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Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent 'new games, features, and technology'
AppWizard
May 12, 2026

Game industry lobby group that argued against preservation efforts from libraries is now pushing back on Stop Killing Games, saying it could prevent ‘new games, features, and technology’

Stop Killing Games has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a significant international player, with presentations at the European Parliament and collaborations with global NGOs expected by 2026. In April, the organization endorsed the Protect Our Games Act (AB 1921), which aims to require game developers to inform consumers of server shutdowns and provide options such as offline versions, patches, or refunds. Smaller game studios are adapting their titles to remain playable post-server closure, with examples including Lunarch Studios and 1047 Games. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) opposes the bill, claiming it burdens developers, while Stop Killing Games clarifies that the legislation does not require perpetual server maintenance. Historically, the ESA has lobbied against measures to preserve game access, including opposing a DMCA exemption for libraries and museums. The ESA's concerns mirror those of Video Games Europe, warning that Stop Killing Games' demands could lead to unsafe content and financial burdens on developers.
Our pick for 2024's best tactics game just got a community pack of featured levels—which ignore the dev's difficulty balance goals because 'our community, god bless em, have no such qualms'
AppWizard
November 4, 2025

Our pick for 2024’s best tactics game just got a community pack of featured levels—which ignore the dev’s difficulty balance goals because ‘our community, god bless em, have no such qualms’

Tactical Breach Wizards is a turn-based tactical RPG that has received the Best Tactics award and holds a 98% "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating on Steam. The developers have added community-curated levels to the game’s community browser, which are more challenging than the main campaign missions. One of these community levels features a new character named Bori, a "less-than-lethal pyromancer." The game is currently available at a 40% discount until November 9.
Valve yoinked a new Counter-Strike 2 map out of the game after just 2 days, either for potential Disney copyright infringement, a 'gamer word' hidden in its data, or both
AppWizard
October 5, 2025

Valve yoinked a new Counter-Strike 2 map out of the game after just 2 days, either for potential Disney copyright infringement, a ‘gamer word’ hidden in its data, or both

On October 2nd, Valve introduced new community maps for Counter-Strike 2, including one named Transit. However, on October 4, Valve removed Transit from official matchmaking due to potential copyright concerns and an inappropriate entity name. The term "gamer word" refers to a commentary on PewDiePie's use of a racial slur during a 2017 Twitch stream, highlighting issues of language in gaming communities. Initially, four community maps were listed in the update, but Transit was removed shortly after. An easter egg in Transit featured a cat on a zipline, but it was overshadowed by the discovery of a racial slur in an entity name. Rikuda, a co-designer of Transit, took responsibility for the oversight. Speculation also arose regarding a building in the map resembling a structure from Phineas and Ferb, raising concerns about copyright infringement. The incident illustrates the challenges developers face in managing user-generated content.
Team Fortress 2 gets a boost on Steam charts with summer update, including a slew of community creations
AppWizard
July 27, 2025

Team Fortress 2 gets a boost on Steam charts with summer update, including a slew of community creations

Team Fortress 2 recently rose into the top 10 of Steam's top sellers chart following a July 24 update that introduced community-generated content. The update included 10 new maps, 23 new items, 4 new taunts, and 14 new Unusual effects. Valve also made general fixes and balancing updates. A second major update is expected around Halloween, with community submissions invited for an August 27 release. A July 26 update reverted a change to the Texan Trickshot taunt, which is now available for purchase. The summer event, running through September 15, allows players to earn special Summer 2025 Unusual effects.
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