Champions Archives

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

PC Game Pass: Rethink buying games

PC Game Pass from XBOX offers access to over 500 high-quality PC games for a monthly fee of .90. It includes new releases available on launch day, classic AAA titles, and indie games, allowing players to explore various genres without the need for an XBOX console. Gamers can download and play multiple titles simultaneously, with no restrictions on installations. The library features popular games like Forza Horizon 6, EA SPORTS FC 26, Age of Empires IV, and Minecraft. PC Game Pass is part of a tiered subscription model, with trial promotions available for the first 14 days. Game Pass Ultimate offers additional benefits, including access to Ubisoft+ Classics and online multiplayer features.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

League of Legends Classic is real: “This was the right time”

League of Legends Classic has been announced earlier than planned due to a leak on the Public Beta Environment (PBE). Executive Producer Paul "Pabro" Bellezza and Head of League Studio Andrei "Meddler" van Roon discussed the excitement surrounding the nostalgic return of the game, which aims to evoke memories of its simpler early days. The initial plan was to reveal the teaser video before the MSI Finals on July 12, but the leak prompted an earlier announcement. The game will feature a roster that extends beyond the original 40 champions, including a return of Graves, and will incorporate old-style Runes and the Summoner Mastery system, though details are not finalized. League Classic will operate within the same client and utilize modern technology while adhering to 2026 system requirements. The full reveal is scheduled for July 11 at 11 PM PDT, with further insights expected at Worlds in October.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Riot delays ‘last hit indicators’ in League of Legends ranked mode after fan response: ‘We want to get more data and feedback’

Riot Games is introducing last hit indicators in League of Legends to assist new players in mastering the last hitting technique, which is crucial for earning gold. These indicators will visually show when a creep is about to die, making it easier for players to secure kills. Currently, this feature is limited to casual modes, but it is set to be introduced to normal draft and ranked play. Community responses are mixed, with some players expressing skepticism about its impact on skill levels, while others see it as a way to lower barriers for entry without affecting overall gameplay. Riot Games plans to gather more data and feedback before deciding on the feature's integration into ranked play.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Riot teases League of Legends Classic, with a full reveal coming in two weeks

Riot Games has confirmed the existence of League of Legends Classic after low-poly character models were leaked from public test servers. The announcement was made by executive producer Paul "Pabro" Bellezza in a skit titled "200 Years of Experience." A full reveal of the Classic mode is scheduled for July 11 during the MSI Finals. The video description suggests that the Classic mode may evolve over time, raising questions about the use of original currencies, the potential return of the Twisted Treeline 3v3 map, and the fate of old rune pages and quintessences. The announcement taps into nostalgia for the game's earlier versions, which had different mechanics and visuals compared to the current game. A previous fan-made server called Chronoshift was shut down by Riot, who indicated that a retro version was forthcoming.

AppWizard

June 26, 2026

New York Has a Gamer Mayor Now — and a $2.6 Billion Game Industry to Match

In June, New York City celebrated the NYC Battle of the Boroughs Champions at a press conference on June 10, recognizing the winners of the 2026 Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs. Among the winners was Team Hyper Pigmentation, an all-girl squad that won back-to-back titles. The city's digital games sector supports approximately 7,600 jobs, contributing billion in wages and generating a total economic output of billion. The NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) has established the Game Development Industry Council, launched the NYC Summer of Games campaign, and funded grants for developers. New York City's digital gaming ecosystem has an annual economic impact of .6 billion, with around 380 digital gaming firms, 65 percent of which are small or indie studios. The share of open roles in the gaming industry increased from 15.1 percent to 29.2 percent between Q3 2024 and Q1 2026. The Summer of Games features events from May through September, including the NYC Video Game Festival and the Tribeca Games Gallery. Mayor Zohran Mamdani is recognized as the first "Gamer Mayor," engaging with gaming culture and platforms like Twitch. Jones-Harvey emphasizes the importance of addressing affordability issues to retain talent in the gaming industry. She advocates for recognizing video games as a vital part of New York City's cultural landscape, alongside music, film, and theater.

BetaBeacon

June 18, 2026

The Pokémon Company Launches Pokémon Champions, a Battle-Focused Game for Android and iOS

The Pokémon Company has launched Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game for Android and iOS devices. The game features turn-based battles with familiar mechanics such as Pokémon types, abilities, and moves. Players can enjoy various modes, including Ranked Battles, Casual Battles, and Private Battles, with support for cross-play with Nintendo Switch players. Special in-game gifts are available for players who log in, including exclusive Pokémon, redeemable from June 17, 2026, to September 2, 2026.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Pokémon Champions has brought the battle to Android and iOS

Pokémon Champions has been launched on Android and iOS, originally released on the Nintendo Switch. Players can obtain a free Raichu along with Raichunite X and Raichunite Y mega stones through a special in-game campaign until September 1, 2026. The game supports cross-platform play and save data can be accessed on any platform by signing into a Nintendo account.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Pokémon Champions Available Now on iOS and Android Devices

The Pokémon Company International has released Pokémon Champions for mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Players can participate in a special in-game campaign featuring Raichu until September 2, 2026, to receive Raichu and Mega Stones. The game is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all players, with free downloads and cross-play compatibility.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

If you’re bored of shop sims about restocking shelves, here’s one about helping someone find the album that could change their life

A friend who worked in a bookstore found it challenging when customers provided vague descriptions of what they were looking for. The game Wax Heads allows players to engage in an immersive experience set in a record store that supports local bands and zines. The game is inspired by films like Empire Records and High Fidelity, featuring an artistic style similar to Scott Pilgrim. Wax Heads is available on Steam, along with a demo for players interested in the experience.

AppWizard

June 13, 2026

I’m sad, I’m angry, I’m interested: Destiny’s final cutscenes are a painful end to a new saga cut short

Destiny 2's latest update, Monuments of Triumph, concludes the decade-long Light and Darkness saga with The Final Shape and introduces a new narrative arc called the Fate saga, starting with The Edge of Fate. This update features hidden cutscenes that provide insights into the characters' journeys and the future of the game. One cutscene highlights Zavala reflecting on his journey and entrusting the future to Ikora, while the second cutscene presents Lodi in the Dark Forest, hinting at a confrontation between Dark and Light and introducing the Winnower, an extradimensional god. The update showcases improved cinematic quality and leaves players with a mix of intrigue and sadness, suggesting potential for future storytelling in the Destiny universe.