celebration Archives

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Sega says it made a ‘life-sized figure containing Sonic’s DNA,’ and I have a few questions

Sega is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog with various marketing initiatives, including exclusive merchandise and events. Highlights include limited edition fashion collaborations and a "musical odyssey" featuring live orchestral performances of Sonic soundtracks. A notable announcement is the "Sonic the Hedgehog DNA Figure," a life-sized statue claiming to contain "Sonic's DNA," developed in collaboration with the Lom Baby project from Transeeds. This figure uses "cutting-edge biotechnology" and symbolizes Sonic's core essence encapsulated within a Chaos Emerald. The exhibition for the DNA Figure will open on June 23 at the Tokyo Sega Store.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

It would take you 90 straight days to play each of Steam Next Fest’s demos for just 30 minutes

Steam Next Fest has begun, featuring 4,347 game demos available for a week. This number is expected to increase during the event. If a player spends half an hour on each demo, it would take about three months to experience them all. Notable titles include Empulse, an FPS with wall-running and mech-dropping mechanics, and Omen, an isometric spaceship extraction shooter.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

PC Bundle Offering 39 Games At $61 Saving For Limited Time Only

PC gamers can celebrate Pride Month with the Townsqueer Vol. 1 bundle, which includes 39 games and zines focused on LGBTQ+ themes. The bundle is priced at a significant discount compared to purchasing the games individually, and proceeds are shared among creators. Notable titles in the bundle include "Tell Me Why," featuring a trans protagonist, and various other games and zines that highlight diverse queer experiences. The bundle is available on itch.io, with options to purchase individual titles.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

3D narrative adventure game Sesame Street: Friends & Fun announced for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Switch, and PC

Outright Games, in collaboration with Infinigon, has announced the release of Sesame Street: Friends & Fun, a 3D narrative adventure game for up to two players. The game will launch on October 9 and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam. Players will explore the Sesame Street neighborhood, customize characters, and interact with characters like Elmo and Grover. The game is designed for young children, featuring intuitive controls, light challenges, and educational mini-games. Sesame Street has been a trusted brand in children's media since 1969, reaching over 300 million households worldwide.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

Final Fantasy 11 is one of the greatest MMOs of our time

Revisiting Final Fantasy 11 after nearly two decades evokes nostalgia but highlights a diminished community. The game approaches its 20th anniversary, and while familiar landscapes remain, the sense of belonging has faded. The introduction of NPC party members allows solo players to progress more quickly, altering the gameplay that once emphasized teamwork. This change raises concerns about the value of achievements earned without shared experiences, as the vibrant social dynamics have been replaced by messages from players selling items. The author grapples with the desire to reach max level while questioning the worth of solitary accomplishments.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Derelict Star review

A momentum-based 2D platformer titled "Derelict Star" will be released on April 3, 2026. It is developed by gate and published by Luminous Tree Games. The game emphasizes exploration and skillful navigation over traditional power-ups, encouraging players to master movement mechanics. It features a jetpack mechanic with a speed meter, and the environment consists of various rooms with unique challenges. Checkpoints and fast travel options enhance the exploration experience. The game is verified for Steam Deck and was reviewed on an RTX 3060 laptop with a Ryzen 5 5600H and 16GB RAM.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

After Apple yanks Max from App Store, VIPs still toast the Kremlin-linked messenger at SPIEF

A private VK Night party celebrated the launch of the Max messenger during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, hosted by Ksenia Sobchak and attended by Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev and VK CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko. The event featured performances by pop singers Vanya Dmitriyenko and Lolita Milyavskaya. The Max messenger was removed from the App Store on June 3 due to compliance with sanctions, despite previously ranking ninth among the most-downloaded apps in Russia.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

The IGN Live 2026 Humble Bundle Has Launched and It Features Nine Games for Just $10, Including Control, Fear the Spotlight, and More

The IGN Live event is starting this weekend, and Humble Bundle has launched an IGN Live game bundle featuring nine titles, including Control and TOEM: A Photo Adventure, available for a minimum contribution. The bundle has a combined value of and is available for 19 days. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Child's Play Charity.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

For the sixth year running, Dontnod honors Pride Month by giving away an award-winning adventure game

Tell Me Why, a narrative adventure game by Dontnod, is available for free in celebration of Pride Month for the sixth consecutive year. The game follows twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan as they navigate their past in small-town Alaska, exploring themes of identity and connection. Critics have praised the game's representation of Tyler's identity, despite some minor character development flaws. The gaming community has experienced review bombing against the game, prompting developers to encourage support for trans creators and inclusive charities. The game is free on Steam until June 30 and is also available on Xbox.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Tune into XBOX Games Showcase June 7

On June 7, the XBOX Games Showcase will take place, celebrating 25 years of XBOX. The event will feature world premieres, new gameplay mechanics, and updates on existing franchises. Following the Showcase, there will be a streaming event for Gears of War: E-Day Direct. Details on how to watch will be provided on XBOX Wire.