audiences Archives

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Dole expands Minecraft campaign with pineapple focus

Dole is launching a 15-week campaign starting June 21 across North America and Europe, focusing on pineapples and targeting younger audiences. This campaign includes in-game rewards for Minecraft players, such as a branded ‘pineapple hoodie.’ The previous campaign resulted in a 20-fold increase in website visits from QR code scans, generating 2 million landing page views and significant social media impressions. Over 60% of participants expressed increased intent to purchase Dole’s fruit after engaging with the campaign. This year's campaign will feature new recipes, digital puzzles, and offline engagement activities, along with QR-enabled stickers in retail environments to connect purchases to digital rewards.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 Adds Jump Attacks and New Equipment Slots Alongside An Interconnected World

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set six years after the first installment and introduces new enemies, including the Twisted Warden. The game features an interconnected world for exploration, jump attacks for dynamic combat, and enhanced character customization with four armor slots, three Talisman slots, and three Artifact slots. One Talisman allows players to summon a dog companion that acts as a pseudo-tank but requires time to respawn. The game is scheduled for release on September 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, and will include cross-platform play.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Android 17’s newest feature feels like it was built for TikTok

The Android 17 QPR1 Beta 4 introduces a feature called Screen Reactions, allowing users to record their screen with their selfie camera for creating reaction videos. The update also includes the May 2026 security patch, bug fixes, and stability improvements, and is being rolled out to Android Beta Program participants. Additional features showcased include enhanced Instagram integration, exclusive Edits app features, and the upcoming availability of Adobe Premiere on Android.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Once again players are right to suspect AI was used in a game, once again a dev apologizes for using AI in their game

1666: Amsterdam, a game led by Patrice Desilets, generated excitement during the Summer Game Fest with a narrative teaser featuring themes of witches and the supernatural. However, it was revealed that some visuals were created using artificial intelligence, leading to scrutiny from the gaming community. The studio, Panache, acknowledged this in a Reddit statement, confirming that some marketing and game assets utilized generative AI and that they are reviewing these assets. They assured players that the Early Access and full game will not include AI-generated assets. This incident highlights a trend in the gaming industry regarding the use of AI in development.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Xbox ‘console exclusives’ are strictly about console releases, Xbox exec affirms: Games will ‘still show up on all the normal places where we sell the PC version’

During the Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma referred to Gears of War: E-Day as an "Xbox console exclusive." Xbox's chief content officer, Matt Booty, clarified that while the game will be exclusive to the Xbox console, it will also be available on PC and through Xbox Cloud streaming services. This strategy aims to enhance Xbox's presence in the PC gaming market, which Booty acknowledges is currently lacking. Microsoft is reassessing its approach to exclusivity, contrasting with Sony's more isolated strategy. Sharma emphasized the importance of reaching large audiences through exclusive content and services to establish Xbox as a platform.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

After seeing Thief Remastered, I’m calling it: That doomed Deux Ex remaster should get rebooted with Nightdive in charge

Nightdive Studios is remastering Thief: The Dark Project, showcasing it at the PC Gaming Show with a nostalgic trailer and modern enhancements. The remaster will preserve the game's medieval settings and improve low-poly NPC designs, along with including a DVD extras menu featuring art, prototypes, and behind-the-scenes footage. In contrast, Aspyr's remaster of Neverwinter Nights 2 added essential features like Steam Deck support and resolved bugs, while their upcoming Deus Ex remaster lacks significant upgrades and has received negative feedback from fans. Both Thief and Deus Ex are part of The Embracer Group, which is observing the reception of these remasters. Aspyr has faced challenges, including losing the Knights of the Old Republic remake and legal issues with Disney. The Deus Ex remaster has been indefinitely delayed, raising concerns among fans about its management and future.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Fumito Ueda on why Gen Atlas has shooting but isn’t a shooter, cool robots, and generative AI

Fumito Ueda, the creator of Gen Atlas, shared insights about the game during a recent meeting. The game features a silent protagonist navigating a vast desert, encountering colossal robots, and engaging in combat. Ueda emphasized the importance of uniqueness in game design and the balance within the overall experience. He aims to refine familiar mechanics while introducing innovative elements, such as a shooting mechanic that enhances player agency without dominating gameplay. Ueda's narrative is influenced by personal experiences and cultural themes, particularly the relevance of robots and AI in today's society. Gen Atlas will be Ueda's first release on PC, allowing him to reach a broader audience. The game will also feature dynamic environmental interactions, contributing to its storytelling.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

More Minecraft, More Challenges

Minecraft is launching a sponsorship campaign called “More Minecraft, More Challenges” for streamers on Twitch, running for three weeks starting June 6th at 8 AM PT. Streamers from the US, UK, and Germany can earn up to ,000 across three weekly campaigns, each with a new theme and viewer rewards. Viewers can earn rewards by watching participating channels through a feature called Drops. Streamers must accept the sponsorship via their Sponsorship Dashboard and stream for at least one hour with Channel Skins active. The campaign is first-come, first-served, and once spots are filled, no more entries will be accepted. Participating streamers will have promotional skin overlays and may receive enhanced visibility through front page placement from June 6-26. Earnings will be reflected in the revenue dashboard within a week after content review.

AppWizard

June 7, 2026

Bloober Team’s making a Star Trek horror game

Polish horror developer Bloober Team is developing a sci-fi psychological horror game titled Star Trek: Shadow Frontier, featuring Ro Laren, a Bajoran officer from Star Trek: The Next Generation, voiced by actress Michelle Forbes.

AppWizard

June 6, 2026

Minecraft 2 titled A Minecraft Movie Squared sets July 2027 release as debate rages

Mojang has announced that "Minecraft 2: A Minecraft Movie Squared" will be released in U.S. theaters on July 23, 2027, and in France on July 21, 2027. The film will be directed by Jared Hess, with returning cast members Jack Black as Steve, Jason Momoa as Garrett, and Danielle Brooks as Dawn, along with new additions Kirsten Dunst as Alex and Matt Berry in an undisclosed role. Fans can participate in a Minecraft Build Challenge to have their creations featured in the film. The sequel aims to align more closely with the game's themes of survival, crafting, and exploration.