alpha test Archives

AppWizard

November 22, 2025

The PUBG extraction shooter spinoff springs back to life with a closed alpha test set for December, and its focus on exploration over pure combat sounds a lot like my favorite part of Arc Raiders

In 2023, Project Black Budget, a spinoff of the PUBG franchise designed as an extraction shooter, was announced with a closed alpha testing phase scheduled for December 2025. The testing will take place from December 12-14 and December 19-21, accessible to players in North America, Europe, and Asia. Interested players can request access via the game's Steam page, but entry is not guaranteed. There is no non-disclosure agreement for the alpha phase, allowing players to stream and share their gameplay. Access keys will also be available through Twitch Drops during the testing period. PUBG Studios has acknowledged potential technical issues during the alpha and aims to refine gameplay systems through community feedback.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

One of the most ambitious MMORPGs is finally coming to Steam soon with a big price cut, but it’s still far from finished

Ashes of Creation, an MMORPG from Intrepid Studios, will debut on Steam on December 11 at a price of .99, with a 15% discount available for purchases made within the first two weeks. The game is currently in the Alpha Two phase, with plans to move to Beta One and Beta Two before full launch. The 'Alpha Two Third Wave Bundle' is available for , including access to both beta tests, a month of game time, and in-game currency. Existing playtesters will not receive a Steam key and must purchase the game on Steam or continue using the standalone client, which will be cross-compatible. Players who participated in testing before the Steam launch will receive two unique titles that alter their cloak's appearance.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

You can play the new Warhammer CRPG this year, if you open your wallet wide enough

The alpha test for Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy is set to launch on December 16, with access requiring a pre-order of either the Developer's Digital Pack for approximately £59 or the Collector's Edition for around £217. This pricing strategy has raised concerns among players, particularly due to past experiences with pre-ordering and the potential for the game to require significant post-launch fixes. Many in the gaming community feel that limiting alpha test access to those willing to pay a premium is misaligned with their sentiments, especially given the trend of disappointment associated with pre-orders.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Arc Raiders dev says Marathon alpha was “good A/B test”

Virgil Watkins, design director at Embark Studios, discussed the similarities between their upcoming game Arc Raiders and Bungie's Marathon during a conversation with PC Gamer. Both games are in the extraction shooter genre and had coinciding alpha tests, which allowed Embark Studios to conduct an informal A/B test comparing design choices. Arc Raiders is set to launch on October 30th, while Marathon's release has been delayed from its initial September schedule. Embark Studios was founded by Patrick Soderlund, a veteran from DICE and Electronic Arts, and is also known for the free-to-play team shooter, The Finals.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Tarkov’s brutal FPS action collides with Dead by Daylight’s horror crossovers in this new extraction shooter

Grey State Studio, a Tencent Games subsidiary, is developing a Lovecraftian extraction shooter titled "Rules of Engagement: The Grey State." The game combines elements from titles like Escape From Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, incorporating a Dead by Daylight-style approach to horror. Players will take on the role of a Strider, an elite operative, navigating a military secret location filled with grotesque creatures and alien artifacts in PvPvE matches. The game features a 'horrorverse' populated by beings inspired by horror films, literature, and internet creepypasta. An alpha test will showcase four classes: Pyro, Phantom, Sledge, and a secret class. The game is set for a free release in 2026 and is available for wishlisting on Steam.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

I never knew I needed a medieval RTS game with dinosaurs, until now

Dinolords is a video game where players follow Eric the Red as he discovers and hatches frozen dinosaur eggs, leading to a journey of domestication. The game features a dinosaur-led invasion of England, requiring nations to unite. It combines real-time strategy (RTS) elements with hack-and-slash gameplay, making it a unique 'hack and strat' experience. Dinolords will have its closed alpha playtest starting on October 31, with an early access release planned for 2026. Players can register on Steam to participate.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

Bungie prepares for Marathon closed beta

Bungie is initiating a technical beta for its game Marathon from October 22nd to 28th, available by invitation only. Participants can sign up now. The beta is governed by a non-disclosure agreement and will feature three maps, five runner shells, proximity chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue functionality, and deeper environmental storytelling. The Technical Test build is still a work in progress. Marathon was originally announced in 2023 with a planned launch in September 2025, but this timeline has been pushed back due to a negative reception from an alpha test and controversy over allegations of stolen art. The game currently lacks a definitive release date and is part of Sony's strategy in live-service gaming.

AppWizard

October 7, 2025

Bungie shows Marathon proof of life with the announcement of another closed playtest

Bungie has announced a closed playtest for Marathon, scheduled from October 22 to October 28. Players can apply for an invite on Bungie.net now, with access requests through Steam opening on October 13 at 10 am Pacific Time. Participants must agree to a nondisclosure agreement. The playtest will focus on improvements made since the alpha, including three maps, five runner shells, prox chat, re-tuned combat pacing, solo queue, and deeper environmental storytelling. The Technical Test build is still a work in progress and will only showcase a portion of the final game. Following mixed feedback from a previous playtest, Bungie has faced challenges, including a delay in Marathon's launch and criticism regarding Destiny 2.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Amazon Games announces free-to-play MOBA strategy game March of Giants for PC

Amazon Games and Amazon Games Montreal are releasing a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) strategy game called March of Giants, set to launch on PC via Steam. A closed alpha test will occur from September 2 to September 10. In the game, players take on the role of a Giant, commanding an army and deploying tactical structures called “Battleworks” in 4v4 combat. Each Giant has unique abilities, and players can command thousands of soldiers and strategically position reinforcements to influence the battle.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Sony’s live-service transition “not entirely going smoothly”

Sony Interactive Entertainment's CEO and CFO, Lin Tao, discussed challenges in the company's live-service gaming strategy, acknowledging difficulties in transitioning to a service-oriented portfolio. This includes the cancellation of the game Concord shortly after its release and the postponement of Bungie's title, Marathon, along with several other shelved projects. Tao noted that live-service games were almost non-existent for PlayStation Studios five years ago, but now contribute significantly to sales and profit through titles like Helldivers 2, MLB, Gran Turismo 7, and Destiny 2. The live-service ratio for Q1 was approximately 40 percent, with projections for the full year estimating between 20 to 30 percent. He recognized ongoing issues that need addressing to improve the introduction of live service content. Regarding Marathon, Tao mentioned it was delayed from its original September release due to an unsatisfactory alpha test, with an optimistic aim for completion by March 2026, though no official launch date has been set. He also discussed Bungie's integration into PlayStation Studios, indicating a shift from its initial independent operation towards becoming more integrated into the studio's structure.