NewApp Digest
search bot

creators

5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft

Microsoft is undergoing a restructuring that includes layoffs across its game studios and further job cuts and studio closures as part of the "Xbox reset" initiated by new CEO Asha Sharma. This initiative has resulted in the cancellation of several game projects, including: - Odyssey: Shelved in 2024 after challenges in development, including a switch from Unreal Engine to an internal engine. - Everwild: Canceled in 2025 after years of development and at least one reboot. - Perfect Dark: The reboot was canceled in 2025 despite a positive gameplay reveal, with reports of interest from Take-Two Interactive. - Contraband: Development ceased in 2025, leaving the future of the co-op smuggling game uncertain. - Project Blackbird: Canceled in 2025 after over six years of development due to financial concerns regarding the investment required for an MMO. Following the cancellation of Project Blackbird, some team members formed a new studio named Sackbird.
As EA appear to renew the trademark for Ultima, its creator lies in wait to reclaim the game's copyright next year
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

As EA appear to renew the trademark for Ultima, its creator lies in wait to reclaim the game’s copyright next year

Electronic Arts (EA) filed new trademarks for the Ultima franchise, indicating a potential revival after nearly eight years since the last installment, Underworld Ascendant. Series creator Richard "Lord British" Garriott has expressed his desire to resurrect Ultima and is optimistic about reclaiming copyright in 2027, as creators can reclaim rights after 35 years under U.S. copyright law. However, while Garriott may regain copyright over his original works, EA retains the trademark for the Ultima name. Garriott plans to discuss the franchise's future at Dragon Con later this year.
Sony Pulls Back on PC Games and Puts More Focus on AI
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

Sony Pulls Back on PC Games and Puts More Focus on AI

Sony is shifting its strategy regarding game releases, particularly first-party titles, by emphasizing the PlayStation ecosystem and omitting previous commitments to launch these games on multiple platforms. Future internally developed single-player games will be more closely associated with PlayStation, reducing the likelihood of PC versions. However, live-service games will continue to be available on multiple platforms, including PC. Sony has revised its growth objectives to a more cautious outlook for 2026, reflecting anticipated challenges in the economic landscape. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that while PC releases are still a possibility, the primary focus is on enhancing the console experience. Additionally, Sony is increasing its focus on artificial intelligence, establishing a dedicated division to explore its applications in game development without replacing the creativity of artists and developers. The company also announced a price increase for its consoles, influencing gamers' decisions about investing in PlayStation hardware.
The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series' rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

The creator of Ultima is reportedly reclaiming the series’ rights back from EA, and it could happen as soon as next year

Ultima is a significant franchise in PC gaming, originally created by Richard 'Lord British' Garriott, known for its influential roleplaying series and spinoffs like Ultima Underworld and Ultima Online. The rights to the series have been held by Electronic Arts (EA) since 1992, following Garriott's sale of Origin Systems. Despite some releases, the series has largely been inactive under EA, with unsuccessful attempts at revival in 2010 and 2013. Recent developments indicate that Garriott may soon reclaim the copyright to Ultima in 2027 due to U.S. copyright law, although the trademark will remain with EA. Garriott has expressed interest in potentially creating a new title, possibly titled "Lord British's Ultima." He has attempted to revive the series multiple times during EA's ownership but has faced challenges in those discussions.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
June 19, 2026

Don’t be put off by its name—Rizz Dungeon: Skeleton Key to My Heart is actually a very fun dungeon crawler with a unique spin

Rizz Dungeon: Skeleton Key to My Heart is a new dungeon-crawling game developed by the creators of Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion. Players control Taffy, a character who uses charm and wit to recruit monster girls instead of relying on combat. The game features unique character dynamics where each monster girl has preferences that affect their performance in battle. Players can engage in strategic party arrangements to enhance stats and navigate social interactions during gameplay. Additionally, players can participate in sleepovers with monster girls to deepen friendships or explore romantic connections through dialogue choices. The game features vibrant pixel art and a whimsical aesthetic, contrasting with traditional dark dungeon themes. Rizz Dungeon is set to be released on September 17.
Commodore's New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS
AppWizard
June 19, 2026

Commodore’s New Flip Phone Skips Android for Linux-Based Sailfish OS

A year after its revival, the Commodore brand is re-entering the mobile phone market with the retro flip phone called the Commodore Callback 8020. This device runs on a privacy-focused Linux-based operating system, Jolla's Sailfish OS, and features stringent software restrictions that block browsers and social media applications. It comes preloaded with WhatsApp and supports other messaging services like Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. The Callback 8020 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 chip, has 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of expandable storage. It features a 3.25-inch IPS display, a 1.77-inch exterior screen, and a tactile T9 keypad. The rear camera has a 48MP Sony sensor, and the phone includes a removable 1550mAh battery. Connectivity options include dual-SIM 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, hotspot, and GPS. The Callback 8020 will be available in five colors, with prices starting at .99, and units are expected to ship this winter.
Minecraft Is Becoming Entertainment’s Most Unexpected Storytelling Tool
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

Minecraft Is Becoming Entertainment’s Most Unexpected Storytelling Tool

In Minecraft, avatars lack facial expressions, prompting players to use imagination and body language for emotional interpretation. Players utilize vocal cues for storytelling, making viewers active participants who can influence gameplay. This interactive storytelling fosters social bonds between creators and audiences, allowing real-time audience engagement. Minecraft serves as a versatile platform for gaming, filmmaking, animation, and social networking, promoting independent media consumption. As Generation Z and Alpha engage with narratives across multiple platforms, Minecraft exemplifies this trend. Community innovators, including modders and animators, have inspired Mojang Studios to create narrative content like Minecraft Story Mode and Minecraft Dungeons, with a sequel set to release in September.
'[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made': Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6
AppWizard
June 18, 2026

‘[It] is going to change a lot about how games are made’: Epic merges Unreal Engine 5 with Unreal Engine for Fortnite to give game devs around the world Unreal Engine 6

Epic Games unveiled developments for Unreal Engine 6 at the State of Unreal event in Chicago, highlighting its evolution from Unreal Engine 5. The new engine will incorporate features from Fortnite and UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite), which allows users to create game levels easily. Unreal Engine 6 will adopt open standards for tools, code, and APIs to simplify development across industries. The anticipated release is set for 2027, with early access expected by the end of that year. Verse, a new scripting language, will be central to the gameplay programming model, while C++ will remain foundational. The Scene Graph will replace the existing gameplay framework, and artificial intelligence will play a larger role, with the UE5.8 release introducing the MCP server plugin for deploying large language models.
Search