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Minecraft creators want Roblox-style brand deals — and see Xbox's new chief strategy officer as an opening
AppWizard
May 23, 2026

Minecraft creators want Roblox-style brand deals — and see Xbox’s new chief strategy officer as an opening

Matthew Ball has been appointed as Xbox's new chief strategy officer, generating excitement among the gaming community, particularly Minecraft creators. At UGCon, five prominent Minecraft creators expressed optimism about Ball's leadership, believing his metaverse-focused perspective could enhance support for creators. Mohamed Weheba, CEO of InPVP, highlighted the untapped potential in multiplayer Minecraft, while an anonymous creator criticized the restrictive brand integration policies that limit opportunities. There is hope that Ball will advocate for a more flexible approach to brand integration, aligning Minecraft's policies with those of competitors like Roblox and Fortnite. Ball has recognized Minecraft's value, which Microsoft acquired for .5 billion in 2014. Mojang Studios, represented by vice president Kayleen Walters, is committed to enhancing creator tools and providing opportunities for independent developers. The Minecraft community is eager to see how Ball's leadership will influence the platform's future and foster a more inclusive environment for creators.
Rosemont's New Minecraft Experience Is Built For Kids
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Rosemont’s New Minecraft Experience Is Built For Kids

A new attraction called "Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue" has opened in Rosemont’s Pearl District, allowing visitors to engage in an immersive adventure based on the popular video game. Guests receive an “Orb of Interaction” to unlock challenges, collect resources, and rescue villagers from zombies while exploring seven themed environments inspired by Minecraft. The experience includes interactive elements such as hurling snowballs at Creepers and crafting potions. Developed by Supply + Demand in partnership with Mojang Studios, the attraction is accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers. It is available for a limited time at EXP Rosemont, with tickets starting at a specified price. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game of all time.
Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Balatro, Samorost 3, CHUCHEL, Botanicula, more
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

Friday’s Android app deals and freebies: Balatro, Samorost 3, CHUCHEL, Botanicula, more

A new lineup of game and app deals for Android includes Balatro, Samurai of Hyuga 5, Samorost 3, CHUCHEL, Botanicula, and Dawncaster: Deckbuilding RPG. Significant discounts on tech products include the Galaxy Fold 7 with a discount of up to , Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 with a discount, and LG's 77-inch B5 OLED TV now priced 0 off with a 0 Best Buy gift card.
I've been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I'm here to say parts of Roblox need to be legislated out of existence
AppWizard
May 22, 2026

I’ve been playing games for 40 years, writing about them for 20, and I’m here to say parts of Roblox need to be legislated out of existence

An experiment by Professor Marcus Carter's team found that children quickly converted gift cards into Robux on Roblox, raising concerns about the platform's monetization strategies, which include deceptive practices in 14 of the top 15 games. Tactics like "near miss" visuals and countdown timers encourage spending, while many children reported being scammed through item swaps and gem-doubling schemes. Complaints to the Federal Trade Commission from organizations like Fairplay and the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation highlight how Roblox's design exploits children's developmental vulnerabilities, particularly impulse control. One case involved a 10-year-old girl who spent over ,000 in two months despite parental attempts to limit purchases. Critics argue that Roblox prioritizes profit over user well-being, with features designed to maximize engagement rather than genuine enjoyment. Experts advocate for legislative changes to address these issues, warning that without intervention, Roblox will continue to exploit young users.
A trio of former BioWare devs are making 'a neon-noir supernatural mystery game set in a stylized Canadian cityscape'
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

A trio of former BioWare devs are making ‘a neon-noir supernatural mystery game set in a stylized Canadian cityscape’

A trio of former BioWare developers, Kaelin Lavallée, Kris Schoneberg, and Francis Lacuna, has founded Studio Reset. The studio's debut project is a neon-noir supernatural mystery game set in a stylized Canadian cityscape. The founders aim for a "smaller, more intentional" approach to game development, focusing on original ideas and sustainable practices. They hope to explore unconventional Canadian locales for their narrative. Details about the project's release timeline are currently undisclosed, but updates will be shared in the coming months, with more information available on their website, studioreset.io.
Dawn of War 4 now has a release date and a roadmap, with Crusade Mode making a much-awaited comeback
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

Dawn of War 4 now has a release date and a roadmap, with Crusade Mode making a much-awaited comeback

The release date for Dawn of War 4 is set for Thursday, September 17, 2026. Players can choose between two editions: the Standard Edition and the Commander Edition, which offers a three-day early access period and all year-one content. The game will feature various modes, map packs, and a mission editor, with the return of Crusade Mode. A new faction will be introduced within the first year, with speculation about playable Xenos. Players can wishlist the game in anticipation of its launch.
The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed '90s nostalgia is exhausting
AppWizard
May 21, 2026

The new Bubsy is better than I expected, but its hackneyed ’90s nostalgia is exhausting

Atari announced Bubsy 4D, which has generated skepticism and amusement in the gaming community. The first trailer did not impress, and Bubsy games are known for their poor reception, particularly Bubsy 3D, which is considered one of the worst games ever. The revival of the Bubsy franchise is driven by nostalgia, despite its notorious reputation. The game is being developed by Fabraz, a studio recognized for successful platformers like Demon Tides and Slime-san. The 3D platformer genre is evolving with innovative titles, and there is uncertainty about the necessity of another Bubsy game.
Big changes are coming to Android Auto — these are the music apps in line for a major redesign
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Big changes are coming to Android Auto — these are the music apps in line for a major redesign

Google has announced design enhancements for music applications in Android Auto as part of the Android Auto 17.0 beta, revealed at the I/O 2026 developer event. The update will benefit apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Gaana, PocketFM, and TuneIn. The Car App Library updates provide developers with more flexibility in app interface design, allowing for user-friendly experiences that reduce distractions. New features include an adaptive mini-player for media apps and additional component types like Chip and CondensedItem. Developers are encouraged to join the early-access beta program to utilize the new Car Library App templates.
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