Christmas Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

The new game from Disco Elysium’s studio feels like the first Christmas after your parents’ divorce

Commodity fetishism refers to the transformation of human relationships into transactions between commodities, obscuring the labor behind everyday products. In the context of the game "Zero Parades," players control Hershel Wilks, a spy for the communist "Superbloc," who has a troubled past involving the loss of her team. The game features a skill and check system similar to "Disco Elysium," with three ability pools and a unique narrative style. The dialogue includes memorable characters and sharp writing, but the game often feels like an imitation of its predecessor, lacking originality and innovation.

AppWizard

January 31, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 2 to 6

Next week, several new titles will be released for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC: - DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition by SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. priced at .99, and DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined priced at .99, both releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Play Anywhere. - MY HERO ACADEMIA: All’s Justice – Ultimate Edition, Deluxe Edition, and standard edition, all by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with prices ranging from .99 to .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Carmageddon: Rogue Shift by 34BigThings, priced at .99, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Hidden Cats in Christmas by Silesia Games Sp. z o.o., releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere. - Lovish by DANGEN Entertainment, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 4. - New Yankee: Through the History Mirror Collector's Edition by Ocean Media, releasing on February 4. - Tiny Biomes by Eastasiasoft Limited, releasing on February 4, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized. - Dragon Spira by KEMCO, priced at .99 (on sale for .99), releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, and Xbox Play Anywhere. - Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass by Electric Airship, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S and Smart Delivery. - MENACE (Game Preview) by Hooded Horse, releasing on February 5. - Sora – Winds of the Jungle by EpiXR Games, priced at .99, releasing on February 5, optimized for Xbox Series X|S. - Car Cops by QubicGames S.A., releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimized. - Dark Quest: Remastered by Brain Seal Ltd, releasing on February 6. - Un.Key by Rebelião Studio, releasing on February 6, optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery, Xbox Play Anywhere, and handheld optimized.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Bluey, the inescapable Australian cartoon dog, is getting official Minecraft DLC

In Australia, the animated series Bluey has influenced various aspects of life, inspiring merchandise such as Christmas ornaments, slippers, and snacks. The show's appeal extends to adults, sparking conversations about episodes. Bluey is set to enter the gaming world with a Minecraft DLC launching on February 5, following a full video game release in 2023. Pricing details for the DLC are not yet available, and there are hopes for future collaborations with other games like Fortnite and Rocket League.

BetaBeacon

January 26, 2026

‘We’re going to let VR be what it is and what it does great,’ says Meta execs regarding Quest changes

Meta is shifting its focus from first-party development to third-party games for Meta Quest headsets, with Horizon Worlds taking a mobile-only approach. Oculus Founder Luckey Palmer refuted claims that Meta is abandoning VR.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More

Xbox is introducing updates to enhance gaming experiences, including the Xbox PC app for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing downloads from the Xbox PC app catalog and access to Xbox Game Pass. A new Game Save Sync Indicator feature provides real-time visibility into cloud save status for seamless gameplay across devices. Xbox has partnered with Hisense and V homeOS to enable cloud gaming on select Smart TVs. The Handheld Compatibility Program highlights games optimized for portable play, with recent additions such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative now supports over 1,000 games for cross-platform play, including titles like Abyss DX and Cyberpunk Hacker. The Stream Your Own Game feature allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream from a library of over 1,000 owned games, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Xbox is reviving retro classics through a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, featuring over 100 titles and community challenges. Support for mouse and keyboard navigation has been expanded to over 230 games, and touch controls are available on cloud. Community feedback is encouraged to shape future developments, and players can join the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Star Wars Outlaws, Resident Evil Village, and More

Brews & Bastards is available on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition can be played on Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S, also available with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Atomfall will be available on January 7 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Premium. Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Rematch, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition will also be available on January 7 with Game Pass Premium. Final Fantasy will be available on January 8 for Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Star Wars Outlaws will be released on January 13 for Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery will be available on January 15 for Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. Resident Evil Village will be available on January 20 for Cloud, Console, and PC with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass. MIO: Memories in Orbit will also be available on January 20 for Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S on day one with Game Pass. Titles leaving the Game Pass library on January 15 include Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Neon White, Road 96, The Ascent, and The Grinch Christmas Adventures.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

2025 was so stacked with great games I missed the free, ass-kicking Christmas update to its best singleplayer shooter

Cultic has received significant acclaim as one of the best shooters of 2025, praised for its high-level execution. The game launched a holiday update called "Cultmas," which introduced a bonus map titled "I'll Be Home For Cultmas," featuring new weapons and a fresh enemy type. The update also included optimization tweaks and balance adjustments, notably overhauling burn damage mechanics. Cultic and its Complete Edition are available for purchase on Steam, and players can access the Cultmas map from the "new game" menu without needing the second chapter, released as DLC in 2025.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

Longmont events for Friday, Jan. 2: Minecraft Scavenger Hunt at Longmont Public Library

Families can participate in a Minecraft scavenger hunt at the Longmont Public Library at 9 a.m., with prizes available until January 4 or while supplies last. Sugar Britches will perform at Bricks on Main at 6 p.m., and admission is free. Bootstrap Brewing Company will host the Midnight Hour concert at 6 p.m. featuring Motown music. On Saturday at 8:30 a.m., residents can drop off holiday trees for free chipping at the Town of Lyons Utility Building. A concert celebrating Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special will take place at Bootstrap Brewing Company at 11 a.m. The Wolf Moon Night Hike will occur at 4:30 p.m. at Ron Stewart Preserve. "Nunsense" will be performed at Jesters Dinner Theatre on Sunday at 2 p.m., with ticket prices varying. Adult Drag Bingo will be held at Left Hand Brewing at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Bilingual storytime for children ages 5 and under will take place at Longmont Public Library on Monday at 10 a.m. An open play session for children ages 4 and under will be hosted at the library at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. A drop-in writers group will meet at the library at 6 p.m. on Monday. A watercolor class for participants aged 18 and older will be held at the Firehouse Art Center at noon on Tuesday. The Longmont Public Library will offer a Silent Hour for teens at 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Dungeons & Dragons sessions will take place at the library at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Sketch Club for teen artists will be held at Carbon Valley Regional Library at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. A Make and Take activity will be hosted in the Children’s Area of the Longmont Public Library at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Winsage

December 31, 2025

Windows 11’s best utilities are merging — and it’s more polished than macOS

The third-party file explorer, Files, has integrated with PowerToys Peek in version 4.0.24, enhancing user experience by allowing seamless file previews. This integration began rolling out during the festive week between Christmas and New Year’s. The update also includes a feature for faster file and folder creation with prefilled default names, improvements to the Omnibar with a shadow for suggestions, and text wrapping in the Status Center for longer folder names. Users can now use AND and OR operators for tag searches. Additionally, several fixes were made, including resolving crashes in Dual Pane mode and during git branch switching, as well as correcting display issues with PNG-based .ico files. Files is available for free on GitHub and the Microsoft Store.

AppWizard

December 28, 2025

The Recap: Bridgerton, Peaky Blinders, Minecraft x Stranger Things and More!

Netflix has released a trailer for the fourth season of Bridgerton, set to premiere on January 29, with the second part on February 26. A teaser for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has also been unveiled, with the film releasing on March 20. A special Minecraft DLC linked to Stranger Things allows players to explore new chapters in the final season and features characters with unique abilities. SEGA and RGG Studio showcased Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties, set for release on February 12. Persona5: The Phantom X's Ver. 2.7 update introduces new stages and characters, with an event ending on January 22. Wuthering Waves has launched its Chapter III update, adding new areas and characters. Gachiakuta: The Game has been revealed as a survival action RPG with cel-shaded visuals, focusing on combat and missions in monster-infested zones.