Blizzard Archives

AppWizard

August 16, 2026

David Brevik, creator of Diablo, reveals the ‘worst ending’ to any game he’s played: ‘But I really love the game. It’s amazing’

David Brevik co-founded Condor and pitched Diablo to Blizzard Entertainment, which became a cornerstone of the action role-playing game genre. He is currently the President of Skystone Games, which has released titles like Tiny Bookshop and Mistfall Hunter. Brevik is revisiting Marvel Heroes, where he served as creative director and later CEO until the game was shut down. He enjoys playing Minecraft with family and friends and has invested over 400 hours into No Man's Sky. Brevik regularly revisits EverQuest, logging thousands of hours, and also plays EQ '99. He uses Visual Studio for programming and works on game prototypes almost daily. His desktop is cluttered with about 300 icons for games, development tools, and notes.

AppWizard

August 15, 2026

WoW’s haunted: Players report that their disconnected friends’ characters are starting to play the game on their own

Players of World of Warcraft (WoW) have reported that since the release of the Midnight's 12.1 patch, disconnected characters are exhibiting unexpected behavior by moving and engaging in combat autonomously. A YouTube video shared on the WoW subreddit shows an Evoker character continuing to fight after the player disconnected. Longtime players have expressed discomfort at seeing characters perform actions that contradict typical disconnection cues. Other players have shared similar experiences, leading to speculation that this may be an early version of a disconnect protection feature. WoW has previously used NPC dungeon follower technology, suggesting that Blizzard might have adapted this technology to allow disconnected characters to continue participating in combat. As of now, Blizzard has not commented on this phenomenon.

AppWizard

August 13, 2026

The Best Places to Buy and Rent PC Games Online in 2026

The digital landscape for purchasing PC games has evolved, offering various online stores for Linux, macOS, and Windows games, with some also featuring e-books, movies, and software. Notable platforms include Steam, Epic Games Store, Humble Bundle, and Xbox, each with diverse game libraries. Some publishers, like Blizzard and EA, initially required exclusive downloads but are now allowing games across multiple storefronts. Steam offers extensive titles and a Verified program for Steam Deck users, while GOG.com focuses on classic games and itch.io on indie titles. Consumers can purchase games from different platforms and use tools like CheapShark to compare prices and find deals.

BetaBeacon

August 11, 2026

Aptoide Games Joins Google Play: First Rival Android Store in Over Decade

The Play Catalog Access Program was implemented on July 22, 2026, as a result of a court order after Google lost a lawsuit filed by Epic Games for illegally monopolizing Android app distribution and in-app billing. The program allows enrolled stores, such as Aptoide Games, to access Google Play's app catalog and offer users the ability to install apps through Google Play's infrastructure, maintaining security and service fees.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

3 months after the release of Directive 8020, Supermassive Games is laying off even more people

Supermassive Games is reducing its workforce by up to 75 employees three months after the launch of Directive 8020, citing the need for long-term sustainability. This is the third round of layoffs in under three years, with previous cuts occurring in 2024 and 2025 due to challenges in the gaming industry. The parent company, Nordisk Film, reported an operating profit of €140 million on revenues of €2.2 billion in 2025. The number of employees remaining after the layoffs is currently unclear.

AppWizard

August 10, 2026

Project Xodus Brings Native Xbox PC and Game Pass Games to Linux

Project Xodus is an open-source initiative focused on reverse-engineering Xbox PC and Game Pass titles to enable their use on Linux and Mac systems. The project has made significant progress in Microsoft authentication and package decryption, allowing Linux users to download and process Xbox subscription games locally. The team has successfully reverse-engineered Microsoft’s identity services and license verification systems, unlocking encrypted MSIXVC game files and enabling the verification of game licenses and decryption of installation packages on non-Windows operating systems. Xodus serves as a translation bridge for Microsoft’s proprietary ecosystem services, providing custom proxy libraries for games to function as if they are running in a native Windows environment. It specifically targets modern games built on Microsoft’s GDK framework, excluding older titles using the Universal Windows Platform and those dependent on kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms. The project aims to improve access to Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck by facilitating direct local hardware execution, reducing reliance on cloud streaming and enhancing portable gaming experiences. Community feedback has been positive, with developers actively sharing updates and engaging with inquiries.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

WoW developers reflect on Midnight’s first season—a world without AddOns, task overload, and Prey

The first season of World of Warcraft: Midnight has received mixed reviews, with initial offerings being impressive but subsequent patch content eliciting varied reactions. This expansion is significant as it introduces restrictions on combat AddOns and redesigns every class. Player housing has been added, which has exceeded expectations despite concerns about microtransactions. The developers have expressed positive feedback about the season, highlighting Mythic+, solo content like delves, and the new Prey feature as standout elements. Lead encounter designer Paul Kubit shared his enjoyment of the season and personal goals within Mythic+. The upcoming Curse of Ula'tek expansion is anticipated.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

5 Best PC Games Of The ’90s, Ranked

"Doom II" has received a new official level nearly three decades after its initial release. "Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings," released in 1999, features 13 distinct civilizations and has seen numerous expansions that enhance multiplayer modes. "Grim Fandango," released in 1998, is celebrated for its distinctive art design and captivating narrative, despite initial commercial struggles. "Half-Life," released in 1998, introduced a seamless gameplay experience and a compelling narrative, establishing itself as a classic in the first-person shooter genre. "StarCraft," released in 1998, allows players to choose from three unique factions and is known for its balanced gameplay and robust online multiplayer experience.

AppWizard

August 8, 2026

Epic Games Store saves gamers over $30 with two stellar freebies this weekend

Epic Games Store is offering two free titles this week: Beacon Pines and We Were Here Together. Beacon Pines is a 2022 adventure game originally priced at £16, with an 86 percent positive review rate. It features an interactive story tree that evolves based on player choices, allowing exploration of various paths and unlocking new charms. We Were Here Together is a cooperative escape-adventure game priced at £10, where two players must work together to navigate a post-blizzard landscape and uncover the truth behind Castle Rock. Both games will revert to their original prices after August 13.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Overwatch’s new mech hero is the sword-and-board sequel to D.Va, except her code isn’t ‘a plate of spaghetti’ under the hood

In 2018, Blizzard Entertainment's game director Aaron Keller described D.Va's programming as complex, leading to amusing bugs during her mech transitions. D.Mon is a new character in the MEKA Squad, designed for sturdiness and versatility, capable of dashing in any direction with limited fuel and equipped with a mounted machine gun. When she raises her shield, she resembles Reinhardt but has a speed advantage and a unique charge ability. D.Mon's ultimate ability, Limit Break, unleashes a whirlwind slash that increases enemy damage taken and grants her overhealth. A notable gameplay moment occurs when she is ejected from her mech, with an animation reminiscent of Voltron. D.Mon will debut in season 4 on August 11.