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Beloved, 13-year-old simulator game hits a new Steam peak as stunning DLC lets you cruise beneath the Northern Lights
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Beloved, 13-year-old simulator game hits a new Steam peak as stunning DLC lets you cruise beneath the Northern Lights

Viral clips featuring role-playing streamers and expensive gaming setups have become common, enhancing the gaming experience of Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2). Thirteen years after its release, ETS2 recently achieved a peak of 72,686 concurrent players on Steam following the launch of two new DLC packs and a significant discount. The first DLC, Nordic Horizons, adds 40 new cities across Scandinavia, allowing players to drive to the northernmost point in Europe. The second DLC, the Forest Machinery pack, introduces new forestry equipment as cargo options. The game is currently available at a 75% discount, reducing the base price to .99/£4.22 until December 11. The surge in player numbers is attributed to community support and the new DLC rather than just the discount.
Here are 2025's official Game of the Year nominees
BetaBeacon
November 18, 2025

Here are 2025’s official Game of the Year nominees

The nominees for the 2025 Game of the Year at The Game Awards have been revealed, including titles such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Donkey Kong Bonanza, Hades II, Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Death Stranding 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. The event also announced nominees for other categories such as Best Community Support, Best Ongoing Game, and Best RPG. Voting for the awards will be coming up soon.
The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and—surprise—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was nominated for every qualifying category
AppWizard
November 18, 2025

The Game Awards 2025 nominees are here, and—surprise—Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was nominated for every qualifying category

The Game Awards has announced its 2025 nominees, highlighting a strong presence of French influence. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive leads with ten nominations, including Game of the Year, followed by Death Stranding 2. Fans can vote on the TGA website. Nominees: Game of the Year: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Donkey Kong Bananza - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Best Game Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On The Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Split Fiction Innovation in Accessibility: - Assassin's Creed Shadows - Atomfall - Doom: The Dark Ages - EA Sports FC 26 - South of Midnight Best Independent Game: - Absolum - Ball x Pit - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Performance: - Ben Starr - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Charlie Cox - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Erika Ishii - Ghost of Yōtei - Jennifer English - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Konatsu Kato - Silent Hill F - Troy Baker - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Best Debut Indie Game: - Blue Prince - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Despelote - Dispatch - Megabonk Best Action Game: - Battlefield 6 - Doom: The Dark Ages - Hades 2 - Ninja Gaiden 4 - Shinobi: Art of Vengeance Best Action/Adventure Game: - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Split Fiction Best Role Playing Game: - Avowed - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - The Outer Worlds 2 - Monster Hunter Wilds Best Sim/Strategy Game: - The Alters - Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles - Jurassic World Evolution 3 - Sid Meier's Civilization 7 - Tempest Rising - Two Point Museum Best Fighting Game: - 2XKO - Capcom Fighting Collection 2 - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves - Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection - Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage Best Family Game: - Donkey Kong Bananza - LEGO Party! - Lego Voyagers - Mario Kart World - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds - Split Fiction Best Sports/Racing Game: - EA Sports FC 26 - F1 25 - Mario Kart World - Rematch - Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Best Multiplayer: - Arc Raiders - Battlefield 6 - Elden Ring Nightreign - Peak - Split Fiction Best Narrative: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Silent Hill F Best Audio Design: - Battlefield 6 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Silent Hill F Best Score & Music: - Hollow Knight: Silksong - Hades 2 - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Ghost of Yōtei - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Best Art Direction: - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - Ghost of Yōtei - Hades 2 - Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Adaptation: - A Minecraft Movie - Devil May Cry - The Last of Us: Season 2 - Splinter Cell: Deathwatch - Until Dawn Best Mobile Game: - Destiny: Rising - Persona 5: The Phantom X - Sonic Rumble - Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Wuthering Waves Best Ongoing Game: - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - Marvel Rivals - No Man's Sky Content Creator of the Year: - Caedrel - Kai Cenat - MoistCr1TiKal - Sakura Miko - The Burnt Peanut Best Esports Game: - Counter-Strike 2 - DOTA 2 - League of Legends - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Valorant Best Esports Athlete: - brawk - Chovy - f0rsakeN - Kakeru - MenaRD - Zyw0o Best Esports Team: - Gen.G - League of Legends - NRG - Valorant - Team Falcons - DOTA 2 - Team Liquid PH - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang - Team Vitality - Counter-Strike 2 Best Community Support: - Baldur's Gate 3 - Final Fantasy 14 - Fortnite - Helldivers 2 - No Man's Sky Most Anticipated Game: - 007 First Light - Grand Theft Auto 6 - Marvel's Wolverine - Resident Evil Requiem - The Witcher 4
The Psychology of Blocks: Why Building in Minecraft Feels So Therapeutic
AppWizard
November 8, 2025

The Psychology of Blocks: Why Building in Minecraft Feels So Therapeutic

Minecraft serves as a therapeutic escape for many players, offering stress relief through its block-based universe. The game combines structure and freedom, allowing players to engage creatively without the pressure of quick reflexes or constant victories. It facilitates a flow state, where players become fully absorbed in building, providing immediate feedback and a sense of progress. The simplicity of the game encourages personal expression, and the repetitive tasks within it offer comfort and a sense of control. Additionally, the social aspects of Minecraft foster community and collaboration, enhancing the therapeutic experience. Therapists and educators are increasingly incorporating Minecraft into stress management and educational settings, highlighting its potential for promoting mindfulness and connection.
Windows 10 Support Ends: Users Switch to Linux Like Zorin OS
Winsage
October 19, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends: Users Switch to Linux Like Zorin OS

Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting many users to explore open-source alternatives, particularly Linux distributions. Zorin OS, an Ubuntu-based distribution designed to mimic Windows interfaces, reported a significant increase in downloads and installations from former Windows 10 users seeking secure, cost-free operating systems. Industry analysts noted that many users are reluctant to pay for Microsoft's extended security updates, especially for older hardware that does not meet Windows 11's requirements. This has led to discussions about privacy concerns and dissatisfaction with Microsoft's ecosystem, contributing to what some are calling a "Windows exodus." Zorin OS has capitalized on this shift by offering a user-friendly experience with a Windows-like desktop layout and compatibility tools, attracting non-technical users. The open-source community sees this as a critical moment for mainstream Linux adoption, potentially challenging Windows' long-standing dominance. Hardware companies are also responding by offering Linux-preloaded devices. While challenges like software compatibility exist, the current momentum presents an opportunity for Linux advocates to convert new users into loyal supporters.
Promising MMORPG from WoW and Blizzard veterans faces shutdown just as it was starting to win me over
AppWizard
October 10, 2025

Promising MMORPG from WoW and Blizzard veterans faces shutdown just as it was starting to win me over

Greg Street, head of Fantastic Pixel Castle, announced that their MMO, Ghost, is at risk due to the nearing end of their publishing agreement with NetEase Games. He highlighted the urgency of finding a new publisher to prevent the studio's closure. Despite significant interest in Ghost, Street acknowledged the challenges of competing in the MMORPG market against established titles. He reassured the team that they are exploring alternative funding options and thanked the community for their support. Street outlined two backup plans: a scaled-down version of Ghost requiring half the budget and a potential collaboration with his team on other projects.
Funcom closes The Outsiders
AppWizard
October 8, 2025

Funcom closes The Outsiders

Norwegian game developer Funcom has decided to close its subsidiary, The Outsiders. The announcement was made by the studio's founder, David Goldfarb, who reflected on the studio's ten-year journey and the impact of recent layoffs. He expressed gratitude for the team's resilience, particularly in the creation of Metal Hellsinger after the cancellation of Darkborn. Goldfarb remains optimistic about the future and indicated a desire to continue in some new form. He invited the community to offer support in various ways, such as business leads or guidance, as the team navigates this transition.
Silksong crashes Steam, Nintendo eShop on release day — highly anticipated indie video game took six years to arrive and is already one of the most played games ever on Steam
AppWizard
September 5, 2025

Silksong crashes Steam, Nintendo eShop on release day — highly anticipated indie video game took six years to arrive and is already one of the most played games ever on Steam

Hollow Knight: Silksong launched on the previous day and quickly became a significant release in the indie gaming sector. It reached the third spot on the Steam Charts with a peak of 535,213 concurrent players, making it the 18th highest all-time peak on Steam, surpassing franchises like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. The game caused outages on Steam, the Nintendo eShop, and the PS5 Store due to high demand. Estimates suggest total players across all platforms may exceed 1,000,000 within the first day. The gaming community has shown support by encouraging purchases instead of piracy, emphasizing the game's affordable price. Many indie developers have postponed their releases to avoid being overshadowed by Silksong's hype. The game's initial success indicates potential for Game of the Year nominations and record-breaking sales.
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