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Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn's communication is paying off
AppWizard
April 12, 2026

Apex Legends reaches 20-month Steam high, proving Respawn’s communication is paying off

Apex Legends was launched by Respawn Entertainment in February 2019 with minimal fanfare. As of April 11, 2024, the player count on Steam surpassed 300,000 for the first time in 20 months, coinciding with the launch of Season 22. After experiencing a decline in player numbers following Season 25, the game has seen a 50% increase in players since the launch of Season 28 in February 2024. Respawn has actively addressed issues like cheating and server performance, implementing strict measures and maintaining open communication with the community. The recent crossover with Gundam has positively impacted player sentiment, which is reflected in favorable discussions on Reddit. Community feedback highlights Respawn's consistent quality updates and responsiveness to player concerns.
Thank goodness Magic: The Gathering isn't doing a Harry Potter crossover set
AppWizard
April 5, 2026

Thank goodness Magic: The Gathering isn’t doing a Harry Potter crossover set

Five years after the debut of Strixhaven: School of Mages, a sequel set titled Secrets of Strixhaven is being released. This sequel revisits the characters and faculty of Strixhaven following a multiversal conflict. Secrets of Strixhaven will be available on Arena starting April 21 and in tabletop versions on April 24.
Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless
Winsage
April 2, 2026

Wine has been translating Windows games to Linux since 1993, but Proton is what made it effortless

Wine is a compatibility layer, not an emulator, that translates Windows API calls into POSIX equivalents, allowing Windows applications to run on Linux. Proton, developed by Valve, builds on Wine and includes additional components like DXVK and VKD3D-Proton to enhance performance for Windows games on Linux through Steam. For Steam users, Proton is recommended for a streamlined gaming experience, while Lutris is suggested for those outside the Steam ecosystem. Wine has been in development since 1993, focusing on recreating the Windows API, but faced challenges with gaming compatibility. Cedega was an early attempt to improve gaming support over Wine but ultimately declined. Valve's development of Proton was motivated by the need for better compatibility for Windows games on Linux, especially highlighted by the launch of the Steam Deck. Wine struggled with synchronization issues and handling direct kernel access by Windows applications, which Proton addressed with seccomp-bpf filters and syscall user dispatch. Both Wine and Proton are crucial to the current state of Linux gaming.
Epic Games is killing three popular Fortnite game modes after laying off 1,000 employees
AppWizard
March 24, 2026

Epic Games is killing three popular Fortnite game modes after laying off 1,000 employees

Epic Games has announced the discontinuation of three modes from Fortnite: Rocket Racing, which will be removed in October 2026; Ballistic, which will be taken offline on April 16, 2026; and Battle Stage, also ceasing operations on April 16, 2026. This decision follows the layoff of over 1,000 employees due to a decline in player engagement since 2025. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the downturn in Fortnite engagement has led to increased spending and the need for major cuts to keep the company funded.
Google Play Expands Android/PC Crossover Game Library
BetaBeacon
March 12, 2026

Google Play Expands Android/PC Crossover Game Library

Google is expanding its library of games that are compatible with both Android and PC platforms. Some of the most anticipated games, such as Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs, will now be available on both platforms with synced progress. A new PC section is being added to the Games tab in the Play Store app to help users easily find games optimized for PC gaming. Google Play is introducing a new pricing model where customers can make a single purchase and access the game on both Android and PC platforms. Additionally, a new Games Trials feature is being introduced on Google Play, allowing users to try out paid games for free before deciding to make a purchase.
The best Pokémon game in a decade is a perfect crossover between Animal Crossing and Minecraft
AppWizard
March 6, 2026

The best Pokémon game in a decade is a perfect crossover between Animal Crossing and Minecraft

Pokémon continues to thrive despite criticism, with strong sales attributed to its broad appeal among both loyal fans and younger players. The upcoming title, Pokopia, diverges from traditional mainline games, targeting children while also appealing to a wider audience. In Pokopia, players assume the role of a Ditto in a devastated Kanto region, where they must rally Pokémon to aid in reconstruction. The game incorporates gameplay mechanics reminiscent of Animal Crossing and Minecraft, focusing on forging friendships with Pokémon and building projects. Pokopia is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, developed by Omega Force, which has assembled its largest team for this project. The game promises hundreds of Pokémon and dozens of hours of gameplay, contributing significantly to the Pokémon franchise's legacy as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
BBC Studios Introduces ‘Bluey’ To The Minecraft Universe
AppWizard
January 29, 2026

BBC Studios Introduces ‘Bluey’ To The Minecraft Universe

BBC Studios is launching new downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft on February 5, allowing players to explore Bluey’s world. Developed by Jigarbov in collaboration with BBC Studios and Ludo Studio, the DLC features Bluey’s home as an interactive environment where players can meet Bluey, Bingo, and their parents. Activities include searching for hidden keys, unlocking new rooms, and engaging in mini-games like I-Spy and Hide and Seek. A free Chattermax Mask will be available in the Minecraft marketplace until March 6 for players using Minecraft Bedrock.
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