beta test Archives

AppWizard

December 9, 2025

Calamity Angels: Special Delivery Game’s PC Version Launches in 2026

Idea Factory International plans to release the role-playing game Calamity Angels: Special Delivery on PC via Steam in 2026. A closed beta test will run from December 22 to January 16, with applications now open. The official launch is set for February 17 in North America and Europe, with physical and digital versions available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. A Plus Edition will include a 52-page hardcover artbook, a postcard set, a slipcase, a reversible cover sleeve, and a trading card. The game features voiceovers in English and Japanese and was developed by Kei Nanameda, influenced by interviews with Japan Post. It was originally launched in Japan on June 26 for the Switch, PS5, and PS4.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

New Manor Lords update leaves players “seriously impressed” as beloved city builder drops to lowest-ever price on Steam

Manor Lords, developed by Grzegorz Styczeń under the name Slavic Magic, has released a major update, version 0.8.046, which includes over 350 fixes and numerous quality-of-life enhancements. Key changes involve resource management, with players able to protect specific resource areas and a new maintenance system based on a durability counter. Additionally, worker behavior has been refined, and the update includes balance changes, AI improvements, and nearly 150 bug fixes. The game is currently priced at .99 / £22.74, its lowest price to date.

AppWizard

November 19, 2025

Fortnite for Xbox PC and Xbox Ally devices is currently broken for many — but a fix is on the way

A recent 50% price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has prompted Microsoft and Epic Games to integrate Fortnite Crew into the service, offering in-game benefits and monthly V-Bucks. Fortnite has also joined Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing access through the Xbox app on Windows 11, but some users are facing issues due to a delayed update causing a version mismatch. Sources indicate that the problem is with Epic Games, and a resolution is expected soon. Microsoft is working on improving the Microsoft Store's user interface and addressing ongoing technical challenges. The inclusion of popular titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite suggests a positive future for Microsoft's gaming platform, although there are still hurdles to overcome for new users.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

A stylish new action RPG is making big waves on Steam, but its ‘AI chatbot’ NPCs have players howling in the wrong ways

Where Winds Meet, a martial arts RPG, received ten million pre-registrations and launched on Steam, attracting hundreds of thousands of players. Initially released in China at the end of 2024, it features a 10th-century China setting with 20 square kilometers of terrain. The game has faced mixed reviews due to AI chatbot NPCs that some players feel disrupt immersion. Its Steam rating fell to 'mixed' at launch but improved to 'mostly positive' as players appreciated the visuals and combat. Discussions on social media highlight both enjoyment and disappointment regarding the AI interactions, with players sharing humorous experiences. The game's use of AI reflects a broader trend in the industry, raising concerns about the impact on human creativity in game design.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Schedule 1’s Halloween update arrived two days late because the developer thought he should ‘probably play it safe’ and test it first

Schedule 1's Halloween update was released two days late, with developer TVGS apologizing for the delay and explaining the decision to conduct a public beta test. The update includes a climbing system with new ladders, additional graffiti locations, a loading dock at the Gas-Mart, and "meth LODs." It also features mechanical tweaks and bug fixes, promising a 10%-15% improvement in framerate. TVGS identified connection issues in multiplayer mode as stemming from bandwidth limitations, with further work needed to resolve the problem.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

New Schedule 1 update lets you become a sewer gremlin to evade police, but you’re not alone down there

TVGS has released the Schedule 1 Halloween update, introducing a new sewer system beneath the game's town. This update includes ladders and climbing mechanics, new keys and access points, and NPCs like the Sewer King and Sewer Goblin. The developer acknowledged a delay in the update's release but received positive feedback for beta testing it beforehand. Additionally, improvements have been made to over a dozen existing systems, and a patch for multiplayer connection issues is forthcoming. The update is now available for players.

AppWizard

November 2, 2025

Promising Genshin Impact rival makes huge changes for new beta, but the photo mode excites me more than its extra region

Arknights Endfield will adopt a more dynamic action-oriented gameplay style, inspired by games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. A second beta phase, called Best Test 2, will feature a reworked storyline, new cutscenes, and a new region named Wuling. The beta will introduce nine new characters, including three six-star characters: Ardelia, Late Rite, and Pogranichnik. The game will support cross-platform play and include a Photo Mode. The beta starts on November 28, and there will be a server wipe, meaning no progress will carry over to the final release. Players can participate by completing a survey to demonstrate their interest. An updated voice cast list and in-game bonus codes will also be available.

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

September 26, 2025

Petit Planet: All the key details on HoYo’s Animal Crossing-like life sim

HoYoverse has announced a new life simulation game called Petit Planet, which allows players to create and nurture their own celestial environment, similar to Animal Crossing. Players will engage in daily activities like gardening, crafting, and decorating while building friendships with neighbors. The game was previously known as Astaweave, and the name change has been noted by fans. Players can sign up for a beta test by visiting the official website and completing a questionnaire, although no specific beta launch date has been provided. The first trailer for Petit Planet was released at the 2025 Tokyo Game Show, showcasing elements like woodland creatures and social interactions. The game features characters such as Yunguo, Isaki, Medowlyn, and Frostia, each contributing to the game's depth. Activities in Petit Planet will include planting, fishing, mining, cooking, crafting, and exploring new locations through a "Starsea Voyage," as well as interacting in a social hub called the "Galactic Bazaar."

AppWizard

September 23, 2025

KakaoTalk meets ChatGPT: Korean messenger unveils major updates to flagship app

Kakao is updating its messenger service, KakaoTalk, for the first time in 15 years by integrating OpenAI's ChatGPT and its own AI model, Kanana. This update was announced at the if(Kakao)25 conference, where CEO Chung Shin-a emphasized user experience improvements. The ChatGPT feature, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-5, will be available next month and allows users to access AI tools within KakaoTalk, connecting to other Kakao services. Kanana will launch after a closed beta test next month, providing real-time assistance, summarization, and search capabilities tailored for the Korean language. KakaoTalk's interface will be redesigned based on user feedback, introducing a feed-style friends tab, customizable friends lists, and custom chat folders. Additional features include AI-generated summaries for voice chats, message editing, community-style open chatrooms, and a new short-form video tab.