awards Archives

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

A multi-month delay for Deus Ex turned into a huge payoff for one of its best characters, says designer Harvey Smith

Harvey Smith discussed the development of Deus Ex on the NoClip podcast, emphasizing the benefits of allowing extra time for game development, particularly in post-production. He noted that Ion Storm Austin received additional time, which enabled the team to refine the game and enhance the character Gunther Hermann, who initially had a limited role. Smith creatively integrated Gunther into a mission in a Paris cathedral, allowing for a more dynamic interaction and a dramatic moment where Gunther's presence added emotional weight to the gameplay. He highlighted the importance of providing game development teams with extra time to improve quality and creativity, suggesting that this approach could lead to greater success and recognition in the industry.

AppWizard

August 30, 2026

Best PC, PlayStation, Xbox Games Named by Gamescom – List of Winners in Different Categories Revealed

Capcom's upcoming title, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, won multiple awards, including Best PlayStation Game and Best Gameplay. CD Projekt RED received accolades for their booth design, merchandise, and the trailer for the remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, along with its story expansion "Ballad of the Past." The Best PC Game award went to Total War: Warhammer 40,000. Other awards included Best Xbox Game for Forza Horizon 6, Best Audio for Alien: Isolation 2, Most Engaging Game for Wanderburg, Most Epic Game for Tides of Annihilation, Most Heartfelt Game for Finding Polka, Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game for Rayman Legends Retold, and Best Mobile Game for Where Winds Meet. The Best Trailer (Audience Choice) was awarded to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered & Songs of the Past DLC.

BetaBeacon

August 17, 2026

Highly-rated city-building simulator from former Ubisoft developer released on iOS and Android

Dawnfolk by Darenn Keller has a mobile version released by Short Circuit Studio, available on the App Store and Google Play for 699 and 690 rubles. iOS users can try the game for free before purchasing.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

PC gamers save $170 in new 8-game bundle that includes 2024 award winning RPG

PC gamers can access the August 2026 Humble Choice bundle for .99, which includes eight games and an additional DLC. The bundle features: 1. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Release Date: January 25, 2024 - Steam Rating: 90% positive 2. Dead Cells + The Bad Seed DLC - Release Date: August 6, 2018 - Steam Rating: 97% positive 3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge - Release Date: June 16, 2022 - Steam Rating: 94% positive 4. Decktamer - Release Date: October 27, 2025 - Steam Rating: 85% positive 5. Conquest Dark - Release Date: April 30, 2025 - Steam Rating: 89% positive 6. Gatekeeper - Release Date: August 1, 2025 - Steam Rating: 82% positive 7. Pile Up! - Release Date: July 23, 2025 - Steam Rating: 74% positive 8. Dark Envoy - Release Date: October 24, 2023 - Steam Rating: 69% positive Proceeds from the bundle benefit Oceana, an organization focused on ocean health.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Tomb Raider: Catalyst delayed to 2028

Jeffrey Gattis, head of Amazon Gaming, announced that the release of the Tomb Raider game, Catalyst, has been delayed from 2027 to 2028. This delay follows challenges faced by developer Crystal Dynamics, including multiple layoffs, which may have impacted the game's development.

AppWizard

July 16, 2026

University Awards Scholarships Worth Thousands of Dollars to Players Who Complete a Minecraft Challenge

Silicon Valley University in California is offering scholarships, called "Max Achievement Scholarships," to students who demonstrate exceptional gaming abilities, particularly in Minecraft. To qualify, applicants must unlock all 115 achievements in Minecraft and provide verified proof of their accomplishments. Successful candidates can receive up to ,000 to help cover tuition fees. Additionally, applicants must submit a written report connecting their gaming experiences to their educational and career goals and maintain a strong GPA to retain the scholarship. The university also offers similar scholarships for other games like Terraria, No Man’s Sky, and Ark: Survival Evolved.

AppWizard

July 13, 2026

One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work

Compulsion Games has regained its independence after layoffs at Xbox and is seeking new collaborations within the games and entertainment industry. The studio's game, South of Midnight, has won several awards, including a BAFTA Award, a Peabody Award, and seven Canadian Game Awards, and has been recognized on multiple 'Best Games of 2025' lists with an 83% review score. Despite its critical acclaim, the game did not achieve blockbuster sales, leading to concerns about the studio's long-term viability. Compulsion Games was founded in 2009 and has previously provided services to other studios. Before their independence announcement, several employees began exploring new job opportunities with the support of studio leadership, reflecting uncertainty within the studio.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

PC gamers have days left to pick up 2016 award winner for free

GOG is currently offering a free giveaway of the 2016 point-and-click adventure game Silence. In the game, players control 16-year-old Noah, who searches for his lost sister Renie in a war-torn realm between life and death. The game takes approximately 6.5 hours to complete, with completionists potentially spending up to 12 hours. Silence received mixed reviews but won awards for Best Sound, Best Story, and Best Graphics at the Deutscher Entwicklerpreis. The giveaway lasts for about 40 hours, and players can claim the game by creating a free GOG account. The game is DRM-free, allowing offline play.

AppWizard

July 9, 2026

Fallout series nominated for 9 Emmys, but not even one of them is for ‘Outstanding Goggins’

The Television Academy announced the nominations for this year's Primetime Emmy Awards, with The Pitt leading with 25 nominations, followed by Widow's Bay with 19 and Pluribus with 18. Shows based on PC games received nine Emmy nominations, but no actors from these adaptations were individually nominated. Notable actors such as Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, and Justin Theroux were overlooked. Walton Goggins, who was previously nominated for his role in Fallout Season 1, also did not receive a nomination this year. The nominees for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama include Noah Wyle, Mark Ruffalo, Gary Oldman, Sterling K. Brown, and Rufus Sewell. Fans remain hopeful for future recognition for Goggins and the gaming adaptations.

AppWizard

July 5, 2026

PC Gamers Can Claim 9 Free Games This Month, Including 2025 Award Winner Dispatch

PC gamers can claim the free game Dispatch, which won the Steam Awards 2025 Game of the Year. Amazon Luna, a gaming service that allows streaming on various devices, is offering Dispatch along with other titles for July 2026. The game is developed by AdHoc Studio, whose team includes former members of Telltale Games. Dispatch features engaging storytelling, humor, and animation, and is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2. Other games available on Amazon Luna this month include Sonic Mania Plus, Courtroom Chaos: Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Centipede Swarm, LEGO: Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, YouTuber’s Life, Arcade Paradise, Jackbox Party Pack 8, and Angry Birds Mystery Island.