14. According to SteamDB, the game frequently goes on sale with large discounts, typically falling to about $3. This makes Fanatical’s offer the lowest price to date. As an authorized reseller, Fanatical provides a game key that can be activated on Steam.

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