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Epic and Google have a secret $800 million Unreal Engine and services deal
BetaBeacon
January 26, 2026

Epic and Google have a secret $800 million Unreal Engine and services deal

A judge is questioning whether Epic Games and Google are settling their antitrust fight partly because of a new partnership involving the Unreal Engine, Fortnite, and Android. The deal includes joint product development, marketing commitments, and partnerships. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney referred to the agreement as relating to the "metaverse." The deal involves Epic spending 0 million over six years to purchase services from Google. The settlement arrangement is tied to the business deal, and Epic views it as a significant transfer of value from Epic to Google. Epic and Google would only make the deal if the settlement goes through, and Sweeney considers it an important part of Epic's growth plan for the future.
'Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter': Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has 'proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games'
AppWizard
January 11, 2026

‘Don’t toil away on the things that don’t really matter’: Peak creator says its rapid development cycle has ‘proved that there are definitely different, but maybe better ways to make games’

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its realistic portrayal of horses, including details like the protagonist's horse testicles shrinking in cold weather, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in triple-A game production. In contrast, Peak originated from a four-week game jam and gained success, leading its creators to invest more time in its development. Co-creator Nick Kaman noted the increasing demand for smaller-scale games and emphasized that while financial challenges exist, there is still a vibrant player base for innovative experiences. He remarked that opportunities for mid-sized and small studios are diminishing, highlighting a trend in the gaming industry between large-scale projects and smaller creative endeavors.
If you've got a spare 200 hours, the massively ambitious sci-fi grand strategy from the creators of X-COM: The Long War just launched out of early access
AppWizard
January 10, 2026

If you’ve got a spare 200 hours, the massively ambitious sci-fi grand strategy from the creators of X-COM: The Long War just launched out of early access

Video games, particularly Terra Invicta, are proposed as simulations to prepare humanity for potential extraterrestrial threats. Terra Invicta combines elements of X-COM and grand strategy games, challenging players to prepare Earth for an alien invasion while managing global politics. Players can adopt various strategies, including resisting or submitting to the aliens. The recent 1.0 update introduces a new starting condition set in 2026, text localization in five languages, and significant content additions such as new regions and a realistic combat mode. The game’s developers, Pavonis Interactive, indicate ongoing development with plans for new scenarios and mechanics. Terra Invicta is currently available at a 35% discount, reducing its price from £35 to £23.
With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years
AppWizard
January 8, 2026

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years

The Outer Worlds 2 is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's foundations, featuring impactful decision-making and refined gameplay. Set in a different galaxy, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, tasked with investigating catastrophic rifts threatening the galaxy, particularly the Arcadia colony. The game critiques hyper-capitalism while being developed under Microsoft, incorporating satirical elements. Players' choices significantly influence gameplay, with character builds affecting the narrative and challenges faced. The revamped flaws system introduces both positive and negative effects based on player actions, encouraging exploration. The game features expertly crafted quests that intertwine with the main storyline, leading to unique outcomes. Companions add emotional depth to the experience, each with distinct personalities. While initial planets showcase engaging quests, later areas feel less vibrant, and combat lacks depth, often becoming repetitive. The crafting system allows for customization but may not be fully utilized due to the game's ease. Performance is strong, running smoothly on high-end hardware. Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes meaningful player choices but reveals a need for improved combat mechanics.
Hytale's Vampire Survivors Mod Shows Why Fans Are So Hyped
AppWizard
January 6, 2026

Hytale’s Vampire Survivors Mod Shows Why Fans Are So Hyped

Hypixel Studios has revealed a 40-second gameplay clip showcasing the modding potential of Hytale, a Minecraft-inspired survival game, ahead of its Early Access launch on January 13. The clip features a character battling voxel-based enemies in a top-down arena and was created by a team member as a proof-of-concept for the game's diverse modding capabilities. While this specific mod will not be included in the official release, Hypixel hinted at the possibility of publishing it for community inspiration. The studio recently reacquired the rights to Hytale from Riot Games, which had previously halted the project. Hytale will not be available on Steam at launch due to concerns about first impressions and modding feature limitations, with plans to engage Valve to address these issues.
How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away
AppWizard
January 3, 2026

How I Fell Back In Love With Minecraft After 10 Years Away

The author first played Minecraft in 2010 and was captivated by its charm, comparing it to a digital Lego set. Over time, they drifted away from the game due to burnout and political controversies surrounding its creator, Markus “Notch” Persson. The author visited Mojang in March 2011 when Minecraft had sold over a million copies, a figure that has since grown to over 350 million. Persson's demeanor changed after the game's acquisition by Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014 and the emergence of GamerGate, leading to the author's negative feelings towards the game. The Donut SMP server, created by YouTuber DrDonut, peaked at nearly 46,000 players in a single day and features an in-game economy where players can buy and sell resources. The author's son initially sought a Minecraft Realm for his classmates but later requested to join the Donut SMP server after tensions arose in the Realm. The author, initially hesitant, found common ground with their son on the server, leading to collaborative gameplay that involved resource gathering and crafting. They created a secret base and automated systems, learning about supply and demand in the game's market. This experience rekindled the author's joy in Minecraft and strengthened their bond with their son.
The Steam Winter Sale kicks off with deals on some of 2025's biggest games
AppWizard
December 18, 2025

The Steam Winter Sale kicks off with deals on some of 2025’s biggest games

The Steam Winter Sale has officially started, offering significant discounts on popular titles of 2025, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, which is now half its original price. The Steam Awards nominees have been announced, and voting is open until the sale ends, with winners revealed on January 3, 2026. The year-end Replay feature shows that only 14% of playtime was on new releases. Other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store and GOG, are also running sales, with Epic offering a holiday game giveaway of 17 free games. The Steam Winter Sale will run until January 2 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.
How to get Candleberries in Arc Raiders
AppWizard
December 17, 2025

How to get Candleberries in Arc Raiders

Candleberries are a foragable fruit in Arc Raiders, and players can acquire them through two primary methods: gathering them from bushes during the Cold Snap map condition, particularly in lush areas like the swamp region of Dam Battlegrounds or near the Blue Gate, and earning them on the Gathering Candleberries reward track by converting earned XP into merits. Players can accumulate up to 180 Candleberries through regular gameplay and can also earn merits by contributing resources to the Candleberry Banquet project, which requires 20 Candleberries for the initial stage.
Arc Raiders leans more heavily into survival games in new Cold Snap update, with frostbite being a new threat to your loot
AppWizard
December 15, 2025

Arc Raiders leans more heavily into survival games in new Cold Snap update, with frostbite being a new threat to your loot

Embark Studios has released a winter-themed update for Arc Raiders called Cold Snap, introducing a new challenge: frostbite, which affects players in snow-covered environments. Four of the game's five maps—Dam Battlegrounds, Blue Gate, Buried City, and Spaceport—have been transformed with heavy snowfall, requiring players to manage their exposure to the cold to avoid health depletion from frostbite. Players can stock up on medical supplies or seek shelter to mitigate this effect. The update features two limited-time reward tracks: the Flickering Flames Event, where players earn Merits to unlock rewards like gear and cosmetics, and the Candleberry Banquet Project, which involves looting event-specific items to reveal scenes and earn additional rewards. Additionally, the Cold Snap update introduces the first Expedition Project, allowing players to reset their accounts for a fresh start, earning temporary buffs and permanent unlocks. A new Raider Deck with an ice hockey theme will be available starting December 26, offering various rewards without an expiration date. The update will be available on December 16.
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