content updates Archives

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Amazon is shutting down New World next year

Amazon will cease operations of its multiplayer online game, New World, on January 31, 2027. The game has been removed from all platforms, but current owners can still access it until the shutdown date. Purchases made with in-game currency will not be refunded. Amazon plans to release New World: Aeternum for Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as PlayStation 5, in October 2024.

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.

BetaBeacon

January 2, 2026

Best Mobile Games for 2026

- Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption was released on mobile in 2025, including the original story campaign and Undead Nightmare expansion, priced at .99 or available through a Netflix subscription. - Subnautica also transitioned to mobile, offering a survival adventure set on an alien oceanic planet, optimized for touch controls and supporting controllers, priced at .99. - Persona 5: The Phantom X delivered a mobile-specific RPG experience with gacha mechanics and turn-based combat, maintaining ties to the original Persona 5 storyline, and offering free-to-play mechanics. - Where Winds Meet is an open-world wuxia title on mobile with demanding hardware requirements, featuring cross-progression support and light monetization. - DREDGE brought its Eldritch fishing simulation to mobile, included in Google Play Pass for subscribers, priced at .99. - Cassette Beasts is a premium turn-based RPG inspired by Pokémon on mobile, offering cassette monster collection and combat, priced at .99. - Destiny: Rising brought the FPS MMO experience to mobile for free, with typical NetEase monetization strategies. - Enter the Gungeon and Exit the Gungeon were released on mobile simultaneously, offering bullet hell and platforming gameplay with touchscreen and controller support. - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown combined platforming and Metroidvania elements in a 2.5D action-adventure on mobile, offering offline play and full controller support.

AppWizard

December 29, 2025

Granblue Fantasy PC Version Heading to Steam Worldwide

Cygames announced that Granblue Fantasy will launch an English version on Steam on March 10, 2026. This release will be independent of the existing browser and mobile versions, and accounts from those platforms will not carry over. The English version has previously been accessible through various means, but this will be the first official availability in specific regions. The new PC version may allow for faster content updates, although immediate access to upcoming collaborations, like the Evangelion crossover, is uncertain.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Out of all the new games I’ve played in 2025, Grounded 2 deserves a special nod simply because it makes me like a genre that I really don’t like: multiplayer survival

Over the past year, 32 new gaming titles were released, with Grounded 2 emerging as a favorite. The game builds on its predecessor, which was played for over 110 hours, and emphasizes adventure and teamwork without competitive pressure. Players can engage in cooperative resource gathering or solo missions, fostering enjoyable experiences. Grounded 2 features awe-inspiring moments and rewards fun over competition, making it popular among families. It is currently in early access, with a full version expected by the end of 2026, allowing for ongoing content updates. The game has reshaped the author's perspective on multiplayer gaming, highlighting its non-competitive appeal.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Minecraft’s final update of the year is officially here — Mounts of Mayhem brings mounted combat to the Overworld

2025 has seen two Minecraft Live events and four significant content updates, culminating in the final update of the year titled Mounts of Mayhem. This update introduces new features such as a tiered weapon called the spear, which has extended reach and can be crafted from various materials. It includes jab and charge attacks and is designed for mounted combat. A new mount, the nautilus, has been added for underwater exploration, which can be tamed and provides the "Breath of the Nautilus" effect. Three undead mounts have been introduced: the zombie horse, camel husk, and zombie nautilus, each with unique characteristics. The update also features a new hostile mob, the parched, which spawns in deserts and fires arrows of weakness. Additional changes include mounts floating in water, the ability to upgrade diamond horse armor to netherite, and new graphics options for Minecraft: Java Edition. Mojang plans to implement smaller, more frequent updates in the future. Changelogs for both Minecraft: Java Edition 1.21.11 and Minecraft: Bedrock Edition 1.21.130 are available for review.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

New Helldivers 2 update just shaved 131GB off its PC file size with a “slim version” beta, and I’m ecstatic — here’s how to opt into the patch

Helldivers 2, launched in 2024, initially had a file size of 70GB, which increased to 154GB due to performance and technical issues. A recent update, Python Commandos Warbond, reduced the file size by 131GB to 23GB, an 85% decrease. This slim version is currently in testing and not the default; players must manually opt into it via Steam. The Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions require 35-40GB of storage. The game is available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PS5, with the PC version currently on sale for .99.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

It’s 2025’s most notorious flop, but you can now try this would-be GTA rival for free, and it really can only get better

Mindseye, launched in June 2025 by Build a Rocket Boy, is an action game that received poor reviews and faced significant issues at launch, leading to employee layoffs. Founder Leslie Benzies attributed the game's failure to external sabotage. Despite ongoing turmoil, the team is working on updates, including a free demo released with Update 6, which offers a portion of the campaign and player-created content. The free starter pack weighs under 50GB and includes a 15-minute main quest and 14 additional challenges, although the free-roam feature has been removed. The complete game is currently available at a 50% discount, priced at .99 / £27.49.

AppWizard

November 29, 2025

Tempest Rising’s next update will add massive superweapons that’ll let you ‘unload devastating payloads onto the enemy’

Slipgate Ironworks is introducing two new superweapons for the factions in Tempest Rising: a drone strike station for the Global Defense Force (GDF) and an excavator platform for the Tempest Dynasty. The GDF's drone strike station allows for drone strikes at designated coordinates, while the excavator platform can launch surprise attacks from underground and deploy a combat excavator that causes shockwaves. There is speculation about the potential introduction of a third playable faction, as the alien Veti currently serve as an AI adversary.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

The proof is undeniable: People will still pay for great shooters

The resurgence of paid multiplayer games, exemplified by titles like Arc Raiders and Battlefield 6, indicates that players are willing to invest in quality experiences. These games have quickly risen to the top of sales charts and received positive reviews, highlighting a shift in player expectations towards valuing complete packages over free-to-play models. Free games often come with pressure to spend, while paid titles provide a sense of completeness with rich content from the outset. Historically, free-to-play games launch with minimal content, leading to frustration among players. Purchasing a game typically ensures access to a comprehensive package without additional costs. However, there are complexities, as seen with Battlefield 6's introduction of pop-up ads for a battle pass, which has led to community dissatisfaction. In contrast, Arc Raiders offers a free battle pass with optional premium skins, easing the pressure on players. The revival of paid multiplayer games is enriching the shooter genre, suggesting a promising future for developers and players.