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Despite microtransaction woes at launch, MMO sequel Aion 2 will go global this year
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Despite microtransaction woes at launch, MMO sequel Aion 2 will go global this year

Aion 2, launched in November of last year and set 200 years after the original game, has gained traction despite mixed reviews on its microtransaction strategies. It is preparing for a global release on Steam later this year, targeting players in North America, South America, Japan, and Europe by 2026. The game generated millions within the first month and a half of its release and has over 1 million subscribers, contributing to a 12% increase in NCSoft's revenue for the quarter.
All new prices for Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass in April 2026 revealed
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

All new prices for Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass in April 2026 revealed

Xbox Game Pass has reduced its subscription costs effective immediately: Game Pass Ultimate is now .99 per month, and PC Game Pass is .99, down from .49. The Premium and Essential tiers maintain their pricing from October 2025. Future releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, with new titles added nearly a year after their initial release, although existing titles will remain accessible.
Titanium Court review
AppWizard
April 23, 2026

Titanium Court review

Titanium Court is a game that combines match-three puzzles, autobattlers, and visual novels, developed by AP Thomson and published by Fellow Traveller, set to release on April 23, 2026. It features a narrative where the protagonist ascends to the throne of the Titanium Court amidst a war between two factions. Players engage in match-three mechanics to gather resources and eliminate enemy blocks, with gameplay transitioning to an autobattle phase where resource management affects soldier deployment. The game includes whimsical elements and random complications that influence strategy, while its writing and presentation offer humor and a surreal atmosphere. Despite the potential frustration from the match-three mechanics, the game is noted for its artistic vision and charm.
Microsoft cut the price of Game Pass. Now it should reinvent the Xbox
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Microsoft cut the price of Game Pass. Now it should reinvent the Xbox

Microsoft has reduced the price of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to .99 per month, following a significant price increase of 50% in October 2025. The PC-only plan is now priced at .99, while a more basic version is available for .99. This price adjustment reflects an effort to make gaming more accessible amid economic pressures on gamers. The service, launched in 2017 and fully rolled out in 2019, has seen increased costs due to acquisitions and content delivery. The recent changes come as Phil Spencer stepped down and Asha Sharma took over, aiming to restore confidence in the brand. However, the removal of new releases from franchises like Call of Duty raises concerns about subscriber retention.
Xbox Lowers Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Prices
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Xbox Lowers Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Prices

The company is changing its strategy for major first-party releases, specifically the Call of Duty franchise. New entries will no longer be available on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass on launch day; instead, they will be added to the subscription service about a year later, around the next holiday season. This shift is likely a response to the challenges of the subscription service's lower price point and aims to stabilize revenue, though it may risk subscriber cancellations. Existing Call of Duty titles will remain accessible to current subscribers. The adjustment reflects a hybrid strategy in development and publishing, balancing subscription models with traditional sales to manage rising production costs. Microsoft is also lowering the barrier to entry to maintain platform appeal while delaying premium launches to protect revenue opportunities.
12 years after the original and with its themes more relevant than ever, anti-war game This War of Mine is getting a full remake
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

12 years after the original and with its themes more relevant than ever, anti-war game This War of Mine is getting a full remake

11 Bit Studios is developing two new games: a new installment in the Frostpunk series and a reimagining of This War of Mine. The Alters has sold 545,000 copies, and Frostpunk 2 has sold nearly 880,000 copies. CEO Przemysław Marszał stated that the upcoming titles will not be remasters but will offer modern takes on the narratives. Creative director Michał Drozdowski emphasized the studio's commitment to unique artistic vision in its games. The reimagining of This War of Mine is particularly significant given its themes in the current global climate. 11 Bit Studios plans to launch Moonlighter 2 in 2026, with new downloadable content for Frostpunk and The Alters, while Frostpunk 1886 is expected to release around 2027 or 2028.
Xbox Just Dropped The Price Of Game Pass Ultimate, But There's A Catch
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Xbox Just Dropped The Price Of Game Pass Ultimate, But There’s A Catch

Microsoft has reduced the monthly fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .49 to .99. Subscribers will lose immediate access to new releases of the "Call of Duty" series, which will now be available on Game Pass approximately a year after their initial release. Despite these changes, most aspects of the Game Pass services will remain unchanged, including day-one access to other gaming titles, online multiplayer capabilities, and in-game perks. The service has over 20 million users as of November 2022.
Don't panic, highly anticipated sequel Aion 2 will come to Steam later this year
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Don’t panic, highly anticipated sequel Aion 2 will come to Steam later this year

Aion 2 will be released later this year on Steam and NC America's proprietary launcher, 18 years after the original Aion debuted. The game will feature servers in North America, South America, Europe, and Japan, with language support in multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Aion 2 will be 36 times larger than its predecessor, featuring aerial exploration and expansive underwater realms. It will include PvE raids, PvP combat, and laser-themed minigames. Players can add the game to their wishlist for its 2026 release.
Minecraft Crafting Essentials: How to Craft Paper | Attack of the Fanboy
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Minecraft Crafting Essentials: How to Craft Paper | Attack of the Fanboy

Paper is an essential resource in Minecraft, particularly highlighted in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update. Players can craft paper by arranging three sugar cane in a horizontal row on a crafting table. Sugar cane can be found near water sources, thriving in deserts and swamps, and can be planted on various surfaces. The introduction of the Crafter block in the 1.21 update allows for automated paper production, enhancing efficiency. Sugar cane growth is influenced by random ticks, with Java Edition experiencing updates every eighteen minutes and Bedrock Edition every fifty-four minutes. Trading paper with villagers can yield emeralds, with a potential to reduce the trade cost to one sheet per emerald by curing zombie villagers. Additionally, the lore of the game connects paper to the Ancient Builders and their libraries, emphasizing its historical significance.
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